Exchange, Ideas and New Impulses: GERDA Meeting in Tartu, Estonia

German teachers, primarily from Southern Estonia, come together in Tartu to exchange ideas and gain fresh inspiration for their teaching. These meetings take place as part of GERDA – a network for Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF, German as a Foreign Language) that promotes professional exchange and the continuous development of teaching practices (https://maailmakeeled.ut.ee/et/gerda).

They are organised by the Department of German Studies at the University of Tartu, which is part of the University of Tartu and also a partner of DBJW. Over the years, this collaboration has resulted in numerous joint events – a reflection of the close and dynamic cooperation dedicated to strengthening the German language in Estonia.

At the most recent meeting in April, alongside German teachers, representatives of the university were also present, including Daniel Kulesza (M.A., Visiting Lecturer in German Language and Literature at the Institute of Foreign Languages and Cultures) and Merje Miliste (PhD, Lecturer in German Language and Linguistics at the Institute of World Languages and Cultures).

The focus of the meeting was games in DaF teaching. Participants had the opportunity to try out a range of activities themselves and exchange practical experiences. From vocabulary games to communicative exercises, the emphasis was on methods that actively engage students and foster motivation.

The open exchange proved particularly valuable: Which games work best in the classroom? How can they be adapted to different levels? And how can learning be both playful and effective?

DBJW Brand Ambassador Mari Johanna Ruut also took part in the meeting. She plans to begin her studies in German Studies this autumn and aims to become a German teacher. She found the practical tips and insights into DaF teaching especially helpful and inspiring for her future path.

Such encounters highlight the importance of personal exchange, fresh ideas, and strong networks in ensuring the quality and future of German language teaching.