Enthusiastic German teacher with a Bachelor's in German and English, Master's in Applied Linguistics and a current PhD in Applied Linguistics teaching German and English to Secondary Students in Sligo

Find out more about Wieteke

• 1) Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  German is not my native language, but I have always loved Germanic languages because I am a native Dutch speaker. My teachers at secondary school and my lecturers at university inspired me to pursue teaching and research in German. My grandparents were also German, which gives me a personal connection to the culture.

• 2) Can you name a living, historical, or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I admire the Grimm brothers, and if I had to pick one, it would be Jacob Ludwig Grimm. His contribution goes beyond documenting oral narratives in Germany and Scandinavia—he also made foundational contributions to the grammatical systems of the German language.

• 3) Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition, or behavior in the language that you particularly like?

  I appreciate that Germans can be logical and to the point, but also know when to let loose. Both qualities are important for language teaching, especially with something as strict as German grammar. At the same time, it’s crucial to be friendly and supportive when the rules get complicated.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  I genuinely love German. From the moment I started learning it, I have immersed myself in the language—I eat, speak, and think in German and other Germanic languages. I adore the nuances and patterns, as well as the historical depth of the language in Europe. Susi Dent described English as a garden you can stroll through and admire, but German as a dark wood you could wander in forever. I think this captures perfectly how endlessly fascinating the language is.

• 5) What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  Learning German can be difficult if the basics are not properly covered. I often refer to the “four horsemen” of the language: verb conjugations, tenses, genders, and cases. Pronunciation is fortunately more regular than in English, which makes it accessible. With my background in general linguistics, I have always loved teaching German grammar and helping students navigate these challenges.

• 6) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  At school, one of my teachers color-coded the genders so thoroughly that her hands were always covered in marker ink from writing on the board. She worked hard to teach us the correct der, die, das using different colours for each gender. I found this such a clever and nuanced way to help students internalize the rules. It showed me early on how creativity and attention to detail can make language learning effective and engaging.

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  I lived in Germany for over a year during my undergraduate degree and frequently visit Germany and Austria for work or to see friends. Living in Germany for that year improved my German immensely, but now, as a fluent speaker, visiting different regions in Austria and Germany helps me understand the subtle differences in dialects and regional expressions. These experiences deepen both my linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I bring a combination of academic expertise, practical teaching experience, and genuine passion for German and other Germanic languages. I tailor lessons to each student’s needs, whether it is mastering grammar, improving conversational fluency, or exploring cultural nuances. My enthusiasm for the language is contagious; I love sharing the patterns, history, and beauty of German with my students. Seeing my own passion inspires them to approach the language with curiosity and dedication.