In complaining about small talk, Marianne brings up two of the most common small talk topics.

The weather is always a popular topic, as everyone has something to say about it. The state of the roads—or, more commonly nowadays, the traffic—is another natural topic of conversation when meeting somewhere you have both travelled to.

Useful Phrases

Travel

•     How was the trip?

•     Did you have any trouble getting here?

•     How was the traffic?

Work

•     How long have you been working here?

•     Do you have to travel a lot for work?

•     Have you ever worked abroad?

Weather

•     The weather is great this week, isn’t it?

•     Do you know whether it is going to rain today?

•     Unusually warm summer we’re having, isn’t it?

Free Time

•     Do you like gardening?

•     What did you do over the weekend?

•     Do you like to watch football?

Listening and Showing Interest

•     “That’s great!”

•     “Really?”

•     “That’s interesting.”

•     “I see.”

Translation Exercise

Translate the following sentences into English.

1. „Wie war die Reise?“ __________________________

“Fine, I didn’t have any trouble getting here.”

2. „Großartig!“ __________________________

3. „Müssen Sie für die Arbeit viel reisen?“ __________________________

“No, not that much.”

4. „Schauen Sie gern Fußball?“ __________________________