Thursday the 3rd of April, 2025

 

Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.  Have Fun!

Heute Abend werden wir ins Theater gehen.  

Ein Stück von Arthur Miller.  

Meine Frau ist ein Fan von Arthur Miller. 

Ich mag Arthur Miller auch.  

Wir müssen uns bald fertig machen.  

Ich muss meine Schuhe putzen.  

Ich muss auch die Schuhe meiner Frau putzen.  

Schuhe putzen ist mein Job.  

Meine Frau ist im Keller.  

In der Waschküche.  

Sie bügelt.  

Sie bügelt mir ein Hemd. 

Meine Frau und ich teilen uns die Hausarbeit.  

Ich mache 20%.  

Meine Frau macht 80 %.  

Wir sind sehr glücklich.

This evening, we're going to the theatre.  A play by Arthur Miller.  My wife is an Arthur Miller fan. I like Arthur Miller as well.  Soon, we must get ready.  I must clean my shoes.  I must also clean my wife's shoes.  Cleaning shoes is my job.  My wife is in the cellar.  In the laundry room.  She is doing the ironing.  She is ironing me a shirt. My wife and I share the housework.  I do 20%.  My wife does 80%.  We are very happy.

The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 40

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 40, Dave is telling his parents all about the party he went to the night before.

Vocabulary

The bee's knees - This is an idiom.  It means an outstanding person or thing. 

Second to none is another was of saying the best.

Don't be so cocky means don't be so over confident (arrogant).

Over the moon.  If you are over the moon you are overly (very/very) happy.

And now to our story.  The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 40

How was the party you went to last night, Dave?

I have to say, mum and dad, it was one of the best parties I've ever been to.  It was magic.  Mike and Alison did a great job. They were the perfect hosts.

Tell us more, Dave.  Spill the beans.

The food was brilliant.  Alsion made Beef Wellington. Yumie, yumie. It was the best I'd ever, ever had.  The cocktails Mike served were second to none, And the discussions we had were fantastic.

What was discussed, Dave?

Really high things, dad. Mainly philosophy, art, and books. Things you wouldn't understand, dad.

Don't be so cocky, Dave. You should never underestimate people. Life is full of surprises.  Be careful what you say. 

And, what was Claire wearing, Dave?

Claire, she was fantastic.  She was the bee's knees.  She wore a dress she had made herself.  Beautiful yellows and blues, and her bag was the one I bought her in Paris.  Claire was the most beautiful woman at the party. 

And, what did you give Alison and Mike?

We gave them a book about French gardens. 

And, did they like it?

They were over the moon!  They're  into all things French.  

And, would you be in for a nice cup of tea, Dave?

Yes please, mum. And, if you have it, a nice slice of cherry cake, too.

Questions

Why was Claire the bee's knees?   Please describe Claire's dress.  Was Claire's dress homemade?  What did Alsion serve for main course?  Was Dave happy with the cocktails?  Why did Ken tell Dave off?  Why is it bad to be cocky?  Was Claire's bag Italian?  What did Claire and Dave give Alison and Mike?  Why were Alison and Mike over the moon with Claire's and Dave's present?  Why are French gardens so beautiful?  Why are English gardens the best in world?

Easy Text from Lexmatica

St. Paul's School in Toorington.

We have been to the pub, we have gone to church, we have spent time on Cherry Tree Farm; and now we are going to school.

St. Paul's school is a primary school.  The school has 4 classes. Class 1 for 5 year olds, Class 2 for 6 year olds, class 3 for 7 year olds, and class 4 for the oldest children.  In England, children start school when they are 5.

Mr.  Gaylor is the headmaster of St. Paul's, Mrs Hemmings teaches class 4, Mrs Roberts teaches class 3, Mr. Ludlow teaches class 2, and Miss. Glegg teaches class 1.  Each class has around 23 children. 

St. Paul's school uniform consists of grey short trousers for boys and a grey skirt for girls.  Long grey socks for boys and long white socks for girls. White shirts for boys and  white blouses for girls. The school tie is worn by boys and girls.  It is orange with yellow stripes. Every child must have a school blazer. St. Paul's blazer is blue.  St. Paul's school badge must be sewn onto the breast pocket.  The school uniform is compulsory. It must be worn all year round.  Summer and winter. 

In England, school starts everyday at 9 o clock. The school assembly starts each day.  The whole school meets in the school hall. 15 minutes of  hymns, prayers, and a short speech by the headmaster. There are 2 lessons in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.  The children come out at 4 o clock. 

The highlight of every school year is sport's day.  Next time, we're going to the games.

Click here to listen

Friday the 28th of April, 2025

 

 

English Warmups - simply translate into English then scroll down for suggested solutions.  Good luck! 

Es ist April in Wien.  

Die Tage werden länger.  

Manchmal ist es heiß und manchmal ist es kalt.  

Morgens sehr kalt.  

Mittags schön mild.  

Viele Menschen haben die Grippe. 

Einige sehr schlimm.  

Viele Menschen sind im Bett.  

Viele Menschen, die ich kenne, haben die Grippe. 

Die Ärzte sind überlastet.  

Die Krankenhäuser sind voll. 

Aber, der Sommer kommt. 

Bald wird es heiß werden. 

Wochenenden in den Bergen.  

Wandern und Schwimmen.  

Abende im Garten.  

Grillen und Spaß haben.  

Ich freue mich auf den Sommer.

It's April in Vienna.  The days are getting longer.  Sometimes it's hot and sometimes it's cold.  Very cold mornings.  Nice and mild at lunch time.  Many people have the flu. Some very badly.  Many people are in bed.  Many people I know have the flu. The doctors are overworked.  The hospitals are full. But, summer is coming. Soon it will be hot. Weekends in the mountains.  Hiking and swimming.  Evenings in the garden.  Grilling and having fun.  I'm looking forward to summer.

 

Farmer Ken - Chapter 39

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 39, Ken has a bone to pick with Dave.

Vocabulary

A bone to pick . .  I have something to complain about.

to thank our lucky stars . . means to have something to be grateful about.

otherwise - in different words.

It  slipped my mind means - means I completley forgot.

All's well that ends well - everything turned out just fine.

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And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 39. 

Dave, I've got a bone to pick with you.

Oh no, what did I forget to do?

You promised to lock the chicken shed before you went to bed last night.  When I got up this morning, the chickens were running around the yard.  They'd been out all night.  And, we can thank our lucky stars, the fox wasn't out.   Otherwise, Dave, no roast chicken on Sunday.

Oh, I'm really sorry, Dad. Locking the chicken shed completely slipped my mind. I was listening to some music.  

Well, no problem, Dave. Nothing serious happened.  All's well that ends well. The fox stayed at home, the chickens had fun being free, and, we still have a chicken for our Sunday lunch.

By the way, Dave, what music were you listening to last night?

I was listening to Mahler's 5th symphony, mum. It's my favourite Mahler symphony.

I didn't know we had any Mahler in our CD collection.

You're right, dad. we haven't any Mahler.  I always listen to Mahler on Spotify. 

Spotify?  What's that, Dave.

It's online music, mum.  

Do they only have Mahler, Dave?

No, dad.  They have everything.  Even the jazz that you like, dad.

Sounds interesting, Dave.  

Would anyone like a cup of tea?

Yes, please, mum. 

And a nice slice of cherry cake, too?

Questions

Why did Ken have a bone to pick with Dave

Where were the chickens when Ken got up?

Put "all's well that ends well" into a sentence.

Why was Ken able to say - all well's that end`s well?

Why had locking the chicken shed completly slipped Dave's mind?

What was Dave doing the night before?

Was Dave listening to Beethoven's 8th symphony?

What is Dave's favourite Mahler symphony?

What is Spotify?

What have you got to thank your lucky stars for?

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From Lexmatica - A very easy short story

Dustbins

Dustbins have many different shapes. There are square ones, round ones, and small ones as well. But, dustbins are only called dustbins in England. In America they are trash-cans. In Scotland, Wales and Ireland they are called buckets. But, dustbins all over the world have 3 things in common.

They smell and are dirty and are full of nice food for the cats, rats and foxes that come in the night.

Dustbins have many different sizes and shapes. What shape is yours?

Dustbins

Vocabulary

as well - auch

dustbin - trash-can/bucket – Misttonne

fox – Fuchs

means – bedeutet

one – ein/e

round – rund

rubbish – mist

shape – Form

source – Quelle

square – quadrat

there are – es sind

there is – es gibt

without them – ohne sie

Questions and Points

1 Why are dustbins important?

2 Why are all dustbins the same?

3 Where is your dustbin?

4 Why is your dustbin so big?

5 Why do foxes and rats like dustbins?

6 Where are dustbins called dustbins?

7 Where are dustbins called buckets?

Friday the 21st of March, 2025

Simply translate into English,  then scroll down for suggested solutions.  Good Luck!

Ich habe Lust, heute Abend auszugehen.  

Was ist mit dir?  

Wohin würdest du gerne gehen?  

Die Frage ist, wo würdest du gerne hingehen?  

Ich würde gerne dorthin gehen, wo du gerne hingehen würdest.  

Dann lass uns zu Jack's gehen.  

Wir waren seit Jahren nicht mehr in einer Disco.  

Wir waren seit mindestens 35 Jahren nicht mehr in einer Disco. 

Ich glaube, wir sind zu alt für Discos. 

Wohin sollen wir dann gehen?  

Mach du einen Vorschlag.  

Ich weiß, wir nehmen den Bus zum Kahlenberg.  

Was sollen wir dort machen?  

Wir können uns Wien bei Nacht ansehen. 

Das ist keine gute Idee.  

Warum denn nicht?  

Das haben wir das letzte Mal gemacht, als wir ausgegangen sind.  

Aber das ist 20 Jahre her.  

Na gut, dann bleiben wir eben zu Hause und sehen fern.   

Auf keinen Fall, ich will ausgehen.  

OK, lass uns in die Stadt gehen.  

Ein Bummel durch die Stadt.  

Wir finden schon was zu tun. Das ist eine gute Idee.

 I fancy going out this eveing.  How about you?  Where would you like to go?  The question is, where would you like to go?  I would like to go where you would like to go.  Then, let's go Jack's.  We haven't been to a disco for years.  We haven't been to a disco for at least 35 years. I think we're too old for discos. Then, where shall we go?  You make a suggestion.  I know, let's take the bus to the Kahlenberg.  What shall we do there?  We can look at Vienna by night. That's not a good idea.  Why not?  We did that the last time we went out.  But, that was 20 years ago.  OK, so let's stay at home and watch TV.   No way, I want to go out.  OK, let's go to town.  A stroll through town.  We'll find something to do. What a good idea.

 

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Farmer Ken - Chapter 38 

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 38, Dave is helping his dad.  They are repairing Jean's car.

Vocabulary

repair -  When you repair something you mend something.   After repairing the clck it worked again.

to pass something - if you pass something, you give something.  Please pass me the sugar. Please give me the sugar,

in the nick of time - at the last moment, just in time.

dent - a dent is a slight hollow. - eine Delle ist eine leichte Vertiefung. 

And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, Chapter 38

I say mum, do you know where dad is?  

He's in the barn, Dave.  He's repairing my car. 

Thanks mum, I'll go and help him.   

Hello dad, do you need any help?  

Oh, you're  just in the nick of time, Dave. Could you pass me the big hammer, please?  I'm trying to knock this dent out. 

It looks pretty nasty, dad.  What happened?  

Mum drove into a tree. 

Oh no, not again.  This is the 5th time she's driven into a tree since Christmas.  And, it's only the middle of March. What did mum say?  

She said she didn't see the tree. 

I believe her, trees are difficult to see in the middle of the day.   

Well, at least she didn't say the tree was walking along the road. Any way, come on Dave, we've almost finished.  Just one or two more bangs and we're there, and, then it's tea time.  A nice strong cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.

Questions

Where was Ken?   What was Ken repairing?  What did Ken ask Dave to pass him?  Please put "just in the nick of time" in a sentence.  Is Jean a good driver?  How many trees has Jean driven into since Christmas?  Are trees easy to see in the middle of the day? 

German Translation

Ich frage Mama, weißt du, wo Papa ist?  Er ist in der Scheune, Dave.  Er repariert mein Auto. Danke, Mama, ich gehe ihm helfen.   Hallo Papa, brauchst du Hilfe?  Oh, du kommst genau richtig, Dave. Kannst du mir bitte den großen Hammer reichen?  Ich versuche, diese Delle rauszuklopfen. Das sieht ziemlich übel aus, Dad.  Was ist denn passiert?  Mum ist gegen einen Baum gefahren. Oh nein, nicht schon wieder.  Das ist das 5. Mal, dass sie seit Weihnachten gegen einen Baum gefahren ist.  Und dabei ist es erst Mitte März. Was hat Mutti gesagt?  Sie hat gesagt, sie hat den Baum nicht gesehen. Ich glaube ihr, Bäume sind mitten am Tag schwer zu sehen.   Wenigstens hat sie nicht gesagt, dass der Baum die Straße entlanglief. Wie auch immer, komm schon Dave, wir sind fast fertig.  Nur noch ein oder zwei Knalle, dann ist es geschafft, und dann gibt es Tee. Eine schöne starke Tasse Tee und ein schönes Stück Kirschkuchen.

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Lake Balaton - Very easy text

Lake Balaton in Hungary is Europe's biggest lake. It is 77 kilometres long and 14 kilometres wide. Balaton is a magnate for tourists. With its high quality water and sub-Mediterranean climate, Lake Balaton is the perfect place for a perfect family holiday. The water is safe, the food is great, and the people are very, very friendly!

Lake Balaton is more than just splashing and fun. It has a wonderful cycle track for those who love cycling.  There are many other sporting activities, too.

Lake Balaton is an area of outstanding beauty, history and culture. There are very many interesting things to experience. The choice is enormous. But, most of all, Lake Balaton is a place to relax and take life as it comes.

Lake Balaton. Europe's biggest lake.

Satuday the 15th of March, 2025

 

A family on their way to the zoo to look at the pandas.

Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions

Ich frage: Wo ist deine Mutter?  

Sie ist in den Zoo gegangen.  

Ist sie allein gegangen?   

Nein, sie ist mit Susan und Jane gegangen.  

Warum sind sie in den Zoo gegangen?  

Die Mädchen finden Pandas süß.  

Ich finde, Pandas sind interessante Tiere.  

Das finde ich auch.  

Pandas kommen aus China.  

Pandas fressen nur Bambus. 

Pandas führen ein interessantes Leben.  

Sie fressen und schlafen. 

Aber die Pandas im Zoo in Wien sind nicht echt.  

Was sind sie dann?  

Sie sind Plüschtiere. 

Chinesische Plüschtiere? 

Das glaube ich dir nicht. 

Schau das nächste Mal genau hin.  

Die Pandas haben Knöpfe, keine Augen. 

Du kannst sie sehen, aber sie können dich nicht sehen.  

Es ist ein langweiliges Leben, ein Panda zu sein.

I say, where is your mother?  She's gone to the zoo.  Has she gone on her own?   No, she's gone with Susan and Jane.  Why have they gone to the zoo?  The girls think pandas are sweet.  I think pandas are interesting animals.  I think so, too.  Pandas come from China.  Pandas only eat bamboo. Pandas lead  interesting lives.  Eating and sleeping. But, the pandas in the zoo in Vienna are not real.  What are they?  They are stuffed toys. Chinese stuffed toys?  I don't believe you. Look closely next time time.  The pandas have buttons, not eyes. You can see them, but they can't see you.  It's a boring life being a panda

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The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 37, Dave and Claire are trying to decide what Dave should buy for his mother for her birthtday.

Vocabulary

need - You need something you really must have.

Want - You want something you would like to have, but, it isn't so important.

The thought that counts - This means the thinking  of someone is worth more than the present, 

Over the moon, Someone who is over the moon is very, very happy about something.

Words you might like to check - mum's the word -

Marmalade is an English word for orange flavoured jam

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And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 37

I say, Claire, what can I give my mum for her birthday?  what can one give someone who's  already got everything they need?

That's a very good question, Dave.  I wish I knew. There must be something your mum needs.

Needing and wanting are two different things, Claire.

OK, so let's concentrate on something your mum would like, not on something she needs.

How about a new frying pan, Dave?

Definately not a good idea, Claire.  Last year, Dad gave mum a frying pan.  She nearly killed him with it.  

I can fully understand her, Dave.

Claire, What did you get your mum last year?

Let me think for a second or two, Dave.  I know, I can remember.  Last year, my dad and I gave mum a present between us.  It wasn't so expensive, but, it's the thought that counts.

Was she happy with it, Claire?

She was over the moon!   I couldn't belive it. 

So, what did you get your mum?

If I tell you Dave, promise to keep it a secret. Mum's the word!

I promise, Claire.  Come on, spill the beans.

OK, You promise not tell?

I promise!

We gave mum a jar of marmalade.  And, it wasn't even expensive.  Dad bought it at the Church Christmas bazaar.

A great idea, Claire.  I'll get my mum a jar of marmalade as well.

And, Dave you don't even need to buy one. I have a jar in my cupboard. You csn take it with you when you go.

Thanks, Claire.

Questions -

Why can't Dave Decide what to give his mum for her birthday?

Would you give your wife a frying pan for her birthday?

How do you unerstand the word want?

Please put the  the word "need" in a sentences.

When would you use "spill the beans"?

Please put "mums the word"  in a sentence.

Who did Claire buy her mum's birthday present with?

Where  did Claire's dad buy the marmalade?

What flavour is marmalade?

Would you like a jar of marmalade for your birthday?

 

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Very Simple Text

Our Children

We have three children.  John, Sally, and Dave.  John is ten, Sally is eight, and Dave is five. All three go to school.  St.Paul's school in London.  St. Paul's school is a primary school.  John, Sally, and Dave are very happy children.  They love their school.

Wir haben drei Kinder.  John, Sally und Dave.  John ist zehn, Sally ist acht und Dave ist fünf. Alle drei gehen zur Schule.  St. Paul's Schule in London.  Die St. Paul's Schule ist eine Grundschule.  John, Sally und Dave sind sehr glückliche Kinder.  Sie lieben ihre Schule.

Vocabulary

we have - wir haben

children / Kinder   1 Child - 2 children

primary school  - Grundschule   

very happy - sehr glüchlich

all three - alle dre - all three

John is ten - John ist zehn 

Sally is eight,  Sally ist acht

They love their school.  Sie lieben ihre Schule.

Audio Soon

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Friday the 7th of March, 2025

Austrian tourists on the Isle of Capri

Simply translate into English then scroll down for suggested solutions.

Gregor ist sehr glücklich.  

Das Ende einer sehr harten Woche.  

Es ist Freitag. Das Wochenende ist da. 

Zwei Tage zum Entspannen und Ausruhen. 

Golf spielen am Samstag.  

Frische Luft ist wichtig.  

Ein sehr gutes Abendessen ist auch wichtig. 

Der Golfclub hat ein sehr schönes Restaurant.  

Gregor isst gerne mit Freunden.  

Das Essen im Golfclub ist sehr teuer.  

Kein Problem für Gregor.  

Seine Frau verdient sehr gutes Geld.  

Sie ist die Köchin im Golfclub.  

Gregors Frau arbeitet sehr viel. 

Sie arbeitet von Montag bis Freitag in einer Bank. 

An den Wochenenden arbeitet sie im Golfclub.  

Gregor braucht sehr viel Geld. 

Zwei Wochen im Sommer auf der Insel Capri. 

Ein Luxusurlaub. 

Gregors Ideen sind sehr teuer.

Gregor is very happy.  The end of another hard week.  It is Friday. The weekend is here. Two days of relaxing and taking it easy. Golfing on Saturday.  Fresh air is important.  A very nice dinner is also important. The golf club has a very nice restaurant.  Gregor enjoys dining with friends.  Dinner at the golf club is very expensive.  No problem for Gregor.  His wife earns very good money.  She's the cook at the golf club.  Gregor's wife work works very hard. She works at a bank from Monday till Friday. On weekends, she works at the golf club.  Gregor needs very much money. Two weeks in the summer on the Isle of Capri. A luxury holiday. Gregor's ideas are very expensive.

The Farm at Lane's End - Farmer Ken - Chapter 36

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 36, Jean is knitting a pullover.

Vocabulary

knitting - to knit - to make a garment from wool with 2 knitting needles.

mum's the word  is an idiom. It means keep silent, or keep it a secret.

cheeky - showing a lack of respect in an amusing way.

suspicious - showing a careful distrust.

fancy - if you fancy something means you have a wish or desire for something.

 And, now to our story, chapter 36 - The Farm at Lane's End.

I say, mum, what are you doing?

I'm knitting a pullover for your father. 

For his birthday?

No, Dave, it's going to be his Christmas present.

But, mum, it's only March. 

I know, Dave. Pullovers take a long time to knit.  Especially secret ones. 

I understand.  I say, mum.  I do like the colours.  Dad's really going to look great wearing an orange and green pullover.  Why did you choose orange and green? 

Orange and green are Christmassy colours.  Orange for the oranges we eat, and green for the Christmas tree.

Original thnking, mum.  So, dad's going to look like a Christmas tree covered with oranges!

Don't be cheeky, Dave.  I'm sure dad's going to like it very much. 

Where is dad, mum?

He's gone to the village to meet your uncle Andy.  They've some business to discuss.  

That sounds very suspicious.  When will dad be home?

Any minute now, Dave.  I must pack up  this knitting and take it upstairs.  And, remember, Dave, Mum's the word. We don't want dad to find out.  It's our little secret.

Your secret's safe with me, mum.  And, by the way, mum,  what's for tea?

A nice cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.

That's great, mum. Just what I fancy.

Questions

What is Jean knitting?  Is Jean knitting a birthday or Christmas present?  Is green and orange a good combination?  For whom is the pullover?  Why is Jean keeping her knitting a secret?  How do understand "mum's the word"?  Why has Farmer Ken gone to the village?  What's for tea?  What do you fancy for lunch, tomorrow?  Can you knit?  Is Jean's secret safe with Dave?

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From Lexmatica -  A Very easy text

A Lazy Toorington Weekend!

This weekend was a very slow weekend.  We had a lazy time.  We spent most of our time in the garden.  A little bit here and a little bit there.  Nothing special.  

But, the grill  on Saturday evening was great. Two beautiful steaks. We bought them at the butchers on Saturday morning. And, the wine  came from The Toorington Wine Bar. Very good and a very good price. Only 10 pounds a bottle.  

After dinner we watched Grafenegg on TV.  Live from Austria.  Buchbinder was playing.  A sensational concert.  Brilliant as usual.   One day, we are definitely going to Grafenegg.  I love the atmosphere.  Classic and fine.

And, what's planned for next week?   We are meeting Mick of the Toorington theatre club.  See you next week.

33 - 7 March 2025

Friday the 28th of February, 2025 - English Warmups, Farmer Ken, Easy text for beginners

Obs!  Talk49 YouTube Channel  - Videos - Interviews, stories, Warmups,  The Farm at Lane's End, and more.  German and English + + Interviews, Geschichten, Warmups, The Farm at Lane's End, und mehr.  Deutsch und Englisch.  Most videos with full text.  Die meisten Videos mit vollständigem Text.

English Warmups

Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.  Good Luck!

Die Faschingssaison neigt sich dem Ende zu.  

Ich mag den Fasching sehr.  

Besonders in Wien.   

Wien hat viele Bälle.    

Bälle sind eine große Wiener Tradition.   

Die Wienerinnen und Wiener lieben das Tanzen.    

Jeder Verein hat einen Ball.  

Jeder Beruf hat einen Ball. 

Und sogar jede Kirche hat einen Ball. 

Und auch jede Schule hat ihren Schulball. 

Der berühmteste aller Wiener Bälle ist der Opernball. 

Lange Abendkleider für die Damen. 

Schwarzer Frack und weiße Fliege für die Herren.   

Eine sehr strenge Kleiderordnung.  

Und, natürlich, Musik von Strauß. 

Und wenn Fasching vorbei ist?  

Wird es Zeit, wieder zu fasten. 

Keine Faschingskrapfen mehr. 

The carnival season is coming to its end.  I really enjoy carnival.  Especially in Vienna. Vienna has many balls.    Balls are a great Viennese tradition.   The Viennese love dancing.    Every club has a ball.  Every profession has a ball. And, even every church has a ball. And, every school has its school ball as well. The most famous Viennese ball of all is the Opera Ball. Long gowns for ladies. Black tailcoat and white bow tie for the gentlemen.   A very strict dress code.  And, of course, music by Strauss. And, when the carnival is over?  It's time to start fasting again. No more carnival donuts. 

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The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of  everyday country life in England. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son, Dave.  In chapter 35, Farmer Ken and Dave are going to the tip.

Vocabulary

The tip - or rubbish tip - The place where people take their rubbish.  The things they want to get rid of. I think we should get rid of the old rusty bike.  

To get rid of something means to throw it away.

Holdall - a holdall is a large bag for travelling. Usually used for long weekends.

Words you might like to check -  jam jar - fireplace - holdall - I was only pulling your leg. 

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Chapter 35 -The Bartons are having breakfast.  Farmer Ken has something to say.

I say, Jean, these eggs are the best soft boiled eggs in the world. You're a very talented cook. And, by the way, Jean, Dave and I are going to the tip after lunch.  Is there anything you want to get rid of?

Actually, there is one thing you could take.  My old holdall.  I've filled it ups with old jars. Getting rid of that old holdall and all those old jars would be a very great help.

And, Dave, is ther anything else you can think of that needs throwing away?

Actually dad, there is.  We could rid of that horrible old picture above the fireplace in the lounge.

We can't do that, Dave. That horrible old picture as you call it, is an original Turner.  It's worth a fortune.  

I know, dad.  I was only pulling your leg.

So, Ken and Dave, what are you talking to the tip?

We have a full trailer, mum. Those three rusty  bikes that have been in the barn for years, that old lawn mower that used to be gran's, that old fridge that's been broken for years, and that sack full of old wellington boots. 

That sounds more than enough.

It's enough for one load.  And, by the way, mum?  What's for lunch?

Another one of your favourite's, Dave. Toad in the Hole.

That's one my favourites as well.   So come on Dave, we've got lots to do before lunch.  The garden gate needs repairing and the yard needs sweeping.

So, see you at elevenses.

Bye mum.  Cheerio Jean.  By boys, see you at 11.

Questions  -   What did Farmer Ken say about Jean's eggs?  Where are Ken and Dave going after lunch?  How do you understand - to get rid of something?  What would you like to get rid of?  What does Jean want Ken and Dave to take to the tip?  What are Ken and Dave taking to the tip?  What is Jean cooking for lunch?  What is a holdall?  What have Dave and Ken got to do before lunch?  What time are elevenses? 

 

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Easy Text from lexmatica.blogspot.com

Karli Freund

Karli Freund is a carpenter, He works with wood. Karli Freund needs many different tools for his work.   He needs saws, chisels, planes, drills, hammers, screwdrivers, and a lathe. Karli Freund also uses lots of sandpaper and glue.

Karli Freund makes window frames, door frames and furniture in his workshop.

And, Karli loves his weekends as well. He has a very nice little wooden house in the Vienna Woods, which, by-the-way, he built himself!

Karli Freund is a carpenter. He loves his job very much.

Vocabulary

built – gebaut (build/built/built)

by-the-way - übrigens

carpenter – Tischler

chisel – Meißel

different – verschieden

door frames – Türrahmen

drill – Bohrer

furniture – Möbel

glue - Klebstoff

lathe - Drehbank / Dressel (Öst.)

need – brauchen (need/needed/needed)

plane - Hobel

sandpaper – Schleifpapier

saw - Säge

screwdriver – Schraubenzieher

tools – Werkzeug

window frames – Fensterrahmen

wooden - hölzern

workshop - Werkstatt

Questions

1 – What tools does Karli Freund need for his job?

2 - Why does Karli Freund make in his workshop?

3 – What does Karli Freund do at weekends?

4 – Where is Karli Freund's little wooden house?

5 – Who built Karli Freund's little wooden house?

6 – Who chose the furniture?

7 - Why is wood beautiful?

2 March, 2025 +45

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