After the „Conversation Café – Learning to Speak Together“ was held for the first time in the spring of 2025 as part of BIWAQ V, it was continued due to the positive response. Led by Vera Holzwarth, an instructor at the Schwäbisch Gmünd Adult Education Center (VHS), participants met once a week at the a.l.s.o. Kultur-Café to improve their German language skills and engage in conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
The goal was to speak German with greater confidence in everyday life and to practice various communication situations, thereby also being better prepared for important professional situations.
The topics covered included conversations in various everyday situations—such as at a restaurant, when looking for an apartment, and at the doctor’s office—as well as small talk at work and in the neighborhood, and interactions with other people. This is how the participants got to know the coffee and game afternoons at the Fehrle-Gärten community center, located right next to a.l.s.o. There, the participants were able to practice their language skills in a relaxed setting.
Active listening and checking for understanding also played an important role. In the process, the participants learned how to ask specific questions in a playful way and avoid misunderstandings.
Another focus was on using grammar correctly when speaking. Students also practiced making polite complaints, giving compliments, and convincing others of an idea.
Regional customs were also discussed. The participants talked about Fasching and other regional traditions, such as the SWR1 Hit Parade, excerpts of which they listened to together and then discussed.
Creative methods such as improvisational theater were particularly popular. This allowed participants to react spontaneously to various situations and practice speaking with confidence.
Fun, socializing, and learning together were the focus of the meetings. The positive feedback from the participants showed that the selection of topics generated a great deal of interest.
11.06.2026
Vera Holzwarth
