A form you don't understand in German

1. 1
   Antrag/ˈantʁaːk/

   applicationnoun

   A written request to an office.
2. 2
   ausfüllen/ˈaʊ̯sfʏlən/

   fill outverb

   Writing the requested information into a form with blank fields.
3. 3
   Angabe/ˈanɡaːbə/

   informationnoun

   A piece of information that you give about something.
4. 4

   Unterschriftsignature

5. 5

   verstehento understand

6. 6

   erklärento explain

7. 7

   Sachbearbeitercase handler

8. 8

   Staatsangehörigkeitnationality

9. 9

   Familienstandmarital status

10. 10

    Geburtsdatumdate of birth

The sentences3 of 10

1. Muss ich den Antrag heute noch abgeben?

   Do I have to hand in the application today?

2. Muss ich das ganze Formular selbst ausfüllen?

   Do I have to fill out the whole form myself?

3. Ist diese Angabe hier wirklich nötig?

   Is this information really necessary?

Pronunciation

• Antrag/ˈantʁaːk/

  The g at the end sounds like a k.

• ausfüllen/ˈaʊ̯sfʏlən/

  The ü is short, and the stress falls on "aus".

• Angabe/ˈanɡaːbə/

  The n and the g are said separately, not like in lang.

Good to know

Termin

Many citizens' offices give out appointments, often online or by phone. Without one you usually wait longer, or are sometimes not served.

Wartenummer

You often take a number at the entrance and wait until it is called. Your number then shows on a display or is called out.

Amtsdeutsch

Forms are often written in formal official language, which isn't always easy even for native speakers. Staff usually explain fields if you ask.

Ausweis

You usually bring an ID card or passport to your appointment. Any other documents needed are usually listed on the office's website or in the appointment confirmation.