Why do German lessons and individual coaching go well together?

The latest scientific research on language learning suggests that the more closely the acquisition of a foreign language resembles the acquisition of the first language, the better it works. We usually learn our first language, i.e. our mother tongue, in the family, with our first playmates and in kindergarten, i.e. in an environment based on trust, where we can talk about everything, where we are understood without the need for words and where we are helped to say what we want to say.

Through content-focused communication, you learn without realising it. You don't actually learn, you acquire your mother tongue, so it comes naturally and never becomes tedious: You playfully try out new structures, ask questions if you don't understand something and experiment with different strategies. You improve your language skills and your expressiveness without being conscious of it, without feeling that it is work. And you learn to talk about exactly the things you need and are interested in.

In my work I am an individual coach and German teacher in one person: I give you, the German learner, that confident acceptance that you experienced in your childhood during the acquisition of your mother tongue, so that you acquire the German language in a similar way to your mother tongue.  You are given the opportunity to verbalise your own personal world in German. I guide you in individual conversations so that you can say in German exactly what is on your mind, what you want to clarify, what is important to you and what you want to communicate to others.

I keep the conversation alive, ask questions, give ideas and make suggestions. As a coach, I am sympathetic and give my full attention; I give space and time to express yourself, advise on learning methods and motive. As a language teacher, I give suggestions and linguistic tools, i.e. words, structures and strategies as well as individually selected learning materials. The dual role of coach and teacher of German as a foreign language not only adds to, but multiplies and even enhances the effectiveness of learning progress. 

My dual role as a German teacher and individual coach

In my role as a German teacher, I focus on improving your reception and linguistic production by suggesting possible utterances or presenting alternatives to utterances made in context. I also correct individual errors without interrupting the conversation and, in the case of systematic errors, I add a more or less lengthy explanation. Depending on the student's wishes, I also give specific grammar lessons with theoretical explanations and practical exercises. Correct pronunciation is also an important part of my German lessons. The phonetic system of the German language and its practical application is an aspect of learning German which should not be underestimated.

In my role as a learning coach, I improve the effectiveness of learning by creating a relaxed and positive working atmosphere and by overcoming learning blocks in such a way that they give way to the naturally innate curiosity. I explain the German language and the learning process in such a way that interest arises without conscious control, which leads to motivation and thus to learning success. As a coach, I encourage you to dare to define and achieve your goals. Our work together as coach and client is at the same time the material for your German as well as purpose, so that you can situate yourself in the German-speaking world, set your goals and plan steps to achieve them.

Both during lessons and when planning self-study and correcting homework, I monitor the entire learning process and also advise on issues such as time management, learning materials and methodology in relation to self-defined learning objectives. We also discuss all other issues concerning the learner, as circumstances are as important for successful learning as the learning itself, and therefore coaching also includes learning, life and career coaching.

But coaching is also an important part of my work as such. Because of my multicultural background, my international experience, my basic training as a pedagogue, my additional training as a coach and especially because of my many years of experience as a psychosocial individual case worker and coach, I can help German learners and migrants in German-speaking countries in particular effectively and also ensure that they are efficient in their self-study and do not lose their motivation. I support you not only with the language, but also with German-speaking society, so that you can not only cope professionally and privately, but also be successful.

How does language coaching for German as a foreign language work?

The exact format for language coaching for German as a foreign language can vary depending on the teacher and the student, but in general it can go like this:

Needs assessment: At the beginning, a needs assessment is conducted with the student to determine their learning goals, weaknesses and strengths in learning German.

Learning planning: Based on the results of the needs analysis, a tailor-made learning plan is created to meet the student's needs and goals.

Teaching: A variety of methods and activities can be used in the coaching sessions to support the student in learning German. These may include conversation, grammar exercises, role-plays, writing tasks and listening comprehension exercises.

Feedback and review: During the learning process, the student receives regular feedback and is reviewed to monitor progress and depth of understanding.

Adaptations: The learning plan can be adjusted as needed to optimise learning progress.

The aim of language coaching is to support the student as effectively and efficiently as possible in learning German by addressing their individual needs and learning goals.