Monthly Archives: Januar 2018

New books

Yesterday I got the new books for A2.2 level! The German course for the A2.2 begins on Monday 05/02. Because I am always impatient, I take a quick and swift look at the coursebook (Kursbuch) and workbook (Arbeitsbuch). There are many interesting topics, such as traveling, education, professional career, working abroad and cultural events.

1.Picture: These are the new books for the next level in German!

If you ask me what I like the most about this series of books, is the structure of the books that catches my attention. It is simple but super-detailed at the same time! There is a variety of exercises that help you build step by step your knowledge in German. You can see below in the second picture what I mean.

2.Picture: What do you think about the kind of these exercises?

These books are one of the most appropriate choices if you want to take intensive German courses, which means 1 level (i.e. A2.2) in one month in DeutschAkademie!

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

My favorite seasons in Vienna

Before moving to Vienna, I visited this wonderful city for 10 days at the end of March. The weather was a little bit cold but sunny. With that kind of weather, you have the chance to explore the parks, go to the Zoo, enjoy the sun and do small trips to other cities of Austria, such as Linz, Graz or Salzburg. So, Spring is the best time of the year for visiting Vienna!

1.Picture: A sunny day at the Schönbrunner Schloss Park!

2.Picture: When it’s Spring in Vienna!

My second favorite season in Vienna is Christmas time. Although is Winter and the weather is getting colder and colder, I think that Christmas in Vienna is magical! If you go around the city, you see everywhere lights, Christmas trees, and, of course, Christmas open markets in which you can find a variety of nice presents and gifts related to the Viennese culture. Also, remember to drink a mug of steaming, hot and very sweet Weihnachtspunch. You can combine this drink with eating some roast chestnuts.

3.Picture: Christmas lights at the Wiener Rathaus!

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

Introducing myself

Hello everyone! My name is Anna, I’m 21 years old and soon I’ll become one of the students of DeutschAkademie in Vienna.

My motherland is Russia, but I moved to Austria to study my Master degree in International Management at Lauder Business School.

I have already visited this city of magnificent palaces, beautiful gardens, known for its art and classical music and situated at the heart of Europe before. During my first visit to Vienna I did typical sightseeing and tried traditional cuisines, meanwhile today being not a tourist but a citizen I have found out about more unusual and interesting places, traditions, national holidays and cultural peculiarities.

   

German is my second foreign language that is why while I’m living here I would like to achieve higher results in my language skills. DeutschAkademie is a perfect chance for me to develop them, find new friends and learn even more about Vienna and Austria.

I would like to share my experience with you and make the blog versatile and helpful for students of DeutschAkademie. See you in February!

Best wishes,

Anna

Leisure time (Part 2)

After Milan and London, it’s time to share my trips to Frankfurt, Bansko, and Oslo!

Frankfurt, Germany

1.Picture: Walking in streets of Frankfurt! 

When I visited Frankfurt, it was a 2-day quick and hasty trip. Its official name is Frankfurt am Main. Frankfurt is the fifth largest city (after Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne) in Germany. I went there for a business meeting and I didn’t have the time to explore the city. Nevertheless, I walked in the city center, did some souvenir shopping, ate Wurst and drunk their traditional beer.

Bansko, Bulgaria

2.Picture: It’s skiing time! 

Are you searching a cheap, calm and peaceful destination for winter holidays? Bansko in Bulgaria is the answer! It is only 160km from Sofia. During the winter session, Bansko is overcrowded and you have to arrange your accommodation many months before. Take into consideration that Bansko is a popular ski resort. The resort offers excellent ski and snowboard conditions. Regarding Apres ski, the resort offers hundreds of bars and traditional restaurants called „mehana“.

Oslo, Norway

3.Picture: The amazing view of Oslo city from Frognerseteren! 

The European program Erasmus+ gave me the opportunity to do my traineeship in Oslo. After the graduation of my Bachelor’s, I was chosen by the Democritus University of Thrace as a trainee teacher in the Greek School of Oslo for four months. I was really happy that I met so many wonderful Norwegian and Greek people there. The majority of them was familiar and willing to help me on every side of my everyday life. I have in my mind plenty of memorable moments. Oslo and Greece are at the peak of my heart!

4.Picture: The Vigeland Sculpture Park! 

I love traveling and I can’t wait to plan my next trip. Which European destination do you suggest me?

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

Leisure time (Part 1)

What am I doing in my leisure time?

When I have enough free time, I really like going out for beers with friends, listening to music (especially Greek music!), doing Pilates, reading books and newspapers, and learning a new language (for now, German!). In addition, I enjoy drawing flowers and mandalas in coloring books because this helps me get rid of stress and negative thoughts. Also, I love traveling! I have visited many European countries and I don’t have a favorite one. Let’s begin!

Milan, Italy

1.Picture: Duomo di Milano!

The Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano is situated in Piazza Duomo. The original name of Piazza Duomo is Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles. They say there are more statues on this gothic-style cathedral than any other building in the world. There are 3.400 statues and 700 figures that decorate Milan Duomo! Did you know about that?

2.Picture: Visiting the historic building Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II just for windows shopping!

London, United Kingdom

Two of my favorite places in London is the Big Ben and the London Zoo. Is the culture, the people, the atmosphere, the landmarks, the pubs, the fish and chips or something else that makes me fall in love with that city? I have been four times in London and it’s still amazing! Every time that I go there, I have the same enthusiasm with totally everything. Don’t forget to go to the Natural History Museum and to the Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum!

3.Picture: The giant Big Ben!

4.Picture: The garden of the London Zoo!

In the next post, I am going to talk about my trips to Frankfurt (Germany), Bansko (Bulgaria) and Oslo (Norway). So, stay tuned!

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

My classmates and my classroom!

My group in the German course at DeutschAkademie is multilingual and multicultural. My classmates are from all over the world! For example, two are from Serbia, one from Croatia, Russia, Spain, Italy, Prague, Syria, Ukraine, and Greece! They came to Vienna for several reasons, such as professional or educational. Additionally, the reason why we are learning German is various! Some of my classmates learn German in order to find a job, while others find German such an interesting language to explore and learn!

So, what about the classrooms?

1.Picture: This is our classroom!

I am in love with the minimalistic classrooms at DeutschAkademie! They consist of an enormous square table in the center, green chairs, one map (or „Atlas“, which is a Greek word!!!) two big whiteboards, one small board with important announcements or news about the courses at DeutschAkademie. Some of the classrooms have a magnificent view of the Vienna State Opera, die Wiener Staatsoper!

2.Picture: My favorite spot in the classroom!

Liebe Grüße,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3

Grüß Gott! Hello! Γεια σας!

My name is Sofia Papakonstantinou. I am 24 years old and I am from Greece! Especially, my hometown is Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is the second biggest city (after Athens which is the capital of Greece) in the northern part of Greece with over 1 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. Thessaloniki is located on the Thermaic Gulf, in the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea.


1.Picture: Walk next to the Aegean Sea!

In Thessaloniki someone can find many squares, but the central one is called Aristotelous Square. Below you could see some photos and information about Aristotelous Square!


2.Picture: Marvellous view to Aristotelous Square!


3.Picture: Interesting information about Aristotelous Square!

Regarding my profession, I am a primary school teacher! During the four years of my undergraduate studies in the Democritus University of Thrace (Alexandroupolis, Greece), I have gained experience teaching 6-to-12-year-old students in a variety of settings. Furthermore, I have been accepted to start my Master degree on Special Education (via distance learning) in the Hellenic Open University in March. I am extremely happy about it!

I moved to Vienna four months ago for personal and professional purposes. I am still discovering this magnificent capital of Austria! In order to be more flexible in this new city, I began taking German courses for A2.1 level in DeutschAkademie and I am going to continue with A2.2 level in February 🙂

Liebe Gruß,

With much love,

Με πολλή αγάπη,

Sofia <3