Supply Chain Issues Affect Customization of German National Team Jerseys
供應鏈問題影響德國國家隊球衣客製化
Introduction
Adidas is currently dealing with a temporary shortage of specific letters for the German national football team's online merchandise.
Adidas 目前正處於德國國家足球隊線上商品中，特定字母暫時短缺的情況。
Main Body
Online orders for jerseys featuring the names of Kai Havertz, Alexander Pavlovic, and Deniz Undav are currently unavailable because the company has run out of the letter 'V'. This problem was caused by an unexpected increase in demand after the squad was announced on May 21 and the World Cup began on June 11. Furthermore, the company emphasized that the retro style of the blue away kits has increased this trend, leading to similar stock shortages for the national teams of Japan, Belgium, and Curacao.
目前無法在線訂購印有 Kai Havertz、Alexander Pavlovic 及 Deniz Undav 名字的球衣，因為公司已耗盡字母 "V"。這個問題是由於 5 月 21 日公布名單以及 6 月 11 日世界盃開幕後，需求量意外增加所導致的。此外，公司強調藍色客場球衣的復古風格加劇了這一趨勢，導致日本、比利時和庫拉蘇國家隊也出現類似的缺貨情況。
However, customers can still buy these jerseys at physical stores. For example, the Adidas flagship store in Berlin continues to offer full customization services, ensuring fans have jerseys before the match against Ivory Coast. From a financial point of view, this operation is very large; Adidas provides equipment for 14 of the 48 participating nations and expects World Cup sales to reach approximately €1 billion. In Germany, these jerseys are sold in two price categories, costing either €100 or €150.
然而，顧客仍可在實體店購買這些球衣。例如，Adidas 在柏林的旗艦店繼續提供完整的客製化服務，確保球迷在對陣象牙海岸的比賽前能拿到球衣。從財務角度來看，這次運作規模龐大；Adidas 為 48 個參賽國中的 14 個國家提供裝備，預計世界盃銷售額將達到約 10 億歐元。在德國，這些球衣分為兩個價格等級，分別為 100 歐元或 150 歐元。
Conclusion
Adidas and its partner, 11teamsports, are now taking steps to fix the problem and make the affected lettering available online again.
Adidas 及其合作夥伴 11teamsports 目前正採取措施解決問題，使受影響的字母能重新在線提供。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'B2 Shift': From Simple Words to Precise Phrases
At the A2 level, we often use basic verbs like have, make, or do. To reach B2, you need Collocations—words that naturally 'stick together' to make you sound professional and fluent.
🔍 The Discovery
Look at these three expressions from the text. An A2 student would use simple words; a B2 student uses these specific combinations:
-
"Dealing with..." (A2: Fixing/Having a problem)
- Context: "Adidas is currently dealing with a temporary shortage."
- Why it's B2: It describes the process of managing a difficult situation, not just the result.
-
"Taking steps to..." (A2: Trying to)
- Context: "...are now taking steps to fix the problem."
- Why it's B2: It shows a planned, organized action. It sounds more executive and decisive.
-
"From a financial point of view" (A2: About money)
- Context: "From a financial point of view, this operation is very large."
- Why it's B2: This is a 'signpost' phrase. It tells the listener exactly which perspective you are using to analyze the situation.
🛠️ How to Apply This
Instead of saying: "I am trying to learn English because it is good for my job,"
Try the B2 Upgrade: "I am taking steps to improve my English because, from a professional point of view, it is essential for my career."
Quick Logic Check:
- A2: Simple General Basic verbs.
- B2: Specific Precise Collocations.