Workshops Series: The Psychology of Learning German
These workshops are for anyone learning German – no matter your level or educational background.
Many learners experience a dip in motivation after an enthusiastic start. Let’s be honest: learning German in Germany isn't always easy. Frustration often sets in, and that's exactly what we want to talk about – to help prevent it before it takes over.
In our workshops, we explore key psychological aspects of learning and speaking German: motivation, self-confidence, perfectionism, belonging, and the role of positive and negative emotions – as well as what it really takes to find satisfaction and meaning in your journey to the German language.
Our goal is to offer insights and practical tools that make learning German not just possible, but truly enjoyable – an adventure, so to speak.
Ideally, you'll gain much more from this journey than just a new language. We see it as a powerful opportunity for personal growth – a chance to unlock your potential and even reinvent yourself.
“The workshops have given me a clear, conceptual framework for learning German – something truly valuable for visualizing the process from beginning to end. Also, being encouraged to reflect on how I actually want to learn, and what else I might gain from learning German, was something I hadn’t really considered before.”
The workshops not only provide relevant theory, but also offer engaging self-reflection exercises and plenty of opportunities to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded learners.
All content is grounded in current psychological and neuroscientific theories and models – including Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan), Consistency Theory (Grawe), the Internal Family Systems Model (Schwartz), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Positive Psychology, and general Communication Psychology (Friedemann Schulz von Thun).
We’ll also explore original material I’ve developed over the past few years while working as a teacher and teacher trainer at the Goethe-Institut Berlin – including the Deutschberg Framework.
Upcoming Workshops:
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
The Psychology of Learning German: The Five Basic Needs III – Self-Esteem
Many language learners sabotage themselves with unhelpful perfectionism, nagging inner critics, and debilitating fears of speaking German. These mechanisms of self-worth protection will be at the heart of this workshop. How and why do we develop them? How do they work? And most importantly: what can we do about them?
Drawing on Consistency Theory and the Internal Family Systems Model, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your individual challenges related to self-worth, start a dialogue with your inner critic, and ultimately increase your confidence when it comes to speaking German.
Get ready to let go of your “German anxieties” - you definitely won’t miss them!
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
The Psychology of Learning German: The Five Basic Needs IV – Belonging
We learn German to communicate. But to truly feel at home here – not just to live here – we need something more: a real sense of belonging.
At some point, everyone learning German – whether you’re outgoing or more introverted – asks themselves: How can I feel like I’m really part of this country? How can I genuinely connect with the people around me here?
In this workshop, we’ll explore what belonging really means and how you can actively build it over time. Because it’s never too early to start creating the foundation for deep, positive connections and a sense of home.
No matter where you’re from – you can learn how to belong here!
Cost: Free of charge
Location: TU Berlin, Room FH 302, Fraunhoferstraße 33–36, 10587 Berlin
In cooperation with: Sprach- und Kulturbörse (SKB) of the Technical University of Berlin
About the Instructor:
Ingo Schönleber has been a passionate teacher of German as a foreign language for over 20 years. After studying German literature, political science and psychology in Berlin and Austin, he has taught in the USA, Spain, Argentina, Bolivia, France and Vietnam. Since 2018, he has been mostly based at the Goethe-Institut Berlin and works as a trainer for other teachers worldwide. His main focus is the psychology of learning and teaching.
“I really enjoy these workshops – they boost my motivation to learn German and give me plenty to reflect on. The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming, which makes it easy to connect with others and share insights on topics that are incredibly relevant – yet rarely even addressed in most language classes. ”
Past Workshops
March 29th, 2025
The Five Basic Needs I + II – Consistency is Key (Purpose & Autonomy)
March 15th, 2025
The Road to Satisfaction – Der Deutschberg
(for students of levels A1 and A2)
October 12th, 2024
The Vicious Circles of Perfectionism
October 19th, 2024
The Road to Satisfaction – Der Deutschberg
The Deutschberg Framework has been developed to help German learners to stay on track from beginning to end and know exactly what is important and when. Es teilt den Lernprozess in verschiedene Phasen auf und sagt dir, which decisions and acceptances await you at crucial inflection points. The ultimate goal of the framework is for you to remain resilient and to maintain and develop the joy of learning and speaking German.
In the workshop, we want you to start a conversation with others - and with yourself - about what your individual goals and challenges are, and question some of your unconscious and perhaps not always helpful assumptions about language learning.
Workshop The Five Basic Needs I + II – Consistency is Key, March 29th, 2025 at TU Berlin