Written and spoken communication
Putting it together: a paragraph and a new situation
A successful basic message answers its actual questions in a sensible order. Start with your purpose, add the key facts, ask or propose the next step, and close. Choose the recipient before selecting du/Sie. Check the finite verb in each clause, articles for important nouns, and whether a modal/prefix/participle was left unfinished.
- Example
- Hallo Lea, ich kann am Freitag leider nicht kommen. Ich muss bis sechs Uhr arbeiten. Hast du am Samstag Zeit? Wir können zusammen kochen. Bitte bring ein Brot mit. Liebe Grüße, Arun
- English
- Hi Lea, unfortunately I cannot come on Friday. I have to work until six. Do you have time on Saturday? We can cook together. Please bring a loaf of bread. Best wishes, Arun.
- Hinglish
- Hello Lea, afsos main Friday ko nahin aa sakta. Mujhe chhe baje tak kaam karna hai. Kya Saturday ko tumhaare paas waqt hai? Hum saath khaana bana sakte hain. Please ek bread loaf saath laana. Best wishes, Arun.
Worked example
Ich kann am Freitag nicht kommen. Passt dir Samstag?
Hinglish: Main Friday ko nahin aa sakta. Kya Saturday tumhaare liye theek hai?
A short message can complete a useful purpose without ornate language.