German Lessons in Portland area, OR

Sophie Scholl Schule:
Sophie Scholl Schule provides fun, contemporary, well-rounded and thoughtful German lessons for students age 3 years up to adults, and beginners to advanced (grouped by age and level). Native and near-native teachers immerse you in the language you want to learn, and apply modern teaching methods.

German Language Classes:
Class sections are added as enrollment dictates. Some sections may be combined, depending on enrollment:

- Preschool:
Whether your child speaks German or it’s something new, come play with us auf Deutsch! Songs, games, exploratory activities, age- appropriate topics and routines make German come alive for our littlest students.

-  Kindergarten:
Children this age move from the world they know toward new topics. A look at families may include a discussion of feelings, a unit on food may wrap up with the class preparing a healthy treat. Stories, traditional games and songs in all forms (books, puppet play, etc.) .

- Grade schoolers (Beginners & continuing learners may form separate classes, as enrollment dictates):
A balance of play and “serious” learning gives students the skills they need to progress. Texts include short poems, songs, repetitive stories and language games. We  introduce and expand vocabulary and understanding of how language works (we model grammar). Students begin to write in German. Customs, traditions and a sense of contemporary Germany are woven throughout the lessons.

- Middle schoolers (beginning, intermediate, advanced classes, as enrollment dictates):
Students are ready to engage. They learn through games, skits and plays, and dialogue. Non-traditional and specialized lessons, like conducting science experiments or learning German pop songs helps keep students connected with the things they enjoy every day.

Continuing students work toward maintaining their proven skills and learning age-appropriate advanced concepts. We offer more complex language in a balanced way, helping students continue to expand and polish their knowledge of German. These students may take  A1/A2 level practice tests from Germany.

- Beginning German (Teen or Adult):
Well-rounded introduction language basics. Workbook may be used. Songs, simple literature, and dialogue target real-life skills.

- High Schoolers (beginning, intermediate, advanced classes, as enrollment dictates):
Students refine their ability to navigate everyday topics (simple story-telling, question and answer, etc.), as well as beginning to explore higher-level skills, such as crafting a coherent essay, responding to others’ opinions, and presentation of a research topic. We alternate between reading somewhat longer texts and culturally significant short texts from a variety of sources.

More advanced teens may take the A2 level practice test or DSDI (age 13+) tests from Germany. Qualified students (age 17+) considering more advanced German study here or abroad may take the Deutsches Sprachdiplom II (DSDII), with teacher approval. Testing is free, but registration dates are early & testing dates absolute.

- Adult Conversational German (Intermediate & Advanced):
Language learning knows no age limits. We bring everything we know about teaching the whole student to our adult classes as well. Basic listening and reading comprehension skills along with basic writing skills required.