Thursday, 29 January 2026

Thursday the 29th of January, 2026


English Warmups - Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.

Gehen wir einkaufen.  

Ich möchte ein Buch kaufen.   

Ein Buch von James Joyce.  

Die Dubliners.  

Ich mag Dublin.  

Ich bin oft dort. 

Sehr freundliche Menschen.  

Toller Humor.  

Es regnet jeden Tag.  

Kein Problem. 

Dublin liegt an der Küste. 

Die Irische See.  

Viele Menschen haben Boote.  

Segeln ist ein beliebtes Hobby.  

Ich gehe morgen segeln.

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Let's go shopping.  I want to buy a book.   A book by James Joyce.  The Dubliners.  I like Dublin.  I often go there. Very friendly people.  Great humour.  It rains every day.  No problem. Dublin lies on the coast. The Irish Sea.  Many people have boats.  Sailing's a popular hobby.  I'm going sailing tomorrow.

 


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Please scroll down for  Talk Fritzi - Very easy.

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 The Bartons - Chapter 14 - The Golden Spoon

Idioms -  TOP NOTCH - The best.     TAKE SOMETHING WITH A PINCH OF SALT - to be sceptical about what is said.  AS FAR AS YOU CAN THROW SOMEONE -  You can't trust them at all.  THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK - Describes a hypocrite. They do the same as the person they are complaining about.  FROGS - This is what the English call French people.

Redewendungen – TOP NOTCH – Das Beste. TAKE SOMETHING WITH A PINCH OF SALT – Etwas mit Skepsis betrachten. AS FAR AS YOU CAN THROW SOMEONE – Man kann ihnen überhaupt nicht trauen. THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK – Beschreibt einen Heuchler. Sie tun dasselbe wie die Person, über die sie sich beschweren.  FROGS – So nennen die Engländer die Franzosen.

The Bartons - Chapter 14 - The Golden Spoon

I bumped into my brother Andy in the village yesterday.

That's interesting, Ken.  How was he?

Fine, thanks, Jean.  

Did he have anything interesting to say?

He told me, they'd been to the Golden Spoon for dinner.

That's the new restaurant that opened about three weeks ago isn't it?

That's right, Jean.

Did he say it was good, dad?

A good question,  Dave.  In fact, Andy said it was top notch. We really should try it.

I don't know, Ken.  Normally,  every thing Andy says must be taken with a pinch of salt.  I'll ask Sarah and see what she says.  You can only trust Andy as far as you can throw him.  

You've got a point, mum.  Do you remember what Andy said about The Silver Kettle restaurant in Bawtry?  It was also top notch. Three weeks later,  it was closed down after 9 guests nearly died from serious food poisoning. And, do you recall what Andy said about the art exhibition he saw in Scunthorp?  That was also top notch. Everyone else said it was rubbish.

Come come, Dave. You sound like the kettle calling the pot black. I remeber what you said about Claire's ehibition in London. You said it was fantastic.  Everyone else said it was rubbish.

Well, I had to say that dad. Claire was my girl friend at the time. I was scared she'd have kicked me out if I'd have said something bad about her work.

Well, that's what she did do, Dave. Now Claire's enjoying snail and frog leg sanwiches for supper every evening with her onion eating red wine drinking frog boyfriend, Pierre.

Talking about food has made me hungry, boys.  How about a nice cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake,

A great idea, mum. I'll put on the kettle.

And, I'll get the cups and saucers.

QUESTIONS -  What did Andy say about the Golden Spoon?  When did the Golden Spoon open?  Can Andy be trusted?  Who is Jean going to ask for the truth about the Golden Spoon?  What was the Silver Kettle?   Where was the Silver Kettle?  What did Andy say about the Siver Kettle?  How many people nearly died after eating dinner at the Silver Kettle?  What did Dave say about Claire's exhibition in London?    And, what happened to Dave and Claire?   What does Claire have for supper every evening?




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Talk Fritzi  34.  Please listen and repeat. VERY EASY

Ein gutes Buch?   A good book?    

Sehr gut.  Very good.

Ein interessantes Buch?  An interesting book?

Viele Bilder?  Many pictures?

In Farbe?  In colour?

Der Film ist gut.  The film is good.

Das Buch ist besser. The book is better.

Ein Tierbuch.  An animal book.

Über eine Löwin.  About a lioness.

Und ihre Pflegerin.   And her keeper.

Joy Fletcher.  Joy Fletcher.

Ein Happy End.  A happy end.

Für die Löwen.  For the lioness.

Die Löwin frisst  Joy Fletcher.   The lioness eats Joy Fletcher.

Eine wahre Geschichte.  A true story.

A good book?  Very good.  An interesting book?  Many pictures?   In colour?  The film is good.  The book is better.  An animal book.  About a lioness.  And her keeper.  Joy Fletcher.  A happy end.  For the lioness.  The lioness eats  Joy Fletcher.  A true story.




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My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 
 Clemelee Club is my YouTube channel. 
German and English. 
Articles of general interest, 
short stories, interviews, English learning aids, 
and much more as well.




Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES.  
Clemelee Club ist mein YouTube Channel. 
Deutsch und Englisch.  
Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 
Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, 
Englisch-Lernhilfen und vieles mehr.

Sunday, 25 January 2026

Sunday the 25th of January, 2026


 

The Bartons - 28. Jan. 2025

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.




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My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 
 Clemelee Club is my YouTube channel. 
German and English. 
Articles of general interest, 
short stories, interviews, English learning aids, 
and much more as well.




Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES.  
Clemelee Club ist mein YouTube Channel. 
Deutsch und Englisch.  
Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 
Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, 
Englisch-Lernhilfen und vieles mehr.



Monday, 19 January 2026

Monday the 19th of January, 2026

 


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.


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My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 
 Clemelee Club is my YouTube channel. 
German and English. 
Articles of general interest, 
short stories, interviews, English learning aids, 
and much more as well.




Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES.  
Clemelee Club ist mein YouTube Channel. 
Deutsch und Englisch.  
Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 
Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, 
Englisch-Lernhilfen und vieles mehr.



Thursday, 8 January 2026

Sunday the 11th of January, 2026


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!

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My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 
 Clemelee Club is my YouTube channel. 
German and English. 
Articles of general interest, 
short stories, interviews, English learning aids, 
and much more as well.




Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES.  
Clemelee Club ist mein YouTube Channel. 
Deutsch und Englisch.  
Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 
Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, 
Englisch-Lernhilfen und vieles mehr.

Thursday, 1 January 2026

Thursday the First of January 2026 - Happy New Year!

Die Raunächte 


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?






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My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 
 Clemelee Club is my YouTube channel. 
German and English. 
Articles of general interest, 
short stories, interviews, English learning aids, 
and much more as well.




Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES.  
Clemelee Club ist mein YouTube Channel. 
Deutsch und Englisch.  
Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 
Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, 
Englisch-Lernhilfen und vieles mehr.



Sunday, 21 December 2025

Sunday the 21st of December, 2025

 

Tourists from Poland shopping in Vienna


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.




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The Bartons will be back after the new year.

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Clemelee Club

My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 
 Clemelee Club is my YouTube channel. 
German and English. 
Articles of general interest, 
short stories, interviews, English learning aids, 
and much more as well.




Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES.  
Clemelee Club ist mein YouTube Channel. 
Deutsch und Englisch.  
Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 
Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, 
Englisch-Lernhilfen und vieles mehr.


Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Wednesday the 10th of December, 2025


Heute ist Mittwoch. 

Spaghetti zum Mittagessen. 

Typisch italienisch. 

Tomaten und Pasta. 

Immer dasselbe. 

Die französische Küche ist die beste. 

Immer ein Abenteuer. 

Nie dasselbe. 

Österreichischer Wein ist der beste. 

Viel besser als französischer. 

Französischer Wein und Essig? 

Kein großer Unterschied. 

Und die englische Küche? 

Nächste Frage, bitte.

 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?




Saturday, 6 December 2025

Saturday the 6th of December, 2025

Birthday Cake  by Nigel A.  JAMES


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.


+ + + + + + + + + + 

My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 
 Clemelee Club is my YouTube channel. 
German and English. 
Articles of general interest, 
short stories, interviews, English learning aids, 
and much more as well.





Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES.  
Clemelee Club ist mein YouTube Channel. 
Deutsch und Englisch.  
Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 
Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, 
Englisch-Lernhilfen und vieles mehr.


Saturday, 29 November 2025

Saturday the 29th of November, 2025

 

On the Neusiedlersee in Austria

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? 




* * * * * * * * * * * *  * * * *

 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?

Ich würde ihr natürlich meine Meinung sagen.

Saturday, 22 November 2025

Saturday the 22nd of November, 2025


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.


                                                             * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Bartons will be back on Friday 28th of November, 2025

* * * * * * * * * ** * ** * *


My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 
 Clemelee Club is my YouTube channel. 
German and English. 
Articles of general interest, 
short stories, interviews, English learning aids, 
and much more as well.




Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES.  
Clemelee Club ist mein YouTube Channel. 
Deutsch und Englisch.  
Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 
Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, 
Englisch-Lernhilfen und vieles mehr.





Thursday the 29th of January, 2026

English Warmups - Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions. Gehen wir einkaufen.   Ich möchte ein Buch kaufen...