Beyond Kiezdeutsch: What Youth Language Can Teach Us About German How contemporary youth language challenges stereotypes — and why it belongs in the German classroom 1. From Kanak Sprak to Kiezdeutsch: Rethinking “Broken German” “Wallah, ich geh Kino.” — Kiezdeutsch Few linguistic phenomena have sparked as much public debate in Germany as Kiezdeutsch. Since the … Continue reading “Not Broken German: What Youth Language Really Sounds Like”
The Decline of Language Degrees in the UK: A Threat to Social Mobility?
A major blow for Russell Group universities, which traditionally stand for academic excellence, quality, and prestige, has emerged following the University of Nottingham’s proposal to become the first Russell Group institution to offer no language degree programmes. The decline of language education in the UK is therefore deepening further. This decision is largely driven by … Continue reading “The Decline of Language Degrees in the UK: A Threat to Social Mobility?”
Language Heroes: Harry Kane – Scoring Goals and Learning Languages
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”