English Warmups - Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions. Have fun and good luck.
Mir ist sehr kalt.
Ich hätte Lust auf ein Nickerchen.
Vor dem Kamin.
Ich habe gerade wunderbar zu Mittag gegessen.
Ein köstliches Steak.
Ein Glas Rotwein.
Ein Glas Portwein.
Ich habe mir ein Mittagsschläfchen verdient.
Gregor, wo ist deine Frau?
Im indischen Restaurant.
Zum Essen?
Nein, sie wäscht das Geschirr.
Das ist ihre Sonntagnachmittagsarbeit.
Armer Gregor.
Jeden Sonntag allein zu Hause.
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I'm very cold. I fancy a nap. In front of the fire. I've just had a wonderful lunch. A delicious steak. A glass of red wine. A glass of port. I've earned an afternoon nap. Gregor, where is your wife? At the Indian restaurant. Having a meal? No, washing the dishes. It's her Sunday afternoon job. Poor Gregor. Home alone every Sunday.
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Talk Fritzi - Listen, repeat, learn, and have fun. Very easy
Ein englischer Bauernhof - An English Farm
Viele Tiere - Many animals
Pferde, Kühe und Schweine - Horses, cows, and pigs.
Der Schweinestall - The pigsty.
Riecht wunderbar - Smells beautiul.
Wie französischer Käse - Like French cheese.
Die Ställe - The stables.
Ratten und Mäuse - Rats and mice.
Katzen und Hunde - Cats and dogs.
Der Bauer - The farmer.
Ein englischer Gentleman - An English Gentleman.
Die Bäuerin - The farmer's wife.
Eine schreckliche Frau - A terrible woman.
Sehr herrisch - Very bossy.
Aber eine sehr gute Köchin. But, a very good cook.
Gute, reichhaltige Mahlzeiten auf dem Bauernhof- Good square meals on the farm.
An English Farm. Many animals. Horses, cows, and pigs. The pigsty. Smells wonderful. Like French cheese. The stables. Rats and mice. Cats and dogs. The farmer. An English gentleman. The farmer's wife. A terrible woman. Very bossy. But, a very good cook. Good square meals on the farm.
English Warmups - Please translate into English, then scrolll down for suggsted solutions.
Weihnachten ist noch nicht vorbei.
wir haben noch unseren Weihnachtsbaum,
den behalten wir bis Februar.
Bis zum 2. Februar.
Eine Tradition in Österreich.
Ich mag diese Tradition.
Österreichische Weihnachtskuchen.
Eine weitere schöne Tradition.
Es ist wieder Winter.
Schnee und Eis.
Sehr rutschig und gefährlich.
Wir müssen vorsichtig sein.
Sehen wir es positiv:
Bald ist wieder Sommer.
Christmas is not over, We still have our Christmas tree, We keep it until February. February the second. A tradition in Austria. I like this tradition. Austrian Christmas cakes. Another nice tradition. It's winter again. Snow and ice. Very slippery and dangerous. We must be careful. Look on the bright side. It will soon be summer again.
English Warmups - Simply translate into English then scroll down for suggested solutions. Have fun.
Gregor ist drinnen.
Er hält sich warm.
Vor dem Kamin.
Er trinkt heiße Schokolade.
Gregor, wo ist deine Frau?
Sie ist draußen.
Auf der Straße.
Sie räumt den Schnee.
Gregor, warum räumst du nicht den Schnee?
Gleichberechtigung.
Was Männer können, können Frauen besser.
Gregor ist ein sehr netter Mann.
Er denkt immer an andere.
Gregor ist einer von Millionen.
Ein Vorbild für uns alle.
Gregor is inside. Keeping warm. In front of the fire. Drinking hot chocolate. Gregor, where is your wife? She's outside. In the road. Clearing the snow. Gregor, why aren't you clearing the snow? Equality. What men can do, women can do better, Gregor's a very nice man. Always thinking of others. Gregor is one in a million. An example to us all.
Next edition of The Baxters - Wednesday the 14th of January, 2026
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Valentine's Day Champagne, Flowers and Cards!
February the 14th is Valentine's Day. People send flowers, go out for candle-light meals, drink Champaign by the bucket, and are generally nice. A wonderful day. But, the best part of all is the British tradition of Valentine's cards. Great excitement and fun.
Valentine's cards are anonymous. No one knows who they're from. They simply flutter in with the post. And, the fun's in the guessing who sent them. Love should then follow. But, usually it doesn't. Mostly a story of dreams.
And, St. Valentine's cards are romantically arty. Most have pictures of red hearts and roses. And, all of them beg, “Be my Valentine.” Romantically silly. But, the two Valentine's cards I received said exactly the opposite.
On the front of the first card was a horrible picture. Rats, slugs, cockroaches, and snakes. All very revolting. And, when I opened the card, the message was simple and straight to the point. “Just thinking of you,” were the words that were written.
The second card wasn't much different. On the front of the card were the heart lifting sensational words, “If I had 100 pounds for every time I thought of you . . .” I opened the card and read on. Instead of, “I would be the richest woman on earth,” were the shattering words, “I would think of you more often.” “If I had a hundred pounds for every time I thought of you, I would think of you more often.”
This was a long time ago. The only two Valentine's cards I ever received. I sent many, but my love was never returned. So, who was St. Valentine? I did some research. St. Valentine was stoned to death for what he invented. St. Valentine invented marriage! In those days, a very good reason for stoning someone to death. But, why did they make him a saint? An unanswered question.
February the 14th is Valentine's Day. People send flowers. They go out for candle-light dinners. And, that's it for another 12 months.
The story of love is no easy road. It had a hard stony end for poor Valentine.
St. Valentine's Day. Champagne. Flowers and Cards. Secrets. High hopes and deep disappointments.
See you next year. Please, please, be my Valentine!
English Warmups - Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions,
Es ist Samstag, der 3. Januar.
Vor Weihnachten ist nach Weihnachten.
Bald ist wieder Weihnachten.
Meine Frau ist gerade nach Hause gekommen.
Vom Markt.
Vom Meisel Markt in Wien.
Wunderbare Düfte.
Seltsame Kuchen.
Ungewöhnliche Früchte.
Ein ganz besonderes Gefühl.
Ehemänner und Ehefrauen.
Die Ehemänner tragen die Einkäufe.
Die Frauen kaufen ein.
Es herrscht leichte Panik.
Last-Minute-Weihnachtseinkäufe.
Nur noch vier Tage.
Das orthodoxe Weihnachtsfest steht vor der Tür.
It's Saturday the 3rd of January. Before Christmas is after Christmas. It will soon be Christmas again. My wife has just come home. From the market. The Meiselmarkt in Vienna. Wonderful smells. Strange cakes. Unusual fruits. A very special feeling. Husbands and wives. The husbands carrying the shopping. The women doing the shopping. There's a feeling of panic. Last minute Christmas shopping. Only 4 more days. Orthodox Christmas is just round the corner.
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The Bartons - Chapter 13
Idioms - To pull out all the stops - To make a great effort to achieve a great result. To give all that you have means to do something with all the energy and talent you have. Second to none means the best. For the life of me means however hard I try. To grin and bear it means to get through a hard situation because there's nothing you can do about it. And, now to our story. A Concert
I say, mum and dad, that was a brilliant concert.
Yes, Dave, The Wiener Philharmonic is wonderful orchestra.
And, the conductor was fantastic. He conducted brilliantly. He gave everything he had.
You're right Jean, He pulled out all the stops. This year's new year's concert was second to none. In fact, it was the best Viennese new year's concert I've ever seen.
What was the conductor's name, Dave?
For the life of me, I can't remeber, dad.
I can remeber his name, Ken. It was Yannick Nézet-Séguin. It's an easy name to remember, Ken. Yannick Nézet-Séguin is a typical Canadian name.
I never knew that, Jean. And, What did you think of the orchestra, Jean?
A great orchestra, Ken. I think the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra must be a professional orchestra. Most of the players seemed to know what they were doing. In fact, some of them were really good.
Really mum! The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the best in the world. And, what do you say to the audience, dad?
A typical Viennese audience, Dave. The Viennese are amongst the nicest people in the world. They're always friendly and never stop smiling. Never a bad word. The Viennese all have a golden smiling heart. It could be the Viennese food. Maybe, you should get yourself a Viennese Fräuline, Dave.
I don't know any Viennese Fräulines, dad.
Well, it's time you did, Dave. We're going to Vienna next year. Christmas and new year. Dave, Jean, you can do the organizing. Money's no problem. The Imperial hotel. I've heard it's very good.
It must be very good, Ken. That's where the Queen stayed.
Well, if it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for us.
Oh, and Ken, I'll need one or two new dresses for the trip.
We can buy you a Dirndl when we get to Vienna, Jean.
A good idea, Ken. Then I'll look just like a typical Viennese Oma. How exciting.
And, Dave, some Lederhosen for you.
Of course, dad. And, dad, while we're at it, can we go to the new year's concert, please?
Of course we can. Whilst you're booking the hotel, Dave, you can book three tickets for the New year's concert as well.
Just leave it to me, Dad.
So, Jean, what do say?
I say let's have a nice cup of tea and a nice slice of Christmas cake.
No cherry cake, mum?
Next week, Dave. First we must finish the Christmas cake.
And, what's for lunch, Jean?
Cold turkey, again. Sorry boys.
No problem, mum. We'll just have to grin and bear it. The turkey will soon be gone.
Ken, Jean, and Dave, a happy new year to you all.
Questions
Did the Bartons enjoy the New Year's concert? What does Ken say about the Viennese? Did you see the concert? Why is Jean buying a Dirndl? What did Jean say about the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra? Did Dave agree with her? What did Ken say about the conductor? How did Jean know the conductor was canadian? Is it easy to get tickets for the New Year's concert?
Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions. Enjoy your fun!
Gregors Frau ist beschäftigt.
Sie verpackt Geschenke.
Sie hat viele Geschenke zu verpacken.
Eine Hut für ihre Schwester.
Ein schwer zu verpackendes Geschenk.
Gregors Fraus Nichte bekommt eine Handtasche.
Eine Birkin von Hermes.
Die üblichen Dinge für den Rest der Familie.
Pullover und Socken.
Und Gregors Geschenk?
Das ist ein Geheimnis.
Und das Weihnachtsessen am 25. Dezember?
Im Black Camel in Wien.
Ein Familienessen.
Gregors Schwiegervater bezahlt die Rechnung.
Kein Problem für Gregor.
Der Kaffee geht auf Gregor.
Bei Oberlaa.
Der beste Kaffee und die besten Kuchen der Welt.
Frohe Weihnachten.
Gregor's wife is busy. Wrapping up presents. She has lots of presents to wrap up. A hat for her sister. A difficult present to wrap. Gregor's wife's niece is getting a handbag. A Birkin from Hermes. The usual things for the rest of the family. Pullovers and socks. And, Gregor's present? That's a secret. And, Christmas lunch on the 25th of December? At the Black Camel in Vienna. A family lunch. Gregor's father in law is paying the bill. No problem for Gregor. The coffee's on Gregor. At Oberlaa's. The best coffee and cakes in the world. Happy Christmas.
It's Wednesday today. Spaghetti for lunch. Typical Italian. Tomatoes and pasta. Always the same. French cooking's the best. Always an adventure. Never the same. Austrian wine is the best. Much better than French, French wine and vinegar? Not a big difference. And, English cooking? Next question, please.
The Bartons - Chapter 12
Vocabulary and Idioms
A Christmas Tipple - Ein kleines Weihnachtsgetränk. // A cuppa' - A cuppa is a cup of tea. // For the life of me - beim besten Willen // Over the moon - Überglücklich // All the rage - der letzte Schrei // Jumble sale - Flohmarkt // Going for a song - zu haben für einen Spottpreis // dirt cheap - spottbillig // All good and well - Das ist alles schön und gut.
And, now to our story - The Bartons - Chapter 12 - A Christmas Tipple
Jean and her sister Sally are enjoying an afternoon cuppa'. Christmas is just round the corner.
However hard I try, I can't think of anything to get Ken for Christmas. I'm in a real pickle, Sally.
I fully understand, Jean. A suitable present for someone who has everything is no easy matter. What did you give him last year?
What did I give Ken last year? A good question, Sally. For the life of me, I can't remember. What did you get Bob, Sally?
Funnily eough, I really can remember what I got Bob. It was something a bit out of the ordinary. I got him a CD.
A CD!! Was he happy?
Bob was over the moon, Jean. He said it was the best Christmas present he'd ever ever had. Stevie Wonder's Greatest Hits. It was all the rage when we fell in love and started dating.
Where on earth did you get it, Sally?
I found it at the church jumble sale. On the white elephant stall. Amongst the rubbish. It was going for a song. I just had to snap it up. I couldn't resist it. I knew it would be just right for Bob. And, most importantly, it was dirt cheap.
Just shows you, Sally. Presents don't have to be expensive. Cheap things are usually better than expensive things. In particular, presents for men.
That's all good and well, Sally. But, I still don't know what to give Ken.
How about a pair of nice warm winter socks, Jean?
Now, I remember, Sally. That's what I gave Ken last year. I can't possibly give him the same thing again.
Of course you can, Jean. Why not? Men are happy with whatever you give them!
You're right, Sally. Problem solved. A pair of nice thick warm winter socks for Ken. And, by the way, What are you getting for Bob?
To be honest, Jean, I'm in the same boat as you. I don't know either.
Well why not a pair of warm winter socks.
A perfect idea, Jean.
How about a nice cup of tea, Sally?
I would prefer a small Christmas tipple.
Brandy or gin?
A brandy, please.
Two brandies. Coming right up.
Questions - Are Jean and Sally enjoying tea or coffee? Why is Jean in a pickle? Does Sally understand Jean's problem. Why does Sally unerstand Jean's problem? What did Jean give Ken the Christmas before? What did Sally give Bob? Was Sally's present to Bob an expensive present? Where did Sally find Bob's Christmas present? What has Jean decided to give Ken this Christmas? And, what is Sally giving Bob? What did you get for Christmas last year? What is the perfect Christmas present for someone who has everything? What would you like for Christmas?
Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions. Have fun and good luck!
Es ist Zeit, einen Kuchen zu backen bei Gregor.
Gregors Frau ist sehr, sehr beschäftigt.
In der Küche.
Sie backt einen Kuchen für Gregor.
Seinen Lieblingsschokoladenkuchen.
Heute ist Gregors Geburtstag.
Gregors Frau backt sehr gute Kuchen.
Deshalb hat er sie geheiratet.
Geburtstage gibt es nur einmal im Jahr.
Nur einen Geburtstagskuchen.
Aber Gregor hat Glück.
Immer einen leckeren Weihnachtskuchen.
Und auch einen Osterkuchen.
Aber Kuchen halten nie lange.
Nur zwei oder drei Tage.
Macht nichts, Gregor.
Weihnachten steht vor der Tür.
It's cake baking time round at Gregor's. Gregor's wife is very, very busy. In the kitchen. Baking a cake for Gregor. His favourite chocolate cake. It's Gregor's birthday today. Gregor's wife bakes very good cakes. That's why he married her. Birthdays only come once a year. Only one birthday cake. But, Gregor is lucky. Always a fine Christmas cake. And, Easter cake, too. But, cakes never last long. Just two or three days. Never mind, Gregor. Christmas is just round the corner.
English Warmups - Saturday the 29th of November, 2025
Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.
Gregor und seine Frau sind verreist.
Ein kurzer Urlaub.
In Ägypten.
Pyramiden und Sand.
Nichts als Sand.
Die Ägypter verkaufen gerne ihre Frauen.
Für Kamele.
Gregor hat eine Idee.
Wie viele Kamele könnte er bekommen?
Drei oder vier?
Nur eines.
Besser als nichts.
Gregor hört auf zu träumen.
Kamele sind in der ersten Klasse nicht erlaubt.
Nächstes Jahr wird Gregor zweite Klasse buchen.
Gregor and his wife are away. A short holiday. In Egypt. Pyramids and sand. Nothing but sand. Egyptians enjoy selling their wives. For camels. Gregor has an idea. How many camels could he get? 3 or 4 camels? Only one. Better than nothing. Gregor stops dreaming. Camels aren't allowed in first class. Next year, Gregor will book second class.
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The Bartons - Chapter 11 - Jean is Livid
Vocabulary and idioms
livid - really angry. Furious. - Wütend
Hairdresser - Friseurin
To leave someone in the lurch - to leave someone in a difficult situation. (jemanden in einer schwierigen Lage lassen)
Something's cropped up - something unexpected has happened. Es ist etwas Unerwartetes passiert.
Short notice - Kurzfristig.
Rude - unhöflich
downright rude - absolut unhöflich
To fit someone in - Jemanden einbringen. Sich Zeit für jemanden nehmen
A piece of my mind. Meine Meinung - Eine Zurechtweisung
And, now to our story - The Bartons - Chapter 11
Jean, you look really angry. What's wrong?
I'm not angry, Ken. I'm livid.
What happened?
It's that girl. Susan Edwards.
You mean the girl who comes to do your hair?
That's right, Ken. My hairdresser. Susan Edwards. This time, she's really left me in the lurch. She's just messaged me. She can't come this afternoon. Something's cropped up!
Cancelling on such short notice! That's not very nice, Jean.
Not very nice! It's downright rude. Now, what am I going to do. I'm supposed to be going to the WI this evening. I look a total mess.
Well, to be honest, Jean. You do look as though you've just been dragged through a field by a tractor.
I think I can help mum.
How's that, Dave?
Do you remeber Lucy Jenkins, you know, the girl I used to go out with?
Of course, Dave. Lucy was such a nice girl. It's a shame she gave you the boot, Well, what about her?
She was a nice girl, mum. You're right. And, after leaving school, she became a hairdresser. I could phone her and ask if she could fit you in this afternoon.
Well, it's worth a try, Dave.
We're in luck, mum. Lucy could fit you in at 4 O'clock.
Dave, you're such a wonerful son. The best in the world.
I would say, a chip off the old block, Jean. And, I could run you over to Lucy's this afternoon.
That would be great, Ken. You and Dave. The best two men in the world. Always ready to help. How about a nice cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake?
That would be great, mum. And what are you going to give Susan Edwards when you bump into her, mum?
A piece of my mind, of course,
Questions and points - Why can you understand Jean being livid? How would you feel being left in the lurch like this? What is the WI? Why did Susan Edwards cancel the appointment? Who was Lucy Jenkins? Why did Lucy give Dave the boot? Please put "he/she left me in the lurch" in a sentence. Please put "a piece of my mind" in a sentence. What did Jean think of Lucy Edwards?
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Und nun zu unserer Geschichte – Die Bartons – Kapitel 11
Jean, du siehst wirklich wütend aus. Was ist los?
Ich bin nicht wütend, Ken. Ich bin stinksauer.
Was ist passiert?
Es geht um dieses Mädchen. Susan Edwards.
Du meinst das Mädchen, das dir die Haare macht?
Genau, Ken. Meine Friseurin. Susan Edwards. Dieses Mal hat sie mich wirklich im Stich gelassen. Sie hat mir gerade eine Nachricht geschickt. Sie kann heute Nachmittag nicht kommen. Es ist etwas dazwischen gekommen!
So kurzfristig absagen! Das ist nicht sehr nett, Jean.
Nicht sehr nett! Das ist geradezu unhöflich. Was soll ich jetzt machen? Ich soll heute Abend zum WI gehen. Ich sehe furchtbar aus.
Nun, um ehrlich zu sein, Jean. Du siehst wirklich aus, als hätte dich gerade ein Traktor über ein Feld gezogen.
Ich glaube, ich kann Mama helfen.
Wie das, Dave?
Erinnerst du dich an Lucy Jenkins, das Mädchen, mit dem ich früher zusammen war?
Natürlich, Dave. Lucy war so ein nettes Mädchen. Schade, dass sie dich verlassen hat. Was ist denn mit ihr?
Sie war ein nettes Mädchen, Mama. Da hast du recht. Und nach der Schule wurde sie Friseurin. Ich könnte sie anrufen und fragen, ob sie heute Nachmittag Zeit für dich hat.
Das ist einen Versuch wert, Dave.
Wir haben Glück, Mama. Lucy hat um 16 Uhr Zeit für dich.
Dave, du bist so ein wunderbarer Sohn. Der beste der Welt.
Ich würde sagen, ganz der Vater, Jean. Und ich könnte dich zu Lucy fahren.
Das wäre toll, Ken. Du und Dave. Die beiden besten Männer der Welt. Immer bereit zu helfen. Wie wäre es mit einer schönen Tasse Tee und einem Stück Kirschkuchen?
Das wäre toll, Mama. Und was würdest du sagen, wenn du Susan Edwards über den Weg laufen würdest?
Welcome to English Warmups. Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.
Mein Bruder und seine Frau sind in der Stadt.
Es ist ihr erster Besuch in Wien.
Sie sind am Freitagabend angekommen.
Sie kamen aus Liverpool.
Ihr Flugzeug war pünktlich.
Ich habe sie zu ihrem Hotel gebracht.
Das Schanihotel in der UNO-Stadt.
Ein sehr schönes Hotel.
Zwei Minuten zu Fuß von der U-Bahn entfernt.
Gestern Abend waren sie in einem Konzert.
Heute Nachmittag fahren sie nach Schönbrunn.
Morgen kommen sie zum Mittagessen.
Abends fahren sie dann nach Hause.
Ein sehr kurzer Trip.
My brother and his wife are in town. It is their first time in Vienna. They flew in on Friday evening. They came from Liverpool. Their plane arrived dead on time. I took them to their hotel. The Schanihotel at the UNO city. A very nice hotel. 2 minutes wals from the underground. Last night, they went to a concert. This afternoon to Schöbrunn. Tomorrow, they're coming for lunch. Then home in the evening. A very short trip.
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The Bartons will be back on Friday 28th of November, 2025
Simply translate into English then scroll down for suggested solutions. Have fun and enjoy!
Das erste, was Gregor heute Morgen tat, war, Kaffee zu kochen.
Das zweite, was Gregor tat, war, seine Frau zu wecken.
Gregors Frau steht nie vor sieben Uhr auf.
Als drittes brachte Gregor seiner Frau eine schöne Tasse Kaffee.
Als viertes ging Gregor zum Bäcker.
Frische Brötchen direkt aus dem Ofen.
Noch warm.
Butter und Erdbeermarmelade.
Das Lieblingsfrühstück von Gregors Frau.
Gregor hilft gerne in der Küche.
Und Gregors Frau genießt das Frühstück im Bett.
The first thing Gregor did this morning was to make coffee. The second thing Gregor did was to wake up his wife. Gregor's wife never gets up before seven. The third thing Gregor did was to bring his wife a nice cup of coffee. The fourth thing Gregor did was to go to the baker's. Fresh rolls straight from the oven. Still hot. Butter and strawberry jam. Gregor's wife's favourite. Gregor enjoys helping out in the kitchen. And, Gregor's wife enjoys breakfast in bed.
The Bartons - 10 - A Close Shave - knapp entkommen
The likes of it - dergleichen - Guardian Angel - Schutzengel- nevertheless - trotzdem
Insensitive - unempfindlich - That served him right. Das geschah ihm recht.
To comfort someone - Jemanden trösten. To be frank - um ehrlich zu sein
And now to our story. A Close Shave - A Family Drama
You look worried, Jean. Tell me what's wrong.
I've just had a call from my sister. It's mum. She had a very close shave this morning. She was walking her dog Bounty in the forest when it happened.
This sounds very serious. Tell me what happened.
All of a sudden, Mum heard a very unusal noise coming from very high up in a tree. An eerie creaking noise. She said she'd never heard anything the likes of it before.
Then what happened?
All of a sudden, an enormous branch landed right in front of mum. She was white with fright. If she'd been just a little further on, she'd have been killed. That's for sure.
My goodness, Jean. Lucky mum. That was just a little too close for comfort. Mum certainly had a guardian Angel. She must have been very relieved.
You're right, Ken. But nevertheless, mum's still very sad and upset. The branch landed right on top of poor little Bounty. Now, poor little Bounty won't be barking anymore.
Well, to be honest, Jean, Mum's far better off without Bounty. He was a horrible little dog. The only thing he was good for was catching rats and biting little girls. A really nasty piece of work.
You're so insensitive, Ken. Mum's going to be very lonely without Bounty.
Well, frankly speaking, Jean, mum'll be far better off with a new dog. But, this time, a real dog. Not one that looks like a cross between a man eating rat and a carrot.
Well, I suppose you're right, Ken. Bounty was not a very nice dog. And, once, he even tried to bite one of Dave´s girlfriends.
I can't remeber that, Jean. What happened?
Dave´s girlfriend at the time, whose dad was a farmer, knew how to look after herself. She kicked little Bounty in the teeth. Bounty never came near her again.
That served him right. And, Jean, are you going over to mum's to comfort her this afternoon?
I thought about going straight after lunch.
Well, give her a hug and a kiss from me. And, tell her not to worry. We'll soon get her a new dog, There are, after all, plenty more fish in the sea. Mum won't be lonely for long.
Ken, you're such a wonderful understanding husband. Let me make you a nice cup of tea.
And, a slice of cherry cake, too, Jean? Of course, Ken.
Questions and discussion points. Talk very briefly about Jean's mother's close shave in the forest. How would you feel if a branch fell right in front of you? Talk briefly about Bounty. How did Dave's girlfriend protect herself when Bounty tried to attack her? Tell us a little bit about Dave's girlfriend's family. Why do you like dogs? Discuss why dogs are good for old lonely ladies. How would you comfort someone who had just had a very close shave? Put "to be frank" in a sentence.
Und nun zu unserer Geschichte. Eine Glück Sache – ein Familiendrama
Du siehst besorgt aus, Jean. Sag mir, was los ist.
Ich habe gerade einen Anruf von meiner Schwester bekommen. Es geht um Mama. Sie hatte heute Morgen viel Glück. Sie war mit ihrem Hund Bounty im Wald spazieren, als es passierte.
Das klingt sehr ernst. Erzähl mir, was passiert ist.
Plötzlich hörte Mama ein sehr ungewöhnliches Geräusch, das von ganz oben aus einem Baum kam. Ein unheimliches Knarren. Sie sagte, sie hätte so etwas noch nie zuvor gehört.
Was ist dann passiert?
Plötzlich landete ein riesiger Ast direkt vor Mama. Sie war vor Schreck ganz blass. Wäre sie nur ein kleines Stück weiter gegangen, wäre sie ums Leben gekommen. Das ist sicher.
Meine Güte, Jean. Mama hat Glück gehabt. Das war wirklich knapp. Mama hat bestimmt einen Schutzengel. Sie muss sehr erleichtert sein.
Du hast recht, Ken. Aber trotzdem ist Mama immer noch sehr traurig und aufgebracht. Der Ast ist direkt auf den armen kleinen Bounty gefallen. Jetzt wird der arme kleine Bounty nicht mehr bellen.
Nun, um ehrlich zu sein, Jean, Mama geht es ohne Bounty viel besser. Er war ein schrecklicher kleiner Hund. Das Einzige, wozu er gut war, war Ratten zu fangen und kleine Mädchen zu beißen. Ein wirklich widerwärtiges Tier.
Du bist so unsensibel, Ken. Mama wird ohne Bounty sehr einsam sein.
Nun, ehrlich gesagt, Jean, Mama wird mit einem neuen Hund viel besser dran sein. Aber diesmal mit einem richtigen Hund. Nicht mit einem, der aussieht wie eine Kreuzung aus einer menschenfressenden Ratte und einer Karotte.
Nun, ich glaube, du hast recht, Ken. Bounty war kein besonders netter Hund. Und einmal hat er sogar versucht, eine von Daves Freundinnen zu beißen.
Daran kann ich mich nicht erinnern, Jean. Was ist passiert?
Daves damalige Freundin, deren Vater Bauer war, wusste, wie man sich verteidigt. Sie hat dem kleinen Bounty in die Zähne getreten. Bounty hat sich ihr nie wieder genähert.
Das geschied ihm recht. Und, Jean, gehst du zu Mama, um sie zu trösten?
Ich hatte vor, gleich nach dem Mittagessen zu ihr zu gehen.
Nun, umarme sie und gib ihr einen Kuss von mir. Und sag ihr, sie soll sich keine Sorgen machen. Wir werden ihr bald einen neuen Hund besorgen. Es gibt schließlich noch viele andere Hunde. Deine Mutter wird nicht lange einsam sein.
Ken, du bist so ein wunderbarer, verständnisvoller Ehemann. Ich mache dir eine schöne Tasse Tee.
Und ein Stück Kirschkuchen dazu, Jean?
Natürlich, Ken.
Fragen und Diskussionspunkte. Sprich kurz über die brenzlige Situation von Jeans Mutter im Wald. Wie würdest du dich fühlen, wenn ein Ast direkt vor dir herunterfallen würde? Sprich kurz über Bounty. Wie hat sich Daves Freundin geschützt, als Bounty sie angreifen wollte? Erzählen Sie uns ein wenig über die Familie von Daves Freundin. Warum mögen Sie Hunde? Diskutieren Sie, warum Hunde gut für alte, einsame Damen sind. Wie würden Sie jemanden trösten, der gerade eine brenzlige Situation erlebt hat?
Simply translate into English then scroll down for suggested solutions. Good Luck!
Es ist Freitagnachmittag.
Ich bin einkaufen gegangen.
Zum Supermarkt.
Der Supermarkt war voll.
Ich brauchte nur zwei Artikel.
Kartoffeln und Bananen.
An den Kassen standen sehr lange Schlangen.
Ich ging zur Selbstbedienungskasse.
Auch dort war die Schlange sehr lang.
Die Kunden waren sehr ungeduldig.
Sehr schlechte Laune.
Ich habe mich vorgedrängelt.
Ich bin direkt nach vorne gegangen.
Die Leute waren wütend.
Ich habe bezahlt und bin sehr schnell gegangen.
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It's Friday afternoon. I went shopping. To the supermarket. The supermarket was full. I only needed two items. Potatoes and bananas. There were very long ques at the checkouts. I went to the selfservice line. Also a very long que. Very impatient customers. Very bad moods. I jumped the que. I went straight to the front. The people were angry. I paid and left very quickly.
