*Achtung*

Throughout the first few chapters of this book, we have seen interesting usages of the words: ja, aber, doch, denn, etc. These little words are called modal particles. These words add “flavour” or change the tone of a sentence, question, etc. Sometimes they can soften the harshness of a comment or even add a persuasive or suggestive element to a request.

Here are some examples from the book so far:

Mach doch eine kleine Pause. 

Wer bist du denn? 

Im Internet sehen Sie aber ein bisschen älter aus.

Wir haben ja vor einigen Tagen telefoniert.