Year 8 - German
An exchange: present 'haben' and 'sein', 'Sie' (formal) vs 'du'
An exchange: present tense, 'haben' and 'sein', formal 'Sie' vs 'du', cases
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores the use of the formal 'Sie' (you) vs the informal 'du'. It equips pupils with the knowledge to structure richer sentences, using infinitive clauses with 'zu', and how to apply their previous knowledge of question forms, gender and cases to add new words to their vocabulary.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use the informal 'du' and formal 'Sie' correctly when talking to friends or adults on an exchange trip.
Key Notes
- Long and short [u] and [ü] need practice and clarity as the umlaut is often added to form plural nouns.
- Certain expressions which use 'haben' (to have) translate differently in English, e.g., 'Ich habe Hunger' - I am hungry.
- Use 'du' (you, sing.) for a friend, family member or person you know well, and 'Sie' for adults you address by surname.
- Verbs with 'Sie' (you, formal) are the same as the infinitive (dictionary) form.
- 'Sie' (you, formal) is written with a capital letter.
Vocabulary To Learn
- [u]: pronounced long as in 'du' or short as in 'Punkt'
- [ü]: pronounced long as in 'Tür' or short as in 'fünf'
- haben: irregular verb meaning 'to have, having'
- sein: irregular verb meaning 'to be, being'
- Sie: formal word for 'you' used for adults we address by surname
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- We always use 'du' to mean 'you' in German.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain what you can now say or understand in this lesson.
Long and short [u] and [ü] need practice and clarity as the umlaut is often added to form plural nouns. Certain expressions which use 'haben' (to have) translate differently in English, e.g., 'Ich habe Hunger' - I am hungry.
2. Define this key language word and use it in context. '[u]'
pronounced long as in 'du' or short as in 'Punkt'. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.
3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.
Mistake: We always use 'du' to mean 'you' in German. Correction: 'Du' is informal 'you'. You should use 'Sie' (formal 'you') when speaking with adults that you address by surname. Use 'du' with friends, family, other people you know very well and other children.
More Lessons In This Unit
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