Year 9 - German
Discussion: opinion verbs, word order with 'dass', 'doch'
The environment: verbs of opinion
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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 extends pupils' knowledge of verbs and prepositions by introducing wo- and da- compounds wo/darauf, wo/dafür, wo/damit, wo/davor and wo/darüber. Conversational particles (doch, echt, natürlich) are introduced to facilitate a discussion on environmental issues.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to take part in a discussion, expressing opinions, using correct word order with 'dass', using 'doch' appropriately and applying word patterns.
Key Notes
- The German sound [qu] is pronounced as in 'bequem'. It sounds like [k] and [w] together.
- Add the prefix un- to an adjective to make it negative, e.g., 'unmöglich' - 'impossible'.
- The verbs 'denken', 'glauben' and 'meinen' and the phrase 'meiner Meinung nach' can all be used to introduce opinions.
- Use the conjunction 'dass' with word order 3, sending the verb to the end of the clause.
- The conversational word 'doch' is used to express disagreement with a negative or for emphasis.
Vocabulary To Learn
- dass: conjunction meaning 'that', followed by word order three
- word order three (WO3): after certain conjunctions, the verb is sent to the end of the sentence or clause
- prefix: a letter or group of letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning or how it is used
- doch: word used for disagreement with a negative or for emphasis, useful in discussion
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All opinions phrases can be followed by 'dass' and word order 3 (subordination).
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain what you can now say or understand in this lesson.
The German sound [qu] is pronounced as in 'bequem'. It sounds like [k] and [w] together. Add the prefix un- to an adjective to make it negative, e.g., 'unmöglich' - 'impossible'.
2. Define this key language word and use it in context. 'dass'
conjunction meaning 'that', followed by word order three. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.
3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.
Mistake: All opinions phrases can be followed by 'dass' and word order 3 (subordination). Correction: Whilst many opinion verbs, including 'meinen', 'glauben' and 'denken' are usually followed by 'dass' and word order 3, this is not always the case. 'Meiner Meinung nach' must be followed by word order 2 (inversion).
More Lessons In This Unit
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