Gemälde im Fremdsprachen-Unterricht Deutsch

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of using paintings as teaching material in German language class. With their diverse topics, paintings can become a very useful trigger for various conversations, as well as prompt discussions on many subjects in any foreign language course. The openness of interpretation of an artwork makes it possible for viewers to express their individual thoughts, which in turn can initialize a lively exchange of opinions. What is more, paintings give a good insight into culture, history, and tradition of the respective language area, so that a fruitful association between Regional and Language Studies may be created. Furthermore, paintings can also serve as a tool to make students aware of the similarities and differences between cultural areas. This article presents three paintings, which have been tested as teaching material for German as a foreign language. These experiences have been summarized and incorporated in lesson ideas, some worksheets, and picture descriptions. The paintings referred to in this article are as follows: 1. “Woman Embroidering” by Georg Friedrich Kersting 2. “Two Men contemplating the Moon” by Caspar David Friedrich 3. “The Huelsenbeck Children” by Philipp Otto Runge All the three painters were from Pomerania and belonged to one circle of artists based in the city of Dresden. These representants of the Northern German Early Romanticism are hardly known outside of Germany. Through the example of the above-mentioned paintings, this article strives to encourage further use of artwork as teaching material for German language class. It is strongly believed that the valuable cultural heritage of paintings can contribute to creating a very stimulating and productive learning experience.