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The German Adjective fit

The German adjective "fit" is a relatively recent loanword from English. However, whereas this word can mean both “suitable” and “in good physical condition" in English, only the second definition is applicable in German. 

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The German adjective fit is used not only to describe physical fitness, but also relates to mental health, energy, and absence of illness. Here are some examples with both of these connotations:

 

So, ja, das ist ein Trainings-Trial für mich, um in der deutschen Meisterschaft wieder richtig fit zu sein.

So, yes, this is a training trial for me, to be really back in shape for the German championship.

Captions 39-40, Trial-Meisterschaft: in Bensheim

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Hey, ich bin Erik und ich mache euch jetzt fit!

Hey, I'm Erik and now, I'm going to get you into shape!

Caption 1, Workout mit Erik: Übungen für Arme, Beine, Po, Rücken

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Topfit und ohne Sorgen.

Fit as a fiddle and without worries.

Caption 2, Deine Freunde: Du bist aber groß geworden

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Ich gehe früh ins Bett, damit ich morgen fit bin.

I'm going to bed early so that I'll be in good condition tomorrow.

Caption 23, Deutsch mit Eylin: Konjunktionen

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Werde auch du zum Helden! Bleibe zuhause und halte dich fit.

Become a hero too! Stay at home and stay healthy.

Caption 36, Die Corona-Krise: Zusammen bewegen gegen Corona

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If you're wondering how to say that something is suitable—as in "The film is suitable for children" or "A meal fit for a king"—there are two adjectives that work well. In last week's lesson, we looked at the verb passen, which is related to the adjective passend.

 

Ich sollte sicherstellen, dass ich etwas Passendes für das Geschäftsumfeld finde.

I should make sure that I find something fitting for the business environment.

Captions 72-73, Berufsleben: das Vorstellungsgespräch

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And then there is also geeignet, which is derived from the verb sich eignen. This has the meaning of not only being compatible, but also qualified and appropriate. 

 

Kartoffeln, Würstchen, Sauerkraut und Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte sind natürlich die deutschen Klassiker, aber sicher nicht für jeden Tag geeignet.

Potatoes, sausages, sauerkraut, and Black Forest cake are of course the German classics, but certainly not suitable for every day.

Captions 16-18, Deutsch mit Eylin: Rund ums Kochen

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Further Learning
You'll find more examples of these adjectives on Yabla German.

Nouns Ending in -fall

Quite often, nouns that end in -fall are closely connected with the related verb ending in fallen. But as we know from last week's lesson, many of those verbs have little to do with physically falling—and the same goes for their respective nouns. What might help is knowing that the noun der Fall itself can be translated not only as "the fall," but as "the case," "the situation," "the instance," or "the circumstances."

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Just last week, Eylin released a video about what to do when there is an emergency, or ein Notfall

 

Im Notfall zählt bekanntlich jede Minute.

In an accident, it is well-known that every minute counts.

Caption 15, Sicherheit im Straßenverkehr: Versicherer entwickeln automatischen Notruf für alle Autos

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The noun der Unfall is very important to know in this context, as it means "the accident." The noun der Vorfall means "the incident," and may also be relevant. 

 

Die Straße ist gesperrt, weil ein Unfall passiert ist.

The road is closed because an accident has occurred.

Caption 5, Deutsch mit Eylin: Konjunktionen

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Erich Gomolka wird rund eine halbe Stunde nach dem Vorfall in eine Klinik gebracht.

About half an hour after the incident, Erich Gomolka is brought to a clinic.

Captions 65-66, Lebensretter: Lotta und Oskar retten ihren Opa

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Here you can see that many nouns refer to a specific type of occurrence or event, but not all!

 

 

Erste Untersuchungen ergaben, dass der Ausfall des U-Boots auf eine Implosion zurückzuführen war.

Initial investigations revealed that the failure of the submarine was due to an implosion.

Captions 48-49, Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten: Der deutsch-französische Freundschaftspass

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In Deutschland wird, wie in vielen anderen Ländern auch, als Teil der Recyclingpolitik der Abfall getrennt.

In Germany, like in many other countries, waste is separated as part of the recycling policy.

Captions 3-4, Eva erklärt Mülltrennung

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Das soll der Regelfall sein.

That should be the norm.

Caption 25, Umweltbewusstes Wohnen: Zu Besuch in einem Wiener Passivhaus

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Doch welche Versicherung zahlt im Schadensfall?

But which insurance pays the damages?

Caption 19, Kfz-Diebstahl: Kriminelle klauen weniger, aber teurere Autos

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Das ist doch toll, dass aus Zufall so was entstehen kann! -Absolut, ja.

It's great that something like that can happen by chance! -Absolutely, yes.

Caption 54, Deutsch mit Paula: In der Physiotherapie-Praxis

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Further Learning
In addition to finding words on Yabla German, you can look up two more nouns: der Rückfall and der Überfall. 

Concerts and Music Festivals

Festival season is upon us, and in Germany there are many music festivals happening both in the big cities and more remote locations. In addition, many musical artists are on tour, filling stadiums and smaller venues alike.

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Due to the international nature of the topic, a lot of the vocabulary in this lesson is adopted from or similar to English, but not all! And even when a word derived from English is used, you still need to know the appropriate gender in German. 

 

Mit seiner Konzertagentur erhielt er den LEA in gleich drei Kategorien: für die beste Stadion-Tour des Jahres, das beste Festival und die beste Show.

With his concert agency he received the LEA in as many as three categories: for the best stadium tour of the year, the best festival, and the best show.

Captions 54-55, Live-Entertainment-Award: Glamouröse Preisverleihung

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Das Konzert war großartig, denn die Band war fantastisch.

The concert was great because the band was fantastic.

Caption 14, Deutsch mit Eylin: Konjunktionen

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Der letzte Auftritt der Band war im Februar auf einer Hochzeit.

The band's last gig was at a wedding in February.

Caption 11, Coronavirus: Drei Musiker geben Ballonkonzert über Cloppenburg

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Vor kurzem hatten wir ein kurzes, aber knackiges Revival, haben gespielt bei einem Open Air.

Recently, we had a short but sweet revival, played at an open air festival.

Caption 21, Deutsche Bands: Cabanossi

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The more formal word for "the ticket" is die Eintrittskarte, but it's very normal to use the English word, which is neuter: das Ticket

 

Ich denke, die Tickets sind ausverkauft.

I think the tickets are sold out.

Caption 9, Nicos Weg: Theater und Konzerte

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Festivals generally have a number of stages, each with their own lineup.

 

Bist du lieber auf der Bühne oder vor der Kamera?

Do you prefer to be on stage or in front of the camera?

Caption 86, 1Live: Nina Chuba im 1LIVE Fragenhagel

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Ja, wir haben in diesem Sommer ein erstklassiges Programm in der Musik-Arena .

Yes, this summer we have a first-class lineup in the music arena.

Caption 7, Das Tollwood-Festival: BAP und Clueso in der Musik-Arena

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Certain festivals may involve camping, and in Germany this can mean dealing with rain and mud. But not always, of course!

 

Was auf diesem Campingplatz wohl schon für Freundschaften entstanden sind?

What kinds of friendships might have started at this campground?

Caption 40, Golden Oldies in Wettenberg Musik, Motoren Modetrends

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Peppa springt auch gerne durch den Matsch.

Peppa also likes to jump through the mud.

Caption 54, Peppa Wutz: Einkaufen und mehr

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Further Learning
Have a look at our "Musicians" category on Yabla German, or check out the websites of music festivals in Germany.