German for Board Games: Explaining a House Rule
Learn to explain a custom rule in German using 'Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass...' and 'Wir spielen mit einer anderen Regel.'
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When you play board games with German speakers, you may encounter a house rule – a custom rule that a group uses instead of the official one. To join in, you need to explain such rules clearly. This lesson teaches you two key patterns: 'Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass...' (With us, the house rule is that...) and 'Wir spielen mit einer anderen Regel.' (We play with a different rule.). You will also learn how to ask questions about rules and respond naturally. The focus is on informal, explanatory German for a game night in Germany, where house rules are common.
By the end, you can…
- explain a custom rule using 'Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass...'.
- state that we play with a different rule using 'Wir spielen mit einer anderen Regel.'
- ask questions to clarify a house rule.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass man nicht tauschen darf.
With us, the house rule is that you are not allowed to trade.
By uns gilt dee HOWS-ray-gel, dass man nikht TOW-shen darf.
Use this to introduce a custom rule. 'Bei uns' means 'with us' or 'in our group'. The verb 'gilt' (is valid) is followed by a dass-clause.
Wir spielen mit einer anderen Regel.
We play with a different rule.
Veer SHPEE-len mit EYE-ner AN-der-en RAY-gel.
Use this to say that you use a different rule. 'Mit' takes the dative case, so 'einer anderen Regel' is correct.
Das ist eine Hausregel von uns.
That is a house rule of ours.
Dass ist EYE-ne HOWS-ray-gel fon uns.
A simple way to label a rule as a house rule. 'Von uns' means 'of ours'.
Wie spielt ihr normalerweise?
How do you usually play?
Vee shpeelt eer nor-MA-ler-vy-ze?
Ask this to find out the other group's usual rules. 'Normalerweise' means 'usually'.
Gilt diese Regel auch bei euch?
Does this rule apply to you as well?
Gilt DEE-ze RAY-gel owkh by oikh?
Ask if a rule is also used in their group. 'Bei euch' means 'with you (plural)'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern 'Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass...' is a common way to state a house rule. 'Bei uns' sets the context (in our group). 'Gilt' is the verb for 'is valid' and comes second. The subject 'die Hausregel' follows. Then 'dass' introduces a subordinate clause where the conjugated verb goes to the end. For example: 'Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass man nicht tauschen darf.' (With us, the house rule is that you are not allowed to trade.) You can replace the clause after 'dass' with any rule: '...dass man zwei Karten zieht.' (that you draw two cards). For a simpler statement, use 'Wir spielen mit einer anderen Regel.' (We play with a different rule.) This is a main clause and easy to say.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you are at a game night and need to explain a custom rule that your group uses. For example, if you are playing with new people and they are about to make a move that is allowed in the official rules but not in your house rule, you can say: 'Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass man nicht tauschen darf.' Then you can explain further. If you want to ask about their rules, use 'Wie spielt ihr normalerweise?' (How do you usually play?) or 'Gilt diese Regel auch bei euch?' (Does this rule apply to you as well?). These questions show interest and help avoid misunderstandings. In Germany, house rules are common, so people are used to discussing them.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass man nicht tauschen darf.
With us, the house rule is that you are not allowed to trade.By uns gilt dee HOWS-ray-gel, dass man nikht TOW-shen darf.Interessant. Wir spielen mit einer anderen Regel: Man darf tauschen, aber nur einmal pro Zug.
Interesting. We play with a different rule: You may trade, but only once per turn.In-ter-es-AHNT. Veer SHPEE-len mit EYE-ner AN-der-en RAY-gel: man darf TOW-shen, AH-ber noor EYE-n-mahl pro TSOOK.Dann spielen wir heute nach eurer Regel.
Then let us play by your rule today.Dann SHPEE-len veer HOY-te nahkh OY-rer RAY-gel.Gut. Ich erkläre dir den ersten Zug.
Good. I will explain the first move to you.Goot. Ikh air-KLAIR-e deer dayn AIRS-ten TSOOK.A little context goes a long way
In Germany, house rules (Hausregeln) are common in board game groups. They are often used to make the game more balanced or fun. When you explain a house rule, it is polite to ask about the other group's rules as well. Use 'bei uns' to refer to your own group. The tone is usually informal and friendly. Avoid insisting that your rule is the only correct one; instead, present it as a variation.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Wir spielen mit einer andere Regel' instead of 'einer anderen Regel'.
Try this instead: After 'mit', the dative case is required. 'Andere' becomes 'anderen' in the dative feminine. So say: 'Wir spielen mit einer anderen Regel.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'With us, the house rule is that you draw two cards'?
Show a sample answer
Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass man zwei Karten zieht.
This uses the pattern 'Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass...' and the verb 'zieht' goes to the end of the clause. You could also say '...dass man zwei Karten ziehen muss' if it's obligatory.
2What is the correct dative form in 'Wir spielen mit einer ___ Regel'?
Show a sample answer
anderen
'Mit' triggers the dative case. For a feminine noun like 'Regel', the adjective 'ander-' becomes 'anderen'. So 'einer anderen Regel' is correct.
3How do you ask 'Does this rule apply to you as well?' informally?
Show a sample answer
Gilt diese Regel auch bei euch?
This is a straightforward yes/no question. 'Bei euch' means 'with you (plural)'. For singular informal, you would say 'bei dir'.
Use 'Bei uns gilt die Hausregel, dass...' to explain a custom rule, and 'Wir spielen mit einer anderen Regel.' to state a variation. Ask 'Wie spielt ihr normalerweise?' to learn their rules. Remember the dative after 'mit'.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s German into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr