When we moved from Germany to Australia with our kids, I quickly realised that the school system here is quite different — and not always what you’d expect!

From Kindergarten routines to uniforms, lunchboxes, and P&C involvement, there were plenty of little surprises along the way.

I wrote this post to help other parents navigate the system more easily. These are the tips, tricks, and insights I wish I had known before we made the move – the kind of things that can save you time, stress, and a few headaches!

In all my lessons – with kids and adults alike – my students have to read out loud. For me, this is the best tool to build confidence and truly feel like you’re speaking German, even though it’s “just” reading.

For all the curious, I did some research and wrote a blog post about the benefits of reading aloud, backed by neurological science.

Reading out loud engages multiple areas of the brain, helping with pronunciation, memory, comprehension, and fluency – making it a powerful practice for anyone learning German.

This term, we kicked off our 

new Kindy Class! 🎉

The little ones have been diving right in – playing games and learning their very first German words.

They’re especially excited about discovering how to write the German letters: ä, ö, ü, and ß.

It’s been such a joy watching their faces light up when they recognise or write a word all by themselves.

Nestled on the Polish border, Görlitz is a hidden gem with over 4,000 preserved historic buildings, ranging from Renaissance to Art Nouveau.

Its cobbled streets and charming squares make it feel like stepping into a fairytale – no wonder filmmakers often choose it as a movie set!

The town is divided by the river Neisse: cross the pedestrian bridge and in just a few steps you’re in Poland. This unique location has given Görlitz a rich and layered history, shaped by two cultures side by side.

Wander the old town, enjoy riverside walks, and discover cosy cafés tucked around every corner – a place where history, culture, and everyday life blend seamlessly.

Here are four important and very common combinations:

ei → sounds like English eye
mein (my), eins (one)

ie → sounds like English ee
spielen (play), sieben (seven)

eu → sounds like English oy
Freund (friend), neu (new)

äu → also sounds like oy (same as eu)
Häuser (houses), Mäuse (mice)

Fun Tongue-Twister: 

ei: Eins, zwei, drei, kleine Geister schreien!
(One, two, three, little ghosts scream!)

eu: Neue Leute freuen sich heute in Europa.
(New people are happy today in Europe .)