Complaints: German Words & Phrases
10 essential German words and expressions for "Complaints". Each entry includes phonetic pronunciation, English translation, and example sentences. Suitable for CEFR B1 level and relevant for "expressing dissatisfaction with service".
"Complaints" — word table
| German | Pronunciation | English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| sich beschweren | /zikh beh-SHVAIR-en/ | to complain | Ich möchte mich beschweren.I would like to make a complaint. |
| die Beschwerde | /dee beh-SHVAIR-deh/ | complaint | Ich habe eine Beschwerde.I have a complaint about the service. |
| kaputt | /kah-POOT/ | broken | Das Gerät ist kaputt.I am dissatisfied with the product. |
| der Fehler | /dair FAY-ler/ | mistake/error | Das war ein Fehler der Firma.I demand a refund. |
| die Rückerstattung | /dee RUEK-air-shtah-toong/ | refund | Ich möchte eine Rückerstattung.The device is defective. |
| umtauschen | /OOM-tow-shen/ | to exchange | Kann ich die Ware umtauschen?The delivery was delayed. |
| unzufrieden sein | /OON-tsoo-free-den zyne/ | to be dissatisfied | Ich bin mit dem Service unzufrieden.I want to speak with the manager. |
| die Garantie | /dee gah-rahn-TEE/ | warranty | Das Produkt hat zwei Jahre Garantie.The food was cold. |
| der Kundendienst | /dair KOON-den-deenst/ | customer service | Ich rufe den Kundendienst an.I want to cancel the contract. |
| reklamieren | /reh-klah-MEE-ren/ | to file a complaint | Ich möchte das reklamieren.This is unacceptable. |
How to memorise these words fast
Listen to the audio pronunciation of each word three times, then repeat the example aloud. 8–10 words per session is enough — overloading reduces retention.
Review them the next day, then complete the linked lesson exercises: flashcards, pair matching and quizzes lock the vocabulary in.
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Frequently asked questions
Which German words relate to "Complaints"?
Most useful: sich beschweren, die Beschwerde, kaputt and more — 10 in total, each with pronunciation below.
How do I memorise these words?
Listen to the audio, repeat the examples and do the linked lesson exercises — all free.