On German Language Day, take part in inspiring events focused on the history of the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification.
Renowned experts will provide deep insights, share authentic materials, and present creative teaching ideas.
Discover how to bring this historical event to life in your classroom to enrich your German lessons in a meaningful way.
Take the opportunity to connect with fellow educators and get inspired!

09:45 – 11:15: Back to the Future – Tracing the Fall of the Berlin Wall
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Oliver Holz 
How did you feel back then? Do you still remember? Or were you not even born yet?
In the reading session “Tracing the Fall of the Wall”, we take a look back at life in the GDR. Personal experiences and anecdotes are embedded in the context of social and educational policy.
Key historical events before and around 1989 will also be discussed.

11:30 – 13:00: Experiencing the GDR in the Classroom
Speaker: Anja Fricke

An increasing number of young people today express great trust in authoritarian regimes and strong leaders.
This practice-oriented session introduces participants to the methodology of a typical GDR lesson.
Every dictatorship is marked by certain recurring structures.
You’ll first receive a theoretical introduction to the GDR and insights into Anja’s experiences with guest teaching sessions on the topic.
Afterwards, we will discuss how to create a safe space in the classroom to address this topic in a thoughtful way.
What needs to be considered? What framework conditions are necessary?
There will also be an opportunity to try out short teaching sequences yourself.
Experience, from the perspective of a GDR teacher, how powerful and restrictive dictatorial structures could be.
Naturally, you’ll receive materials including an exemplary lesson plan and scenarios for typical GDR-style school tasks.

13:45 – 15:15: Film in the Classroom – The Silent Revolution
Speaker: Stefan Vaes

Contact: 
Carolyn Smout 
Tel.: 03 265 29 73 
E-Mail: carolyn.smout@uantwerpen.be