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.
