Should You Pause German During the Christmas Break? My Honest Answer

December brings a different rhythm.

I notice every year in many of my learners that this week is generally the last week at work for the year, and work either slows down gradually or is suuuper busy as many loose ends need to be tied up before the Christmas break.

Also, many are busy thinking about getting presents sorted in time, finalising their travel plans etc and mental space generally feels very limited this week.

And the question you may be asking yourself an top of all this is:

Should I just pause my German during the Christmas break?

The honest answer is not a simple yes or no.

It depends on how you pause and what you expect from yourself during this season.

Let’s look at what actually helps and what usually backfires:

Why Wanting a Pause Is Completely Normal

The end of the year is not designed for pushing hard.

There is already a lot on your to-do list, there are more social interaction and more emotional load (parents-in-law, anyone? ;-). Expecting yourself to study German with the same focus as in October is often unrealistic.

Taking pressure off is healthy. Forcing yourself through structured study when your head is elsewhere rarely leads to meaningful progress.

So the desire to pause makes sense.

The Problem With a Full Stop

Where things get tricky is when a pause turns into a complete stop.

A full stop often comes with this thought:

“I cannot do this properly right now, so I will do nothing.”

What usually then happens is that January arrives and restarting feels harder than expected. Confidence dips and the gap feels bigger than it really is.

A Better Option: A Soft Pause

Instead of stopping completely, think in terms of a soft pause.

A soft pause means letting go of structure and expectations while keeping a light connection to the language.

This could look like:

• Listening to German (Christmas) music while cooking, baking or driving - and sing along!

• Listening to your regular podcast

• Reading a few messages or headlines

• Watching a familiar series or movie in German

• Noticing words around you during daily life (if you are lucky enough to live in a German-speaking country!)

• Revisiting something you already know

That way, you are staying connected to the language.

Just like nature in winter: December is not about growth, but about consolidation.

Why This Works

Language learning is long term. Progress is not lost in a few quiet weeks, but confidence often is if you disappear from the language completely.

A soft pause keeps German familiar.

When January comes, you step back in more easily because the language never fully left your life.

Think of it as keeping the door slightly ajar rather than shutting it completely.

One Helpful Question to Ask Yourself

Instead of asking: “Should I pause German?”

Try asking: “What is the easiest and most enjoyable way I can stay connected?”

And then do that.

The Hive Supports This Kind of Learning

The Better German Community Hive is designed for real life, including seasons when energy is low and/or you are busy with other aspects of your life. Our Weekly Challenges will be paused for 2 weeks, but the Hive remains open to members 24/7. That means you can still dip into the Hive, ask a question (make sure to tag me, please!), carry on with a little bit of your course, find new resources to explore or complete one of our previous Weekly Challenges that you didn't get round to at the time.

Sometimes one clear answer in the Q&A forum is enough to remove a block without hours of study. That is often all December needs and I am more than happy to help you.

So, Should You Pause?

Ultimately, you decide what is best for you and your German learning.

My recommendation after many years of teaching is: if you can, do not pause German completely.

A gentle connection for the next couple of weeks makes January feel lighter, calmer and far less overwhelming.

And this is what my wish for you is.

And, of course: Frohe Weihnachten und alles Gute für das Neue Jahr!