German · B1 · Speaking · about 5 min
State the delay, ask to extend the deadline, and offer a draft so the team can keep moving.
‘Die Frist’ is the deadline. A specific Monday proposal makes the request easier to answer.
Say thisIch werde bis Freitag nicht fertig.
MeaningI will not finish by Friday.
When to use itStart the conversation naturally.
Say thisKönnen wir die Frist bis Montag verlängern?
MeaningCan we extend the deadline to Monday?
When to use itAdd the detail the other person needs.
Say thisIch kann Ihnen heute einen Entwurf schicken.
MeaningI can send you a draft today (formal).
When to use itFinish with a clear, polite line.
| Say this | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Ich werde bis Freitag nicht fertig. | I will not finish by Friday. | Start the conversation naturally. |
| Können wir die Frist bis Montag verlängern? | Can we extend the deadline to Monday? | Add the detail the other person needs. |
| Ich kann Ihnen heute einen Entwurf schicken. | I can send you a draft today (formal). | Finish with a clear, polite line. |
SituationThe Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly?
Say thisIch kann es bis Freitag nicht fertigstellen.
WhyState the problem directly before asking for a new date.
SituationYou need until Monday. Which request names a concrete new deadline?
Say thisKönnen wir die Frist bis Montag verlängern?
WhyName the day so the other person can make a decision.
SituationA colleague asks why. Which line gives a useful reason without blaming them?
Say thisIch warte noch auf die endgültigen Zahlen aus der Buchhaltung.
WhyA concrete dependency is more useful than vague blame.
SituationYou can share useful progress today. Which offer helps the team?
Say thisIch kann dir heute Nachmittag einen Entwurf schicken.
WhyOffer a specific partial deliverable and a time.
SituationThe new date is agreed. Which line confirms the plan?
Say thisDanke. Ich schicke die Endfassung am Montag.
WhyRepeat the deadline and what you will deliver.
| Situation | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly? | Ich kann es bis Freitag nicht fertigstellen. | State the problem directly before asking for a new date. |
| You need until Monday. Which request names a concrete new deadline? | Können wir die Frist bis Montag verlängern? | Name the day so the other person can make a decision. |
| A colleague asks why. Which line gives a useful reason without blaming them? | Ich warte noch auf die endgültigen Zahlen aus der Buchhaltung. | A concrete dependency is more useful than vague blame. |
| You can share useful progress today. Which offer helps the team? | Ich kann dir heute Nachmittag einen Entwurf schicken. | Offer a specific partial deliverable and a time. |
| The new date is agreed. Which line confirms the plan? | Danke. Ich schicke die Endfassung am Montag. | Repeat the deadline and what you will deliver. |
State the delay, ask to extend the deadline, and offer a draft so the team can keep moving.
Friday is too soon. What do you say first?
The Friday deadline is impossible. How do you state the delay clearly?
Ich werde bis Freitag nicht fertig.
I will not finish by Friday.
Start the conversation naturally.
Können wir die Frist bis Montag verlängern?
Can we extend the deadline to Monday?
Add the detail the other person needs.
Ich kann Ihnen heute einen Entwurf schicken.
I can send you a draft today (formal).
Finish with a clear, polite line.