Alphabet and spelling
Alphabet und Buchstabieren
Ask for and give spelling, names, email addresses, and telephone numbers clearly.
First review the German letter names in the preceding lesson. To buchstabieren, say the name of each written letter instead of pronouncing the whole word. Example: Weber → W – E – B – E – R. Say both occurrences of E. If you did not hear a name clearly, ask: Buchstabieren Sie bitte. Repeat the letters back to check your spelling. Approximate pronunciation of the letter names: veh – eh – beh – eh – air.
Wie schreibt man das?
How do you spell that?
Buchstabieren Sie bitte.
Please spell it.
Mein Nachname ist Weber.
My surname is Weber.
M wie München.
M as in München.
Entschuldigung, noch einmal bitte.
Sorry, once again, please.
Das schreibt man mit „ie“.
It is spelled with “ie”.
Wie ist Ihre E-Mail-Adresse?
What is your email address?
Meine Telefonnummer ist 0208 123456.
My telephone number is 0208 123456.
First review the German letter names in the preceding lesson. To buchstabieren, say the name of each written letter instead of pronouncing the whole word. Example: Weber → W – E – B – E – R. Say both occurrences of E. If you did not hear a name clearly, ask: Buchstabieren Sie bitte. Repeat the letters back to check your spelling. Approximate pronunciation of the letter names: veh – eh – beh – eh – air.
You may need this language on the phone, at reception, when registering, or when an unfamiliar name is unclear.
Do not assume that a name was understood. Ask for spelling and repeat important contact details.
Ask, spell, confirm: Wie schreibt man das? — M wie München. — Richtig?
Choose a short name written in Latin letters. Write its letters separately with dashes, then say each German letter name. Check repeated letters against the table in the preceding lesson.