Language Cafés at the Self-Access Center
Learning Languages in a Relaxed Setting
2025-04-07
Each week, the language cafés at the Self-Access Center offer students a wonderful opportunity to enhance their foreign language skills beyond traditional classroom lessons. At our cafés, language enthusiasts can practice speaking freely under the guidance of native speakers, learn new phrases and expressions, and connect with like-minded students.
The tutors ensure that all participants have the chance to actively contribute and provide support as needed. Through mutual exchange, participants can overcome inhibitions, have their questions answered, and share learning tips in a relaxed atmosphere.
Language cafés offer a casual, welcoming space where participants can enjoy refreshments like cookies and drinks while trying out the language naturally without pressure. This makes the language café a meeting place where people can learn together and support each other.
The sessions usually begin with a brief round of introductions, where everyone shares something about themselves. The rest of the session is flexible and tailored to the group’s interests. Language games are often used to encourage dialogue. The tutors are happy to accommodate the wishes and suggestions of the students. For example, the German as a Foreign Language (DaF) language café was once held outdoors during the pre-Christmas season to experience the unique atmosphere of the Christmas market. This allowed participants to use the language in an authentic, real-life scenario – a special highlight!
“In the language cafés, learning comes alive and feels practical – an inspiring opportunity for anyone who enjoys open exchange and discovering new language worlds together,” says Carla Peters, our tutor who moderates the DaF language café.
During the summer semester 2025, our students can participate in the following languages: English, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and German as a Foreign Language (DaF) for international students. Information about dates and locations can be found here.