Following and explaining a sequence
Zuerst schneiden wir das Gemüse.
Follow a short fictional recipe in order and identify which actions happen one after another or at the same time.
Sequence words make instructions easier to follow: zuerst, dann, danach and zum Schluss. They normally take the first position in a main clause, followed by the conjugated verb: Danach geben wir das Gemüse dazu. Read the instruction completely before starting. Während can show actions happening at the same time: Während die Suppe kocht, decken wir den Tisch. Its clause has the conjugated verb at the end. A period of time with zehn Minuten is different from a clock time such as um zehn Uhr. A simple recipe can use Sie-imperatives, such as Schneiden Sie das Gemüse, or wir-sentences; keep the chosen form consistent.
Zuerst schneiden wir das Gemüse.
First we cut the vegetables.
Danach geben wir es in den Topf.
Then we put them into the pot.
Die Suppe kocht zehn Minuten.
The soup cooks for ten minutes.
Während die Suppe kocht, decken wir den Tisch.
While the soup cooks, we set the table.
Zum Schluss probieren wir die Suppe.
Finally we taste the soup.
Können Sie den zweiten Schritt wiederholen?
Could you repeat the second step?
Sequence words make instructions easier to follow: zuerst, dann, danach and zum Schluss. They normally take the first position in a main clause, followed by the conjugated verb: Danach geben wir das Gemüse dazu. Read the instruction completely before starting. Während can show actions happening at the same time: Während die Suppe kocht, decken wir den Tisch. Its clause has the conjugated verb at the end. A period of time with zehn Minuten is different from a clock time such as um zehn Uhr. A simple recipe can use Sie-imperatives, such as Schneiden Sie das Gemüse, or wir-sentences; keep the chosen form consistent.
Follow a short fictional recipe in order and identify which actions happen one after another or at the same time.
After Danach at the start of a main clause, put the verb before the subject: Danach geben wir …, not Danach wir geben … . Also keep the stated sequence of steps.
Zuerst/Danach + verb + subject. Während + subject + … + verb expresses simultaneous actions. Duration ≠ clock time.
Describe a familiar simple task in five steps, using zuerst, danach and zum Schluss. Add one sentence with während for two compatible simultaneous actions.