German

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Resource reviews are provided for teachers to support their teaching and learning programs.

The views expressed by reviewers are not necessarily those of the NSW Department of Education and Training. Copyright for reviews is held by the NSW Department of Education and Training. Permission for reproduction of reviews in part or full for any purpose must be sought in writing. For further information contact colleen.foley@det.nsw.edu.au

Sites are listed alphabetically by title. Those reviews which note links to other sites, especially as a major part of the site, will require additional exploration time by teachers to verify specific curriculum applications relevant to their classes. The USER LEVEL descriptor, Professional, is a pertinent reminder of such issues. Please note that changes happen daily on the Internet. Sites come and go. We cannot guarantee that the following sites are permanent or are structured as they were when they were reviewed.

BBC Education - Languages - Deutsch plus
Berlin.de
Briefeschreiben - Personal letters in German
German for travellers (German for beginners)
Germany - wunderbah
Germany today: facts
Herzlich willkommen auf den internetseiten des gymnasiums Ulricianum in Aurich
JUMA das Jugendmagazin (Juma das Magazin fur junge Deutschlerner weltweit)
Juma: das jungendmagazin
Lifeline: Gesundheit im Internet
PlanetScapes
sowieso – Die online – Zeitung für junge Leser
WDR
Web activities: Department of German Studies: the University of Arizona
ZDF.de
ZDF.online

Briefeschreiben - Personal letters in German

A comprehensive resource which supports students in writing a range of personal correspondence. This site clearly sets out the conventions required and provides a range of appropriate greetings etc, depending on the audience and context. It is suitable for students in Stage 5 or 6, who wish to develop their written communication skills and for those who would like to correspond with pen-friends. One of the strengths of this clearly set-out site is the scope it offers to students. The link to Sample Personal letters provides a clear explanation of the new spelling rules and the link to Pen Pals leads to a wide range of associated resources. The link to Glossaries is particularly useful to students wishing to access vocabulary appropriate for occasions such as birthdays etc. There is also a link to E-Cards und Grußkarten. This provides students with a range of free greeting cards and postcards for specific occasions. Music can be added to the cards. This resource has direct application for Outcomes 5.UL.4 and 5.MBC.1 and is also relevant to Outcomes 5.MLC.3 and 5.MBC.3.

USER LEVEL: Stage 5
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German Stage 6: Beginners

BBC Education - Languages - Deutsch plus
A series of multimedia activities for German beginners is presented at this well structured site. The activities are based on video clips that students can watch and listen to and then use the Key language, Keywords, and transcripts to complete the activities. A Self-check is provided for comprehension evaluation. Each topic is composed of several key activities dealing with everyday situations, making them realistic and entertaining. The language topics include: Hospitality; Phoning; Travelling; Telling the time; and At the bank. Departmental users may not be able to access all components of this site. K. Le Bourdonnec

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German 7-10; German Stage 6: Beginners; Continuers
SCIS SUBJECTS: German language – Conversations and phrases; German language - Vocabulary
KEYWORDS: Deutsch Plus; German
PUBLISHER: BBC Online, UK
REVIEW DATE: 28/02/01 SCIS 1037428

Berlin.de
Bilingual, this site aims to share the excitement of the German capital. It offers a wide variety of services such as a valuable Visitors’ guide, featuring hotel listings, events, and sightseeing. Berlin in brief provides a comprehensive overview of the city in easily accessible headings such as: The city; Politics and history; and Culture. The city’s history is outlined, including thorough information about the Berlin Wall. The site is easily navigated with cross referencing between headings. Some information, including sport and weather, is only accessible to German speakers. K. Le Bourdonnec

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German 7-10; German Stage 6: Beginners; Continuers
SCIS SUBJECTS: Berlin (Germany); Travel
KEYWORDS: Berlin
REVIEW DATE: 14/5/01 SCIS 1047682

German for travellers (German for beginners)
This is a site in English for students of German at any stage. Students can Learn basic German using free lessons and listen to hundreds of high quality audio files. Information on Travel to Germany, Austria or Switzerland can be accessed. Shop could be utilised to support language activities related to daily life, and to seek support material for German language lessons. Students could also Explore the web links to music, television, newspapers and all things German. A link to Entertainment gives an insight to concerts and movies shown in Germany. A Conversion tool changes weights, sizes and especially the new Euro currency. Features allows students to view pictures of Germany that other Internet users have posted. Additional exploration time is required to verify curriculum relevance of linked sites. S. Hauth

USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS German 7-10; German Stage 6: Beginners; Continuers
SCIS SUBJECTS: German language
KEYWORDS: German travel
PUBLISHER: German for Travellers, Canada
REVIEW DATE: 28/8/02 [438] SCIS 1037376

Germany - wunderbah
Germany comes to life and is promoted as a prime vacation destination at this site. Students of German can pick from a multitude of topics such as: Travel tips; Culture; Events; and Destination. Magic cities describes and illustrates the major cities through slide shows. Historic highlights of Germany is an invitation to encounter the famous names of the past and enjoy the architectural and artistic heritage of the great eras. It is also possible to: discover Germany’s historic scenic routes; take on a virtual tour from an interactive map; or explore Castles and palaces from a comprehensive listing. Facts in brief, weather and currency information are provided. A German language version of this site is available. K. Le Bourdonnec

USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German 7-10; German Stage 6: Beginners; Continuers
SCIS SBJECTS: Germany; Travel
KEYWORDS: Germany; travel
PUBLISHER: German National Tourist Board, Germany
REVIEW DATE: 28/5/01 SCIS 1047704

Germany today: facts
German language, a section of a much larger site, focuses on contemporary Germany. Germany after reunification and Geography and history introduce important people and events that shaped today’s Germany. Hypertext links or the Next option provide a multitude of facts, summarised information, and further reading options on Germany’s history, Konrad Adenauer, the Berlin Wall and Germany: facts and figures. While this part of the site is in English, the side menu and Related resources offer options for investigating language, vocabulary exercises and popular culture in German and English. German Unity Day, 16 federal states, Der Euro kommt and more German geography also have interesting information, useful as an introduction for Stage 6 Beginners and Continuers when studying the theme The German-speaking communities. Germany: facts and figures, Large German map and German for beginners should have appeal and relevance for younger students. Other links would need to be checked for suitability. S. Hauth

USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; Languages
SYLLABUS: German K–10; German Stage 6 : Beginners, Continuers, Modern History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: German language
PUBLISHER: About, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [943.088] SCIS 1176548

Herzlich willkommen auf den internetseiten des gymnasiums Ulricianum in Aurich
Australian students can find out about life in a German high school on this site. Information and graphics include subject choices, extra curricular activities such as concerts, the chess club, science excursions, and photographs of this 350 year old school with its many historic and recently constructed buildings. The site is useful for investigating syllabus topics relating to individuals, schools, German speaking communities, youth issues, as well as people and places. Different types of text such as recounts and reports can be found on the site. This site is in German only. S. Hauth

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German K–10; German Stage 6: Beginners; Continuers
SCIS SUBJECTS: Education, Secondary – Germany; Schools – Germany
PUBLISHER: Gymnasium Ulricianum Aurich, Germany
REVIEW DATE: 10/06/04 [373.43] SCIS 1168596

Lifeline: Gesundheit im Internet
Devoted to health issues, illnesses, and medications, this German language site would be valuable for students studying the theme The individual, with particular relevance for the topic Leisure and lifestyles. The top menu is organised into six accessible categories: Gesundheit offers opportunities for students to research the results of smoking, and investigate what should be in a first aid kit, or how to look after your teeth. Ernährung deals with food; highlighting links with obesity and fitness, and includes recipes. Lust und Liebe contains articles on sexual issues and illnesses. Baby und Kind looks at family issues of single parents, and grandparents as babysitters. Krankheiten has a dictionary of the most common illnesses which is accessed from the side menu in each window. Teachers would need time to check links for curriculum relevance. S. Hauth

USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German Stage 6 : Continuers, Extension
SCIS SUBJECTS: German language text; Health
PUBLISHER: Lifeline, Germany
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [613] SCIS 1176552

PlanetScapes
Animations, high quality graphics, statistical tables, and astronaut interviews are some of the features of this large and intriguing site. Very easy to navigate, it provides an exciting look at all the planets and solar phenomena, and it is geographically comprehensive on the Earth, including the interior of the Earth and various types of volcanoes. The site also includes a section of puzzles but few are concerned with the solar system. Computer generated art, cloud photographs from space, and 3D planetary modeling, such as the first lunar landing, will sustain student interest. Visually appealing and entertaining, the site also contains enough complex detail to be useful for the Space Science option in the Senior Science syllabus. Of interest too, is the site’s availability in five European languages, providing a real context for language students. R. Dircks

USER LEVEL: Stage 4Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: CA;Languages;Science
SYLLABUS: French Stage 6; German Stage 6; Portuguese Stage 6; Spanish Stage 6;Science 7–10; Senior Science Stage 6; Visual Arts 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Earth sciences;Solar system
PUBLISHER: Calvin J. Hamilton, USA
REVIEW DATE: 09/06/04 [520] SCIS 1175127

sowieso – Die online – Zeitung für junge Leser
An online newspaper with a stated target audience of eight to fourteen year olds, this site is particularly useful to Australian students of German: Stage 6 syllabus. Younger background speakers, whose reading skills are more advanced, will also find the site interesting and informative. Offering short, student friendly texts on current events in Germany in D.Land and international events in Welt, the site also gives students an opportunity to share their opinions on current affairs and includes competitions, such as a photo quiz. A comprehensive archive offers articles on topics ranging from Aborigines to Zivilcourage. Clicking on the words on the homepage givers users a brief outline of what each icon is about. Clicking on the button next to each word provides access to the actual texts. E. Robertson, K. Roberts

USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: LOTE
SYLLABUS: German 7-10; German Stage 6:Continuers
SCIS SUBJECTS: German language – Conversations and phrases; German language – vocabulary; German language text
KEYWORDS: German; newspaper
PUBLISHER: Pressebuero GbR
AUTHOR: Kristine Kretschmer, Annette Baessler
REVIEW DATE: 22/10/01 [438.3] SCIS 1066037

WDR
Life in contemporary Germany is made explicit in a collection of news reports, photographs, and articles, posted daily on this media site which is run by a radio and television station. The layout is clear and the language in the articles is accessible to students at Continuers and Extension level. Links to a wide range of topics, including Freizeit, Sport, Gesundheit and Kultur, provide plenty for the competent user of the German language to investigate and appreciate. A search under Themenarchiv produces a wealth of topic based reading material. Y. Stoeger

USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: LOTE
SYLLABUS: German Stage 6: Continuers; Extension
SCIS SUBJECTS: German language text; Radio programs; WDR (Radio station)
PUBLISHER:Westdeutscher Rundfunk, Germany
REVIEW DATE: 11/06/04 [384.54] SCIS 1157132

Web activities: Department of German Studies: the University of Arizona
The site’s activities, developed from the online book Kontakte, are excellent for use both in the classroom and at home in order to consolidate and extend the reading and responding skills of students undertaking the German syllabuses. Students can complete quizzes and grammar activities online by going via one of the web activity links and exploring the book. Language activities are easy to access and grouped into 12 kapitel. These online activities could helpfully supplement an existing program and they allow for individualised student progression as well as providing immediate feedback to the students. A. Fuller
USER LEVEL:         Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German K–10; German Stage 6: Beginners; Continuers
SCIS SUBJECTS:    Elearning; German language – Computer-assisted instruction; German language – Study and teaching
PUBLISHER:           University of Arizona, USA
REVIEW DATE:     02/09/08 [438.007]      SCIS 1373979

ZDF.de
Information on a great variety of topics is to be found on this huge site, which is operated by one of Europe’s biggest television channels. The site is ideal for those wishing to explore current issues, or simply peruse the television guide, and it is a most useful resource for teachers. A large number of topics within a busy and colourful layout, shows the site has plenty to offer, but it also takes time to sort through the material. News, current affairs and tourism are the site’s focus, and topics include Reise und Lebensart, Wetter, and Sendungen A-Z. Many videos, such as a clip of the outback train The Ghan, and many animations, make the site most interesting to browse. Y. Stoeger

USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German Stage 6: Continuers; Extension
SCIS SUBJECTS: German language text; Television – Germany; Television programs
PUBLISHER: ZDF, Germany
REVIEW DATE: 12/06/04 [791.45] SCIS 1031833

ZDF.online
The program schedule of one of the biggest government television channels in Europe provides the user with an insight into the programs the German people are watching. By selecting Ratgeber (information); Wissen (culture); Events (sports); Unterhaltung (entertainment); or Programm; students can learn about current television shows airing in Germany. Each show is introduced with a short summary and pictures. Students and teachers of German can gain an insight into a popular medium that shapes contemporary German society. The site is valuable as a discussion stimulus on current issues and for generating ideas for dialogues. S. Luebke

USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: Languages
SYLLABUS: German 7-10; German Stage 6: Beginners; Continuers
SCIS SUBJECTS: German language text; Television - Germany
KEYWORDS: German
PUBLISHER: ZDF.online, Germany
REVIEW DATE: 14/5/01 SCIS 1031833