Wir waren in Berlin – A-Level German Students Explore Germany’s Capital Firsthand

Gazing up at the Brandenburg Gate on a sunny Saturday afternoon, students marvelled at the scale and elegance of one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. Once a powerful symbol of a divided city, the gate now proudly represents a reunited Germany. One student was particularly struck by the sheer size of the quadriga crowning the monument—especially after learning that this statue is actually a replica of the original.

From 22nd to 24th March 2025, eleven A-Level German students, accompanied by their teacher Alex Reich and LSA Valerie Tonkin, embarked on a cultural and historical journey through Berlin. The long weekend offered the perfect opportunity to bring classroom learning to life, with a packed itinerary blending significant historical sites, artistic treasures, and even a few moments from German cinema.

Highlights of the trip included a guided tour of the Bundestag in the historic Reichstag building. Students not only learned about the workings of German democracy but also took in the sweeping views from the building’s striking glass dome. The ultra-modern architecture of the surrounding government quarter made a strong impression on all.

The group also paid a visit to the Alte Nationalgalerie, where they encountered original works of art they had previously only seen in textbooks. At Alexanderplatz—famous for its role in the 1989 protests that led to the resignation of East German leader Erich Honecker—students reflected on the power of collective action and historic change.

No trip to Berlin would be complete without sampling local flavours. The group enjoyed traditional Berlin cuisine at “Nante Eck” and soaked in the city’s artistic flair with a live performance at the cabaret venue Bar jeder Vernunft.

A particularly moving moment came with the visit to Hohenschönhausen, the former Stasi prison. With its stark, chilling architecture still intact, the site gave students a sobering insight into life under the GDR’s surveillance state. Walking through the interrogation rooms and holding cells, it was easy to imagine the fear and confusion felt by those imprisoned there.

Throughout the trip, students also explored filming locations from Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others), deepening their understanding of the film’s context and the broader history of East and West Germany.

From cultural immersion to historical exploration, and plenty of fun along the way, the Berlin trip was an unforgettable experience for all. The three days offered not only a deeper understanding of the German language and culture, but also lasting memories and inspiration.

Love languages? Ready to explore the world?

When you study a language with us, it’s more than just learning in the classroom—you’ll experience the culture first-hand through unforgettable trips like our recent adventure to Berlin.

Apply now and start your own language journey. Where will it take you?

APPLY HERE