Wenn du ein Wort vergessen hast | Wortschatz B1 B2 C1 C2 | Deutsch mit Marija

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the common occurrence of 'polyglot's block', where people struggle to recall words across the languages they know. The speaker offers strategies for buying time when faced with complex questions and provides tips on how to rephrase or describe unfamiliar words or concepts in conversation. They emphasize the importance of using informal phrases like 'I can't quite put my finger on it' or 'remind me of the name' to engage the conversation partner in helping to recall the word, making the interaction more comfortable and less awkward.

Takeaways

• 😅 The speaker discusses the common issue of 'polyglot's block' where people mix up languages they are proficient in and how it's a 'luxury problem' to enjoy.
• 🕒 The first theme in the speaker's courses is about gaining time when faced with a complex question that requires thought, even in one's native language, and especially in a foreign language.
• 💬 The goal of the sentences discussed is to avoid being stuck in a state of shock when unable to answer a question immediately and to buy time for thinking.
• 🤔 Some phrases are suggested to use when needing more time to think, such as 'I haven't really thought about that yet', which can be used to politely delay an answer.
• 🔄 The script talks about the frequent occurrence of not being able to name something spontaneously and the need to describe it using other words, a common experience regardless of the language being used.
• 🚫 The speaker advises against feeling guilty about not knowing a word in a foreign language and emphasizes that it's normal and should not be a source of discomfort.
• 🎭 It's suggested to use gestures, mime, and facial expressions to help explain what you mean when you can't remember a word, making communication more pleasant for the interlocutor.
• 🗣️ Phrases like 'How do you call it again?' or 'Do you know what I mean?' are used to seek help from the conversation partner in identifying the forgotten word or name.
• 🔍 The speaker mentions using phrases like 'It reminds me of something' or 'It's similar to something' when trying to describe an object or concept that can't be named directly.
• 🤔 The phrase 'The word is on the tip of my tongue' is used to express that the speaker knows the word but can't recall it at the moment, and it's a common expression in everyday language.
• 🤝 The speaker encourages a back-and-forth dynamic in the conversation, such as asking 'Do you know what I mean?', which not only buys time but also engages the conversation partner in helping to identify the forgotten word or concept.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is how to handle situations when someone forgets a word or doesn't know a word in a conversation, particularly in the context of polyglotism and the challenges it brings.

What is the term 'polyglotprem' mentioned in the script and what does it refer to?

The term 'polyglotprem' refers to the phenomenon where the more languages a person knows, the more they tend to mix up words from those languages, especially when trying to recall a specific term.

What are the two central themes introduced in the B2 speaking course mentioned in the script?

The two central themes introduced in the B2 speaking course are: 1) How to gain time when faced with a complex question that one cannot immediately answer, and 2) How to rephrase or describe something when one cannot recall the exact word for it.

Why is it important to avoid falling into a state of shock when one cannot immediately answer a question?

It is important to avoid falling into a state of shock because it can disrupt the flow of conversation and make the speaker appear unprepared or less confident. Using certain phrases can help in gaining time to think and formulate a response.

What is the purpose of using phrases like 'I haven't really thought about it' in a conversation?

The purpose of using such phrases is to buy time to think and to avoid an awkward silence or a conversational breakdown, while also signaling to the listener that the speaker is in the process of formulating a thoughtful response.

Why is it normal to need to rephrase or describe things when one cannot recall a specific word?

It is normal because even native speakers sometimes forget words or encounter new concepts for which they do not know the term. Rephrasing or describing helps communicate the intended meaning to the listener effectively.

What is the advice given in the script for dealing with the feeling of guilt when one cannot recall a word in a foreign language?

The advice given is to dismiss the feeling of guilt, as it does not help anyone and can hinder effective communication. It's better to attempt to explain or describe what one means rather than to stand silent.

What is the significance of using gestures, mime, and facial expressions when trying to describe something for which one cannot recall the word?

Using gestures, mime, and facial expressions can help convey the meaning of the word more effectively and make the conversation more engaging and easier to understand, even if the exact word is not known.

What is the phrase 'Hilf mir mal auf die Sprünge' and how is it used in a conversation?

'Hilf mir mal auf die Sprünge' is an informal phrase that translates to 'Help me out here' or 'Give me a hint'. It is used to actively invite the conversation partner to assist in recalling a word or name that the speaker cannot remember.

What is the difference between using informal and formal descriptions when one cannot recall a specific word in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, it's important to use formal descriptions to maintain a respectful and appropriate tone. For example, instead of using the informal term 'Zeug' (stuff), one might use 'Substanz' (substance) or 'Material' to describe an object or product.

How can the phrase 'Das liegt mir auf der Zunge' be used in a conversation, and what does it imply?

'Das liegt mir auf der Zunge' translates to 'It's on the tip of my tongue' and is used to indicate that the speaker is very close to recalling the word but cannot quite remember it at the moment.