Problems with Rules in German Football

May 3, 2026, 11:42
EuropeSports

Introduction

Some football games in Germany had problems. The referees and the staff made mistakes.

Main Body

Union Berlin and Cologne played a game. The score was 2-2. A player scored a goal. The assistant referee said it was offside, but the main referee said it was a goal. The coach was unhappy. RB Leipzig played Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen won 4-1. A ball boy gave the ball back to the goalkeeper very fast. This helped Leverkusen score a goal. The Leipzig coach did not like this. Simon Rolfes is a boss at Leverkusen. He said the ball boy wanted the game to move fast. Coach Ole Werner agreed that Leverkusen played better football.

Conclusion

Some people want strict rules. Other people want the game to move fast.

Learning

💡 The 'Who did what' Pattern

To speak at an A2 level, you need to connect a person to an action. Look at how this story does it:

  • The player →\rightarrow scored a goal.
  • The assistant →\rightarrow said it was offside.
  • The coach →\rightarrow was unhappy.

Why this helps you: Instead of long sentences, use this simple formula: [Person] + [Action/Feeling]

Quick Vocabulary Shift: Notice the difference between a 'job' and a 'feeling':

  • Jobs: Referee, Coach, Ball boy, Boss.
  • Feelings: Unhappy, Did not like.

A2 Tip: When you want to describe a problem, start with the person. Example: "The referee made a mistake." (Simple and clear!)

Vocabulary Learning

problem (n.)
an issue or difficulty
Example:There were many problems during the game.
rule (n.)
a set of instructions that must be followed
Example:The referee explained the rule about offside.
football (n.)
a sport played with a ball and two teams
Example:Football is popular in Germany.
game (n.)
an event where people compete or play
Example:The game ended with a 2-2 score.
referee (n.)
a person who watches a game and enforces the rules
Example:The referee made a mistake.
staff (n.)
the people who help run an event or organization
Example:The staff helped the players.
mistake (n.)
an action that is wrong or not correct
Example:He made a mistake on the field.
score (n.)
the number of points or goals in a game
Example:The score was 2-2.
player (n.)
a person who takes part in a game
Example:A player scored a goal.
goal (n.)
a point scored in a game
Example:The goal was counted by the referee.
assistant (n.)
a person who helps another
Example:The assistant referee said it was offside.
offside (n.)
a rule that says a player cannot be ahead of the ball
Example:The ball was offside.
coach (n.)
a person who trains and directs a team
Example:The coach was unhappy with the decision.
unhappy (adj.)
not feeling happy or satisfied
Example:The coach was unhappy with the result.
ball (n.)
a round object used in many sports
Example:The ball boy gave the ball back to the goalkeeper.
goalkeeper (n.)
a player who protects the goal in football
Example:The goalkeeper stopped the shot.
fast (adj.)
moving or happening quickly
Example:The ball was returned very fast.
help (v.)
to make it easier for someone to do something
Example:This helped Leverkusen score a goal.
move (v.)
to change position or location
Example:The game should move fast.
boss (n.)
a person who is in charge of a group or organization
Example:Simon Rolfes is a boss at Leverkusen.
agree (v.)
to have the same opinion or decision
Example:Coach Ole Werner agreed with the decision.
better (adj.)
of higher quality or more effective
Example:Leverkusen played better football.
people (n.)
human beings in general
Example:Some people want strict rules.
strict (adj.)
having firm rules or limits
Example:Some people want strict rules.