Our TY and Fifth Year German students recently enjoyed a fun and inspiring day out that brought their language learning to life. The trip combined culture, careers, and creativity — showing just how far German can take you!
The day began with an informative session at the Goethe Institute (GI), where students learned about the many career and study opportunities available through German. Speakers outlined how German language skills open doors in areas such as business, engineering, technology, and the arts — both in Ireland and abroad. Students also heard about exchange and study options in Germany, including Erasmus+ programmes and university partnerships.
Afterwards, students took part in a lively “Schnitzeljagd” (scavenger hunt) around the GI’s beautiful new building. Working in teams, they followed clues, solved puzzles, and explored the Institute’s modern facilities — all while practising their German in a fun, real-world setting. The winning teams were rewarded with prizes to celebrate their teamwork and enthusiasm.
Next came a short tour of the GI’s library and resource centre, where students were shown how to access books, magazines, films, and online materials to support their language learning. The visit offered plenty of ideas for how to keep improving their German beyond the classroom.
To round off the day, our group headed to the Irish Film Institute (IFI), where they were among the first in Ireland to see the new German film “Zwei zu Eins” (“Two to One”). The two-hour comedy-drama — based on real events in East Germany — follows a group of locals as they race to use their East German marks before the currency becomes worthless during reunification. The film sparked great discussion among students about German history, humour, and society.
The trip offered a wonderful mix of learning and laughter, and reminded everyone just how exciting and relevant learning a language can be. Many thanks to the staff at the German Institute and the IFI for their warm welcome — and to our own German teachers for organising such a memorable experience!