The idea
“In der Zwischenzeit” uses in + dative because it describes a period of time. “Inzwischen”, “solange wir warten” and “bis dahin” are alternatives. “Unabhängig von + dative” means independent of; with a thing it becomes davon. “Sich trennen lassen” means can be separated: lassen + sich + infinitive expresses possibility.
Other ways to say it
“Solange wir warten, können wir schon die Namensliste prüfen.” – Neutral; links the task directly to the waiting.
“Bis dahin könnten wir doch die Liste durchgehen.” – Casual and friendly; “doch” makes the suggestion inviting.
“Inzwischen prüfen wir die Namensliste.” – Neutral and decisive; sounds like a plan, not a question.
Examples
- In der Zwischenzeit können wir die Namensliste prüfen.In the meantime, we can check the name list.
- Müssen wir dafür auf die Rückmeldung warten?Do we need to wait for the response for that?
- Nein, dieser Schritt ist davon unabhängig.No, this step is independent of it.
- Dann nutzen wir die Wartezeit dafür.Then let us use the waiting time for that.
- Sobald die Antwort kommt, setzen wir den Hauptpunkt fort.As soon as the answer arrives, we will continue with the main item.
- Gut, die beiden Schritte lassen sich so trennen.Good; the two steps can be separated that way.
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Watch out
“In die Zwischenzeit können wir die Namensliste prüfen.” → “In der Zwischenzeit können wir die Namensliste prüfen.”: In is a two-way preposition. For a time period German uses the dative, so it is “in der Zwischenzeit”. The accusative would suggest movement into something.
Try it yourself
Translate into German: In the meantime, we can check the name list.
Show answer or example answer
In der Zwischenzeit können wir die Namensliste prüfen.
“In der Zwischenzeit” is dative and opens the sentence, so “können wir” follows. “Die Namensliste” is accusative, and “prüfen” stands last.
Put the words in order: davon / dieser / ist / Nein / Schritt / unabhängig
Show answer or example answer
Nein, dieser Schritt ist davon unabhängig.
“Unabhängig von” becomes “davon unabhängig”, with davon referring to the awaited response. “Dieser Schritt” is the subject in the nominative.
Write this sentence in German: Good; the two steps can be separated that way.
Show answer or example answer
Gut, die beiden Schritte lassen sich so trennen.
“Lassen sich so trennen” means can be separated this way; “sich lassen + infinitive” replaces a passive with können.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
Translate into German: In the meantime, we can check the name list.
In der Zwischenzeit können wir die Namensliste prüfen.
Put the words in order: davon / dieser / ist / Nein / Schritt / unabhängig
Nein, dieser Schritt ist davon unabhängig.
Write this sentence in German: Good; the two steps can be separated that way.
Gut, die beiden Schritte lassen sich so trennen.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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You and a friend are waiting for a table at a restaurant. Suggest using the time to look at the menu outside and explain why that makes sense.