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German Phrase

Ich checke zuerst mein Handy.

/ɪç ˈtʃɛkə tsuˈeːɐ̯st maɪ̯n ˈhɛndi/
Meaning"I check my phone first."
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Meaning

This sentence describes a common modern habit of looking at a smartphone before starting other activities. It features the verb 'checken', an Anglicism widely used in Germany for reviewing messages or social media. The term 'Handy' is a classic German pseudo-Anglicism for a mobile phone.

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When to use

Use this phrase when talking about your morning routine or daily habits with friends and peers. It is most suitable for informal contexts rather than professional or formal writing.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchcheckezuerstmeinHandy

1

Verb 'checken'

This is a borrowed English verb adapted to German grammar, conjugated here in the first-person singular.

2

Adverb 'zuerst'

This adverb places the action at the beginning of a sequence of events.

3

Noun 'Handy'

A neuter noun (das Handy). In this sentence, it functions as the direct object in the accusative case.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was machst du morgens als Erstes?

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

Ich checke zuerst mein Handy.

I check my phone first.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich kontrolliere zuerst mein Handy.

    'Kontrollieren' sounds like a formal inspection; 'checken' or 'sehen' is better for casual use.

  • Ich checke zuerst mein Mobil.

    Germans use 'Handy' for mobile phones; 'Mobil' is not used as a noun in this way.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich schaue zuerst auf mein Handy.

    I look at my phone first.

  • Als Erstes sehe ich auf mein Smartphone.

    The first thing I do is look at my smartphone.

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Cultural Tip

The word 'Handy' is a famous pseudo-Anglicism in German; an English speaker would say 'mobile' or 'cell phone', but a German speaker says 'Handy'. While Germans are tech-savvy, 'phubbing' (ignoring someone for your phone) is increasingly criticized in social etiquette.