German Facts
One of the world's major languages, German is closely linked to English and Dutch
German uses the Latin alphabet. As well as the 26 standard letters, German has three vowels with an Umlaut, namely ä, ö and ü, as well as the 'Eszett' or 'sharp s', ß.
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
Der Eiserne Vorhang
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Mit dem Begriff "Eiserner Vorhang" wird in der Politik und Zeitgeschichte eine hauptsächlich ideologisch unüberwindbare Grenze nach dem Vorbild aus dem Theaterbau beschrieben.
Im Theater dient der brandsichere und rauchdichte "eiserne Vorhang" dem Schutz der Besucher. Bei Feuergefahr teilt er den Bühnenraum gegen den Zuschauerraum ab.
Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg grenzten die Sowjetunion ihren Machtbereich gegen die übrige Welt ab. Die Trennlinie zwischen Ost und West galt in der Zeit des Kalten Krieges besonders nach dem Bau der Mauer in Berlin 1961 als unüberwindbar und wurde Eiserner Vorhang genannt.
Die schnelle Verbreitung des politischen Schlagworts ist Winston L. Churchill zu verdanken: In einer Rede vor dem Unterhaus im August 1945 und noch einmal im März 1946 in einer in den USA gehaltenen Rede sprach er von dem "iron curtain", der sich auf Europa gelegt habe. Doch selbst erfunden hat Churchill das Wort vom Eisernen Vorhang nicht. Schon Goebbels benutzte es im Februar 1945. Und es gibt Hinweise auf den Gebrauch der Metapher im und nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg in Bezug auf das Verhältnis Deutschlands zu seinen westlichen Gegnern. Insbesondere bezieht sich der Begriff auf die Grenze zwischen den kapitalistisch und marktwirtschaftlich orientierten Staaten des Westens (angeführt durch die USA) und den sozialistischen Staaten Osteuropas (teilweise angeführt durch die UdSSR) während des Kalten Krieges.
In Europa wurde der Eiserne Vorhang zuerst von Ungarn am 2. Mai 1989 abgebaut, die Tschechoslowakei baute ihre Grenzbefestigungen noch im gleichen Jahr (im Dezember) ab. Die Öffnung der Berliner Mauer bedeutete in Deutschland den Anfang vom Ende des Eisernen Vorhangs und damit auch die Beendigung des Kalten Krieges.
German Courses in Stockport
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.
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Stockport
A large town in the northwest of England, Stockport has a population of around 140,000. Economic growth during the Industrial Revolution was a double-edged sword for Stockport, bringing economic boom but pollution from factories did much to leave it "dusky and smoky". Close to Manchester, the town is used by commuters and shoppers - the commercial district in the town centre offers many high-street stores, as well as a leisure park complex incorporating a swimming pool, cinemas, bars, a bowling alley, a health and spa centre, as well as many restaurants.
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."
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