The Sprachcafé is aimed at international students who are learning German as a foreign language (DaF) and want to practice their language skills outside of class in a relaxed atmosphere. Twice a month, students meet on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Unithekle on the Vaihingen campus.
Speaking German without pressure
The atmosphere at the Sprachcafé is deliberately informal. Unlike in a classroom, there is no grading and no “right” or “wrong.” Instead, the focus is on conversation. “Students often speak English in their daily academic routine —in part because that is the language of their program—and they also frequently speak English with their international friends”, says Dr. Lucy Blaney-Laible, Director of the Language Center.
“The language café gives them additional opportunities to practice German and have more contact with German-speaking conversation partners. That is exactly what you need to learn a language really well.”
In addition, at the Language Center, offers DaF programs for students in German- and English-language degree programs, so they can deepen their language skills. Students in English-language degree programs can take semester-long courses and intensive courses ranging from A1.1 to advanced levels. Students in German-language degree programs can build on existing language proficiency and focus on content-based learning, for example in courses regarding academic German, STEM subject-specific language, and cultural studies.
Support from student tutors
The Sprachcafé is organized and facilitated by two student staff members from the Language Center. They help spark conversations and ensure an open atmosphere.
“I especially like that I can meet people from many different countries here and help them practice their German,” says Emma, one of the student assistants. Larissa, who also works as a student assistant at the Sprachcafé, enjoys contributing creative conversation starters: “One of my favorite methods is word games. They help break down inhibitions and are fun at the same time.”
Both are studying with the goal of working in the education sector later on and appreciate the opportunity to work with adult learners in the relaxed environment of the language café.
Open to all German learners
The Language Café is open to all German learners—regardless of language level and regardless of whether they are enrolled in a German-language or English-language degree program. Beginners are also welcome. The only requirement is a willingness to try speaking German and engage in conversation with others. Of course, native German speakers are also welcome to join the conversation.
An open and respectful atmosphere
At the language café, respectful interaction is the focus. All participants should feel welcome and comfortable—regardless of their background, gender, or language level. At the same time, it is a meeting place to speak German and get to know one another in a friendly, open atmosphere. The focus is on shared conversations, cultural exchange, and practicing the language together.
Follow the Language Center on Instagram @sz_uni_stuttgart to stay informed about upcoming events.
Emma and Larissa
Do you want to take your German skills to the next level?
The project “FiT-US“, initiated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the Federal Ministry for Technology and Space (BMFTR), offers a broad-based range of services to support international students optimally as they enter the German job market. FiT-US works closely with the University of Stuttgart’s Language Center. A key component of this is a good command of German and access to German-speaking conversation partners. Find out more.
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