German for Accepting Criticism: 'Thanks, I'll work on that'
Learn to accept criticism in German by saying 'Danke, ich arbeite daran' and asking follow-up questions to improve. Compare with accepting apologies.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When someone gives you criticism in German, a simple 'Danke' can sound abrupt. Instead, use phrases like 'Danke, ich arbeite daran' to show you take the feedback seriously and plan to improve. This lesson teaches you to accept criticism politely, ask clarifying questions, and distinguish this from accepting an apology. You'll practice with a dialogue and common mistakes.
By the end, you can…
- accept criticism in German by saying 'Danke, ich arbeite daran' and similar phrases.
- ask follow-up questions to understand the criticism better.
- distinguish between accepting criticism and accepting an apology.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Danke, ich arbeite daran.
Thanks, I'll work on that.
DAHN-kuh, ikh AR-bai-tuh dah-RAHN
Standard polite response to criticism, showing willingness to improve.
Das nehme ich mir zu Herzen.
I'll take that to heart.
dahs NAY-muh ikh meer tsoo HER-tsen
Expresses that you take the criticism seriously and will reflect on it.
Kannst du mir ein Beispiel geben?
Can you give me an example?
KAHNST doo meer ine BY-shpeel GAY-ben
Ask for clarification to understand the criticism better.
Was genau meinst du damit?
What exactly do you mean by that?
vahs guh-NOW MINE-st doo dah-MIT
Use when you need more detail about the criticism.
Ich verstehe. Ich werde daran arbeiten.
I understand. I will work on it.
ikh fer-SHTAY-uh. ikh VAIR-duh dah-RAHN AR-bai-tuh
A bit more formal; shows commitment to improvement.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To accept criticism, use 'Danke, ich arbeite daran' or 'Danke, ich werde daran arbeiten.' The preposition 'an' with 'daran' refers to the thing you will work on. For example, if someone says 'Deine Aussprache ist nicht klar' (Your pronunciation isn't clear), you can reply 'Danke, ich arbeite an meiner Aussprache' (Thanks, I'll work on my pronunciation). Note that 'arbeiten an' takes the dative case: 'an meiner Aussprache' (feminine), 'an meinem Ton' (masculine), 'an meinem Deutsch' (neuter).
When to use it
Use these phrases when someone gives you constructive criticism, such as a teacher, colleague, or friend. They are appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Avoid using them when someone apologizes to you; for apologies, you say 'Kein Problem' or 'Das ist okay.' For criticism, focus on improvement: 'Danke, ich arbeite daran' shows you accept the feedback and plan to change. If you need more information, ask 'Kannst du mir ein Beispiel geben?' or 'Was genau meinst du damit?'
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Dein Bericht ist gut, aber die Einleitung könnte klarer sein.
Your report is good, but the introduction could be clearer.dine buh-RIKHT ist goot, AH-ber dee INE-lie-toong KOEN-tuh KLAH-rer zineDanke für den Hinweis. Ich arbeite daran. Kannst du mir ein Beispiel geben?
Thanks for the hint. I'll work on that. Can you give me an example?DAHN-kuh fewr dane HIN-vice. ikh AR-bai-tuh dah-RAHN. KAHNST doo meer ine BY-shpeel GAY-benZum Beispiel: Der erste Satz ist zu lang. Du könntest ihn in zwei Sätze aufteilen.
For example: The first sentence is too long. You could split it into two sentences.tsoom BY-shpeel: dair AIR-stuh zahTS ist tsoo lahng. doo KOEN-test een in tsvai ZET-suh OWF-tie-lenVerstehe. Danke, ich werde das ändern.
I see. Thanks, I will change that.fer-SHTAY-uh. DAHN-kuh, ikh VAIR-duh dahs EN-dernA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, direct criticism is often seen as helpful and professional, not rude. Accepting it with 'Danke, ich arbeite daran' shows maturity and willingness to learn. In formal contexts, use 'Sie' and phrases like 'Ich werde daran arbeiten.' In informal settings, 'Ich arbeite daran' is fine. Avoid over-apologizing; instead, focus on improvement.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Es tut mir leid' (I'm sorry) as a response to criticism.
Try this instead: 'Es tut mir leid' is for apologies, not criticism. For criticism, say 'Danke, ich arbeite daran.' For example, if your boss says 'Die Präsentation war nicht überzeugend' (The presentation wasn't convincing), reply 'Danke, ich arbeite daran' instead of apologizing.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'Thanks, I'll work on that' in German?
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Danke, ich arbeite daran.
This is the standard phrase. You can also say 'Danke, ich werde daran arbeiten' for a slightly more formal tone.
2What question can you ask to get a concrete example of the criticism?
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Kannst du mir ein Beispiel geben?
This asks for an example. In formal situations, use 'Können Sie mir ein Beispiel geben?'
3How is accepting criticism different from accepting an apology in German?
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Accepting criticism focuses on improvement (e.g., 'Danke, ich arbeite daran'), while accepting an apology uses phrases like 'Kein Problem' or 'Das ist okay.'
Criticism is about future change; apologies are about forgiving a past mistake. Both are polite but serve different purposes.
When criticized in German, say 'Danke, ich arbeite daran' and ask 'Kannst du mir ein Beispiel geben?' to improve. Save apologies for apologies.
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