Saturday the 2nd of May, 2026

Welcome to English Warmups.  Simply translate into English. Scroll down for suggested solutions.

Wir haben heute Abend Gäste.

Unsere Freunde aus Oberösterreich.

Sie sind in Wien.

Sie sind im Hilton untergebracht.

Meine Frau hat ein wunderbares Essen vorbereitet.

Etwas ganz Einfaches.

Hühnercremesuppe.

Krabbencocktail.

Ungarische Lammbraten.

Und zum Abschluss einen Obstsalat.

Ich habe den Wein gekauft.

Zweigelt.

Der beste Rotwein der Welt.

Die Engländer glauben,  französischer Wein der beste ist.

Das ist falsch.

Österreichischer Wein ist der beste.We have guests over tonight.

We're having guests over for dinner this evening.   Our friends from Upper Austria.  They’re in Vienna.  They’re staying at the Hilton.    My wife has prepared a wonderful meal.   Something very simple.  Cream of chicken soup.   Crab cocktail.   Hungarian roast lamb.   And to finish, a fruit salad.I bought the wine.   Zweigelt.    The best red wine in the world.    The English believe  French wine is the best.  That’s wrong.    Austrian wine is the best.

Audio Coming.

The Bartons - Chapter 19

The Cold Light of Day.

Vocabulary - Idioms - To bend someone's ear - To ask them to listen to you.  It's going to set me back a lot of money means it's going to cost me a lot of money.  To foot the bill means to pay the bill.  If something takes the bisquit means it's something totally bad (coming 50 minutes late really took the bisquit).

Ken has just come into the kitchen to get a quick cup of coffee.  Jean is baking a cake. 

Ken, can I bend your ear for a minute, please?  We really should talk about how much Dave's wedding's going to set us back.  

I'm sorry, Jean.  Right now, I've really got some important things on my mind.

Somethings more important than your son's wedding!

For example, Jean.  The tractor needs servicing, the milking equipment needs renewing, and, the milking herd isn't getting any younger.  Let's discuss money and Dave's wedding after dinner this evening.  OK?

Well, it's only this, Ken.  I got a letter from Jane's mother this morning.  She said some interesting things.

Go on, Jean. You've made me curious..

In a nutshell, Ken,   because we're very  rich farmers and they're as poor as church mice, we should foot the bill for the entire wedding. 

Well, I can uderstand they are poor.  Vicars hardly earn anything at all. Which is OK.  All they do is pray and bless people and work a couple of hours a week on Sundays. They should be happy to get what they get.

And, that's not all.  Jane's mother wants to do all the planning. Date, time, reception and everything else as well.  And, there's more.  Jane's mother has already decided where the honeymoon's to be.

Oh really!

Jane's father's brother owns a caravan. It's parked on a lonely farm in the far north of Scotland. He's offered it to Dave and Jane for half price.  Of course, Jane will have to do all the cooking and cleaning and everything else. A self catering honeymoon!

Well, that really does take the bisquit, Jean.  You'd better leave it up to me.   I'll soon put the holy duo in their place.

I think you should phone them, Ken.

No.  I have  a better  idea.  We'll invite them round for lunch on Sunday.  It'll give us time to think. Remember, Jean. Always keep a clear head if you can.  I know you don't always find that so easy, Jean.

You're right, Ken.  Let's have a nice cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.

That's what I call keeping a clear head, Jean.

Questions - Why does Jean want to bend Ken's ear?  Has Ken got time to talk to Jean?  What's on Ken's mind?  What did Jane's mother demand in her letter?  Are vicar's really so poor?  Tell us about the plan's Jane's mother has made for the honeymoon?  Why would it be a good idea to involve Jane and Dave in the planning?  

Audio following 

 

Sunday the 26th of April, 2026

 

English Warmups - Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.  Have fun and good luck.

Es ist Sonntagmorgen.  

Es ist kurz nach sieben.  

Ich bin auf dem Heimweg von der Bäckerei.  

Ein toller Ort, um Freunde zu begegnen.  

Auf dem Hinweg habe ich Martin, einen Nachbarn, getroffen.  

Auf dem Rückweg traf ich Thomas, ebenfalls einen Nachbarn.  

Brot kaufen ist ein Ritual am Sonntagmorgen.  

Eine Männeraufgabe.  

Ich sehe selten Frauen beim Bäcker.  

Heute ist ein sehr schöner Tag.  

Männer müssen bei jedem Wetter einkaufen gehen.  

Moderne Sklaverei.  

Es ist schwer, ein Mann zu sein!

It's Sunday morning.  It's just gone seven.  I'm on my way home from the baker's.  A great place for bumping into friends.  I met Martin, a neighbour,  on the way there.  I met Thomas, another neighbour, on the way back.  Buying bread is a Sunday morning ritual.  A man's job.   I rarely see women at the baker's.  It's a very nice day today.  Men must go shopping whatever the weather.  Modern slavery.  It's hard being a man!

The Bartons will be back on Wednesday the 29th of April, 2025

Saturday the 18th of April, 2026

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

Ich hatte eine harte Woche. 

Zu viel Arbeit. 

Ich fange jeden Montag um 8 Uhr an. 

Ich höre um 21 Uhr auf. 

Es ist jeden Tag dasselbe. 

Aber jetzt ist Wochenende. 

Der Samstag ist mein Lieblingstag der Woche. 

Meine Frau geht immer einkaufen. 

Ruhe und Frieden. 

Ganz allein zu Hause. 

Nichts als Stille. 

Kein Radio. 

Kein Fernsehen. 

Keine Menschen. 

Ein wunderbares Gefühl.

I've had a hard week.   Too much work.  I start every Monday at 8.  I finish at 9 in the evening.  It's the same every day.  But, now it's weekend.   Saturday's my favourite day of the week. My wife always goes shopping.   Peace and quiet.  Alone at home.  Nothing but silence.  No radio.  No television. No people.  A wonderful feeling.

 The Bartons  - Chapter 18 - A Rosy Future

Vocabulary  -  Scared stiff   -  If you are scared stiff, you are extremely frightened.  Wenn du vor Angst erstarrt bist  (scared stiff), hast du extreme Angst.    + + + +  If something costs you an arm and a leg means it is very, very expensive.   + + + + +  If you keep someone on  a tight rein means you controll them very closely, especially concerning money.  If something comes in handy means it is useful or practical.   Wenn etwas im Englischen handy ist, bedeutet es, dass es nützlich, praktisch oder griffbereit ist.

Ken and Jean are enjoying a late afternoon cocktail.  

I wonder how Dave is, Jean.  

Well, Ken, we'll soon find out.  Dave's just driven into the yard.  

Hello mum and dad.  I see you're enjoying a drink.  Everything OK?

We're fine, thanks, Dave.  But, most importantly, how are you?  What did Jane say Dave?  Come on, spill the beans.    Did she say yes?

Slow down mum.  Today was the worst day in my life. I'm glad it's almost over.

Oh  no!   What happened. 

I was scared stiff, mum and dad. 

Scared of what, Dave?

I was scared Jane would say yes.

And, what did she say, Dave?

She said yes.  And,  I'm very happy!  Maybe, the happiest man alive.

So, why were you scared, Dave?

I was thinking about the money being married was going to cost me, and, just for a moment, I was scared stiff.

I can understand, Dave.  Marriage is expensive. So far, your mother has cost me an arm and a leg. You will have to be strict with Jane.  Keep her on a tight rein.  Impose strict discipline, and all that kind of stuff.

Don't worry, dad.  I've got a plan.  I'm going to send Jane out to work.  

But, Dave, we live on a farm in the middle of nowhere.  There are no jobs to send Jane to.

There are plenty of jobs nearby, mum.  We've plenty of neighbours.  There are jobs like ironing and washing and cleaning and mucking out pigstys.  Jane will find plenty to do.

Oh Dave, how can you be so heartless.  If you'd have wanted a wife like that you would have had to have looked for a girl like your cousin, and not a vicar's daughter. I'm begining to feel sorry for Jane.  Poor girl.

Don't worry, mum.  I was only joking.  I'm going to work hard and give Jane everything she wants.  And, don't forget, mum and dad, Jane's the vicar's daughter.  A special connection to God.  It may come in handy one day. Who knows?

And, I hope her dad has a good connection to God.  Weddings cost an arm and a leg, and  tradition has it  the bride's family pays all.

I say, Ken, I'm sure we'll think of someway to help.  Bur, right now, lets all have another drink.  Congratulations, Dave.  Here's to a rosy future!

 Questions - What were Ken and Jean doing when Dave came home?  Did Jane say yes or no?   Why was Dave scared?  Is being married expensive?  What was Dave's joke?  Will Dave be a good husband?   Why will Dave be a good husband?  Are weddings expensive?   What might come in handy for Dave?  Where do you think Jane and Ken are going for their honeymoon?

Saturday the 11th of April, 2026

 

Friends on their way to a riding lesson

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

Es ist Samstagmorgen. 

Es ist 11 Uhr. 

Gregor ist gerade aufgestanden. 

Auf dem Küchentisch liegt ein Zettel. 

Seine Frau ist ausgegangen.  

Zum Reitstall.  

Gregors Frau lernt reiten.  

Gregor lächelt.  

Pferde sehen, wohin sie gehen.  

Pferde fahren nie gegen Bäume.  

Das Auto von Gregors Frau ist sehr teuer.  

Es wird ständig repariert.  

Ein Baum nach dem anderen.  

Autos haben keine Augen.  

Armer Gregor. 

Eine Rechnung nach der anderen.

+ + + + + + +

It's Saturday morning.  It's 11 o. clock.  Gregor has just got up.  There's a note on the kitchen table.  His wife has gone out.  To the stables.  Gregor's wife is learning to ride.  Gregor smiles.  Horses can see where they're going.  Horses never crash into trees.  Gregor's wife's car is very expensive.  It's always being repaired.  One tree after another.  Cars haven't got eyes.  Poor Gregor. One bill after another. 

The Bartons will be back next week.  

For Your Listening Pleasure

The true story of Albert Gunter.  A hero.  A bus driver.  A near disaster, and a medal from the Queen.  

Thursday the 2nd of April, 2026

English Warmups  

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

Gregor verbringt ein sehr schönes Osterfest. 

Die Mutter seiner Frau bleibt bis Dienstag. 

Diesmal macht sie überhaupt keine Schwierigkeiten.

So weit, so gut.

  

Gregor liest die Zeitung.

 

Gregor, wo sind deine Frau und ihre Mutter?

  

Sie sind draußen im Garten.

  

Sie suchen Eier.

  

Aber sie sind schon sehr lange weg.

 

Gregor hat die Eier sehr gut versteckt.

  

Plötzlich fällt es Gregor  wieder ein.

 

Er hat vergessen, die Eier zu verstecken.  

Gregor lächelt.

  

Noch etwa eine Stunde lang Ruhe und Frieden.

Arme Gregor.

 Selten ist es ruhig und still.

 

Gregor is having a very nice Easter.  His wife's mother is staying till Tuesday.  This time she's no trouble at all.  So far so good.  Gregor's reading the paper. Gregor, where is your wife and her mother?  They're out in the garden.  They're looking for eggs.  But, they've been gone for a very long time. Gregor's hidden the eggs very well.  All of a sudden, Gregor  remembers.  He has forgotten to hide the eggs.  Gregor smiles.  Peace and quiet for another hour or so.  Poor Gregor.  Seldom peace and quiet.

 

+ + + + + + + + +

The Bartons - Chapter 17

An Afternoon Nap

An afternoon nap is a short sleep in the afternoon. 

To have a word with someone means to discuss something with them.

After all - means considering everything.   Schließlich – das bedeutet, alles zu berücksichtigen.

Second in command - deputy to the boss.

Well then - A way of finishing a discussion -  Na dann – Eine Möglichkeit, ein Gespräch zu beenden

An Afernoon Nap

I say mum, Have you seen dad?

He's got his feet up in the lounge, Dave.  He's having an afternoon nap.

Dad having an afternoon nap!  That's not like him.

Your dad's had a very hard week, Dave.  Sometimes I think he works far too hard. He's no spring lamb anymore.

You're right, mum.  Maybe I could do more. I'll have a word with him when he wakes up.

That's a good idea, Dave.  After all, one of these days this will all be yours.

I know, mum.  

But, you won't be able to run this farm on your own, Dave.  Can you imagine Jane as second in command?

Well, she's better than nothing, mum.

Better than nothing!  She's a wonderful girl.  And, don't forget, her dad's the vicar. 

And, her mum's the vicar's wife.

And, Jane would make a very good mother, Dave.  And, I'm sure she can cook very well.

And, she loves animals. 

Well then, that's all the boxes ticked.  That's decided.   Jane it's to be.  The new number two on the farm. 

I can't wait to tell dad.

He will be surprised.  But there's only one little thing, Dave. I think it's important.  Have you actualy proposed to Jane?

That's a good point, mum.  I'll do it right now.  I'll message her.

Dave!  Get in your car, go round, and get down on one knee.  That's how it's done.

I'm on my way, mum.  

And, when you get back, a nice cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.

Questions - Why is Ken having a nap?  Where is Ken having a nap?  Does Dave understand his father?  What's Dave's idea?  Why would Jane make a nice wife?  Does Jean like Jane?  What is Jane's father?  Does Jane's mother work in a fish and chips shop?  Are vicars important people?  What is a farmer's wife most important job?  Must a farmer's wife be able to cook?  Will Jane say yes?

 

Saturday the 28th of March, 2026

English Warmups.  Simply have fun and translate into English.  Scroll down for suggested solutions.  Good luck!

Es ist 5 Uhr morgens. 

Es ist noch dunkel. 

Es schneit und ist kalt. 

Warum ist Gregor draußen im Garten? 

Er lernt, Trompete zu spielen. 

Gregor übt zweimal am Tag. 

Einmal morgens. Einmal abends. 

Trompeten sind sehr, sehr laut. 

Gregors Frau ist sehr, sehr streng. 

Kein Lärm im Haus. 

Armer Gregor. 

Verbannt in den Garten. 

Egal bei welchem Wetter.

It's  5 in the morning.  It's still dark. It's snowing and cold.  Why is Gregor out in the garden?  He's learning to play the trumpet.  Gregor practices twice every day.  Once in the morning.  Once in the evening.   Trumpets are very very loud.  Gregor's wife is very very strict.  No noise in the house. Poor Gregor.  Banned to the garden.    Whatever the weather.

The Bartons will be back after Easter.  They are on holiday.

 My name is Nigel A. JAMES. Clemelee is my YouTube channel. 

German and English.  General interest features 

Short stories.  Easy English stories

 for your English. And,

much more as well.

 

>Bitte klicken Sie hier<
>Please click here< 

Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES. „Clemelee“ ist mein YouTube-Kanal. 

Deutsch und Englisch. Beiträge zu allgemeinen Themen 

Kurzgeschichten. Geschichten in leichtem Englisch

 zum Englischlernen.  Und,

noch vieles mehr.

Saturday the 21st of March, 2026

 

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

Good luck!

Es ist noch früh am Morgen.  

Wien schläft noch. 

Es wird gerade hell. 

Es ist Morgengrauen. 

Die Vögel singen. 

Der Morgengesang. 

Ich liebe den frühen Morgen. 

Ich kann viel erledigen. 

Niemand ruft mich an. 

Niemand braucht mich. 

Der frühe Morgen ist perfekt. 

Genau richtig zum Schreiben. 

Und auch zum Lesen. 

Der frühe Morgen ist meine Zeit. 

Wann stehst du jeden Morgen auf? 

Wann beginnt dein Tag?

Its still early morning.  Vienna's still sleeping. It's just getting light. It's dawn.  The birds are singing.  The dawn chorus.  I love early mornings.  I can do very much.  Nobody phones me.  Nobody needs me.  Early mornings are perfect.  Just right for writing.  And, for reading as well.  Early mornings are my time.  When do you get up every morning.  what time does your day begin.

 

Sunday the 15th of March, 2026

Arriving in Milan

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

Gregor, wo ist deine Frau?  

Sie ist zu ihrem Kurs gegangen.  

Zur Abendschule.  

Sie lernt Italienisch.  

Warum lernt sie Italienisch?  

Sie liebt es, nach Italien zu fahren.  

Besonders nach Mailand.  

Die Einkaufsmöglichkeiten sind fantastisch. 

Italienisches Design.  

Italienische Schuhe. 

Handgefertigt und teuer.  

Geld ist kein Problem. 

Meine Kreditkarte ist die Kreditkarte meiner Frau. 

Armer Gregor.  

Eine sehr teure Frau.

Gregor, where is your wife?   She's gone to her class.  At night school.  She's learning Italian.  Why is she learning Italian?   She loves going to Italy.  Especially Milan.  The shopping's fantastic.  Italian design.  Italian shoes. Handmade and expensive.  Money's no problem. My credit card is my wife's credit card. Poor Gregor.  A very expesive wife.

 The Bartons will be back next week.

+ + + + + + +

My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 

 Clemelee is my YouTube channel. 

German and English. Articles of general interest, 

short stories, interviews, Easy English 

 to help with your learning, and

much more as well.

 

>Bitte klicken Sie hier<
>Please click here<

Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES. 

Clemelee  ist mein YouTube-Kanal. 

Deutsch und Englisch. Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 

Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, leicht verständliches Beiträge 

das Ihnen beim Lernen hilft, und vieles mehr

Thursday the 5th of March, 2026

 

English Warmups  

Simply translate into English, then scroll down for suggested solutions.  Good luck and enjoy.

Gregor schläft noch tief und fest.  

Es ist Viertel vor zehn.  

Das Telefon klingelt.  

Es ist seine Frau.  

Sie ist mit ihrer Mutter verreist.  

Sie sagt Gregor, dass sie vor dem Mittagessen wieder zu Hause sein wird.  

Mit ihrer Mutter.  

Sie freuen sich auf das Mittagessen.  

Gregor gerät in Panik.  

Das Haus ist ein Misthaufen.  

Schnell räumt Gregor auf. 

Gregor schaut in den Kühlschrank. 

Ein großer Topf Gulasch. 

Reste vom Mittwoch. 

Sollte noch in Ordnung sein. 

Fünf Tage sind nichts. 

Gregor ist bereit und wartet. 

Erschöpft. 

Armer Gregor. 

Moderne Sklaverei.

Gregor is still fast asleep.  It's a quarter to ten.  The phone rings.  It's his wife.  She's away with her mother.  She tells Gregor she'll be home before lunch.  With her mother.  They're looking forward to lunch.  Gregor panics.  The house is a mess.  Quickly, Greor clears up.  Gregor looks in the fridge.  A big pot of goulash.  Leftovers from Wednesday.  Should still be OK.  5 days is nothing.  Gregor is ready and waiting.  Exhausted.  Poor Gregor.  Modern day slavery.

+ + + + + + + + + + 

The Bartons - Chapter 16

Idioms -   To try your hand at something . .. to attempt something new for the first time.   To get the hang of something - to succeed with something.   To give something a go - to try something.  It's  easy to handle - easy to use / very straightforward. Things on one's mind - things one is thinking about or occupied with.  To run to something - to be able to afford something.  Over the moon - very happy.

Redewendungen –   To try one's hand at something - Sich an etwas versuchen – etwas Neues zum ersten Mal ausprobieren.   To get the hang ..  Den Dreh raus haben – etwas erfolgreich machen.   To try something new -Etwas ausprobieren – etwas versuchen.  Easy to handle - Es ist  leicht zu handhaben – einfach zu bedienen / sehr unkomplizier.t.    Things on one`s mind - Dinge, die einem durch den Kopf gehen – Dinge, über die man nachdenkt oder mit denen man beschäftigt ist.  To run to something - Sich etwas leisten können – in der Lage sein, sich etwas zu kaufen.  Over the moon - Überglücklich sein – sehr glücklich sein.

The Bartons - Chapter 16 - The New Tractor

I say Dave, Do you fancy trying your hand at driving the new tractor?  I'm sure, you'll quickly get the hang of it.

A great idea, Dad.  I`ll give it a go after lunch.

You'll find it very easy to handle, Dave,  It's very easy to handle. In fact, I might even let mum have a try.

Be careful, Dad.  She'll probably drive it straight into the river.  And, we dont want that, do we?

I see your point, Dave. And, in any case, I don't suppose mum`s the slightest bit interested in tractors. She's got other things on her mind.

That's right, dad.  I wonder how's she's getting on at the photo club.

She's really doing well, Dave.  In fact, some of her pictures are really quite amazing.  She showed me some last night, And, the interesting thing is, they're all black and white.

Mum has a very good eye, dad.  I remeber seeing the pictures she took on holiday last year. All black and white. All very interesting.

I remeber them, too.  And, just imagine, Dave. She shot them all with her mobile.   Amazing what one can do with mobiles these days. 

You're right dad.   But, don't forget, mum's very talented.

I see what you're saying saying, Dave. And, that's just given me an idea.  It's mum's birthday soon.  I'm sure I could run to a very good camera. What do you say, Dave?

She'd be over the moon, dad.  But, ask her before you buy one. You don't want to be getting the wrong one, do you?

Very true, Dave.  I'll talk to her later.    But now, it's time for elevenses.  

A good idea, dad. A nice cup of coffee and a nice slice of cherry cake.

Questions - What is Dave going to try his hand at?   Will Dave quickly get the hang of driving the new tractor?  Why shouldn't Jean try driving the new tractor.  What is Jean's hobby?   Has Jean got a very expensive camera?  Are Jean's pictures back and white or colour?  What is Ken thinking of giving Jean for her birthday?  Can Ken run to a good camera for Jean?  Will Jean be over the moon with a new camera?  Why is it important to ask Jean what kind of camera she wants?  What's for elevenses?

+ + + + + + + + + + +

My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 

 Clemelee is my YouTube channel. 

German and English. Articles of general interest, 

short stories, interviews, Easy English 

 to help with your learning, and

much more as well.

 

>Bitte klicken Sie hier<
>Please click here<

Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES. 

Clemelee  ist mein YouTube-Kanal. 

Deutsch und Englisch. Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 

Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, leicht verständliches Beiträge 

das Ihnen beim Lernen hilft, und vieles mehr. 

Thursday the 26th of February, 2026

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

Noch eine Rechnung. 

Eine Rechnung nach der anderen. 

Strom ist sehr teuer. 

Wir verbrauchen kaum Strom. 

Nur zum Kochen. 

Meine Frau backt gerne Kuchen. 

Schokoladenkuchen ist mein Lieblingskuchen. 

Ich mag auch Käsetorte. 

Meine Frau isst keinen Kuchen. 

Sie backt nur für mich. 

Was gibt es heute Abend zu essen? 

Palatschinken.  

Mit Erdbeermarmelade? 

Oder Aprikosenmarmelade, wenn du möchtest. 

Lass uns in die Küche gehen.

Yet another bill.  One bill after the other.   Electricity is very  expensie.  We hardly use any electricity. Only for cooking.  My wife loves baking cakes.  Chocolate cake is my favoutite.  I also like cheese cake.  My wife doesn't eat cakes. She only bakes for me.  What's for supper this evening?  Pancakes.  With strawberry jam?  Or, apricot jam if you want.  Let's go to the kitchen.

 

+ + + + + + +

The next issue of the Bartons will be online on Wednedsay the 5th of March, 2026.

 + + + + + + + +

My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 

Talk Clemelee is my YouTube channel. 

German and English. Articles of general interest, 

short stories, interviews, Easy English 

 to help with your learning, and

much more as well.

 

>Bitte klicken Sie hier<
>Please click here<

Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES. 

Talk Clemelee  ist mein YouTube-Kanal. 

Deutsch und Englisch. Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 

Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, leicht verständliches Beiträge 

das Ihnen beim Lernen hilft, und vieles mehr. 

Friday the 20th of February, 2026

Clemelee Warmups

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

Es kam in der Nacht. 

Sehr starker Schneefall. 

Der Flughafen ist geschlossen. 

Keine Flüge. 

Die Züge sind entweder ausgefallen oder verspätet. 

Die Fortbewegung ist schwierig. 

Sehr eisig. 

Sehr rutschige Gehsteige. 

Draußen ist es sehr kalt. 

Minus 5 Grad. 

Also, passt auf euch auf. 

Bleibt heute zu Hause. 

Morgen wird es milder. 

Ich wünsche euch ein schönes Wochenende.

It came in the night.  Very heavy snow. The airport is closed.  No flights.  The  trains are either cancelled or delayed. Getting around is hard.  Very icy. Very slippery pavements.  It's very cold outside. Minus 5.   So, take care. Stay at home today.  Tomorrow will be mild. Have a nice weekend.

The Bartons - Chapter 15

Idioms

So much so - very much. -  To go to town on something - to do a great job - to make something well. -To play one's cards right - to be nice - to be clever -  Neither nor - weder noch - To hit the nail on the head - to say or do something that is entirely right.  -  To knock something up means to make something quickly.  **  All-round - universal

So much so - so sehr. *  To go to town on something -  etwas perfekt zu machen.  *  Neither nor - weder noch  *  To hit the nail on the head - etwas Richtiges sagen oder tun *  To knock something up - etwas schnell zu machen.  * All-round - universal

The Bartons - Chapter 15 - A Birthday Surprise for Jane

Dad, I hear you're going  into town this afteroon. 

No, not this afternoon, Dave. I went to town yesterday. I'm going to the village today.  

Are you going to Smith's, dad? 

No, I'm going to the vet's, Dave.  I've got a bill to pay.  But, I could easily pop into Smith's if there's anything you want

I need some glue and  nails dad. I'm making a coffee table for Jane.  It's her birthday soon. 

Why a coffee table, Dave?

Jane was really happy with the kitchen table I made her for Christmas. In fact, so much so, that she asked me to make a coffee table for her lounge.

I'm not surprised Jane liked the kichen table you made her. You really went to town on it.  You did a wonderful job. In fact, I could easily  imagine having one of your tables in my study. 

Well dad, if you play your cards right, I might even make you one for Christmas.

That would be nice Dave, something to look forward to.  So, glue and nails from Smith's.

That's right, dad.

Any special kind of glue, Dave?

No, dad, just normal wood glue, please.

And, what kind of nails, Dave?

One packet of nails with their heads on the left, and one packet of nails with their heads on the right.  The left headed nails are for the left hand side of the table, and the right headed nails are for the right hand side of the table. 

That's interesting, Dave.  How do you know which is the right hand side ot the table and which is the left hand side of the table?

That's easy, dad.  The right hand side of the table is the opposite side of the left hand side of the table.

And, what kind of nails do need for round tables?

A good question, dad.  Round tables have neither left hand sides nor right hand sides. So, for round tables, one should always use all-round nails.

That's easy to remember, Dave. All-round nails for round tables. 

That's right dad, you've just hit the nail on the head.  All-round nails for round tables. Now you know.

 I also know I'm hungry.  Let's get mum to knock up some elevenses,

A great idea.  A nice cup of coffee and a nice slice of cherry cake.

Questions - Is Ken going to town?  Where is Ken going?  What does Dave need from Smith's?  What kind of shop is Smith's?  What are left headed nails used for?  What are right headed nails used for?    What kind of nails are used for round tables?  Why is Dave making a coffee table for Jane?  Is Dave a good carpenter?  What do Dave and Ken want Jean to knock up?  What do you have for elevenses every day?

 

* * * * * * * * 

 

My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 

Talk Clemelee is my YouTube channel. 

German and English. Articles of general interest, 

short stories, interviews, Easy English 

 to help with your learning, and

much more as well.

 

>Bitte klicken Sie hier<
>Please click here<

Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES. 

Talk Clemelee  ist mein YouTube-Kanal. 

Deutsch und Englisch. Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 

Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, leicht verständliches Beiträge 

das Ihnen beim Lernen hilft, und vieles mehr. 

Saturday the 14th of February, 2026

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

Was können wir tun?   

Noch eine halbe Stunde.  

Ich hasse es zu warten.  

Besonders an Bahnhöfen.  

Wir können einen Kaffee trinken gehen.    

Oder eine Zeitung kaufen.  

Oder einfach nur die Züge beobachten.  

Das ist langweilig. 

Oder ein Buch lesen.  

Ich hasse es, 

Bücher zu lesen.  

Eines ist sicher.  

Du bist ein sehr langweiliger Mensch.  

Du interessierst dich für nichts.

What can we do?   Still half an hour.  I hate waiting.  Especially at stations.  We can go for a coffee.    Or, buy a paper.  Or, just watch the trains.  That's boring. Or, read a book.  I hate reading books.  One thing is certain.  You are a very boring person.  You're not interested in anything. 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

The Bartons will be back again next week. 

* * * * * * * * * * ** * ** * 

TALK FRITZI is very simple English.  In German and English.  Try it and see.  CLICK HERE

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

Sunday the 8th of February, 2026

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

Draußen ist es mild. 

Ein sehr schöner Sonntagmorgen. 

Ich war beim Bäcker.  

Ich habe Semmeln zum Frühstück gekauft.

Ich habe auch eine Zeitung gekauft. 

Wir haben gerade gefrühstückt. 

Gekochte Eier und Brötchen. 

Und natürlich Kaffee. 

Im Radio läuft ein Konzert. 

Auf Öe 1. 

Es beginnt um elf Uhr. 

Oe 1 spielt sehr gute Musik. 

Normalerweise Klassik. 

Das heutige Konzert kommt aus London. 

Ich werde es genießen.

It's mild outside.  A very nice Sunday morning.  I was at the baker's.  Buying rolls for breakfast.  I also bought a newspaper.  We've just finished breakfast.  Boiled eggs and rolls.  And, of course, coffee. There's a concert on the radio.  On Austria One.  It starts at eleven.  Austria One has very good music.  Normally classic.  Today's concert is from London.  I'm going to enjoy it. 

+ + + + + + + +

The Bartons will be back on Friday the 13th of February

+ + + + + + + + + +

Talk Fritzi Number 35

Listen and repeat

Ein milder Tag.  A mild day.

Ein schöner Spaziergang?  A nice walk?

Wohin?  Where to?

Zum Gasthaus. The Gasthaus. 

Eine gute Idee.  A good idea.

Wie weit ist es?  How far?

Nur 3 Kilometer.  Only 3 kilometre.

Das ist in Ordnung. That's fine.

Ein leichter Spaziergang. An easy walk.

Durch den Wald.  Through the forest.

Lass uns gehen. Let's go?

A mild day. A nice walk?  Where to?  The Gasthaus.  A good idea.  How far?  Only 3 kilometres.  That's fine.  An easy walk. Through the forest.  Let's go. 

+ + + + +  +

My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 

Talk Clemelee is my YouTube channel. 

German and English. Articles of general interest, 

short stories, interviews, Easy English 

 to help with your learning, and

much more as well.

 

>Bitte klicken Sie hier<
>Please click here<

Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES. 

Talk Clemelee  ist mein YouTube-Kanal. 

Deutsch und Englisch. Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 

Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, leicht verständliches Beiträge 

das Ihnen beim Lernen hilft, und vieles mehr.