Meaning
To receive instruction in a subject or skill.
Cultural Background
The 'Volkshochschule' (VHS) is a staple of German life. Almost every adult has at some point 'Unterricht genommen' there, whether for languages, cooking, or IT skills. Music education is extremely prestigious. Many children 'nehmen Unterricht' at a 'Musikschule' or 'Konservatorium' from a very young age. Due to the multilingual nature of the country, 'Sprachunterricht nehmen' (taking language lessons) is a very common part of professional life. In German schools abroad (Deutsche Auslandsschulen), local students often 'nehmen Deutschunterricht' to gain access to German universities.
Compound it!
Instead of saying 'Unterricht in Musik', just say 'Musikunterricht'. It sounds much more native.
Watch the 'du' form
Remember that 'nehmen' is irregular. It's 'du nimmst', not 'du nehmst'.
Meaning
To receive instruction in a subject or skill.
Compound it!
Instead of saying 'Unterricht in Musik', just say 'Musikunterricht'. It sounds much more native.
Watch the 'du' form
Remember that 'nehmen' is irregular. It's 'du nimmst', not 'du nehmst'.
Tutoring is normal
Don't be shy to say you take 'Nachhilfe'. In Germany, it's a very common way to get ahead in school.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'nehmen'.
Du ______ seit zwei Monaten Klavierunterricht.
The subject is 'du', so the irregular form 'nimmst' is required.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I take German lessons'?
'Nehmen' is the correct verb for a student. 'Geben' would mean you are the teacher.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum spielst du so gut Tennis? B: Ich ______ seit einem Jahr ______.
The context of playing well implies receiving instruction.
Match the subject to the lesson type.
Auto fahren
'Fahren' (to drive) relates to 'Fahrunterricht' (driving lessons).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Student vs. Teacher
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDu ______ seit zwei Monaten Klavierunterricht.
The subject is 'du', so the irregular form 'nimmst' is required.
How do you say 'I take German lessons'?
'Nehmen' is the correct verb for a student. 'Geben' would mean you are the teacher.
A: Warum spielst du so gut Tennis? B: Ich ______ seit einem Jahr ______.
The context of playing well implies receiving instruction.
Auto fahren
'Fahren' (to drive) relates to 'Fahrunterricht' (driving lessons).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no. 'Unterricht' is used without an article when referring to the subject: 'Ich nehme Deutschunterricht'.
'Unterricht nehmen' sounds more like a long-term commitment or private lessons. 'Einen Kurs machen' is more casual and often refers to a shorter, specific program.
Always use 'bei'. 'Ich nehme Unterricht bei Herrn Schmidt'.
It's better to use 'Vorlesungen besuchen' for university lectures. 'Unterricht' sounds more like school or private tutoring.
Use the specific term: 'Ich nehme Fahrunterricht'.
Yes, it is always {der|m} Unterricht.
Yes, that is very common now. 'Ich nehme Online-Unterricht'.
It means 1-on-1 private lessons.
It means taking lessons in a group/class.
Yes, it's 'nahm' (simple past) or 'hat genommen' (present perfect).
Related Phrases
Unterricht geben
contrastTo teach/give lessons
Stunden nehmen
similarTo take (private) lessons
einen Kurs belegen
similarTo enroll in a course
Nachhilfe nehmen
specialized formTo take tutoring
autodidaktisch lernen
contrastTo teach oneself
