German Study Tour 2025

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world” – wrote Ludwig Wittgenstein, and these words couldn’t hold more meaning for me as I was enriching myself in the German language and culture during the September school holidays. The trip, which began as a way to improve our German quickly, became something much more enriching. Students from Year 10 and 11 stayed with host families from Fort Street’s sister school, the Georg Büchner Gymnasium, which gave us an invaluable opportunity to experience German culture up close, and get to know the incredible city of Berlin from a local standpoint.

During the week and a half spent in Berlin, we certainly made the most of the city. After spending a day in German school, where we observed the different styles of education between Australia and Germany (German students can get up to 4 breaks per day!), we delved deep into the heart of Berlin, exploring the famous historical sights of the city such as the Brandenburger Tor (Gate) and the Fernsehturm (East German TV tower). It was extremely fulfilling to see these landmarks up close, as throughout the course of the months leading up to the trip we had learned a great deal about them. The only issue we faced during the sightseeing was the construction around the Brandenburger Tor blocking our photo! (Although we returned at sunset and were able to get our picture). As well as famous landmarks, while in Berlin we also learnt a lot more about Germany, including visiting the Holocaust Memorial, a sombre and heartbreaking experience, as well as the Bundestag, the parliamentary building, rich in German history. During the day we also had the opportunity to experience some delicious German cuisine, with doner kebabs being a particular favourite, as well as of course the truckloads of German pastries we collectively consumed. Overall, our time in Berlin was incredible, with the sights being like nothing we have here in Australia, the age and history of the city really showed. My personal favourite landmark was the beautiful Schloss Sanssouci, the summer palace of Frederick the Great.

Sadly though, all good things must come to an end, and after an incredible week and a half we departed Berlin by train for a quick stay in Munich before our flight home. Munich proved no less spectacular than Berlin, with the Rathaus Glockenspiel’s (Town Hall clock’s) midday show being well worth the 20-minute wait. We had the amazing opportunity to attend a guided tour of the Allianz Arena, home ground of Bayern München, a stadium with a rich history despite its mere 20 years of existence. Perhaps the most memorable parts of our stay in Munich were the fiercely competitive Foosball games in the youth hostel, and the rainy walk to a gelato place where we were spoken to in Italian, responded in broken German and eventually stumbled through in English. Then, with our bags stuffed with souvenirs, we boarded the plane and after a four-hour layover in Doha, were welcomed back by the familiar heat of Sydney.

The German trip was an incredible experience for all involved but could not have happened without the tireless hard work of our teacher, Frau Reynolds’ incredible effort in organising the trip. We’d also like to extend a special thanks to Mr Prasad and Mr Latimer for accompanying us on the trip.

– Oliver Williams, Year 10 German student.