Course Content
Introduction to German Language and Culture
This module introduces the basics of the German language, including the alphabet, pronunciation, and common greetings. It also provides an overview of German-speaking countries and cultural norms to help students understand the language's context.
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German Alphabet and Pronunciation
00:00
Basic Greetings and Farewells
00:00
Introduction to German-speaking Countries and Culture
00:00
Basic Vocabulary and Expressions
Students learn essential vocabulary, including numbers, colors, family terms, and professions. Basic expressions for introducing oneself and asking personal questions are also covered, laying the groundwork for simple interactions.
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Numbers, Days, and Time
00:00
Basic Vocabulary – Colors, Family, and Professions
00:00
Personal Information
00:00
Grammar Fundamentals
This module covers foundational grammar concepts, such as nouns and articles, pronouns, and verb conjugations in the present tense. Students learn how to form simple sentences and questions, which are essential for creating meaningful communication.
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Nouns and Articles
00:00
Pronouns (Personal and Possessive)
00:00
Verbs: Present Tense and Conjugation
00:00
Basic Sentence Structure
00:00
Everyday Conversations
Here, students learn practical language skills for daily life, such as introducing oneself, discussing hobbies, ordering food, and asking for directions. The focus is on conversational phrases that are immediately useful for beginners.
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Introducing Yourself and Others
00:00
Talking about Hobbies and Interests
Shopping and Ordering Food
Asking for Directions and Getting Around
Listening and Reading Comprehension
This module focuses on developing comprehension skills through listening to simple dialogues and reading short texts. Students gain confidence in understanding spoken and written German in everyday contexts.
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Listening Practice – Simple Dialogues
Reading Practice – Short Texts
Review and Practice
In this final module, students review all vocabulary and grammar concepts covered in the course. Practice exercises, a final assessment, and conversational applications reinforce what they've learned and prepare them for real-world usage.
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Review Grammar and Vocabulary
Final Exam and Practical Applications
German A1 Course (Free)
About Lesson

Reading short texts is an excellent way to build vocabulary, understand grammar in context, and improve comprehension skills. This lesson focuses on reading simple texts, such as personal introductions, signs, advertisements, and postcards, to familiarize students with everyday written German.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  1. Understand and interpret simple German texts.
  2. Identify key information such as names, dates, and locations.
  3. Improve reading fluency by recognizing sentence patterns and vocabulary.

Lesson Content

1. Key Vocabulary for Reading

Personal Information:
  • Name: der Name (name)
  • Adresse: the address
  • Telefonnummer: the phone number
  • Geburtstag: birthday
Common Words and Phrases:
  • Willkommen! – Welcome!
  • Öffnungszeiten: opening hours
  • geschlossen: closed
  • geöffnet: open
  • Angebot: offer, sale
  • kostenlos: free
  • bitte: please

2. Reading Texts

Text 1: Personal Introduction

German Text:
Hallo! Ich heiße Sarah und bin 25 Jahre alt. Ich komme aus Hamburg, aber jetzt wohne ich in München. Ich arbeite als Lehrerin in einer Schule. In meiner Freizeit lese ich gerne Bücher und gehe spazieren.

English Translation:
Hello! My name is Sarah, and I am 25 years old. I come from Hamburg, but now I live in Munich. I work as a teacher at a school. In my free time, I like to read books and go for walks.

Text 2: Advertisement for a Bakery

German Text:
Frische Brötchen und leckeres Brot!
Bäckerei Müller – seit 1950
Öffnungszeiten:
Montag bis Freitag: 7:00 bis 18:00 Uhr
Samstag: 7:00 bis 14:00 Uhr
Sonntag: geschlossen

English Translation:
Fresh rolls and delicious bread!
Bakery Müller – since 1950
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday: closed

Text 3: Postcard from a Friend

German Text:
Liebe Anna,
Grüße aus Berlin! Die Stadt ist groß und sehr interessant. Gestern habe ich das Brandenburger Tor und den Fernsehturm besucht. Es gibt so viel zu sehen! Heute gehe ich in ein Museum. Ich hoffe, es geht dir gut. Bis bald!
Deine Clara

English Translation:
Dear Anna,
Greetings from Berlin! The city is big and very interesting. Yesterday, I visited the Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower. There is so much to see! Today, I am going to a museum. I hope you are doing well. See you soon!
Yours, Clara

Text 4: Train Station Sign

German Text:
Willkommen am Hauptbahnhof!
Zugfahrplan:

  • Zug nach Hamburg: Gleis 4, Abfahrt 12:30 Uhr
  • Zug nach Köln: Gleis 7, Abfahrt 13:15 Uhr
  • Zug nach Frankfurt: Gleis 2, Abfahrt 14:00 Uhr
    Bitte kaufen Sie Ihr Ticket am Automaten.

English Translation:
Welcome to the main train station!
Train schedule:

  • Train to Hamburg: Platform 4, Departure 12:30 PM
  • Train to Cologne: Platform 7, Departure 1:15 PM
  • Train to Frankfurt: Platform 2, Departure 2:00 PM
    Please buy your ticket at the machine.

3. Tips for Improving Reading Skills

  1. Read Aloud: Practice reading the text aloud to improve pronunciation and fluency.
  2. Highlight Unknown Words: Make a list of unfamiliar words and look up their meanings.
  3. Look for Patterns: Identify familiar sentence structures to make understanding easier.
  4. Practice Daily: Consistent reading will increase speed and comprehension over time.

4. Cultural Insights

  1. Formal and Informal Writing:

    • Letters and postcards often start with “Liebe” or “Lieber” (Dear) for informal addresses.
    • Signs and advertisements are direct and focus on essential information.

  2. German Punctuality:
    Train schedules and opening hours are usually very precise, reflecting the value Germans place on punctuality.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students practiced reading and understanding simple German texts, including personal introductions, advertisements, and travel information. These exercises strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, and familiarity with real-life written German.

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