As the school year comes to an end here in Australia, December feels like the perfect time to  celebrate some wonderful achievements.

One of my adult students passed his B2 German exam this year and started a position at a hospital in Switzerland.

And one of my HSC students received 90/100 in German Continuers & 45/50 for German Extension!!!

Furthermore, two of my bilingual students were recognised for their outstanding German at Trinity Grammar School (Sydney): one studying HSC German Continuers and the other IB German B HL, receiving the Year 11 HSC German Prize and the Jutta Boettger Memorial German Prize respectively.

Four of my students have chosen German Continuers for their HSC, and another has decided to take German Beginners. Altogether, five girls heading into Years 11 and 12 are continuing with German as their elective in their final years of high school – not because they have to, but because they want to.

These achievements are the result of long-term commitment, consistency, and real effort and I am incredibly proud to have been part of my students’ journeys.

This December, I especially loved celebrating Nikolaus Day as we spent the morning with our wonderful German families and kids at Avoca Beach.

From meeting new families – some of whom I had only known through the screen – to enjoying delicious culinary specialties, it was a joyful way to connect and share the season together.

The tradition of Nikolaus is very old and centers on how well-behaved children have been throughout the year. It’s a magical custom that brings families together and teaches children about generosity, excitement, and festive fun.

If you want to know more about the boot at the front doorstep, I’ve shared the full story in my blog.

December in Australia feels very different from the frosty, grey, and wet days we know from Germany – it’s hot and sunny, but we love it.

Over the years, our family has found ways to blend Christmas traditions from both German and Australian cultures, keeping meaningful German rituals while embracing the warmth and sunshine of an Australian Christmas.

From Besinnlichkeit vs the end-of-year hectic rush, to decorating the Christmas tree on December 1 vs the 24th, or opening presents on the 24th vs 25th – our celebrations are a joyful mix of both worlds.

If you’re curious about how we combine German and Australian Christmas traditions, I’ve shared the full story in my latest blog.

While we enjoy the sunshine of an Australian Christmas, it’s fascinating to look back at the traditional celebrations in Germany.

From Advent calendars and wreaths to festive markets, candles, and the magic of Besinnlichkeit, German Christmas traditions are rich with meaning, warmth, and a slower, reflective rhythm.

In my blog, I explore how these customs are celebrated in Germany, sharing the stories, rituals, and little joys that make Weihnachten so special – a perfect glimpse into German Christmas traditions from home.

Aachen is a charming city with a rich history and a unique blend of culture, architecture, and tradition.

Its most famous landmark, the Aachen Cathedral, dates back to Charlemagne and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic old town invites visitors to wander its cobbled streets, admire beautiful fountains, and explore quaint shops and cafés.

Fun fact: Aachen is also famous for its Printen (a type of spiced gingerbread) and has a long tradition of craftsmanship and learning.

Whether strolling through its markets, visiting museums, or enjoying the local cuisine, Aachen offers a mix of history, culture, and charm that makes it a true hidden gem.

One of the trickiest things for German learners can be separable verbs verbs that split in a sentence depending on where they appear.

For example, aufstehen (to get up):

Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf – I get up at 7 o’clock.
Du stehst früh auf – You get up early.

Separable verbs are everywhere in German, and once you spot the prefix, you’ll start recognising patterns – perfect for talking about your daily routines or even holiday preparations in December! 

Happy learning!