📺 1. Watch & Learn
Time: 6 minsReading
As we step into a new year, many of us reflect on what lies ahead. Do we feel optimistic about the future, or does pessimistic thinking dominate our minds? Germans, it seems, have mixed feelings about tomorrow.
According to surveys, only 40% of Germans have positive expectations for the year ahead. Their biggest concerns? Rising costs, climate change, and rapid technological advancement. Many Germans worry that the world is changing too rapidly—a sentiment that reveals a degree of conservatism in their worldview.
Interestingly, views on artificial intelligence are divided. While some embrace AI's potential, a third of Germans believe it poses a danger to society. This reflects broader anxieties about the future and our ability to adapt to new technologies.
Historical data shows that German fears reflect the cultural Zeitgeist—from terrorism fears in 2003 to economic worries during the 2010 banking crisis. Yet during COVID-19, Germans remained surprisingly calm, perhaps showing resilience in the face of adversity.
As we make our New Year's resolutions and contemplate personal goals, it's worth considering: Are we preparing for an impending crisis, or cultivating hope for a brighter tomorrow?
🔗 2. Vocabulary Memory Match
Match the term to its definition. Correct pairs will disappear!
❓ 3. Comprehension Check
Watch the video and select the correct answer.
1. What percentage of Germans felt optimistic about their family's future in 2025?
2. According to the video, what do 82% of Germans believe about change?
3. How did Germans react during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other crises?
📝 4. Contextual Gap Fill
Complete the sentences using the vocabulary from the video.
Word Bank
1. Despite the challenges, Maria remains ____ that things will improve next year.
2. Many people have high ____ for the new government's climate policies.
3. John tends to be quite ____ about economic recovery, always expecting the worst.
4. Companies must learn to ____ quickly to technological changes or risk becoming obsolete.
5. The community showed remarkable ____ after the floods, rebuilding stronger than before.
6. Scientists warn of an ____ environmental crisis if we don't act now.
📖 5. Grammar Focus: Future Forms & Resolutions
When discussing the future, New Year's resolutions, or predictions, we use different grammatical structures:
"We're meeting with investors next month."
"I'm starting my new job in February."
"The conference starts at 9am tomorrow."
"My train leaves at 3pm."
"The world will change rapidly in the next decade."
"I think I'll start learning German this year."
"I'll have the steak, please."
"I'm going to exercise more this year."
"Germans are going to face economic challenges."
"The weather forecast says it's going to snow later tonight."
🎯 Practice: Choose the Correct Future Form
Select the most appropriate future form for each context.
1. "This year, I _______ at least €500 every month." (New Year's resolution)
2. "Look at those dark clouds! It _______ rain soon." (Strong prediction)
3. "Don't worry, I _______ help you with that project." (Spontaneous offer)
4. "We _______ to Berlin next weekend. The hotel is already booked." (Arranged plan)
🎉 Lesson Complete & Summary
Excellent work! Review the definitions below.
- Optimistic
- Pessimistic
- Expectations
- Conservatism
- Adapt
- Zeitgeist
- Resilience
- Impending