Crossing Borders on a Climbing Wall: A Day of German-Czech Friendship - Report

Crossing Borders on a Climbing Wall: A Day of German-Czech Friendship

Where Languages & Cultures Meet

Pirna and Moritzburg (Saxony, close to Dresden) – In the quiet chill of mid-December 2025, the air inside Pirna's Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Primary School was anything but cold. Instead, it was filled with the rhythmic clapping of hands, the sudden pops of balloons and a melodic mix of German and Czech laughter. On 12 December, the local NGO 'Salon des Deutsch-Tschechischen Dialogs' hosted a unique student event, demonstrating the simple truth that while languages may divide, play unites.

Building the Foundation: The Morning Workshop

Rather than starting with formal introductions or textbooks, the day began with movement. The objective was clear: to break down the invisible barriers that often exist between different cultures through a high-energy, 60-minute 'getting to know you' workshop.

The ice was quickly broken with Jahrmarkt, a lively game in which students used personalised balloons to navigate the room. Within minutes, the divided room had become a single, bustling crowd. This was followed by Zip-Zap, a fast-paced circle game that made learning names into a competitive sport. By the time the students sat down for bingo, any shyness had quickly faded. Armed with pens and paper, students interviewed one another to uncover shared interests and find common ground, such as favourite sports, video games or pets, that transcended national borders.

The morning’s energy peaked with the Rhythmusmaschine (Rhythm Machine). In this collaborative exercise, students worked together to build a complex, layered beat using only their hands and feet. It was a powerful metaphor for the day: each student provided a unique sound, but the music only worked when everyone listened to their neighbours.

The Moritzburg Excursion

After the workshop, the group travelled to Moritzburg for a winter adventure. They spent the afternoon climbing together, building trust and practising their German and Czech. However, the real highlight of the trip was a simple shared picnic, where they relaxed and bonded over food and conversation.

The Castle of Experience

Before the schools went their separate ways, the organisers held a reflective closing activity called Schloss Rundeck. Using physical building blocks, the students were asked to contribute to the construction of a symbolic castle. A 'round' (smooth) block represented a positive experience, while an 'eckig' (edgy) block represented a challenge.

As the castle grew, it became clear that the day was overwhelmingly 'round'. Students spoke of the thrill of the climb and how enjoyable they found the rhythm game. Even the so-called negatives, such as the challenging language barrier and the cold weather, became an integral part of their journey, adding character to their shared experience.

Looking Ahead: A Sustained Partnership

Future plans include introducing ‘language helper’ cards to aid communication during technical activities like climbing. The success of the 12 December event has set a new standard for the Salon des Deutsch-Tschechischen Dialogs to build upon. As we move into 2026, the organisers are exploring ways to strengthen these bonds further.

There is also a strong desire to maintain momentum through a digital pen-pal exchange, ensuring that the friendships formed in the Moritzburg woods continue throughout the year. As the students boarded their buses, the symbolic 'Castle of Experience' stood as a testament to a day when not just two cultures met, but climbed and built together.

Miruk KIM, Czechia, Cross-Border Ambassador for Czechia-Germany