I am translating an ebook for A1-German learners. Most of it is written in the present tense. I am writing a lot of dialogue.

Is it correct to use the present progressive or not?
Your help will be greatly appreciated!

Here are some examples:

> 
> I am glad and **I am asking her**/ **I ask her**: “How long does it take to get to work? I have a long way, I need nearly one hour in Rome.”
> 
> 
> “That’s the best!” **she is answering/she answers**.
> 
> 
> “I can go by suburban train, that’s only five minutes. Then, I still
> have to walk another ten minutes. But I always go by bike, then I am
> at my desk in fifteen minutes.”
> 
> 
> “That's perfect. But tell me—how's your love life?”
> 
> 
> Anna sighs: “Well, not so good. What about you, Maria? Is there somebody for you?”
> 
> 
> I shake my head. “No, I don't have a boyfriend. Umm, well, perhaps
> there's a great Berliner?”
> 
> 
> Anna laughs. “I am not so sure—but who
> knows?”
> 
> 
>