Learn Hardcore German: Vielleicht sollten wir doch früher anrufen, um sicherzugehen, dass alles klappt. - Maybe we should call earlier to make sure everything works out.

Vielleicht translates to "maybe" or "perhaps." It indicates uncertainty or tentative advice, setting a polite, non-committal tone for the suggestion that follows.

Why is the modal verb sollten used, and how does it affect the sentence's meaning?

Sollten is the subjunctive or conditional form of sollen. Its use here suggests a recommendation or an idea rather than a firm instruction—comparable to saying "should we" in English. This form makes the suggestion more polite and less direct.

What is the function of the word doch in this sentence?

Doch adds nuance to the suggestion. It can imply a reconsideration or a gentle encouragement to follow a certain course of action. In this context, its inclusion gives a sense of "after all" or "indeed," hinting that, despite previous plans or doubts, calling earlier might be the better option.

How does the phrase früher anrufen work, and what does it mean?

Früher means "earlier," and anrufen means "to call" or "to phone." Together, früher anrufen indicates the action of contacting someone sooner than originally planned. Notice that the adverb früher comes directly before the infinitive, which is common in German to modify the timing of the action.

What is the purpose of the um ... zu construction in um sicherzugehen?

The um ... zu construction is used to express purpose—similar to "in order to" in English. In um sicherzugehen, sicherzugehen (to make sure) explains the goal of calling earlier. It shows that calling earlier is intended in order to ensure everything works out.

What does the subordinate clause dass alles klappt mean, and how is it structured?

Dass alles klappt translates as "that everything works out" or "that everything goes well." Here, dass is a subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause, and klappt (the finite verb) appears at the end—a common structure in German subordinate clauses.

Are there any notable aspects of the word order or punctuation in this sentence that differ from English?

Yes, several points stand out: • In German, the subordinate clause dass alles klappt is separated from the main clause by a comma. • The finite verb in this subordinate clause (klappt) appears at the end, which is a typical structure in German. • The placement of adverbs (like früher) and modal verbs (like sollten) also follows specific rules different from English syntax.