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German Phrase

Wähl die Geschwindigkeit, die du brauchst.

/vɛːl diː ɡəˈʃvɪnɪçkaɪt diː duː ˈbʁaχst/
Meaning"Choose the speed you need."
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Meaning

The sentence tells someone to pick the speed that is appropriate for their needs. It can refer to the speed of a vehicle, an internet connection, a treadmill, etc.

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When to use

Use this phrase in informal situations when you are giving a direct, friendly instruction—e.g., while setting up a device, adjusting a bike, or configuring a video player.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WähldieGeschwindigkeit,diedubrauchst.

1

Imperative (du)

The verb 'wählen' in the du‑imperative drops the -e ending, giving 'Wähl' for a casual command.

2

Definite article

'die' is the feminine accusative article that matches 'Geschwindigkeit'.

3

Relative clause

The clause 'die du brauchst' uses the relative pronoun 'die' (feminine accusative) to refer back to 'Geschwindigkeit'.

4

Verb position in relative clause

In a relative clause the verb stays in second position: 'du brauchst'.

5

Comma usage

German requires a comma before a relative clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Welche Geschwindigkeit möchtest du für das Video?

Which speed would you like for the video?

Wähl die Geschwindigkeit, die du brauchst.

Choose the speed you need.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wählen Sie die Geschwindigkeit, die du brauchst.

    Mixes formal 'Sie' with informal 'du'; keep the pronouns consistent.

  • Wähl die Geschwindigkeit, das du brauchst.

    The relative pronoun must agree with the feminine noun 'Geschwindigkeit' → 'die'.

  • Wähle die Geschwindigkeit du brauchst.

    A comma is required before the relative clause in German.

↔Alternatives

  • Wähle die passende Geschwindigkeit.

    Select the appropriate speed.

  • Stell die Geschwindigkeit ein, die du benötigst.

    Set the speed that you require.

  • Nimm die Geschwindigkeit, die dir passt.

    Take the speed that suits you.

de

Cultural Tip

In German the informal du‑imperative ('Wähl') is common among friends, family, or when you want to sound approachable. In a formal context you would say 'Wählen Sie die Geschwindigkeit, die Sie brauchen.' Also, 'Geschwindigkeit' is a feminine noun, so the relative pronoun must be 'die' (accusative).