Party With German Friends

If you're learning the German language, you already know how important the sport is to Germans. There are over 6.5 million football club members in Germany, but during Euro 2016 those numbers pale into insignificance. You're safe to say that at least half of the Germans you'll meet are going to take an interest in this tournament.

By the way: As a Welsh learner, I've already picked up a few new words by learning the Welsh national anthem. Never say sportsball isn't for learning.

So Why Miss Out On Euro 2016 Fun?

No matter who you are supporting, no matter if you even care about who wins, the excitement is going to be unavoidable in the coming weeks. The following tips are guaranteed to help you feel at home in any Fanmeile or public viewing zone (those are what the Germans call their big screen areas)

1) Don't Bet On The Favourites

Germans are a risk-averse bunch. The classic British tradition of supporting the underdog is puzzling to many of them. Why go for anything but the most promising option? So if you want to get with the German mentality as a football supporter, reserve a soft spot for the most likely tournament winners.

For Euro 2016, the strongest football teams are Spain, Italy, Poland, the reigning world champions Germany and host nation France.

But don't go out and place a bet on them to win. Bet shops and betting agencies in sports are less commonplace in Germany as Germans prefer wise investments to anything as risky as gambling.

2) Get The Grillparty Started

Football World Cup and European Cup tournaments take place in the summer - perfect timing for millions of Germans to open up Balkonien (balconia - a German word for "holidaying at home") and invite their friends round for a BBQ and viewing party.

For the best German Grillparty, you need a venue (garden, allotment, balcony, public BBQ area), a TV to watch the match, some meat (despite the vegan trend, Germans tend to be non-veggie), salad and veggies, and a good supply of drinks. No need for spicy sauces - German foods are rarely hot and spicy.

3) Be A Fachsimpler

Fachsimpeln (playing the expert) is a hobby no one can resist entirely, and watching sports among friends is no exception. When you're among your friends and everyone is playing armchair pundits, listen out for some of the following words to help you keep up:

Der Anstoß - kick off

Die Schwalbe - dive (when a player feigns injury)

Der Stürmer - striker

Der Verteidiger - defense player

Das Mittelfeld - mid-field

Der Elfmeter - penalty

Der Eckball - corner

Der Freistoß - free kick

Das Foul - foul

Verlängerung (in der Verlängerung) - extra time

Ich bin für Deutschland. - I'm supporting Germany

Wie steht es? - what's the score?

Der Pokal - cup (in a sporting context)

By the way, you can practice these sentences and learn a lot more about how Germans talk in my German pronunciation course.

4) Be About The Team, Not The Player

Back in the early 2000s, German football wasn't quite as successful as it's looking today. Our teams were made up of good players, but the team spirit was lost. In recent years, German football has undergone a transformation and brought in a new focus on the whole team.

The official song, motto and hashtag for the German football team in Euro 2016? Jeder für Jeden (or #jederfuerjeden) - everyone for everyone. This team is not about running around behind a super famous striker. They're hoping to bring home sporting glory together.