Can You Draw What I Mean? Year 13 German: from words to pictures

How accurately can you describe a photo to someone who cannot see it? Six Year 13 students explored this challenge during a German cover lesson, following instructions provided by their German teacher, Ms. Michaela.

Working in pairs, students had different roles. One could see a photo showing people communicating. The other had an A4 sheet, coloured pencils and the opportunity to ask as many questions as needed before drawing the scene from their partner’s answers.

The challenge called for precise questions, clear descriptions and careful listening. How many people were there? Where were they sitting? What were they wearing? Small details could make a big difference to the picture taking shape on paper.

Alexandra worked with Matvii, who drew their picture.

Yan worked with Emily, who drew their picture.

Adela worked with Imre, who drew their picture.

The three drawings offer wonderfully individual interpretations of the original photos. When compared with the originals, it becomes clear which details have been preserved—and how they have changed after passing through words.

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but in this lesson, words had to build the picture!