1 - Welcome to Greetings
Have you ever wanted to greet German friends like a local? Today you'll learn how German people say hello at different times of day and how to ask 'How are you?' in casual and polite ways.
Imagine you're in Berlin meeting new classmates - knowing these greetings will help you make friends instantly! German greetings change depending on the time of day and whether you're talking to friends or adults.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Greet people at any time of day in German
- Ask and answer 'How are you?' like a native speaker
- Use both casual greetings (with friends) and polite greetings (with adults)
2 - Today's Greetings
Here are the essential German greetings you'll use every day. Notice how they change depending on the time - morning, afternoon, evening - and whether you're talking to friends or adults.
Click each phrase to hear how it sounds, then repeat after the audio. Try to copy the friendly German rhythm! Hallo is super casual for friends, while Guten Tag works anytime and sounds polite.
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Digital Reference (Interactive)
- Display the Word Table on the whiteboard or let students access on their devices.
- Click/tap words to hear pronunciation - great for listening and speaking practice.
- Go through each word together, practising pronunciation as a class.
Option 2: Printed Reference Sheet
Download Vocabulary Sheet (PDF)
- Print the vocabulary reference sheet for students to keep as a study aid.
- Great for homework, revision, or as a take-home reference.
- Students can use it alongside the interactive activity.
3 - Flashcard Practice
See the English greeting and try saying the German version before flipping each card! This helps your brain connect the ideas. Say it out loud each time - the more you practise, the easier it gets!
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Flashcards activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Great for self-paced vocabulary drilling. Students can flip cards and repeat until confident.
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Click to flip cards and have the class say the word together. Use choral repetition for pronunciation practice.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
4 - Memory Match
Flip the cards to match each German greeting with its English meaning. Work quickly but carefully - can you beat your personal best time?
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Matching Pairs activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students match words to their translations. Encourage them to say the words aloud as they match.
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Make it competitive - time students or split class into teams. Have students justify their matches.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
5 - Partner Greetings
Time to talk to a partner! Follow the conversation prompts on screen, taking turns as Person 1 and Person 2. Listen carefully to each other's pronunciation and give a thumbs up when you hear it perfectly!
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Partner Practice activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students practise dialogue with a partner or family member. They can click to hear each phrase before repeating.
- Walk around the room to monitor progress and assist students who need help.
Option 2: Teacher-Led (Whiteboard/Projector)
- Display the activity on your interactive whiteboard or projector.
- Pair students up to practise the dialogue. Model the conversation first with a volunteer, then have pairs practise.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
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This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.
