Many children understand German but only speak a little
When parents come to our language school in Frankfurt am Main, they often tell us the same story: their child already understands a lot of German in everyday life, but hardly speaks it themselves.
They prefer answering with “yes” or “no” or in very short sentences, even though they actually want to say more and could do so. But they do not dare, and for longer sentences they often lack the confidence to quickly find the right words while other children are already continuing to talk. Maybe they even laugh, and the child feels unsure whether they are laughing about something else or about their answer, because they do not understand everything or cannot react fast enough. And that is exactly what the child wants to avoid.
At the same time, children notice very clearly that other children can speak better. They want to belong and keep up, but they feel insecure. To avoid embarrassing themselves, they prefer to stay quiet or speak only a little.
From understanding to speaking: why this step takes time
Many children already understand lots of words and often entire conversations. But they cannot access the words fast enough that they need at that moment to actively take part in conversations with other children. In conversations, words have to be available quickly, and that is exactly what needs practice, and practice takes time.
Longer sentences also develop step by step. First come single words, then short sentences, and little by little statements become more precise and detailed. This transition takes a while and happens at a different pace for every child.
When children notice that they speak more slowly or have to search for words, they often hold back. They want to avoid making mistakes or being laughed at, so they speak less even though they already understand a lot.
What helps children speak German more confidently, faster
But how does a child get the practice they need? How can they learn words and sentences that they can also use spontaneously? How can they build confidence in themselves that they can speak? That it is not a problem if they say something wrong, if their sentences are not as perfect as those of classmates who have been speaking German much longer?
👉 Reading tip: You can also find answers to the most common questions in our article “Learn German for Kids in Frankfurt: How Does My Child Learn to Speak German? Parents’ Questions (Part 1)”.
Here are some simple ways you can support your child in everyday life:
Do not put pressure on them.
Do not say, “come on, be brave,” or “talk to the other children.” Just give them opportunities to meet other people, young or old. If your child speaks, that is good. If not, that is also fine. Do not ask, “Why didn’t you talk to the other children?” Instead ask:
✅ What did you enjoy most today with the other children?
✅ Who did you like playing with most today?
✅ Did you hear something new in German today?
✅ Was there something funny or nice today?
✅ Who would you like to play with again next time?
This way the child understands that what matters is feeling comfortable and belonging. When experiences are positive, the motivation to speak more German next time often grows by itself.
Keep a “wonderful moments” journal
In it, your child writes one or two nice things every day. This can be written in their mother tongue. Anything at all. You can also ask from time to time what nice things they learned in German or with the German language. Maybe they will come up with the idea themselves to write it down, maybe even in German. But give them time.
Use films and books in German
Maybe they even have a book they already know in their mother tongue and can now read in German. But not all at once, just very small sections. Step by step.
Review new words from school together
Ask your child: “What was the best or most interesting word at school today? Translate it for me into our mother tongue.” Write it in a notebook and collect all these words there. Ask again about the word two days later. Make it your routine to remind your child. That way you also learn new words 😉
Nice moments in German
Learn a sentence yourself that announces something nice, for example when you are going to the playground. That surprises your child. And if you do it regularly, they get used to it. Most importantly, they notice: my parents are learning the language too. You do not need to have full conversations in German, but you can give a little impulse that German belongs in everyday life.
👉 Conclusion: Your child needs an environment without fear of mistakes, without time pressure, with games and plenty of support at their current language level. This way they can gradually build vocabulary, remember words, and integrate German more naturally into their daily life.
That is why many children benefit especially from individual support where they can try out language without pressure and become more confident step by step.
When a child understands German but hardly speaks, the problem is often not knowledge but the space to actively use language. With time and positive experiences, speaking grows step by step on its own.
How we support children with this in our language school in Frankfurt am Main is explained on our page about our children’s language courses..
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