German Facts
Unlike some other inflected languages, German's nouns inflect. Each noun belongs to one of three genders, and can be rendered into four cases (nominative, accusative, genitive and dative), singular or plural
German is able to heap words upon one another to create long compound words: whereas in English compounds are formed 'openly' (with spaces)
Historically, German holds the Guinness record for the most written translations into and from a language
German
Glossary
Gewitter - Wenn es blitzt und
Get audio
Plötzlich wird es dunkel, der Wind weht kräftig und dann erhellt ein Blitz denn Himmel. Wenig später ertönt ein lautes Grollen: Ein Gewitter kommt. Bevor es blitzt und donnert, haben sich viele kleine Wassertröpfchen zu mächtigen Gewitterwolken, den sogenannten Cumulonimbus-Wolken, zusammengetan. Solche Wolken können über 10 Kilometer hoch in den Himmel ragen.
Wenn bei warmem Wetter die feucht-warmen Luftmassen nach oben steigen, geraten sie schnell in Konflikt mit den kühleren Luftmassen höherer Luftschichten. Diese Spannungen entladen sich später und erzeugen das Donnergrollen und manchmal auch Blitze. Um auszurechnen, wie weit ein Gewitter noch entfernt ist, muss man die Sekunden zwischen Blitz und Donner zählen und durch 3 dividieren.
Wenn Gewitterwolken dunkel und gefährlich aussehen, kann man sicher sein, dass im Inneren die Hölle los ist. Winde steigen und fallen mit großer Geschwindigkeit. Durch diese Reibungsenergie wird eine gewaltige elektrische Ladung aufgebaut. So entstehen entgegengesetzte Pole - ähnlich wie bei einer Batterie. Ist der Spannungsunterschied zu groß, blitzt es.
Im unmittelbaren Umkreis des Blitzes wird die Luft bis zu 30.000 Grad warm. Die Kraft des Blitzes spüren wir auf der Erde nur dann, wenn er irgendwo einschlägt. Denn der Blitz sucht sich nur dann einen Weg nach unten, wenn die Wolkenuntergrenze nicht höher als 3000 Meter über der Erde ist. Glücklicherweise hat der Physiker Benjamin Franklin vor vielen Jahren den Blitzableiter erfunden, der schon so manches Unglück verhindert hat.
German Courses in Oxford
Our German speakers, fully qualified to teach their native tongue, can train you and, if need be, the rest of your group at a time that is suitable to you, at your home or place of work. Sessions can take place on the day of your choosing - even weekends - and at the time you want: whether it be morning, afternoon or evening. If circumstances arise where your home or office is not convenient, the classes can be held at your trainer's office. Resources for the course are provided for you.
Book now / EnquiryGerman 1 to 1 Business
Those who would benefit the most from these German tutorials are those who feel they need to learn German to help them out in their business lives. For starters, learning salutations and business etiquette is integral; once these have been practiced then reading and writing courses can start. Typical studiers have been those involved in international import/export, negotiations and acquisitions, those in multinational companies requiring another language, and those working in any way with international governments and relevant administration. Just our simplest course for beginners will have students finishing the lessons with basic telephone and e-mail German, as well as survival German should a visit to the country be necessary.
Book now / EnquiryGerman 1 to 1 General
German courses of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival German - needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'; those studying German usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefitted from these German classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts in German culture, and those enthusiastic to pass a specific exam in German.
Book now / EnquiryGerman Group Lessons
If there are 2 or more of you with the same level of German, the same targets within the language, and be able to study at the same time and location, then you'll be happy to know that these German courses can also be made available for Two-to-One German Courses or Small Group In-Company German Courses. Listen & Learn do not generally recommend classes of more than 6-8 people, although Taster courses in German can run with up to 12 people. Bookings must be made for all participants at the same time.
Book now / Enquiry
Oxford
A university city in central England, Oxford has a population of around 135,000 and is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Coined as "the city of dreaming spires", the city has many major tourist attractions, many found in the numerous colleges of the university. Oxford developed much as a result of early 20th century innovations, especially the printing press and the automobile. Unsurprisingly one of the main bywords of Oxford is its penchant for encouraging an excellent education, as it features many of the country's highly academic secondary schools, as well as the university itself.
German Testimonials
"Our native speaker qualified German language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning."
Oxford Map
