Tap or hover on a highlighted phrase to see the translation.
1. Starting a conversation
Use it when you meet someone or see them again.
How's it going? What have you been up to? Long time no see! Nice to finally meet you.
Klaus: Hi Vadim! Nice to finally meet you.
Vadim: Nice to meet you too! Anna talks about you a lot.
Klaus: All good things, I hope! How's it going?
Vadim: Great, thanks! A bit tiring, but great.
Klaus: What have you been up to?
Vadim: Mostly work. Yesterday we walked around the city.
YOUR TURNA friend you haven't seen for a year walks in. Start the conversation.
2. Reacting to news
Use it to show you are listening. Short reactions sound very natural.
Really? No way! That sounds great! That's too bad. I know, right? Fair enough.
Klaus: So, what do you do, Vadim?
Vadim: I run a few construction businesses, and I'm starting a new startup.
Klaus: No way! That sounds great!
Vadim: Thanks! It's a lot of work, though. Last month, I lost a big deal.
Klaus: That's too bad. My brother has a company too. He never sleeps!
Vadim: I know, right? Business is hard.
YOUR TURNYour partner says: "I got a new job!" Then: "But I have to work on Saturdays." React to both.
3. Buying time to think
Use it when you need a second before you answer.
Let me think... Well, let's see... That's a good question. How can I put it? What I mean is...
Klaus: Why did you start a new business? You already have three!
Vadim: That's a good question. Let me think...
Vadim: How can I put it? I get bored easily.
Vadim: What I mean is... I love new challenges.
Klaus: Fair enough!
YOUR TURN"Where do you see yourself in five years?" Use two thinking phrases before you answer.
4. When you don't understand
Use it when somebody speaks too fast or uses a word you don't know. It's normal and polite.
Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you say that again, please? Could you speak a bit slower? What do you mean? What does ... mean?
Oma: Would you like some more cake, Vadim? It's my own recipe.
Vadim: Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you say that again, please?
Oma: More cake? It's my own recipe!
Vadim: Oh, yes, please! It's delicious. What does "Streuselkuchen" mean?
Oma: It's a cake with small sweet pieces on top.
YOUR TURNI will say a long sentence very fast. React with two phrases from this section.
5. Keeping the conversation going
Use it to ask more questions, so the conversation doesn't stop.
How come? What about you? Tell me more. That's interesting. And then what happened?
Klaus: I'm learning to play the guitar.
Vadim: That's interesting. How come?
Klaus: My wife gave me one for my birthday. I played badly for a month!
Vadim: Ha! And then what happened?
Klaus: My neighbours were not happy. What about you? Any hobbies?
Vadim: Lots! They change every month. Tell me more about your band!
YOUR TURNI say: "I just came back from Spain." Ask me at least three follow-up questions.
6. Ending a conversation
Use it to finish politely and leave a good impression.
I'd better get going. It was great talking to you. Let's keep in touch. Talk to you soon. Have a good one!
Vadim: Oh, it's already nine. I'd better get going.
Klaus: Already? It was great talking to you, Vadim!
Vadim: You too! Let's keep in touch. I'll send you my number.
Klaus: Perfect. Talk to you soon!
Vadim: Have a good one!
YOUR TURNYou are at a party, and you want to leave. End the conversation in three sentences.