Class Times and Location
In-person classes are held on Thursday afternoons (4:30–6:30 pm) and evenings (6:45–8:45 pm) at the Shambhala School, 5450 Russell St, Halifax, NS B3K 1W9.
Please see class descriptions below. Information regarding the time you will find under Calendar/Schedule.
We offer classes for children and adults for various levels. The classes for children are structured according to age and language background, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), see a description of key learning activities here. Lessons take place once a week for two hours on Thursday afternoons and evenings. German language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) are taught by qualified teachers. Children start as young as age four and are encouraged to speak German through play and music. In the children 4 and 5 classes, students can prepare for the German Language Diploma (DSD = Deutsches Sprachdiplom). The curricula for our adult classes are also based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Click here to see our refund policy and here for FAQ. Financial assistance is available to those who need it.
PRESCHOOL CLASS
AGES 4-5
Children learn the basics of the German language through songs, show and tell, and games. The games often include the recognition of animals, letters, numbers, or colours. In addition, German children's books are being read and discussed together. This class will be offered in-person. In-person: $200 per term. No book fee.
Children 1
AGES 6-7
Children will learn to describe things and situations using simple sentence structures. They are encouraged to communicate in German and will start to understand easy questions and statements. On this level, children will learn the German alphabet and write simple words in German. They will be made familiar with basic grammatical structures in a playful manner, using short dialogues, songs, and games. This class will be offered in-person. $200 per term. No book fee. In this course, parents’ involvement is encouraged.
For placement, please contact Cornelia Schneider (director@germanschool.ca)
CHILDREN 2
AGES 7-8
Children will describe things and situations using simple sentence structures. They communicate in German and understand easy questions and statements. On this level, children will start reading and writing short sentences in German and will be made familiar with basic grammatical structures in a playful manner, but also by using an introductory workbook. Book: Willkommen in Deutschland II (Mildenberger). This class will be offered in-person. $200 per term. In this course, parents’ involvement is encouraged.
For placement, please contact Cornelia Schneider (director@germanschool.ca)
CHILDREN 3
AGES 8-10
Children will describe things and situations using simple sentence structures. They communicate in German and understand easy questions and statements. On this level, children will start reading and writing short sentences in German and will be made familiar with basic grammatical structures in a playful manner, but also by using an introductory workbook. Book: Prima 3 - Arbeitsbuch (Cornelsen). This class will be offered in-person. $200 per term, plus $45 book fee. In this course, parents’ involvement is encouraged.
For placement, please contact Cornelia Schneider (director@germanschool.ca)
Children 4
AGES 10-15
Level A2. Preparation for the German Language Diploma. A1 and A2 exams optional. Dialogues in pairs and small groups; language experience approach; mind maps; role-play; sentence frames; games; basic sentence structure; writing letters, emails, and short texts; small presentations; learning everyday vocabulary. Book: Wir alle A 2.1 (Klett). This class will be offered in-person. $200 per term, plus $45 book fee.
Children 5/DSD1
AGES 14-17
Level A2/B1. Preparation for Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD 1). Dialogues in pairs and small groups; language experience approach; quiz; role-play; sentence frames; games; expressing their preferences; talking and writing about everyday topics and situations; writing letters and emails; talking about time/transportation/hobbies/profession/family/food/holidays/seasons/weather/friends. Reading simple newspaper and magazine texts; writing about their own opinion and experiences; reading books, watching German films; projects; videotaping interviews; debating, discussing current events and topics, such as school/bullying/fashion/current events; learning how to write a summary. Book: Prima Plus A2.2 Arbeitsbuch (Cornelsen). This class will be offered in-person. $200 per term, plus $45 book fee.
Youth Deutsch Pro
AGES 15-18_NOT OFFERED IN SCHOOL YEAR 2024/2025
Level B2/C1. This course is intended for students who have completed the DSD 1 Diploma and who like reading about, discussing, and debating a variety of current topics. Discussions and interactive activities will be based on a range of readings and videos, exploring social issues, trends and cultural themes.
Activities: Group-oriented collaborative learning through games, conversation practice, and short writing tasks, reading and presentations, watching German videos, preparing and presenting little projects, and DSD 2 preparation exercises.
Skills developed: Expressing your opinion in German, structuring the points of an argument or presentation, practicing dialogues, debating techniques, and discussing current events.
* In the Winter term, if students are interested, the group may have the opportunity to participate in the North American Jugend debattiert, a youth debating program sponsored by the German government. In this case, more information about the program, winter term format, and times will be provided by the teacher.
Materials needed: No book fee. Bring a binder, loose leaf, and writing material to class.
Youth
Beginner
AGES 11-16_NOT OFFERED IN SCHOOL YEAR 2024/2025
Level A1. No previous knowledge of German required. The student will be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. Book: Prima Plus. Deutsch für Jugendliche A1 (Cornelsen).
Adult 1
BEGINNER 1
No previous knowledge of German required*. This class focuses on building a solid foundation for learning German. It teaches pronunciation and all basic grammatical structures for expressing oneself in the present and past tense. Grammar is taught in an enjoyable way, allowing for lots of repetition during class exercises with your peers. The course book "Schritte International A1.1" comes with an app for your phone for additional home study and a deeper understanding of the material covered in class. The vocabulary you will learn is relevant for everyday language use and needs, covering themes such as talking about yourself, your family, eating and drinking, your living situation, daily life, leisure activities, and more. Speaking, understanding, and reading German will be taught in a well-balanced, interactive way. This class will be offered in-person. $225 per term/$420 for the full year, plus $45 book fee.
*The winter term (from January until May) requires some knowledge of German since the course is half-way completed.
Adult 2
BEGINNER 2
This class builds on a basic foundation of German, interactively expanding vocabulary and the basic ability to express oneself verbally and in writing on various specific themes. New grammar is learned and trained in connection with familiar and everyday topics. We work both with the structured textbook “Schritte International A1.2” as well as other materials such as short stories, word games, and audio tracks. Thus, participants will steadily grow in their ability and confidence in using German, and in understanding both written and spoken German. This class will be offered in-person. $225 per term/$420 for the full year, plus $45 book fee.
Adult 3
INTERMEDIATE
Now that the students have a solid foundation in the basics of German, the fun really begins. We will work with the textbook “Schritte International A2.1/2” and incorporate lots of interactive class activities focusing on further training your skills. As well as reviewing many practical uses of language, the students at this level learn to use German in a more sophisticated way, speaking about the imaginary, expressing wishes and preferences, and stating and responding to opinions in a debate. This class will be offered in-person. $225 per term/$420 for the full year, plus $45 book fee.
Adult 4
INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION
Discussing interesting topics can help to increase fluency and confidence in a language. This class puts an emphasis on speaking and vocabulary, with special sections on grammar included. Discussions are based on topics that students may contribute, on stories or poems, newspaper articles, short films, and topics from German history, culture, and art. This class will be offered in-person. $225 per term/$420 for the full year. No book fee.
Adult 5
ADVANCED MULTIMEDIA
The students’ input in this advanced class helps to shape how the course is conducted. In order to address and include all participants, the course mixes conversation, reading, videos and short films, music, presentations, games, partner and group exercises, and role plays. Having fun with the language while increasing the confidence and fluency in using it is central to this class. The course works to improve not only language skills but also conveys cultural and political knowledge by addressing a variety of historical and contemporary topics in German-speaking countries. This class will be offered online. $225 per term/$420 for the full year. No book fee.