German Facts
Germany is spoken primarily in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland, as well as in some border villages of Denmark - though German-speaking communities have survived in places such as Hungary, Russia and Kazakhstan
Nouns and most words which function as nouns in German are written starting with a capital letter
32% of citizens in the EU-15 countries claim to be able to converse in German, either as a mother tongue or a second language
German
Glossary
Die Geschichte des Autos
Get audio
Vor rund 120 Jahren, da war das Reisen noch eine gemütliche Sache. Denn man reiste meistens mit der Pferdekutsche und nur selten mit der Eisenbahn. Die gab es aber damals schon und sie markiert den Beginn jener Zeit, in der die Menschen hinaus in die Welt aufbrechen wollten.
Die Leute hätten einen ausgelacht, wenn man damals ernsthaft behauptet hätte, dass eine Kutsche auch von ganz allein fahren könnte, so ganz und gar ohne Pferde oder andere Zugtieren. Doch die ersten Autos sollten noch vor dem Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts erfunden werden.
Gottlieb Daimler und W. Maybach bauten 1886 ihren selbstentwickelten schnell laufenden Benzinmotor in einen Pferdekutsche ein. Das war das erste Automobil. Es fuhr 1887 zum ersten mal die Strecke Stuttgart–Cannstatt und das mit 18 km/h, fast dreimal schneller als ein Mensch. Allerdings noch langsamer als ein Pferd.
Carl Benz hatte bereits 1885 in eine Kutsche einen Benzinmotor eingebaut. Das Gefährt fuhr erst 1888, also ein Jahr nach der Daimler-Motorkutsche, zum ersten Mal von Mannheim nach Pforzheim. Bemerkenswert ist, dass weder Benz noch das Team Daimler und Maybach jeweils etwas vom anderen und von dessen Erfindung wußten. Später, 1926, gründeten die beiden jedoch zusammen die Daimler-Benz AG. Viel bekannter ist eigentlich die Automarke "Mercedes". Mercedes hieß die Tochter des Konstrukteurs, der 1902 einen Benz-Rennwagen entwickelte. Wegen ihrer Schönheit, sollten die schnellen Autos von Benz Mercedes heißen.
Erst 1913, also fast 20 Jahre später, begann Henry Ford in den USA mit der serienmäßigen Fließbandproduktion von Autos. Ford erfand das Fließband extra für die Autoproduktion. Dadurch wurden die Autos billiger und mehr Menschen konnten sich ein Auto leisten. Ein solches Auto war das Ford T-Modell.
German Courses in Southampton
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
German courses of this type are aimed towards those that need to learn German to aid them with their employment. For those just starting out, it is integral to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and reading and writing can be adopted once the simple precepts are out of the way. Success has come from students who are involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, those seeking jobs in multinational companies, and those working with foreign colleagues, academia and bureaucracy. Just our most basic beginners course will have the student finishing the course with basic telephone/e-mail skills in German, as well as survival German should a short stay in the country be needed.
Book now / EnquiryGerman 1 to 1 General
These German lessons fit a broader spectrum, and can be useful for those who need different things from the language. Most beginner students will have a handle of survival German by the end of their course, which will provide them without enough German to communicate at least at a basic level during short trips to the country, but those who require more would benefit greatly from these sessions. Typical students have been those eager to travel all over the world, those buying overseas property, those with foreign spouses, aficionados of German culture and those who just wish to pass a particular German exam.
Book now / EnquiryGerman Group Lessons
Those wishing to learn German in groups of 2 or more together (Two-to-One German Courses or Small Group In-Company German Courses) can sign up for our group classes. All students must be at nearly the same level of German proficiency, must have the same needs from the language, and must be able to study at the same time and place as the others. Bookings must be made for all students simultaneously. Listen & Learn do not propose group sizes or more than 6-8 people, but In-Company Taster German Courses can occur with up to 12 people.
Book now / Enquiry
Southampton
Home to over 150,000 people, Reading is a town located west of London. Starting out as a city built on the cloth trade, the 18th century saw Reading develop as an ironworking town as well as its now famous brewing trade. The 19th century revolved mainly around the three Bs of Reading: beer, bulbs and biscuits! Nowadays, Reading is a major shopping centre; home to 2 shopping malls and 3 smaller arcades catered to specialist markets. It is perhaps most famous for traditionally hosting two annual music festivals: the Reading Festival and WOMAD.
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."
Southampton Map
