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Magazin Sprache

In the Magazin Sprache, you will find current articles on learning and teaching German as a foreign language: practical tips and expert insights for trainers and teachers.

Eine junge Frau mit Büchern auf dem Arm © Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio

Cooperation for Better German as a Foreign Language Teacher Training

New University Network in Northern and Southwestern Europe

12 universities have already signed contracts, and 14 more higher education institutions are preparing to join. For three years, a network has been growing in Europe that develops the German as a Foreign Language (GFL) teacher training program. The Goethe-Institut supports this and provides, among other things, content from its training, advanced training, and continuing education series “Deutsch Lehren Lernen” (DLL). The goal of the cooperation is to strengthen the German language with sufficient and well-qualified teachers. From October 19 to 21, 2026, the partners met at a symposium at the University of Valencia in Spain.

Participants of the DLL-Symposium for Northern and Southwestern Europe at the University of Valencia © Cova González © Cova González

Educational Systems in Dialogue

Literature

Goethe, Shakespeare, Reve: How Politicians talk about literature in parliament

In an explorative study at the University of Oldenburg, for the first time, parliamentary debates from the Dutch, German and British parliament were systematically searched for references to writers using digital methods. The results of the dissertation project show which writers are frequently quoted by politicians and how literary references are used in political debates in neighbouring European countries.

Coloured illustration by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

Education for sustainable development

Update to the Core Objectives for Modern Foreign Languages

Languages in the Netherlands: Is There Still Reason for Optimism?

We are on the eve of the introduction of new core objectives and attainment targets for secondary education. Why has this reform been necessary? What are they intended to achieve? What can teachers expect? What will change, and is it actually possible to implement these changes in schools?
A short answer to the last question is: yes, provided that certain conditions are met.

Four female students are working together on a smartboard © Goethe-Institut / Getty Images © Goethe-Institut / Getty Images

Language teaching and didactics

  • A Positive Approach to Teaching German

    Positive Foreign Language Didactics: How to make the most of learners’ strengths and the latest research findings

    Anyone who’s taught youngsters will certainly confirm several of the observations listed here—and probably add some more. But learning a foreign language isn’t always easy for grownups either, as teachers in adult education—and adult learners—know all too well. We need to be in the right frame of mind—otherwise learning can be a painstaking ordeal!

    A smiling smiley face with two cookies for eyes and an open hand for a mouth © Colourbox © Colourbox

  • An inquiry-based approach to language teaching

    Task-based language teaching: basic principles and misunderstandings

    Task-based education is an inquiry-based approach to language teaching: learners are given plenty of opportunities to expand their language competences by performing meaningful reading, writing, listening, speaking and interaction tasks. During the past 40 years, task-based language teaching has become popular, but a number of myths and misunderstandings have emerged around it. I would like to discuss these in this article.

    Aufgabenbasierter Unterricht © Getty Images © Getty Images

  • Language Certificate

    New routines for exam prep

    Are routines boring? Not in the least! They can help structure our everyday language-learning efforts and are an important and effective process in natural learning. Working authentic materials into your learners’ everyday lives is the best preparation for the Goethe, telc and ösd C1-level exams.

    Two young women are writing an exam. © Getty Images © Getty Images

Digital and mobile forms of learning

  • AI in schools

    “Mistakes are now corrected by AI”

    Last year, teacher Hendrik Haverkamp explained in DIE ZEIT how ChatGPT is transforming teaching. What has happened since then? A discussion about the time-saving benefits of artificial intelligence and how it may spell the end of homework.

    Das Internet bringt die Welt an den Schreibtisch. © Colourbox © Colourbox

  • Teacher Training Podcasts

    Learning on the Go with Podcasts in Your Pocket

    Can we learn new things on the go, whilst going for a walk, exercising or doing household chores? Yes, with podcasts! 

    Two people with headphones and a microphone record a podcast. © Colourbox © Colourbox

Language policy, society and perspectives

Language Policy

German Language Teachers Are Key

Worldwide an additional four thousand German teachers are needed. Language skills are the key to successful integration for immigrant students and skilled workers.

Speakers on a stage with an audience © Goethe-Institut / Bernhard Ludewig © Goethe-Institut / Bernhard Ludewig

Language in Context

  • Language policies in everyday school life

    How schools handle languages

    Linguistic diversity has long been the norm in schools in the Netherlands, Germany and their neighbouring countries. But the way in which schools deal with different languages – whether they include, ignore or ban them – may differ considerably. This article examines language policies in schools to prepare the ground for a just and equitable approach to all languages.

    Illustration of colorful speech bubbles with greetings in various languages. © Goethe-Institut / Getty Images © Goethe-Institut / Getty Images

  • Multilingualism in the Classroom

    A multilingual approach as an opportunity in modern foreign-language education

    Despite increasing attention to multilingual approaches, teaching is still often based on a monolingual approach. Learners’ languages can bridge to the target language and make lessons more inclusive and effective – if used intentionally.

    Illustration German Exercise © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

  • Multilingual didactics

    Multilingual Approaches to Teaching German

    Learners of German as a foreign language often have a wide range of prior language skills: their native language, English or other foreign languages they’ve learnt at school, or expressions they’ve picked up whilst travelling or at work. A multilingual approach can take advantage of these various language skills to help German learners. 

    Man with two hats on his head and several languages in the background. © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

  • German as a second language

    Linguicism in the Teaching of German as a Second Language

    How does discrimination against languages and their speakers manifest itself? And how can teachers combat various forms of “linguicism” in the classroom? This is the focus of a Vienna-based association called Migrationspädagogische Zweitsprachdidaktik.

    © Colourbox © Colourbox

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