Support Learning German at Home

Regardless of if you have any experience speaking German or not, there are many ways you can facilitate your student’s learning of the language at home. Even just a few minutes every day can help your student succeed!

1. Apps - programs such as Duolingo are free for language learning. The game aspect keeps many students engaged and can be done in as little as 10 minutes.

2. Internet - there are a ton of websites out there that teach German, but they can also be used to support what has already been learned. They can read, play games, listen to music, etc.

3. Label your home - sticky notes with the German names of items posted around your home will help not only your student, but you, too!

4. Flashcards - have your student create flashcards with currently relevant vocabulary. You can quiz them or even create a memory deck to play games with.

5. Let them teach you - have your student teach you a word, phrase, or cultural nugget that they learned in class that day.

6. Read - many libraries in Fort Collins have a foreign language section - pop in and take a look at the books, especially those for younger children. The themes may be too easy, but the language level should be spot on.

7. Watch movies - don’t be afraid to turn on the subtitles or change the language (dubbing). Netflix and Disney+ both have this option for several of their movies and shows.

8. Attend cultural events - a quick internet search will show any cultural activities relevant to German. Even if the event is held in English, the engagement and cultural knowledge are beneficial.

9. Community - there is a small community of German speakers in our area, including exchange students here at FCHS- see if you can find somebody to connect with and have your student speak to them in German. It doesn’t have to be formally, either - meeting virtually, at a coffee shop, or inviting them over for dinner are easy ways to engage.

10. Use your pets - how cool would it be if your dog responded to commands in German?