1 - Welcome to Family Time
Have you ever thought about how to talk about your family in German? Every family is special, and today you'll learn how to name all the important people in German - from parents to grandparents and even babies!
In Germany, families love gathering for meals just like we do in Ireland. Knowing these words helps you chat about your loved ones when you meet German friends or family.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Name 8 family members in German
- Spot which family words are masculine ('der') and which are feminine ('die')
- Talk about your own family using German words
2 - Meet the Family
Here are the German words for your family members. Click each word to hear how it's pronounced, then say it out loud yourself!
Notice that German family words have genders - 'der' for masculine words and 'die' for feminine words. Most family words follow a pattern: mothers and sisters use 'die', fathers and brothers use 'der'. Can you spot the pattern as you listen?
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 - Label Family Photos
Look carefully at each family photo. Click the correct German word to label each person. There are four choices for each picture - choose wisely!
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Label the Image activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students see an image and select the correct word from multiple choices. Good for visual learners.
- 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.
- Show the image and have students write their answer on mini whiteboards before revealing options.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
4 - Sort by Gender
Drag each family word into the correct column: 'der' for masculine or 'die' for feminine. Listen to the audio if you need a reminder of each word!
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Gender Sorting activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students drag words into the correct gender category. Helps reinforce article patterns.
- 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.
- Ask students to explain WHY they think a word is masculine/feminine before revealing the answer.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
5 - Family Matching Sheet
Your teacher will hand out worksheets. Draw lines to match each English family word with its German translation. Use the pictures to help you remember!
Worksheet Instructions:
- Print copies of this worksheet for your students before the lesson.
- Worksheets can be done during class time or for homework.
- Distribute one copy per student (or pair for collaborative work).
- The answer key is included at the end of the PDF - this is for teacher reference only.
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This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.
