Ep 1. Willkommen!

Learning German: A Journey through Language and Culture is a docu-series that explores various aspects of the German language and culture as seen through the eyes of Americans. In season 1 episode 1 named Willkommen!, we follow the journey of two American friends, Brian and Emily, who embark on a trip to Germany to learn the language and immerse themselves in the culture.

The episode starts with Brian and Emily excitedly boarding a flight to Berlin from New York. They are seen talking about their expectations and goals for the trip, with Brian aiming to improve his spoken German while Emily is keen on experiencing the local food and culture. Upon arriving in Berlin, they meet their language tutor, Lisa, who will accompany them throughout their trip.

The trio sets out to experience the city of Berlin and get a sense of the culture. They visit famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall and learn about the historical significance of these structures. The episode also highlights the importance that Germany places on renewable energy and the environment, with the group visiting a futuristic-looking eco-energy complex.

The show then shifts its focus to the language aspect of the trip, with Brian and Emily getting their first lesson from Lisa. It starts with the basics – introducing themselves, greeting others, and asking for simple directions. The show does an excellent job of breaking down the German language into its key components and providing useful tips for learners. For example, Lisa explains the different forms of “you” in German – “du” for informal situations and “Sie” for formal ones.

As the episode progresses, we see Brian and Emily practicing their German skills with the locals. From ordering food at a cafe to asking for directions on the street, the pair slowly but surely become more comfortable with the language. The show does a great job of demonstrating the importance of contextual knowledge when learning a new language. For instance, Lisa explains how the German language has gendered nouns –eggs are masculine, while apples are feminine. She also provides easy ways to remember these differentiations through mnemonics, making the learning process fun and engaging.

One of the highlights of the episode is when the group takes a cooking lesson to learn how to make traditional German food. The cooking instructor only speaks German, which allows Brian and Emily to put their language skills to the test. They successfully ask for clarification and directions and even manage to impress the instructor with their German vocabulary. The cooking lesson ends with the group sitting down and enjoying the meal they had cooked, providing a great way to experience the culture firsthand.

The episode concludes with Brian and Emily reflecting on their time in Berlin. They share their newfound appreciation for the language and culture and are surprised by how much they were able to learn in such a short amount of time. They also express their excitement for the rest of their trip and the opportunities to come.

Overall, season 1 episode 1 of Learning German: A Journey through Language and Culture is an excellent introduction to the series. The show does an excellent job of balancing language learning with cultural experiences. The production values are high, and the hosts are engaging and knowledgeable. The show is a great resource for anyone looking to learn German or understand German culture better.