Understanding the Playground Language of Your German-Speaking Children
As children across Germany return to school or start their educational journey for the first time, it's a perfect opportunity to delve into the unique aspects of the German school experience.
In German playgrounds, games are an integral part of the school day. One popular game, "Fangen," is the German equivalent of "tag" or "it," where children try to run from one end of the gymnasium to the other while the catchers, known as "Raubers," remain in a line in the centre. Variations of this game include "Feuerfangen" and "Kettenfangen," with the latter requiring the catchers to hold hands.
Physical activities like "2-Felderball" (dodgeball) are also common during PE lessons. The German vocabulary for gymnastics is as rich as the games themselves. A cartwheel is a "Radschlag," the splits is "ein Spagat," and a bridge is "eine Brücke." More acrobatic moves, such as a forward flip (a Purzelbaum) and a backward flip (a Flic-flac), are known as "Salto."
Playground banter is another essential part of the school experience. Children may use terms like "ein Heulsuse" (cry-baby), "ein Angsthase" (scaredy cat), and "ein Streber" (swot or nerd) as playful insults. However, if a child feels threatened, they are taught to stand back, raise and open one hand, and repeat the words: "Halt, stopp, ich fühle mich gemobbt" (Halt, stop, I'm feeling bullied).
Discipline in German primary schools is less about detention (Nachsitzen) and more about a Tadel, a formal reprimand or warning for persistent misbehavior or rule-breaking. Too many Tadeln can result in Schulverweis, or suspension.
In football, Tunneln means to nutmeg someone, or pass the ball through their legs. A common physical "punishment" among children is a slap on the back of the neck called a Nackenklatscher.
Besides traditional games like tag, children also enjoy classic activities such as egg racing, sack hopping, obstacle races, Twister, throwing games like can throwing and goal shooting, jumping rope, and creative games like making glitter tattoos and crafting bracelets. Another popular interactive game is "Ich habe noch nie…" where children sit in a circle and share statements to which others who share the experience switch seats, fostering energy release and breaking social barriers.
"Räuber und Gendarm" is a popular game that combines elements of "Fangen" and "Verstecken." It's a testament to the rich and diverse culture of play that thrives in German schools.
In this new school year, children will continue to learn, grow, and create memories, all while mastering the unique language of German playground games.
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