Thursday, 1 May 2025

Thursday the 1st of May, 2025

 

Tourists from Linz on their way to the beer tent


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

Heute ist der erste Mai.   

Maitag.   

Alle denken an die Arbeit. 

Heute ist ein Feiertag.  

Warum denken alle an die Arbeit?  

Ich verstehe das nicht. 

Ich genieße es, mich am 1. Mai zu entspannen. 

Ich denke nie an die Arbeit.  

Viele Menschen gehen auf die Ringstraße in Wien.  

Marschieren und Reden hören ist eine alte Maitag Tradition. 

Ich bevorzuge eine andere Maitag Tradition. 

Brathähnchen und Bier. 

Das macht viel mehr Spaß als Reden zu hören. 

In Österreich weiß man, wie man lebt. 

Viele Feiertage. 

Sehr gutes Essen. 

Und, sehr guter Wein. 

Prost!

It's the first of May today.  Mayday.   Everyone's thinking of work. Today is a holiday.  Why is everyone thinking of work?  I don't understand. I enjoy taking it easy on Mayday. I never think of work.  Many people go to the Ringstrasse in Vienna.  Marching and listening to speeches is an old Mayday tradition.  I prefer another Mayday tradition. Fried chicken and beer. Much more fun than listening to speeches. In Austria people know how to live. Many public holidays. Very good food. And, very good wine. Cheers!



Farmer Ken - The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 42




Vocabulary and Phrases

to take up something means to start something.  I have decided to take up jogging.

a pretty penny - lots of money or very expensive.

When the penny drops is the moment you really understand something.

To bite off more than one can chew - to start something that is too big or too complicated to succeed in or with.

If you have a lose screw means you are a littl bit crazy.

-- - - - - -

And now to our story - The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 42

Jean has heard an interesting programme on the radio. Now, the Bartons are discussing it over breakfast.

I say Dave and Ken, I heard an interesting programme on the radio last night.  It was all about hobbies.  Apparently, interesting people have interesting hobbies, and boring people have boring hobbies.

What is an interesting hobby, Jean?

What do you think, Dave?

A good hobby is having an interest in something that interests you. Like stamp collecting or horse riding.


You're right, Dave. But, sometimes, interesting hobbies can be a disaster. One day, Uncle Andy  decided to take up motor racing as a new hobby. He bought himself a very fast car  which cost him a pretty penny, then, the rest, he believed, would be easy.  He entered one or two races  He believed he'd soon be  very rich with all the money he was going to win. But, then the penny dropped.  Andy hadn`t even thought about the extra costs involved in his new hobby.  He had bitten off more than he could chew. And, to cut a long story short, Andy sold his car and took up stamp collecting instead. 

That reminds me of my sister Jane. She decided to take up flower arranging. She thought she was going to win all the flower arranging prizes in England.  But, she had no idea of what she was doing. And, she soon gave up flower arranging.  

Has Claire got a hobby, Dave?

Claire's hobby is art photography.  She even won a prize in an an art photography competition.  She entered a photo of a black square on a black background.  It was the most amazing picture I've ever seen. Of course, most normal people don't understand high art. Claire's sister said that claire had a lose screw. But, Claire's sister hadn't the faintest idea of what she was ralking about.Claire's sister beleives that good art is a still life showing a bunch of bananas.

Guess what's for afternoon tea.

Cherry cake.

No, this afternoon, we're having scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.  But, don't worry, I'm making a cherry cake tomorrow.

Mum, you're the best mum in the world.

Questions  

Jean was listening to the radio.  What was the programme about?

From your point of view, what is an interesting hobby?

Which hobby did Andy take up?

Why didn't Andy's hobby succeed?

How do you understand "then the penny dropped"?

Jean was listening to the radio.  What was the programme about?

From your point of view, what is an interesting hobby?

What hobby did Andy take up?  

Why didn't Andy's hobby succeed?

How do you understand "then the penny dropped"? 

How often have you bitten off more than you could chew? 

Which hobby did Jane start?  

What is Claire's hobby?

What is art photography?

What did Claire's sister say about Claire?

What is Claire's sister's idea of good art?

What is your hobby?

German Translation

Jean hat im Radio eine interessante Sendung gehört. Jetzt diskutieren die Bartons beim Frühstück darüber.

Ich sage: Dave und Ken, ich habe gestern Abend eine interessante Sendung im Radio gehört.  Da ging es um Hobbys.  Anscheinend haben interessante Leute interessante Hobbys, und langweilige Leute haben langweilige Hobbys.

Was ist ein interessantes Hobby, Jean?

Was denkst du, Dave?

Ein gutes Hobby ist, wenn man sich für etwas interessiert, das einen interessiert. Zum Beispiel Briefmarken sammeln oder reiten.

Du hast Recht, Dave. Aber manchmal können interessante Hobbys eine Katastrophe sein. Eines Tages beschloss Onkel Andy, Autorennen als neues Hobby zu betreiben. Er kaufte sich ein sehr schnelles Auto, das ihn ein hübsches Sümmchen kostete, und der Rest, so glaubte er, würde einfach sein.  Er nahm an ein oder zwei Rennen teil und glaubte, dass er mit all dem Geld, das er gewinnen würde, bald sehr reich sein würde. Aber dann fiel der Groschen.  Andy hatte nicht einmal an die zusätzlichen Kosten gedacht, die mit seinem neuen Hobby verbunden waren.  Er hatte mehr abgebissen, als er kauen konnte. Und, um es kurz zu machen, Andy verkaufte sein Auto und begann stattdessen mit dem Briefmarkensammeln.

Das erinnert mich an meine Schwester Jane. Sie beschloss, Blumenbinderin zu werden. Sie dachte, sie würde alle Blumenbindepreise in England gewinnen.  Aber sie hatte keine Ahnung, was sie da tat. Und bald gab sie das Blumenbinden auf.

Hat Claire ein Hobby, Dave?

Claires Hobby ist die Kunstfotografie.  Sie hat sogar einen Preis bei einem Kunstfotowettbewerb gewonnen.  Sie hat ein Foto von einem schwarzen Quadrat auf einem schwarzen Hintergrund eingereicht.  Es war das erstaunlichste Bild, das ich je gesehen habe. Natürlich haben die meisten normalen Menschen keine Ahnung von hoher Kunst. Claires Schwester sagte, Claire hätte eine Schraube locker. Aber Claires Schwester hatte nicht die geringste Ahnung, wovon sie sprach. Claires Schwester glaubt, dass gute Kunst ein Stillleben ist, das einen Haufen Bananen zeigt.

Rate mal, was es zum Nachmittagsjause gibt.

Kirschkuchen.

Nein, heute Nachmittag gibt es Scones mit Clotted Cream und Erdbeermarmelade.  Aber keine Sorge, morgen backe ich einen Kirschkuchen.

Mum, du bist die beste Mum der Welt.


Werner Wiesler,  eine Geschichte (Deutsch)






 


Friday, 25 April 2025

Friday the 25th of April, 2025


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

Ich treffe mich diese Woche mit Elfie auf einen Kaffee.  

In einem Kaffeehaus in Hietzing. 

Café Otto.  

Ich treffe Elfie gerne.  

Elfie hat viele Geschichten zu erzählen.  

Als sie jung war, hat Elfie in einer Frauenfußballmannschaft gespielt. 

Das ist viele Jahre her. 

Jetzt ist Elfie im Ruhestand.  

Aber Elfie ist immer noch sehr aktiv. 

Elfie liebt es zu reisen.  

Letzte Woche kam Elfie aus Kroatien zurück. 

Letztes Jahr war Elfie sehr, sehr beschäftigt. 

Sie hat viele Reisen ins Ausland unternommen. 

Mombasa, Türkei, Kanada und Schottland. 

Dieses Jahr bleibt Elfie in Wien. 

Sie muss ihr Buch fertig schreiben. 

Ein Buch über Nähen und Stricken.  

Elfie hat immer sehr viel zu tun.

I'm meeting Elfie for a coffee this week.  In a coffee house in Hietzing. Café Otto.  I enjoy meeting Elfie.  Elfie has  many stories to tell.  When she was young, Elfie played for a women's football team. That was many years ago. Now, Elfie's retired.  But, Elfie's still very active. Elfie loves travelling.  Last week, Elfie came back from Croatia. Last year, Elfie was very, very busy. She had many trips abroad. Mombasa, Turky, Canada, and Scotland. This year, Elfie is staying in Vienna. She must finish writing her book. A book about sewing and knitting.  Elfie always has very much to do. 



+ + + + + +

Farmer Ken- The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 41 (with German Translation)

Vocabulary and Phrases

For the life of me is another way of saying "Oh, my god"

Perish the thought means this is a terrible idea.

Plain jane - A plain jane is a boring unexciting girl.

To read is a synonym for to study.  At Oxbridge one reads not studies. Both the same meaning.

If you hit it off with someone is another way of saying you will get on well with that person. Become good friends.

 + + + +

ANd, now to our story -

It's 7 o'clock in the morning.  Outside it is still very cold.  A typical late April morning. Farmer Ken and Dave have just come in from milking the cows. Their is a delicious smell of sizzling bacon and eggs.   Jean, too, has been busy. The Bartons are enjoying their breakfast.

I say, Dave and Ken, you'll never guess who I bumped into in the village yesterday.

Who did you bump into mum?   

Well, I had just come out of the post office. and there she was.  Anne Cooper.  

Who's Anne Cooper, mum?

She was one of my best friends at school.  We really got on well together. I think I was her only friend in those days.

Why was that, mum?

Anne was not very popular.  She was always a bit of a plain jain. She never spoke much, and she never showed any interest in what was going on.

Then, why were you such good friends, mum?

Well, I knew Anne better than most people did.   My mum and Anne's mum were best friends.  And, Anne often came to play after school. In fact, Anne and I  had a lot of great fun together. At school, Anne was plain and boring. After school she was a completely different girl.

What was she like, Jean?

Anne was mainly interested in reading. We often used to talk about the books we had read. Of course, Anne read far more than I did.  And, in some ways, I think that's  why she was such a boring girl. Her world was her books.

And, what happened to Jane?

After leaving school, she went up to Oxford to read classics. And, I'm sure she did well. 

And, when was the  last time you saw her, mum?

For the life of me, Dave,  I can't remember. It must be at least 20 years.

And, when are you seeing her again, mum?   In another 20 years?

Persih the thought! That's a terrible idea. I don't want to wait that long. In fact,Anne and her husband are coming for dinner next Saturday. 

That's great, Jean. Anne actually sounds like a very intersting person. I can't wait to meet her.

And, can I invite Clair, mum?

Of course, Dave. I'm sure Clair and Anne will hit it off very well. Would anyone like another cup of tea?

Yes please, mum.  And another round of toast and marmalade, please.

And, the same for me, too, please.

You two can never stop eating.  And, guess what I'm baking this afternoon.

A chocolate cake, mum.

No, don't be silly, It's not your birthday, Dave. I'm baking a cherry cake.

What a surprise.


Questions

What had Dave and Ken been doing?

What was the weather like?

What was the nice smell coming from the kitchen?

What was Jean cooking?

Who did Jean bump into in the village?

Did Jean and Anne go to school together?

Were Anne and Jean best friends?

When are Anne and her husband coming for dinner?

What did Anne read at Oxford?

Please put "perish the thought" in a sentence.

German Translation

Es ist 7 Uhr morgens.  Draußen ist es noch sehr kalt.  Ein typischer Morgen im späten April. Farmer Ken und Dave kommen gerade vom Melken der Kühe herein. Es riecht köstlich nach brutzelndem Speck und Eiern.   Auch Jean war fleißig. Die Bartons lassen sich ihr Frühstück schmecken.

Ich sage, Dave und Ken, ihr werdet nie erraten, wen ich gestern im Dorf getroffen habe.

Wen hast du getroffen, Mama?   

Nun, ich kam gerade aus dem Postamt und da war sie.  Anne Cooper.  

Wer ist Anne Cooper, Mum?

Sie war eine meiner besten Freundinnen in der Schule.  Wir haben uns wirklich gut verstanden. Ich glaube, ich war damals ihr einziger Freund.

Warum war das so, Mum?

Anne war nicht sehr beliebt.  Sie war immer ein bisschen wie ein langweilig (a plain a Sie hat nie viel geredet, und sie hat sich nie dafür interessiert, was passiert ist.

Warum wart ihr dann so gute Freunde, Mama?

Nun, ich kannte Anne besser als die meisten Leute.   Meine Mutter und Annes Mutter waren beste Freundinnen.  Und Anne kam oft nach der Schule zum Spielen. Anne und ich hatten sehr viel Spaß zusammen. In der Schule war Anne schlicht und langweilig. Nach der Schule war sie ein ganz anderes Mädchen.

Wie war sie denn so, Jean?

Anne interessierte sich vor allem für das Lesen. Wir haben uns oft über die Bücher unterhalten, die wir gelesen hatten. Natürlich hat Anne viel mehr gelesen als ich.  Und in gewisser Weise war sie deshalb ein langweiliges Mädchen. Ihre Welt waren ihre Bücher.

Und was geschah mit Anne?

Nach der Schule ging sie nach Oxford, um Literaturwissenschaft zu studieren Und ich bin sicher, sie war gut. 

Und wann hast du sie das letzte Mal gesehen, Mum?

Das weiß ich beim besten Willen nicht mehr, Dave. Es muss mindestens 20 Jahre her sein.

Und wann siehst du sie wieder, Mum?   In weiteren 20 Jahren?

Perish the thought (Gottes Willen)  Das ist eine schreckliche Idee. So lange will ich nicht warten. Jane und ihr Mann kommen nächsten Samstag zum Essen. 

Das ist großartig, Jean. Jane scheint eine sehr interessante Person zu sein. Ich kann es kaum erwarten, sie kennenzulernen.

Und kann ich Clair einladen, Mama?

Natürlich, Dave. Ich bin sicher, Clair und Anne werden sich sehr gut verstehen. Möchte noch jemand eine Tasse Tee?

Ja, bitte, Mum.  Und noch eine Runde Toast mit Marmelade, bitte.

Und für mich dasselbe, bitte.

Ihr zwei könnt nie aufhören zu essen.  Und ratet mal, was ich heute Nachmittag backen werde.

Einen Schokoladenkuchen, Mutti.

Nein, sei nicht albern. Du hast nicht Geburtstag, Ken. Ich backe einen Kirschkuchen.

Was für eine Überraschung.

Fragen  - Was hatten Dave und Ken gemacht?   -  Wie war das Wetter?  - Was für ein schöner Geruch kam aus der Küche?  - Was hat Jean gekocht?  - Wen hat Jean im Dorf getroffen? - Gingen Jean und Anne zusammen zur Schule?  -  Waren Anne und Jean beste Freunde?   - Wann kommen Anne und ihr Mann zum Abendessen?  - Was hat Anne in Oxford studiert?    Bitte fügen Sie "perish the thought" in einen Satz ein. 

 

Sunday, 20 April 2025

Sunday the 21st of April, 2025


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

Es ist Ostermontag.  

Wir haben ein sehr schönes Osterfest gehabt.   

Am Gründonnerstag hatten wir ein sehr gutes Mittagessen.  

Spinat, gekochte Kartoffeln und Spiegeleier.   

Am Karfreitag bin ich wie immer zur Arbeit gegangen.  

Ostersamstag war ein sehr ruhiger Tag.  

Meine Frau ging einkaufen. 

Sie war den ganzen Tag weg.  

Am Ostersonntag gab es ein besonderes Osterfrühstück.   

Osterschinken, hart gekochte Eier und Kren. 

Nach dem Frühstück sind wir in die Kirche gegangen. 

Ein freudiger Anlass. 

Eine sehr alte Tradition. 

Und natürlich sehr viel Schokolade. 

Ostereier und Osterhasen. 

Ich mag Ostern sehr.

It's Easter Monday.  We've had a very nice Easter.   On Maundy Thursday we had a very nice lunch.  Spinach, boiled potatoes, and fried eggs.   I went to work as usual on Good Friday.  Easter Saturday was a very quiet day.  My wife went shopping. She was gone all day.  We had a special  Easter breakfast on Easter Day.   Easter ham, hard boiled eggs, and horseradish. We  went to church after breakfast. A joyful occasion. A very old tradition. And, of course, very much chocolate. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies. I really like Easter.

 



Friday, 11 April 2025

Friday the 11th of April, 2025


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

Gregor ist sehr glücklich.  

Er freut sich auf Ostern.  

Ganz viel Schokolade.  

Ostereier und Osterhasen.  

Letztes Jahr hat Gregor seiner Frau ein sehr schönes Ostergeschenk gemacht. 

Einen neuen Küchenbesen.  

Gregor war sehr überrascht.  

Seine Frau kam sehr schnell mit dem neuen Küchenbesen zurecht.  

Gregors Frau ist eine sehr begabte Putzfrau.  

Jetzt, ein Jahr später, ist Gregors Frau immer noch sehr glücklich mit ihrem Besen.  

Was wird Gregor seiner Frau dieses Jahr schenken?  

Wir müssen abwarten und sehen.  

Aber, Gregor hat ein Problem.  

Was kann besser sein als ein Küchenbesen? 

Vielleicht ein Diamantring.

Gregor is very happy.  He is looking forward to Easter.  Lots of chocolate.  Easter eggs and Easter bunnies.  Last year, Gregor gave his wife a very nice Easter present. A new kitchen broom.  Gregor was very surprised.  His wife very quickly got the hang of her new kitchen broom.  Gregor's wife is a very talented cleaner.  Now, one year later, Gregor's wife is still very happy with her broom.  What is Gregor giving his wife this year?  We must wait and see.  But, Gregor has a problem.  What can be better than a kitchen broom?  Maybe a diamond ring.

 



Thursday, 3 April 2025

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, 28 March 2025

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.


+ + + + +

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?


+ + + + + + +

 

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, 21 March 2025

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.



Saturday, 15 March 2025

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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Thursday the 1st of May, 2025

  Tourists from Linz on their way to the beer tent Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.  Good Luck! Heut...