1 - Welcome to German Greetings
Have you ever wondered how German people say hello? Today we're going to learn the most important German greetings you'll need to start conversations anywhere in Germany!
Whether you're saying hello to a friend, greeting your teacher, or meeting someone new at a German market, knowing these words will make you sound like a local. German greetings change depending on the time of day and how well you know the person.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Say hello at any time of day in German
- Ask 'How are you?' to friends and adults
- Play games to practise your new greetings
2 - New Greetings
Here are the essential German greetings. Click each word to hear how it's pronounced by a native German speaker. Notice how some greetings change depending on the time of day!
Quick tip: 'Guten Tag' works all day, but German people love using 'Guten Abend' in the evening. 'Hallo' is like saying 'Hi' to your friends, while 'Wie geht es Ihnen?' shows respect to adults.
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 Challenge
See the English greeting first and try to remember the German before flipping the card! Say the German word out loud to practise your pronunciation.
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 - Matching Pairs
Flip the cards to match each German greeting to its English meaning. 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.
5 - Greetings Bingo
Listen to the German greetings and click them on your bingo card as you hear them. First to get a line shouts 'Bingo!'
How to Play Bingo:
Option 1: Students on Devices (Digital Version)
- Use the digital version where your teacher view of the lesson displays the cards that are being called out.
- Play the pronunciation sound of each word and the children mark it off their unique digital bingo card.
- Each student has a randomised bingo card so winners will vary!
Option 2: Print Out the Bingo Cards
- Print out the Bingo Cards from the attachment above, cut out the cards, and give one to each student.
- You call out the vocabulary words and students mark off their sheets.
- First student to complete a line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) calls "Bingo!" and wins.
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