A good learning experience and much fun is guaranteed!

German for Expats - Conversational fluency in everyday situations

"The only normal way to begin speaking in a new language is to begin speaking badly." Greg Thomson


Do you have some basic knowledge of German already, but somehow find it hard to speak?

If you have ever struggled learning German in the classroom or at home, then my WALK & TALK GERMAN classes in Basel are just for you!

  • Learn beyond the classroom – all lessons take place in real life locations around town.
  • Study while your kids are in school – day time lessons to suit your family agenda.
  • Benefit from semi-private teaching –  2 to 4 students per group or individual lessons to maximize your speaking opportunities.
  • Practice with and receive immediate feedback from a native speaking teacher.
  • Go where the locals go – my classes include a wide range of practical information and take you along to fun and unusual places.

Knowing the language of your host country will open many doors for you and make your stay in Basel an even more rewarding experience. The more you feel at home , the more successful your family’s stay will be.

Or in other words – learning German is just a starting point, it has benefits far beyond just knowing the language.

WHAT DO MY STUDENTS SAY?

"We all would like you to know how much we are enjoying our German class with you! We are learning new vocabulary, fun locations in Basel and practical ways to speak German in everyday life." J.P. USA
"It is a pity I met you only recently, as I found your lessons and walks extremely interesting and pleasant and I just started feeling motivated to re-start learning German." R.C. Italy
"Thank you! I have really enjoyed class with you. Happy to continue after holidays!" S.H. UK
"Danke für all deine Hilfe. Ich freue mich auf mehr Lektionen im neuen Jahr!" S.E. USA
"Thank you again for your patience in us. It means a lot to us knowing that you have faith in our German skills." M.C. USA
"Thanks for the homemade cookies! It was a great learning experience with you, I enjoyed all the places you showed us, even I’m a slow German learner. Wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas holiday! And look forward to seeing you again in the coming year!" L.S. China

The ideal supplement to your classes at a language school

GERMAN CONVERSATION


Train your conversation skills with a native German teacher while you explore Basel on foot. Putting into practice what you’ve learnt in school is the perfect combination to boost your learning progress. Moreover, being on your feet and out and about is proven to improve both learning ability and memory retention.

Depending on the weather, GERMAN CONVERSATION walks cover Basel and its surroundings or we practice in locations where you need to use your German: in the supermarket, in a furniture store, at the library, in the pharmacy and others.

As we walk, I engage you in natural conversation, no pre-set textbook dialogues. We focus on topics relevant to your everyday life, be it small talk, family, work, health, food, shopping or travel – you name it.

GET TO KNOW BASEL
LIKE A LOCAL

GERMAN CONVERSATION walks cover various city quarters as well as Basel’s natural surroundings. Get a glimpse of the busy Rhine ports in Kleinhüningen, enjoy a leisurely stroll in medieval St Alban or venture through vineyards across the German border, just to name a few of our destinations.

Suitable for learners from level A1 and above who like to walk for 1.5 hours regardless of the weather.

1-4 students per group.

HOW IT WORKS

Custom-tailored to your goals fast & flexible

GERMAN PRIVATE LESSONS


WALK & TALK GERMAN PRIVATE LESSONS in Basel with individual tutoring are the fastest and most efficient way to learn your new language. With the teacher’s undivided attention, you can improve your German at maximum speed and benefit from the highest proportion of speaking time.

FREE TRIAL LESSON

Which programme matches your individual study needs? How does my teaching method work? How to prepare so you get the most out of your WALK & TALK GERMAN CONVERSATION or GERMAN PRIVATE LESSONS ? For these and other questions, feel free to contact me or schedule a free trial lesson.

We  address your specific needs concerning vocabulary as well as German grammar and pronunciation.

GERMAN PRIVATE LESSONS take place at your workplace or in a public place or café in the Basel city area. Real life speaking opportunities are guaranteed!  

Suitable for learners of all levels.

1-2 students per group.

HOW IT WORKS

Treat yourself to a mind-calming hike in nature

HIKE & TALK GERMAN IN NATURE


Enjoy the outdoors and develop your German skills with HIKE & TALK GERMAN. Hiking is said to be the Swiss national sport and combines the benefits of physical exercise with the pleasure of being outdoors.

Join us and experience how the beautiful scenery around Basel changes with the seasons. HIKE & TALK GERMAN provides you with insider’s knowledge of our trinational region as well as inspiration for planning your own family outings. As we hike along, you have the opportunity to apply your German skills chatting with and listening to a German native speaker – without pressure and in a relaxed atmosphere.

PRIVATE HIKES
 
Do you have relatives or friends visiting? Would you like to treat your visitors or your family to a hike in our beautiful Swiss outdoors, without having to worry about finding the way or researching a location? You can book me as your private hiking guide for CHF  250.-/day (plus transport cost), inclusive of advance preparations related to the hike.

How about enjoying ⇒ The cherry blossoming in the German Markgräflerland? ⇒ Fresh spring green and steep limestone gorges in the forest? => Winding paths along the Rhine in summer? => Morning mist and autumn colours in the wild Jura hills?  => The crisp winter air with the splendid views of the alpine peaks?

Minimum of 4 participants per hike.

HOW IT WORKS

Shinrin-yoku

WALDBADEN | FOREST BATHING

"Und auf in den Wald mache ich mich, um meinen Verstand zu verlieren und meine Seele zu finden." John Muir
 
Entspannung im Wald – Einführung ins Waldbaden Shinrin-yoku

WALDBADEN mit den Jahreszeiten

Möchten Sie den Alltag einen Vormittag lang hinter sich lassen und Kraft tanken in der Ruhe des Waldes?

Zum Waldbaden brauchen Sie keine Badekleider! Wir baden nicht im Wasser, sondern tauchen ein in die heilende Atmosphäre des Waldes. «Shinrin Yoku» nennen die Japaner diese Methode, die dort bereits ihren festen Platz in der Gesundheitsvorsorge hat.

Unser Weg führt uns durch den wunderschönen Buchenmischwald auf dem Gempenplateau (700 m) bei Basel, einer Naturlandschaft von nationaler Bedeutung.

Ich lade Sie ein, den Wald mit allen Sinnen zu erleben. Mit verschiedenen Übungen besinnen wir uns auf den Augenblick und kommen innerlich zur Ruhe. Stille und Langsamkeit helfen uns, den Wald neu zu entdecken und bei uns selbst anzukommen. Wir schulen unsere Wahrnehmung und geniessen bewusst den Übergang vom Winter zum Frühling und Sommerbeginn in der Natur.

Diese Kursreihe möchte Sie dazu inspirieren, auch auf eigene Faust im Wald zu baden. Die meisten der vorgestellten Übungen lassen sich gut in den Alltag integrieren.

Sind Sie dabei?

Daten & Preise

 
introduction to the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku

FOREST BATHING with the seasons

We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.

This class introduces you to the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which means bathing in the forest atmosphere. This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.

Our trail is in the beautiful and diverse forest up on the Gempen plateau. While we walk along leisurely, I invite you to participate in activities that help you to slow down and open your senses to the nature around you.

Join me and experience the power of forest bathing firsthand! You’ll come back with a deeper appreciation of the nature, no tree-hugging required.

Dates & Prices

FOREST BATHING with the seasons | WALDBADEN

What can I do for you?

Contact | Registration | more Information

German Conversation | German Private Lessons  | Hike & Talk German in Nature | Waldbaden | Forest Bathing

Would you like to register for a class? | Can I provide you with more information? | I look forward to hearing from you.
Möchten Sie sich für einen Kurs anmelden? | Wünschen Sie mehr Informationen? | Ich freue mich auf Ihre Nachricht.


WHAT DO MY STUDENTS SAY?

"We all would like you to know how much we are enjoying our German class with you! We are learning new vocabulary, fun locations in Basel and practical ways to speak German in everyday life." J.P. USA
"It is a pity I met you only recently, as I found your lessons and walks extremely interesting and pleasant and I just started feeling motivated to re-start learning German." R.C. Italy
"Thank you! I have really enjoyed class with you. Happy to continue after holidays!" S.H. UK
"Danke für all deine Hilfe. Ich freue mich auf mehr Lektionen im neuen Jahr!" S.E. USA
"Thank you again for your patience in us. It means a lot to us knowing that you have faith in our German skills." M.C. USA
"Thanks for the homemade cookies! It was a great learning experience with you, I enjoyed all the places you showed us, even I’m a slow German learner. Wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas holiday! And look forward to seeing you again in the coming year!" L.S. China