Day 43: Fix the Gears While We Talk
In a bike shop in Innsbruck, Lennart (A), a young bike mechanic from Germany, is in the middle of a job interview with the owner, Franz Hofer (B).
How to study this lesson 3 steps
- Read the situation under the title. It says who is talking and how they know each other, which decides how politely they speak.
- Read the dialogue line by line with its translation, until every line makes sense. Point at (or tap) a German word to see what it means.
- Spend at least 30 minutes listening to native German, for example from the Resources page. It doesn't matter if you don't understand it yet.
Dialogue
Audio recordings are on the way. For now, each lesson is the dialogue with its English translation.
Keys: E hide English · ← → previous / next day · point at a word to see its meaning
-
A
Eine Lehre habe ich zwar nicht, aber ich habe das Handwerk gelernt, indem ich jahrelang Räder für Freunde repariert habe.
I haven't done an apprenticeship, admittedly, but I learned the trade by repairing bikes for friends for years.
-
B
Das sagen viele. Hier, bei diesem Rad springt ständig die Kette: Reparieren Sie das, während wir weiterreden.
Lots of people say that. Here, the chain on this bike keeps jumping: fix it while we carry on talking.
-
A
Das Schaltauge ist verbogen, das sieht man mit bloßem Auge. Das richte ich zuerst, dann stelle ich die Schaltung neu ein.
The derailleur hanger's bent, you can see that with the naked eye. I'll straighten it first, then readjust the gears.
-
B
Und warum sollten ausgerechnet Sie für die Stelle in Frage kommen? Bewerber aus Deutschland habe ich heuer schon drei gehabt.
And why should you, of all people, be considered for the job? I've already had three applicants from Germany this year.
-
A
Aber vermutlich hat keiner davon Ihre Schaltung repariert. So, jetzt noch eine Vierteldrehung an der Einstellschraube, und fertig.
But I doubt any of them fixed your gears. Right, now just a quarter turn on the barrel adjuster, and done.
-
B
Läuft wie geschmiert. Ab wann könnten Sie uns denn zur Verfügung stehen?
Runs like clockwork. So when would you be available to start?
-
A
Ab sofort, wenn Sie wollen. Aber verraten Sie mir: Wer hat das Schaltauge so verbogen?
Right away, if you like. But tell me: who bent the hanger like that?
-
B
Das war ich, am Sonntag auf dem Trail am Patscherkofel. Aber das bleibt bitte unter uns.
That was me, on the Patscherkofel trail on Sunday. But please keep that between us.
Your progress is saved in this browser only, with no sign-up. The course page and the menu show where you left off. Well done! Next up: Day 44: Grandad Moving In Downstairs
If this free course has helped you in your German journey, please consider supporting the project. It's a one-person effort, and even small contributions help keep it running and free for everyone.