Someone tells you what to do
reports advice or an instruction from someone else: . expresses a necessity; can tell you what another person recommends or expects. The strength depends on context — it is not automatically a gentle suggestion.
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
Use the familiar modal frame
The modal changes for the subject. The main activity is an infinitive at the end: . A negative instruction uses or as appropriate: , .
Ask what the other person wants
asks what you are expected to say. checks an instruction. You can report someone’s words as direct sentences without needing a new subordinate-clause rule: .
Practice 1/5 · Finding words
Notice the useful forms
Tap the marked grammar forms.
.
I am supposed to come at four.
.
You should stay in bed today.
?
What should we do?
Practice 2/5 · The right form
Follow or check an instruction
Choose the right word for the gap.
Ich anrufen.
I should call.
Du warten.
You should wait.
Lotte kommen.
Lotte should come.
Wir helfen.
We should help.
Ihr hier bleiben.
You should stay here (several people).
Sie heute kommen?
Are you supposed to come today (polite)?
Practice 3/5 · Fill the gaps
Complete the conversation
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
Ich anrufen. Du warten.
I should call. You should wait.
Lotte kommen. Wir helfen.
Lotte should come. We should help.
Ihr hier bleiben. Sie im Büro warten.
You should stay here (several people). You should wait at the office (polite).
Was ich sagen?
What should I say?
Practice 4/5 · Building sentences
Put the message together
Put the words in order.
You should not work today (polite).
Should I call tomorrow?
We are supposed to come at four.
Practice 5/5 · In situations
Respond to the situation
Choose the right words for the situation.
The receptionist asks you to check with Hilde. You ask what message to pass on.
You say:
Sollen checks the expected message.
The receptionist asks you to check with Hilde. You ask what message to pass on.
You say:
Sollen checks the expected message.
Hilde tells you the appointment is today at four. You check you understood.
You say:
You confirm the instruction and its time.
Hilde tells you the appointment is today at four. You check you understood.
You say:
You confirm the instruction and its time.

Unit complete
