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German Vocabulary List for Back to School

February 16, 2023

German Vocabulary List for Back to School

 

Are you planning on studying German this school year? Get a head start with this German vocabulary list created by German teacher Tyler S

It’s that time of year again when students in both the United States and Germany are getting back into the swing of things.

If you plan on studying Germany this year or you’re already taking German lessons, the following German vocabulary list will be indispensable in your studies.

If you take the time to study school-related German vocabulary, you’ll have a much easier time functioning in the classroom.

How Can I Learn Germany Vocabulary Fast?

As anyone who has attempted to learn a foreign language can attest, vocabulary is one of the most essential—and difficult—aspects of the process. However, there are a few strategies that can help to make the task of learning German vocabulary more manageable. 

  • Create a study schedule and stick to it. 
  • Review German vocabulary words often to help them to stay fresh in your mind. 
  • Try to find creative and fun ways to engage with the material. 
  • Make flashcards.
  • Play word games with friends. 
  • Make use of digital resources such as apps and online dictionaries. 

By following these tips, you can give yourself a solid foundation in German vocabulary in no time.

And if you’re still feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to give online German lessons a try! Working with a German tutor might be just the dose of motivation you need to learn these key German vocabulary words. You can get an idea of what you’ll learn in your German classes by watching the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB_sassbnOw 

German Classroom Vocabulary – Wortschatz fürs Klassenzimmer

(Vocabulary for the Classroom)

It can be difficult to learn a new language, especially one with a different alphabet and grammar rules. 

However, the effort is often worth it when it comes to learning German. German is the fourth most widely spoken language in the European Union and the official language of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It’s also one of the most popular languages for business and academia. 

As a result, there are many good reasons to learn German vocabulary for the classroom. Not only will it improve your communication skills, but it will also give you a better understanding of German culture and history. In addition, knowing German can help you stand out in the job market or gain admission to top universities. So if you’re looking for a challenge, learning German vocabulary is a great way to start.

Memorizing the Germany vocabulary list below will not only improve your comprehension in German, but it will also enable you to strike up a friendly conversation about life in the classroom:

Useful German Phrases for the Classroom

Now it’s time to learn some useful German phrases related to school. Anyone who is taking a German class this school year can benefit from this German vocabulary list.

Here are some common expressions to add to your Wortschatz (vocabulary):

  • In welcher Klasse bist du?” (What grade are you in?)
  • “Ich bin in der zehnten Klasse.” (I’m in 10th grade.)
  • Ich habe die Prüfung bestanden!” (I passed the test!)
  • “Wann ist die Hausaufgabe fällig?” (When is the homework due?)
  • “Mein Lieblingsfach ist…” (My favorite subject is…)

If you want to customize the German phrases above, try inserting a specific subject. Here’s a quick list of the various school subjects.

  • Biologie (Biology)
  • Chemie (Chemistry)
  • Deutsch (German)
  • Erdkunde (Geography)
  • Englisch (English)
  • Geschichte (History)
  • Kunst (Art)
  • Musik (Music)
  • Mathematik (Math)
  • Sport (Physical Education)
  • The German Grading System

    Did you know that grading systems can differ given the country in which they originate? When I was a newly arrived exchange student in Germany, I remember being surprised to learn that the grading system differed from America’s A-F system.

    There were two main differences between the two grading systems. First, there is no A-F letter system in Germany because they use numbers instead of letters to represent grades. The number “1”, for example, is the best score you can receive, and a “6” is the equivalent of an “F”.

    Secondly, it seemed much more difficult to attain a “1” in a class in Germany than it is to receive an A. As a result, there tend to be less A’s and a much higher level of B’s in a student body.

    So, if you are normally an A-student in the United States, don’t be surprised if in Germany you tend to get 2’s. This is simply due to differences in the way German culture grades their students on their work.

    Basic German Vocabulary for School-Related Topics

    When you’re a student, school-related vocabulary is some of the most important vocab to know. After all, whether you’re taking classes online or in person, you’ll need to be able to talk about school subjects, classroom objects, and school rules. Here are some basic German words and phrases that every student should know:

    Classroom Objects: der Tisch (table), die Stuhl (chair), das Papier (paper), der Bleistift (pencil), der Radiergummi (eraser), das Lineal (ruler)

    School Subjects: Deutsch (German), Mathematik (math), Englisch (English), Physik (physics), Chemie (chemistry), Biologie (biology)

    School Rules: still sein (be quiet), langsam sprechen (speak slowly), bitte wiederholen (please repeat), ich verstehe nicht (I don’t understand)

    With this basic German vocabulary, you’ll be able to communicate with your teacher and classmates about all things school-related. So next time you’re in class, try using some of these words and phrases. You might be surprised at how well you get adjusted!

    Advanced German Vocabulary to Know

    German vocabulary related to school, college and education can sometimes be quite advanced. 

    For example, there are multiple words for “school” depending on the type of institution: die Schule (primary/elementary school), das Gymnasium (secondary school), die Realschule (secondary school), die Berufsschule (technical school) and die Universität (university). Colleges are called either Fachhochschulen or Hochschulen, and there are many different types of educational institutions in between these two extremes. 

    The word for “learning” is lernen, while “education” is Bildung. 

    Finally, a student is called a Schüler or Student, while a teacher is called a Lehrer or Professor. As you can see, there is a lot of German vocabulary to know about schools, colleges and education!

    Tips for Daily German Vocabulary Practice

    If you’re looking for ways to improve your German vocabulary, here are a few tips that can help. 

    One great way to learn new words is to create German vocabulary study cards. 

    On one side of the card, write the German word, and on the other side, write the English translation. You can also include an example sentence to help you remember how to use the word in context. 

    Another effective method is to use German vocabulary flashcards. Again, on one side write the German word, and on the other side write the English translation. You can carry the flashcards with you wherever you go and pull them out when you have a few free minutes.

     Finally, be sure to listen for new vocabulary words when you’re watching German TV or movies, reading German books or articles, or speaking with native speakers. 

    By actively listening for new words and phrases, you’ll quickly expand your vocabulary. With a little effort and practice, you’ll be able to master all the German vocabulary you need to communicate confidently in any situation.

    All the German Classroom Vocabulary You Need to Know!

    Learning a new language can be daunting, but with a little effort it can also be rewarding. When it comes to learning German, one of the best ways to start is by mastering some basic vocabulary. Here are a few essential words and phrases that you’ll need to know before setting foot in a German classroom.

    Beginners might want to start with some basic greetings like “Guten Morgen” (good morning) and “Auf Wiedersehen” (goodbye). You’ll also need to be able to introduce yourself, so memorize phrases like “Ich heiße _____” (my name is _____). Of course, you’ll also need to know some key classroom words and phrases like “Bitte” (please), “Danke” (thank you), and “Entschuldigung” (excuse me).

    Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident German speaker. So what are you waiting for? Start memorizing today!

    This back-to-school German vocabulary list will save you frustration in during your German studies. Studying this list will enable you to have a much easier time participating and understanding your teacher.

    Viel Spaß beim Lernen dieses Jahr! (Have a great time learning this year!)

    Viel Spaß beim Lernen dieses Jahr! (Have a great time learning this year!)

    Tyler S.Post Author: Tyler S.
    Tyler S. teaches in-person German lessons in Minneapolis, MN. He received his Bachelor’s degree in German and linguistics from the University of Minnesota, and has experience working as a teaching assistant and private tutor with TakeLessons since 2008. What’s more? He can speak 7 different languages! Learn more about Tyler here!

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    Brooke Neuman