I dare to speak German

This workshop is about gaining more self-confidence, getting helpful tools and tips for dealing with the German language and saying goodbye to the idea that we have to speak perfect German in order to be successful in our studies.

The workshop includes practical exercises and an open exchange with all participants from different countries and cultures. It consists of 2 in-person sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours, and is held in German. The language level is at least B1. The language is spoken very slowly so that all participants can understand the essentials.

Dates:

• Wednesday, 29. May 2024, 4:00 - 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, 05. June 2024, 4:00 - 6:30 pm

Content:

Session 1:

• Why do I feel anxiety when I speak in German?
• What are the prerequisites for successful communication?
• How can I express my wishes and needs clearly?
• What strategies help me to express myself confidently and assertively?

(You have one week between the two sessions to put what you have learned into practice)

Session 2:

• Exchange: What have I implemented? What worked well? Where do I still need support?
• How can I get more courage to express myself confidently in German?
• How can I learn to appreciate my accent and my unique way of speaking German?

Important:

• This workshop is not a German course! We will not learn grammar rules or improve our pronunciation. It is about working on our fears and insecurities to gain more confidence and courage in German.
• Participation requires at least German level B1.
• It is necessary to attend both dates. You will receive a certificate of participation afterwards.
• The focus of the workshop is on joint interaction, so it is important that you are motivated and committed. You should be willing to exchange ideas with others.

Registration:

• Please register directly by e-mail: apis@zv.uni-freiburg.de
• Please note: The course will only take place if the minimum number of 10 students is reached. The maximum number of participants is 40. Participation is accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• If you are unable to attend the course, please let us know immediately so that other students on the waiting list can join you. If you are absent without excuse, you will be blocked from participating in our program in the following semester and will not be able to take part in our free language courses and other additional offers for international students

Coach:

Gabriela Varela Lopez

(Psychopedagogue with migration experience)

I was born in Argentina and have been living in Freiburg for more than 12 years. For a long time after my transoceanic move, I felt that my self-confidence had been lost, especially when I had to express myself in German. I tried and tried and still I kept thinking: "My German will never be good enough". Even when I reached language level C1, I felt very insecure in German and often didn't dare to express myself.

Do you know that feeling too? That's why we're meeting up!

We will exchange ideas in a safe space, get practical tools and learn from each other. In my workshops, I speak very slowly and simply so that everyone can understand the essentials, both in English and in German. With me, there are no stupid questions, just as there are no right or wrong answers. This is about showing ourselves as we are, without fear and without shame. Please bring curiosity, openness and a desire to share.

I am so looking forward to seeing you!

Why should you visit this workshop?

• You get helpful tools and tips on how to use the German language.
• You learn to appreciate your unique way of speaking German.
• You realise how you can benefit from your mother tongue.
• You gain more confidence to communicate in German.
• You say goodbye to the idea that you have to speak perfect German in order to have a satisfying and successful study/life.

What requirements should you bring with you?

• Personal: The focus of the workshop is on joint interaction, so it is important that you are motivated and committed. You should be willing to exchange ideas with others.
• Time: Please plan the date firmly and participate in the complete workshop session. Please let us know in advance if you cannot attend the session for a valid reason.

Where can you sign in?

• Please register directly by e-mail: apis@zv.uni-freiburg.de
• Please note: The course will only take place if the minimum number of participants of 10 students is reached. The maximum number of participants is 40. Confirmation of participation is on a first-come-first-served basis.
• If you are unable to attend the course, please let us know immediately so that other students on the waiting list can move up. If you are absent without excuse, you will be blocked from participating in our program in the following semester and will not be able to take part in our free language courses and other additional offers for international students.

Impressions from the summer semester 2022

Participants learned practical tips for gaining confidence in speaking German and that making mistakes is part of the process. Thank you to all our enthusiastic participants and to our trainer Gabriela Varela Lopez for empowering our students to feel confident in their studies at our university!