Coffee & News

Coffee & News

Structurally:

Coffee & News is a six-week German conversation course for learners at the A2–B2 level who want to practice their German while discussing everyday news and current topics. Each week, students will explore a selection of accessible German-language news stories covering topics from local and international events to culture, society, science, and everyday life. The course will focus on developing practical vocabulary and building confidence in understanding and discussing news in German.

Functionally:

Students will use current news as a starting point for meaningful conversation. Through short articles, news clips, guided questions, and group discussions, students will practice summarizing information, asking and answering questions, expressing opinions, agreeing and disagreeing, and sharing personal perspectives. The course is designed as an open and flexible space for conversation, and topics will also be adapted to the interests of the group. This may include local, national, or international news, as well as cultural and social topics that participants would like to explore and discuss in German. Students will develop strategies for understanding authentic German-language news while expanding their vocabulary and becoming more comfortable speaking spontaneously about a wide range of everyday topics.

This makes it clear that Coffee & News isn't simply a course where the instructor selects news stories each week, but rather a conversation space where the interests of the participants can help shape the topics—including things like local politics, if that's something the group wants to discuss.

Objectives:

At the end of the six-week course, students will be able to understand the main ideas and important details of accessible German-language news, summarize news stories in their own words, and participate actively in conversations about current topics. They will be able to express and explain their opinions, respond to different perspectives, and ask follow-up questions in German. Students will expand their vocabulary, strengthen their listening and speaking skills, and gain greater confidence communicating about the world around them.

Course Dates, Location, & Time:

This is an in-person class that meets for 6 weeks on Thursday from 9:30-11:30am at the GAI. Each class session will include a selection of current news stories, vocabulary activities, and guided conversation. Come ready to bring your curiosity, your opinions, and your German!

Course Materials:

News articles, short videos, and other authentic German-language materials will be provided by the instructor. Students may be asked to read or watch a short news item before class to prepare for discussion.

Prerequisites:

This course is intended for German learners at approximately the A2–B2 level. Students should have a basic ability to communicate in German. Because the focus is on conversation and current topics, students should be prepared to participate actively in German at their individual level.

Minimum Enrollment:

If there are too few students registered to run the class, the Director of Language Education will contact the student(s) in the week prior to the course start date to discuss other class options.

Questions?

Contact our Language Education Department at [email protected].