Learn German in Lindau: Teaching

Let’s get you talking German in Lindau!

Course Structure

Of course you will cover the four core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, with plenty of grammar and vocabulary work included in order to develop all the essential German language skills.

Tuition is tailored to fit the needs of the students. Apart from aiming at a mastery of oral and reading comprehension and written expression, the most important goal is to improve and consolidate the fluency of each student. This goal is built around practice-orientated grammar. The topics chosen can either be general or linked to the needs of specific professions, according to the capabilities and requirements of the class. All subject matter is presented with the aid of a rich variety of resources, including authentic audio or video material, so that students can learn the German language in a living, modern day context. The aim is to keep the class atmosphere informal and pleasant, so you can enjoy your language learning experience to the fullest!

Rate of Progress

 Level A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
6 weeks / 120 lessons in the morning (+ 30 afternoon lessons*)
Level A2
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).  Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
6 weeks / 120 lessons in the morning (+ 30 afternoon lessons*)
START DEUTSCH 2
Level B1
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
10 weeks / 200 lessons in the morning (+ 50 afternoon lessons*)
ZERTIFIKAT DEUTSCH B1
Level B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
10 weeks / 200 lessons in the morning (+ 50 afternoon lessons*)
DEUTSCH FÜR DEN BERUF TELC B2TEST DAF NIVEAU 3+4
Level C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
10 weeks / 200 lessons in the morning (+ 50 afternoon lessons*)
TELC C1 DEUTSCH FÜR DEN BERUFTEST DAF NIVEAU 5
Level C2
Can virtually understand with ease everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Individual lessons / professional training

* Afternoon lessons are optional for all students and deepen German knowledge.
** Only after participation on ZDfB course on Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon.
*** Only after participation on Test-DaF course.

In reality a student chooses to attend a short course or a longer German “Languages for Life” course according to their linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.

Course Content

The German school in Lindau teaches in German from Day One (and only in German!).

After taking an assessment test, students are divided into appropriate classes. Classes are available at all levels. We use the levels of the European Council: A1, A2, B1, B1+, B2, C1. At the end of the course the participicant receives a certificate from the school.

Learning German – in the classroom
The tuition in the classroom in Lindau is tailored to fit the needs and wishes of the students. Apart from aiming at a mastery of oral and reading comprehension and written expression, the most important goal of the German course is to improve and consolidate the fluency of each student. The basis of the lessons is a practice-orientated grammar.

The topics chosen can either be general or linked to the needs of specific professions, according to the capabilities and requirements of the participants. The German school presents the subject matter taught with the aid of a variety of technical resources, e.g. audiovisual, in a pleasant atmosphere – an important requirement for a successful language course.

Learning German – in leisure time
Members of the Lindau School teaching team organize and accompany many varied activities for all tastes: excursions, mountain walks or cycle trips; sightseeing; visits to local businesses and companies, communal dinners, parties or a weekly school-cinema night.

Learning German – in practice
On request the German school staff arrange work experience sessions for students with good knowledge of the German language after an 8-week-course in a Lindau company. They can find a suitable placement for most interests (minimum placement offered : 1 month).

Learning German – through self study
The German school in Lindau offers a media-library offering a wide range of individual self-study opportunities. There are a range of materials and solutions to address personal interests, strengths and weak points, in addition to classes. The media-library is equipped with computer-aided learning programmes, learning-videos, CDs and, of course all kinds of books.

First Day

You are expected to report to the college by 08.15 hrs on the first Monday of your course. Between 08:15 and 09:00 on your first day you will be given an oral assessment. You will be assigned to a class according to your performance in the pre-arrival online test and oral, and lessons will start on the first morning. A general orientation session will be held after your morning classes.

Class Placement

Tutors are very experienced at judging a student’s ability but if at any time you feel you have been placed in a group that is working at too high or too low a level, please speak to your tutor or course director. Please note that promotion to a higher class is based upon class performance, attendance and teacher’s comments.

Timetable

09.00- 10.30 Two 45 minute lessons in class / all courses
10.30-11.00 Break
11.00-12.30 Two 45 minute lessons in class / all courses
12.30-13.30 Lunch time
13.30 – 15.25 Intensive course lessons / Tues & Thurs = 25 lesson course
Intensive course lessons / Mon/Thurs = 30 lesson course

 

Alternative timetables may also be offered during the busier months of the year.
This information is for guidance only.

Lindau School Teachers

All teachers are German native speakers, trained to teach German as a foreign language.

Lindau School Students

Students are drawn from across Europe and beyond. Anyone is welcome to attend a programme if they are 16 yrs old or above.  Most of the students are 19 to 30 yrs of age, but we have sent students in their 40’s and 50’s who have loved the school, their classes and the laid-back lifestyle of Lindau.