1 - Welcome to Polite German
Have you noticed how saying 'please' and 'thank you' makes people smile? In Germany, polite words are very important too - and today you're going to learn the magic German phrases that make conversations smooth and friendly!
Whether you're asking for something at a café or bumping into someone on the street, these polite expressions will help you sound like a true German speaker. German people really appreciate when you use good manners!
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Use 8 essential polite phrases in German
- Know when to use informal vs formal 'please'
- Practice polite conversations with a partner
2 - Today's Polite Phrases
Here are the essential German polite words you'll use every day. Notice how some phrases have informal and formal versions - just like 'du' vs 'Sie' for you. Use informal with friends and family, formal with adults and strangers.
Click each phrase to hear how it sounds, then repeat after the audio. Try to copy the friendly German rhythm!
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
Great job learning those polite words! Now test your memory with these flashcards. You'll see the English phrase first - can you remember the German before flipping the card?
Say each German phrase out loud to help it stick in your memory. You're building good German manners!
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 - Polite Conversations
Time for the best part - talking with a partner! You'll see conversation prompts using today's polite words. Take turns being Person 1 and Person 2, and listen to the audio if you need pronunciation help.
Work with different partners to practise real German politeness. This is how German people actually speak!
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.
5 - Polite Bingo
Listen carefully to these polite phrases and mark them on your bingo card! You'll hear the German words - can you spot them quickly on your card?
This game helps you recognise polite words when you hear them spoken naturally.
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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