Explaining, Discussing, and Counter-Suggesting Issues in German

German is a complex language, and for those learning it at a B1 level, it can be challenging to know how to explain situations (Sachverhalte), discuss them, and make counter-suggestions. However, with a few simple tips and some practice, you can become confident in your ability to do so.

To begin, let’s look at how to explain situations (Sachverhalte) in German. This involves giving an account of what happened, why it happened, and what the consequences were. For example, if you want to explain why you missed a meeting, you could say: “Ich habe das Meeting verpasst, weil mein Zug Verspätung hatte.” (I missed the meeting because my train was delayed.)

Next, let’s consider how to discuss issues in German. This involves exchanging views and opinions on a subject, and reaching a conclusion or agreement. For example, if you want to discuss a new policy at work, you could say: “Ich denke, dass diese neue Regelung gut ist, weil sie mehr Flexibilität ermöglicht.” (I think that this new policy is good because it allows for more flexibility.)

Finally, let’s look at how to make counter-suggestions in German. This involves offering an alternative solution or proposal to a problem. For example, if you disagree with a proposed plan, you could say: “Ich schlage vor, dass wir stattdessen einen anderen Weg ausprobieren, weil er weniger Risiken hat.” (I suggest that we try a different approach instead, because it carries fewer risks.)

German Email Exchange (B1 Level) – Explaining, Discussing, and Counter-Suggesting Issues

Subject: Feedback zur letzten Besprechung

Email 1 – von Maria

Liebe Kollegen,

ich möchte mich kurz zur letzten Besprechung zu Wort melden. Ich denke, dass wir einige wichtige Sachverhalte nicht ausreichend begründet haben. Deshalb schlage ich vor, dass wir eine weitere Besprechung abhalten, um alles genauer zu besprechen und eventuelle Gegenvorschläge zu machen.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Maria

Email 1 – Translation:

Dear colleagues,

I’d like to briefly address the last meeting. I think that we didn’t explain some important situations adequately. Therefore, I suggest that we have another meeting to discuss everything in more detail and make any counter-suggestions.

Best regards,
Maria

Email 2 – von Max

Liebe Maria,

vielen Dank für Deine E-Mail. Ich denke, dass Du recht hast. Eine weitere Besprechung kann hilfreich sein, um alle Sachverhalte besser zu diskutieren. Wir sollten auch die Möglichkeit haben, Gegenvorschläge zu machen. Wann schlagst Du vor, die nächste Besprechung abzuhalten?

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Max

Email 2 – Translation:

Dear Maria,

Thank you for your email. I agree with you. Another meeting can be helpful in discussing all the situations better. We should also have the opportunity to make counter-suggestions. When do you suggest holding the next meeting?

Best regards,
Max

Email 3 – von Maria

Liber Max,

vielen Dank für Deine schnelle Antwort. Wie wäre es mit nächster Woche Dienstag um 10 Uhr? Dann haben wir genug Zeit, alles ausführlich zu besprechen.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Maria

Email 3 – Translation:

Dear Max,

Thank you for your quick reply. How about next Tuesday at 10 AM? Then we’ll have enough time to discuss everything in detail.

Best regards,
Maria

In this email exchange, Maria explains the situation by saying that some important situations were not explained adequately in the last meeting. She suggests holding another meeting to discuss everything in more detail and make any counter-suggestions. Max agrees with her suggestion and asks when the next meeting should be held. Maria proposes a time and the email exchange ends with both parties in agreement. This exchange demonstrates how to effectively explain situations, discuss issues, and make counter-suggestions in German at a B1 level.

Explaining situations (Sachverhalte), discussing issues, and making counter-suggestions are all important skills for those learning German at a B1 level. By using clear and concise language, and offering examples to illustrate your point, you can effectively communicate your ideas and reach agreement with others.