Why practising outside the classroom matters
Learning German requires tenacity and commitment. Many learn to communicate with friends, family, and professional contacts or when travelling within German-speaking regions in Europe.
One of the challenges of learning a foreign language outside its native environment is to practice beyond the language course or class. Learning German here in London is no exception, but there are ways where people can hone their German by practising with other learners or even native German speakers.
Practising outside the classroom is a great way to improve comprehension and engage with other German speakers. It also offers learners a real sense of achievement as they get to put into practice what they’ve learned during lessons.
Where to practise speaking German in London
Which opportunities exist in London? Many groups of learners and native speakers meet to converse, no matter how rudimentary or advanced the learners’ German language skills are. These meetings often happen in pubs where Germans congregate or have a German theme. However, that environment may not be ideal for everybody to practise their German.
Other options are available in London. The German Historical Institute, for example, offers lectures covering topics for people interested in British and German history. Although these lectures are presented in English, they are attended by German speakers, offering many opportunities to speak German before and after these lectures. Besides, the German Historical Institute houses an extensive library covering German history from the Middle Ages to the modern era, and it is free to use.
The British-German Association in London offers opportunities to practise German. The association sees itself as the civil society hub for British-German relations, strengthening links and promoting mutual understanding between Germany and the United Kingdom. Its events, covering politics, the arts, music, history, and the economy, are rich and diverse, perfect for conversing in German. The British-German Association also organises monthly meetings for German speakers and learners.
Check out German film festivals, which are also attended by native German speakers. Another option is to attend the service of the German church in Knightsbridge.
Start learning German in London
It is possible to overcome the challenges of learning German outside of its native environment in London, with its strong links to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Are you based in London and looking to take up German, or perhaps you would like to reacquaint yourself with the German language? Then get in touch!