MeHappy families

It's important to express yourself clearly and in detail when you write in German. Find out how to give information about yourself and your family members, including why you get on with them.

Part ofGermanWriting

Happy families

Verstehst du dich gut mit deiner Familie? – Do you get on well with your family?

To say how well you do or don't get on with family or friends, you can use these expressions:

  • Ich verstehe mich gut mit meinem Vater, weil... – I get on well with my father because...
  • Ich verstehe mich gut mit meiner Mutter, weil... – I get on well with my mother because...
  • Wir verstehen uns gut, weil... – We get on well because...
  • Wir verstehen uns nicht gut, weil... – We don't get on well because...
  • Ich komme gut mit meinem Bruder aus, weil... – I get on well with my brother because...
  • Ich komme gut mit meiner Schwester aus, weil... – I get on well with my sister because...
  • Wir streiten uns. Sie nimmt meine Sachen. – We argue. She takes my things.

Here are some reasons to say whether or not you get on with people:

  • er hat Zeit für mich – he has time for me
  • er hilft mir mit den Hausaufgaben – he helps me with my homework
  • er ist nervig – he is annoying
  • sie kann gut zuhören – she is a good listener
  • sie ist immer gut gelaunt – she is always cheerful/good humoured
  • sie nimmt immer meine Sachen – she always takes my things
  • wir haben dieselben Interessen – we have the same interests
  • wir streiten uns oft – we often argue

Question

How would you write these sentences to explain how well you get on with your family and why?

  • I get on well with my mother because she is a good listener.
  • We get on well because we have the same interests.
  • I don't get on well with my brother because he always takes my things.
  • I get on well with my father because he helps me with my homework.
  • I get on well with my sister because she has time for me.

Did you know?

In the early 19th century, a new card game called Skat was invented in Germany. The game continues to be played in many homes to this day and is the most popular card game in Germany.

The Germans are enthusiastic players, and as well as playing with their families and friends, they may belong to a Skat club – ein Skat Verein – or take part in competitions and tournaments.

Skat is a card game for three players, and involves scoring points by bidding and taking tricks. The names for the different suits are Herz (hearts), Karo (diamonds), Kreuz (clubs) and Pik (spades).

Teens playing a card game at a cottage
Image caption,
The game of 'Skat' is popular with people of all ages in Germany

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