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A1 RussianBilingual Reader

Ключ не поворачивается

In the evening, Pavel climbs to the third floor with two bags and a pot of basil. He puts the key into his new apartment door, but it will not turn.

Pavel's new neighbor shows him how to turn a stubborn apartment key on a Kazan landing.

What you'll learn

  • Bilingual graded story
  • English translation
  • 7 useful words
  • 2 comprehension questions

Warm-up vocabulary

Preview 3 optional words before reading
Я ваш новый сосед
I am your new neighbor
“Здравствуйте, я ваш новый сосед.”
У меня не открывается дверь
My door will not open
“У меня не открывается дверь.”
Давайте ещё раз попробуем вместе
Let us try together again
“Давайте ещё раз попробуем вместе.”

Your Russian story

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Story + translation + quiz

Вечером Павел поднимается на третий этаж с двумя сумками и . Он вставляет ключ в дверь новой квартиры, но ключ . Из соседней двери выходит Ольга, и Павел говорит: «Здравствуйте. Я ваш ». «У меня не открывается дверь. Здесь есть секрет?» Ольга улыбается: «Нужно немного . Давайте попробуем вместе». Дверь открывается, и по лестнице сразу пахнет свежим базиликом. Павел обещает после переезда зайти к Ольге на чай.

Show full English translation

In the evening, Pavel climbs to the third floor with two bags and a pot of basil.

He puts the key into his new apartment door, but it will not turn.

Olga steps out of the next apartment, and Pavel says, “Hello. I’m your new neighbor.”

“My door won’t open. Is there a trick to it?”

Olga smiles. “You need to lift the handle a little. Let’s try together.”

The door opens, and the stairwell suddenly smells of fresh basil.

Pavel promises to stop by for tea once he has unpacked.

Reading Comprehension Exercise

A1 Russian Reading Comprehension Exercises

1. What prevents Pavel from entering his apartment?

2. What future invitation grows out of Olga’s help?

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