England reaches the World Cup semi-finals – and Harry Kane shows what it means to be a true hero What makes a hero? Is it only scoring the winning goal? Lifting trophies? Standing in the spotlight? For football captain Harry Kane, being a hero means much more. Of course, he is known worldwide for his … Continue reading “Language Heroes: Harry Kane – Scoring Goals and Learning Languages”
Language Learning Is About More Than Learning a Language
???????? ???????? ?’??? ??? просто ?ö? ?ä??????? ?????. Sprachen – German Learning – English n’est pas – French просто (prosto) – Russian (“simply”) för lärandets skull – Swedish (“for the sake of learning”) Meaning: Language learning isn’t simply about learning a language. We’ve probably heard this message countless times—in German, English, French, Spanish and many … Continue reading “Language Learning Is About More Than Learning a Language”
What’s In It for Teachers? Reflections on University–School Collaboration in German
At a recent discussion on the future of German outreach and advocacy, one message came through clearly: teachers are already doing an enormous amount with limited time and resources. Any new initiative, network, or outreach programme needs to answer a simple question: What’s in it for teachers? As we listened to colleagues from universities, schools, … Continue reading “What’s In It for Teachers? Reflections on University–School Collaboration in German”
Beyond the textbook – pupil courses
Study German in Germany:Alongside bringing German teachers into UK classrooms, UK–German Connection also offers.. pupils the opportunity to take language learning beyond the classroom through the German Pupil Courses (Deutschland Plus). These two-week immersive programmes give UK pupils the chance to travel to Germany, speak German in real-life contexts, and experience culture, school life, and … Continue reading “Beyond the textbook – pupil courses”
How do we move from teaching about language to living it in the classroom?
Language comes alive when real people enter the classroom. For teachers exploring how to bring language learning to life, UK-German Connection offers a powerful answer. At its core, the organisation is dedicated to one mission: bringing young people together. It supports this through a wide range of grants, advisory services, professional networks, and exchange programmes—delivered … Continue reading “How do we move from teaching about language to living it in the classroom?”
Living the Language: Bringing authentic, real-time materials into the classroom with minimal preparation
At our recent language event at the University of Birmingham, Dr Ruth Whittle gave an inspiring talk on how AI can be used to create engaging lesson materials, encourage critical thinking, and challenge stereotypes in the language classroom. Using the simple prompt “Dr Feldmann arbeitet an einem Gymnasium in Frankfurt. Beschreibe seinen Tag in wenigen … Continue reading “Living the Language: Bringing authentic, real-time materials into the classroom with minimal preparation”
Language Learning as a Superpower: Inspiring Voices from Language Outreach
Event in Nottingham: Day 3 Some conference sessions leave you with pages of notes. Others leave you with something much more valuable: renewed enthusiasm. The Language Outreach session was exactly that. Listening to passionate speakers champion the future of language learning in the UK was genuinely uplifting. With conviction, optimism, and more than a little … Continue reading “Language Learning as a Superpower: Inspiring Voices from Language Outreach”
Living the Language 2026: Supporting German Teachers Across England
Living the Language – Thank You for Joining Us! What an inspiring week! Our Living the Language events took place on 9 June in Liverpool, 10 June in Birmingham, and 11 June in Nottingham, bringing together passionate German teachers from across England. A huge thank you to everyone who attended. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment … Continue reading “Living the Language 2026: Supporting German Teachers Across England”
Building a new Tower of Babel for a multilingual future – insights from the language event
The message is simple: we live and breathe languages — through networks, communication and community, outreach, and inclusion of AI, connecting schools, universities, and the world of work, building international bridges. Spread the word. It was truly inspiring to see and hear such a fantastic group of speakers come together for this discussion on the … Continue reading “Building a new Tower of Babel for a multilingual future – insights from the language event”
Living the Language Programme
Living the Language: University of Birmingham Alan Walters Building G11 Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 9.30 – 16.30 Morning: From 9.00 Registration 9.30 Welcome: von der gastgebenden Uni, vom DAAD-Team und vom Goethe-Institut 9.45 Auf Schatzsuche mit dem/der GEM What German Expert Mentors can bring to the German classroom: mentoring and CPD; example in practice 10.45 – 11.00 Kaffeepause 11.00 Charlotte Ryland (Oxford, Queen’s … Continue reading “Living the Language Programme”