German Chat
Wir chatten...
über Deutsch und auf deutsch!
Chat in — or about German
Our first hosted chat sessions for German learners began in June 1999 when we welcomed our first chat manager/host for German, Andrea Ritz. (That role was later taken over by Gabi West.) Although we had had a chat section for German for some time, it was not then supported as actively as we wanted. Since that time there have been many changes to our chat services, especially after About.com decided to drop its own chat rooms in 2004.
But you can still join other German learners for chat in either English or German. If you have a question about German grammar, vocabulary, or you just want to practice your German, now you have a place to do that! If you prefer a forum to chat, you can also visit one of our two German Forums: German Forum 1 (beginners) and Deutsches Forum 2 (advanced). For more about our forums please see our Forums page.
What Are the Rules for Chat?
We don't have too many rules for German Chat, but I have posted them on the opening "Chat" page (where you log on to chat). You can look at the rules any time by just clicking on German Chat from most pages at this site. Here's a brief summary of the rules...
A few basic rules:
The language for our chat room is either German or English. Use the one you prefer... or both. We want you to feel comfortable, and mistakes are made by all. Besides, in chat who cares?
This is not the place for the idiotic chit-chat, cyberflirting, and other nonsense found in many chat rooms. This is a "family" chat room with a definite purpose. Any language beyond "PG" is unacceptable. We have all ages from elementary students on up, so please keep that in mind.
The German chat channel is open around the clock for random chat. It is moderated only at the announced times. During unmoderated chat you're on your own, but our chat rules still apply! The chat hosts and I do make occasional spot checks to see "was da los ist" or to join in if we have time. If we don't like what we see, an offender may be booted out of chat.
Certain topics may be set for some sessions, but there will also be times for "open chat"—when any topic is allowed, as long as it is related to the German language. You are always invited to suggest a topic for a future chat session.
What If I'm New to Chat?
If you would like to learn more about chat, brush up on "chatiquette," chat abbreviations (brb = "be right back" or bgwd = "bin gleich wieder da"), or other chat-related matters, I can suggest two places to look.
1. Internet for Beginners - at About.com
See the Chatting: Beginners Tutorials page at About's Internet for Beginners site.
2. Chat 101
One of the best online resources for chat beginners is Chat 101. In Chat 101's own words: "Chat 101 contains the basics of chat, from the translation of chatspeak, abbreviations, and emoticons, to the etiquette that will help 'newbies' get comfortable in their new world, be a welcome guest in chatrooms, and, most importantly, get more involved with the fun!"
Related Pages
German Chat
More about our chat times and rules. See if anyone is there now!
Chatting: Beginners Tutorials
About's own guide to chatting online.
Chat 101
For chat "newbies" or anyone who wants more info about online chatting.
German Forums
Perhaps you prefer a forum to chat. We have two forums for discussions in German or English.