1 - Safari Adventure
Imagine you're on a safari spotting amazing wild animals! Today you'll learn how to name these incredible creatures in German - from roaring lions to tall giraffes.
German explorers and zoos use these exact words when talking about wildlife. Knowing animal names helps you understand wildlife documentaries, zoo signs, and chat with German-speaking friends about your favourite animals!
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Name 8 wild animals in German
- Spot animals by their pictures and German names
- Sort animals by masculine (der) and feminine (die) words
2 - Meet the Animals
Here are today's new wild animal words in German. Click each word to hear how it's pronounced - notice how some start with 'der' (masculine) and some with 'die' (feminine).
Listen carefully to the different sounds - German 'r' is rolled or guttural, and 'Giraffe' has a soft 'g' like in 'go'. Have a go at saying each one after you hear it!
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 the Animals
Time to test your animal spotting skills! Look at each picture and click the correct German name from the options below. Can you spot the lion, the giraffe, and all the others?
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 - Memory Match
Great job labelling! Now flip the cards to match each German animal to its English name. Work quickly to find all the pairs - remember where the tricky ones are hiding!
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 - Animal Labelling Sheet
Your teacher will hand out worksheets with animal pictures. Write the correct German name under each animal using the words you've learned - perfect practice for your safari vocabulary!
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.
