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.

 

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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?