At the library
In der Bibliothek
- Talk about a book, fairy tale, or poem you have read.
- Ask for a book or author in the library.
At the library introduces useful German vocabulary and expressions for discussing books, authors, and borrowing. Key words include "ausleihen" (to borrow), "Autor" (author), and "Roman" (novel). Practice talking about favorite genres and sharing opinions on literature.
Vocabulary (15) Share Copied!
Exercises Share Copied!
These exercises can be done together during conversation lessons or as homework.
Übung 1: Conversation exercise
Anleitung:
- You are looking for a book and ask the secretary where to find it. (You are looking for a book and ask the secretary where to find it. )
- Describe a book you recently read and liked; (Describe a book you recently read and liked;)
Teaching guidelines +/- 10 minutes
Example phrases:
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Hallo! Ich suche nach diesem Buch, das "Der große Gatsby" heißt, aber ich kann es nicht finden. Könnten Sie mir helfen? Hello! I am looking for this book that is called "The Great Gatsby" but I can not find it. Could you help me? |
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Exercise 2: Dialogue Cards
Instruction: Select a situation and practice the conversation with your teacher or fellow students.
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct solution
1. Ich _______ mich sehr für klassische Romane.
(I _______ am very interested in classic novels.)2. Magst du Krimis? Ich _______ mich auch dafür.
(Do you like crime novels? I _______ am interested in them too.)3. Kann ich den Roman heute _______?
(Can I borrow the novel today _______?)4. Ich _______ gestern einen spannenden Krimi _______.
(I _______ an exciting crime novel _______ yesterday.)Exercise 4: In the Library
Instruction:
Verb Tables
Sich interessieren - to be interested
Präsens
- ich interessiere mich
- du interessierst dich
- er/sie/es interessiert sich
- wir interessieren uns
- ihr interessiert euch
- sie/Sie interessieren sich
Sich interessieren - to be interested
Präteritum
- ich interessierte mich
- du interessiertest dich
- er/sie/es interessierte sich
- wir interessierten uns
- ihr interessiertet euch
- sie/Sie interessierten sich
Ausleihen - to borrow
Präsens
- ich leihe aus
- du leihst aus
- er/sie/es leiht aus
- wir leihen aus
- ihr leiht aus
- sie/Sie leihen aus
Ausleihen - to borrow
Perfekt
- ich habe ausgeliehen
- du hast ausgeliehen
- er/sie/es hat ausgeliehen
- wir haben ausgeliehen
- ihr habt ausgeliehen
- sie/Sie haben ausgeliehen
Grammar Share Copied!
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Verb conjugation tables for this lesson Share Copied!
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Lesson Overview: At the Library
This lesson focuses on practical conversations and vocabulary related to visiting a library, discussing books, and talking about authors and literary preferences. It is designed for A2-level learners, helping you build confidence in everyday interactions around books and reading.
Key Topics Covered
- Searching for Books: Learn how to ask for specific books, inquire about authors, and discuss availability for borrowing.
- Discussing Books You Have Read: Practice expressing opinions about novels and poems, and share what you liked about them.
- Talking about Fairy Tales and Authors: Engage in conversations about well-known fairy tales and favorite authors, including questions and descriptions.
Important Vocabulary and Expressions
- Das Buch ausleihen – to borrow a book
- Sich für etwas interessieren – to be interested in something
- Autor / Autorin – author
- Ein Märchenbuch – a book of fairy tales
- Der Lieblingsautor – favorite author
- Common verbs: ausleihen, interessieren, empfehlen
Language Focus: Verb Usage and Conjugations
The lesson highlights verb forms related to library activities and personal interests. For example, the verb sich interessieren (to be interested) is used in different tenses:
- Present: ich interessiere mich, du interessierst dich
- Simple past: ich interessierte mich
The verb ausleihen (to borrow) is shown both in present and perfect tenses, important for describing actions in conversations:
- Present: ich leihe aus, du leihst aus
- Perfect: ich habe ausgeliehen, du hast ausgeliehen
Phrase Examples to Remember
- "Entschuldigung, haben Sie das Buch ‚Der kleine Prinz‘?" – Excuse me, do you have the book "The Little Prince"?
- "Kann ich das Buch ausleihen?" – Can I borrow the book?
- "Ich interessiere mich sehr für klassische Romane." – I am very interested in classic novels.
- "Ich habe gerade ‚Effi Briest‘ gelesen." – I just read "Effi Briest."
Useful Notes on Language Differences
In German, the reflexive verb sich interessieren requires the appropriate reflexive pronoun matching the subject, which differs from English where "to be interested" does not require reflexive form. For example, "Ich interessiere mich" translates to "I am interested." Additionally, modal verbs and separable prefix verbs like ausleihen (to borrow) need attention to word order in sentences, especially in perfect tense constructions, which might differ from English sentence structure.
Some handy vocabulary with approximate English equivalents to note:
- Die Brüder Grimm – The Brothers Grimm
- Ein Roman – a novel
- Gedicht – poem
- Ausleihen – to borrow (sometimes to rent out)
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