Day 19: Problems, Complaints & Clarification
Handling misunderstandings and problems
Stay in the conversation when you don't understand or something is wrong.
Objectives
- Say you don't understand
- Ask someone to repeat or slow down
- Make a polite complaint
- Use clarification as a survival tool
Vocabulary
Tap play to hear pronunciation (browser speech engine).
Jeg forstår ikke
I don't understand
Kan du sige det igen?
Can you say that again?
Kan du tale langsommere?
Can you speak slower?
Undskyld, jeg forstod ikke
Sorry, I didn't understand
Der er et problem
There is a problem
Det er ikke rigtigt
That is not correct
Et øjeblik
One moment
Kan du hjælpe?
Can you help?
| Target | Meaning | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeg forstår ikke | I don't understand | ||
| Kan du sige det igen? | Can you say that again? | ||
| Kan du tale langsommere? | Can you speak slower? | ||
| Undskyld, jeg forstod ikke | Sorry, I didn't understand | ||
| Der er et problem | There is a problem | ||
| Det er ikke rigtigt | That is not correct | ||
| Et øjeblik | One moment | ||
| Kan du hjælpe? | Can you help? |
Patterns
Clarification
When speech is too fast or unclear
- Undskyld, jeg forstår ikke.
- Kan du sige det langsommere?
- Kan du sige det igen?
- Et øjeblik, tak.
Speaking Practice
Record yourself, listen back, and download anything worth keeping.
Clarification drills
Jeg forstår ikke.
Kan du tale langsommere?
Kan du sige det igen?
Undskyld, jeg forstod ikke.
Stuck in a conversation (record this)
Undskyld, jeg forstår ikke. Kan du sige det langsommere? Tak skal du have.
Writing Practice
- Write 5 clarification / problem phrases from memory.
- Write a short polite complaint about a wrong order or bill.
Scenario: You didn't understand
Someone spoke too fast at a counter.
Staff: (speaks quickly)
You: Undskyld, jeg forstod ikke. Kan du sige det langsommere?
Staff: Selvfølgelig.
You: Tak skal du have.
Immersion Tasks
- Memorize the four core clarification lines until automatic
- Use one clarification phrase in any real or simulated interaction today
Self-Check
- Can you say you don't understand without freezing?
- Can you ask someone to slow down or repeat?
- Can you stay polite while clarifying?