Step beyond textbooks and immerse yourself in German culture with tutor Anna Rioland’s interactive courses — where cinema, history, and conversation come together to bring the language to life.
Meet Anna Rioland: Making German Learning Engaging & Immersive
Language learning isn’t just about mastering grammar and vocabulary, it’s about gaining a new perspective on the world. At City Lit, tutor Anna Rioland transforms language learning into an enriching cultural experience. With a wealth of experience teaching German, French, and Russian, Anna’s passion lies in creating dynamic courses that move beyond traditional textbook-based classes.
Her upcoming courses explore German cinema, history, and conversation, using authentic materials to fully engage students. Instead of following a fixed syllabus, she adapts her lessons to students’ interests, ensuring an interactive and enjoyable learning experience.
What Inspired Anna to Teach German Cinema & History?
“I’ve always been passionate about teaching and learning languages," says Anna. "Coming from a multicultural, multilingual background, I began working as a language tutor during my student years at the University of Heidelberg.
To me, learning a language is a lifelong gift, it broadens perspectives, fosters connections, and unlocks new cultures and ways of thinking."
Many students find that exploring German culture and history makes the language feel more engaging and immersive. Films, videos, historical and press texts, and discussions offer a powerful way to expand vocabulary, sharpen listening and speaking skills, and deepen cultural understanding.
German Cinema & History: Key Themes
Germany’s post-war history is full of contrasts, and Anna’s courses explore these complexities in depth. One of the most fascinating narratives is the division between the socialist DDR and the capitalist BRD — two opposing systems that profoundly shaped daily life and cultural identity. Her classes also examine how both sides confronted the legacy of the Nazi past, the impact of the Cold War, and the challenges of reunification.
These themes come to life through German films, offering students a rich and relatable learning experience. Films like The Lives of Others and Good Bye Lenin! create emotional connections to historical events, making the material more accessible and meaningful. Watch out for Anna’s German cinema class starting this December!
Anna's New Courses
German intermediate: Deutsche Filme und Berlin
This winter, Anna invites cinema lovers with intermediate to advanced German skills to immerse themselves in three iconic Berlin-set films: Good Bye Lenin, Das Leben der Anderen, and Der Himmel über Berlin. Across three cosy evenings, you’ll experience Berlin through comedy, drama, and poetic fantasy–romance, each offering a unique lens on the city’s stories. Together, we’ll unpack the historical and social backdrop of these films, analyse key characters, and reflect on the directors’ stylistic choices that make each work unforgettable.
The course blends film appreciation with language learning. By watching and discussing selected scenes, you’ll enrich your German film vocabulary and gain confidence in expressing your thoughts on cinema in German. The journey concludes with a comparative discussion of the three films, uncovering what each reveals about Berlin’s evolving identity. Please note: students should watch the films before the course begins, available on platforms such as Amazon, YouTube, and Curzon.
This online course starts on 30 January >
German for history lovers (intermediate and advanced)
Anna also offers a course tailored to those fascinated by modern German history. Designed for intermediate and advanced German speakers, this module takes you through defining moments of post-war Germany — from the nation’s partition to its remarkable path toward reunification. Using gripping video clips from original documentaries and news broadcasts, you’ll gain an authentic window into the events that shaped Germany’s contemporary identity.
This interactive course seamlessly blends history and language learning. You’ll expand your vocabulary, boost fluency, and deepen your cultural understanding while engaging with real historical material. By combining linguistic practice with historical exploration, Anna ensures that students not only sharpen their German but also develop a richer appreciation of Germany’s complex past.
Take Your German Learning to the Next Level
If you’re ready to improve your German skills and explore the stories, culture, and history behind the language, Anna’s interactive courses at City Lit are the perfect next step. Whether you're passionate about German, history, or conversation, you'll find a welcoming space to learn, connect, and be inspired.
German Courses at City Lit
At City Lit, our German courses blend language learning with history, cinema, and culture. Through an interactive approach, we focus on speaking and listening while exploring themes like Cold War politics, reunification, and German film. Whether you're a beginner or advanced learner, our courses offer an immersive way to build fluency and cultural insight
