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Get Started With German - Learn Vocabulary & Practice Reading With Folk Songs

Completed by 7 learners

Ages 10-18

Self-Paced Course

Learn 6 short songs to build your vocabulary and get familiar with the German literary tradition. Taught by a former college professor.

Jennifer Bjornstad, PhD (German)

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(200 reviews)

Popular

Rising Star

2 pre-recorded lessons

2 weeks of teacher support

Choose your start date

1 year of access to the content

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Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Start when you want.

Learn at your own pace

Access course material for a full year.

Get hands-on support from teacher.

About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

2 pre-recorded lessons

2 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Assignments

A variety of activities are built into the video lessons. We go over the answers together.

Certificate of Completion

A Certificate of Completion is available upon request.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12

Beginner - Intermediate Level

Guten Tag! In this class, you’ll learn six very short folk songs in German:

Each song is just a line or two long. These particular songs are usually sung in the round, so you just sing them over and over and over again!

You’ll get…
+ two 20-minute videos
(we’ll do a matching activity, learn vocabulary, get in some pronunciation practice, and then sing the songs – if you want to sing along, great; if you’d rather just listen, no problem!)
+ vocabulary list
+ song sheet
+ the opportunity to ask me any questions that come up as you do the work

I’d love for you to learn these songs and improve your German!

--Dr. Jennifer

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THE SONGS
+ Ein sehr harter Winter ist
+ Uhrenkanon
+ Abendstille
+ Wachet auf, wachet auf
+ Es regnet
+ Hejo! Spannt den Wagen an

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THE FOLKSONG TRADITION
The German-speaking countries have a strong folksong tradition. Folk songs were long a part of daily life, sung not only by organized choral groups by also by ordinary people while hiking, working, or sitting around the communal table at an outdoor restaurant. While these songs aren’t sung spontaneously out on the hiking trail quite like they used to be, they remain an important part of German cultural heritage.

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THE SELF-PACED FORMAT
This class is offered in Outschool’s self-paced format. There are no live class meetings on Zoom. Instead, you get access to carefully designed learning materials that guide you through the work.

The class will probably take you around 45 minutes to complete.

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THE FULL GERMAN CURRICULUM
If you’re interested in becoming truly fluent in German, see my full German curriculum: https://outschool.com/search?q=bjornstad. Send me a message if you have questions or would like a copy of my “German for High Schoolers” information sheet.

Learning Goals

Students will build vocabulary knowledge, gain cultural understanding, and have fun with German!

Syllabus

2 Lessons

over 2 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Folk Songs 1, 2, & 3

Lesson 2:

Folk Songs 4, 5, & 6

Other Details

Learning Needs

This self-paced class works especially well for students with unique learning needs. Students can pause the videos at any time to make notes and rewind to watch a section again for deeper understanding.

Pre-Requisites

This class is perfect for students at many different levels. It’s great for true beginners as well as for intermediate students.

Supply List

All materials are provided by the instructor.

Language of Instruction

English

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Jennifer Bjornstad, PhD (German)

Joined November, 2020

5.0

200reviews

Popular

Rising Star

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

2 Teaching Certificates

Indiana Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts

Indiana Teaching Certificate in Foreign Language

Doctoral Degree in Foreign Language from University of Wisconsin-Madison

I have been teaching German, composition, and arts & humanities for more than 25 years, and I speak German with near-native fluency. I have a PhD in German Literature and was the 2014 Indiana German Collegiate Teacher of the Year. I was a professor of German for 16 years and have homeschooled my own son. I bring first-rate content knowledge and pedagogical expertise to the online classroom, plus a genuine love of working with young learners.

Because I have extensive experience at the college level, I know just where high school students are headed and can expertly guide them as they prepare themselves for the next step. My focus on learning strategies and study skills is an added benefit, useful for any learner.  

See my Profile Page for my resume.