Each card has a color-coded background that indicates how offensive the words on the card are. For those with difficulty seeing colors, there are variations in the patterns as well.

The adjective ending is located on the noun card, because German nouns change the adjectives that they are combined with. In this example you should think of the adjective "mies" and the adjective ending "-e" as being one word "mieze."

When three cards are lain out next to each other, they make a full German sentence. If you've had some practice reading German, feel free to use this for pronunciation. However, if you haven't, it's best to start with the pronunciation key (discussed below), since the way German words are written can be misleading to English speakers.

The pronunciation key should be read as if it were English words. Consider whether each word is already an English word. If so, just say it, if not, try to say it as if it were a normal English word. Avoid affecting a "German" accent, as this usually foils the normal English sounds that are carefully arranged in the pronunciation key to simulate German pronunciation. If a word is in all caps, say it louder. fair-PISS dish. Emphasize "PISS."

The translation also comprises a full sentence. Not all the translations are exact, but most of them are. A few of them let the meaning slide a little, to make the English more closely match the offensiveness of the German.

A few cards have a literal translation on them (in parentheses). "lit." is short for "literally." The literal translation gives you an idea of the actual German words being used. However, the rest of the English contains the real translation, that is, the overall meaning of the German word or phrase.

You can only score points on your turn. Once you've placed a card on the board, if there are 2 or more cards that match in color, you get the points on the matching cards. In this example, if you just placed a card, you would get 2 points from the bank, and steal 1 point from an opponent of your choice.

In order to be sure that the cards always make complete sentences, there must be one A-card on the left, one B-card in the middle, and one C-card on the right. A-cards are a phrase or command. B-cards have an adjective. C-Cards are a noun.

One common mistake is pronouncing "-uh" as anything but "a-" as in "about." Also, remember that the adjective ending is part of the preceding adjective. They are one word. It's also important that you don't give up on reading the cards aloud. Reading them gives you practice speaking, which you need to speak fluently, and gives your fellow players practice listening, which is very hard to find and is essential for comprehension.