BORROW and LEND:
Which should I use?
Welcome to this online English lesson about translating the words "leihen" and "ausleihen" into English. Start by watching this video:
Summary:
The German word “ausleihen” has two translations in English – borrow and lend. These words have opposite meanings.
Borrow = to receive something you don’t own (and give it back later)
Lend = to give something you do own (and hopefully get it back later)
Practice:
Beginner Exercise:
Is each sentence correct or incorrect?
1 – Can you lend me your car? I need to drive to Munich to visit my mother.
2 – I can borrow you some money if you don’t have enough.
3 – I need to borrow me a bike when I visit my friend in Amsterdam.
4 – Whenever I borrow someone something, I don’t get it back.
5 – My girlfriend lent me a pen so I could write her a love letter.
Advanced Exercise:
Answer the following questions. Write your answers in the comments below to get personalized feedback.
1 – What things do you own that you won’t lend anyone?
2 – Have you ever had to borrow money from someone? Have you ever lent money to someone?
3 – What things would you lend to your neighbor?
If you have any questions, feel free to write them in the comments below (auf Englisch oder auf Deutsch).
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