German as a Second Language
- DaZ & DaF
- Language level assessment
- Pairs or one-to-one
- Chemnitz
When German becomes a barrier at school
A new country, an unfamiliar environment and on top of that everyday school life: finding your way in a new language deserves great respect. Many students already get along well in the schoolyard or in their free time. But as soon as the textbook is opened, they get stuck: technical terms seem impossible to grasp, instructions are confusing, and grades often don’t reflect what has actually been understood. This quickly leads to discouragement, exam anxiety and frustration.
What do DaZ and DaF mean?
In German, these two abbreviations describe where German is learned and how much the language shapes everyday life:
- DaZ – Deutsch als Zweitsprache (German as a second language): Students live in Germany permanently. German surrounds them all the time – in the schoolyard, in class, when shopping and in everyday life. It is the key tool for their education and their future.
- DaF – Deutsch als Fremdsprache (German as a foreign language): German is only needed in specific, limited situations – for example in lessons at a school abroad, in a language course or for homework. Outside these situations, learners use the language of their everyday surroundings.
Why do so many students struggle with academic language?
Speaking fluently doesn’t mean being able to follow lessons in other subjects. There is a big difference between two levels of language:
- Everyday language: It is used for quick communication and relies on simple sentences, gestures and short conversations. Students usually pick it up quickly.
- Academic language in subject lessons: In biology, history or maths, a very different level of language is required – with complex sentences, passive forms, abstract wording and precise instructions such as analysieren (analyse), begründen (justify) or ableiten (derive).
Even in maths, success often depends not on understanding numbers but on language: if someone fails at a word problem, it is often because of unclear signal words or double meanings – not a lack of logical thinking. Without academic language, students fall behind in class even though the knowledge is actually there.
How we support at B&T
In our language-sensitive tutoring, we link learning German directly to school subjects. We bring language and subject content together so that students truly understand the material and gain confidence.
Our support is provided by qualified specialists and educators who specialise in German as a second and foreign language.
- Thorough language assessment At the start, we use suitable placement tests to determine the current level of knowledge and language. This shows us exactly where learners stand and where to begin.
- Language-sensitive subject teaching Instead of isolated grammar rules, we focus on the language of school subjects: we decode word problems, practise instructions and break complicated texts down into understandable steps.
- Scaffolding & digital support Visual aids, subject word banks, text templates and phrasing aids support the learning process. We also use licensed educational software whose exercises we adapt to each learner’s language level – always under the guidance of our teachers. This motivates and creates new moments of success.
- Cooperative learning & speaking opportunities Language grows through exchange. With partner and tandem exercises, we create real, anxiety-free opportunities to speak and strengthen social connection.
- An encouraging learning atmosphere Mistakes are not a weakness but an important part of learning a language. With us, students can speak, ask questions and try things out without fear.
Support options & prices
We work in a calm, small setting – in pairs or one-to-one. Before we start, we assess the current language level and create an individual support plan.
- Placement test & support plan: from €59, one-time (instead of the registration fee)
- Intensive group of two: 45 minutes per week, from €119 per month
- One-to-one training: 45 minutes per week, from €169 per month
Not sure which option is right? Get in touch – we’ll be happy to advise you.