Back

Learning German through the ages

In the 1950s, language classes frequently looked like this one at the Goethe-Institut Delhi, where textbooks, notebooks and the teacher’s chalkboard were the most important learning tools.

In the 1950s, language classes frequently looked like this one at the Goethe-Institut Delhi, where textbooks, notebooks and the teacher’s chalkboard were the most important learning tools.

Photo: Michael Friedel

1/5

In the language lab, students could listen to German sentences through headphones, record their own attempts to speak using the microphone, and compare them to the original. Language learners at the Goethe-Institut Murnau enjoyed learning this way in 1969.

In the language lab, students could listen to German sentences through headphones, record their own attempts to speak using the microphone, and compare them to the original. Language learners at the Goethe-Institut Murnau enjoyed learning this way in 1969.

Photo: Michael Friedel

2/5

The Goethe-Institut used this innovative approach to language learning all over the world – like here at the Goethe-Institut Tokyo in 1977.

The Goethe-Institut used this innovative approach to language learning all over the world – like here at the Goethe-Institut Tokyo in 1977.

Photo: Michael Friedel

3/5

In session, quiet please! In 1984, a sound engineer works on a recording of language lab tapes in the Goethe-Institut Munich studio.

In session, quiet please! In 1984, a sound engineer works on a recording of language lab tapes in the Goethe-Institut Munich studio.

Photo: Michael Friedel

4/5

Language classes at the Goethe-Institut Munich in 1984. In this advanced language lab configuration, every learner has an individual booth outfitted with a tape deck.

Language classes at the Goethe-Institut Munich in 1984. In this advanced language lab configuration, every learner has an individual booth outfitted with a tape deck.

Photo: Michael Friedel

5/5