1 - Welcome to Months
Have you ever wanted to talk about birthdays and special events in German? Today we're learning all 12 months of the year so you can chat about when your birthday is, school holidays, and summer plans!
In Germany, children celebrate their birthdays just like we do here in Ireland, but they say the months differently. Knowing these words helps you understand calendars, plan trips, and even read German invitations.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Name all 12 months in German
- Ask and answer 'When is your birthday?' in German
- Match German months to English months and events
2 - Days Recap and New Months
Quickly review the days of the week from last lesson, then meet the 12 months! Notice how some months like April and Mai sound similar to English - these cognates make learning easier.
Click each month name to hear the pronunciation, then say it with confidence. German months are always capitalised, unlike English.
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 - Matching Pairs Game
Great memory test! Flip the cards to match each German month with its English translation. Can you find all the pairs quickly?
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.
4 - Spin the Birthday Wheel
Spin the wheel to land on a random month! Say the German name clearly before it reveals the answer. Perfect for birthday month practice.
How to Use This Activity:
Option 1: Students on Devices
- Students complete the Spin the Wheel activity on their own laptop or tablet.
- Students spin the wheel and practise saying the vocabulary word that lands. Great for random selection and speaking practice.
- 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.
- Spin the wheel on the whiteboard and have students call out the word together. Use it to pick random students or vocabulary items.
- Invite students up to interact with the board, or have them call out answers from their desks.
5 - Months Matching Sheet
Time for pen and paper practice! Your teacher will hand out worksheets. Draw lines to match each German month with its English name and seasonal picture.
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.
Unlock the Full Learning Experience
Get ready to embark on an incredible learning journey! Get access to this lesson and hundreds more on our learning platform.
This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.
