How to Talk About Leisure Activities and Hobbies in German

Everyone has different interests and ways to spend their free time. Talking about leisure activities and hobbies can be a great way to get to know someone, learn about their interests, and bond over common interests. In this article, we’ll explore how to talk about leisure activities and hobbies in a conversation.

Start by asking open-ended questions. Ask the person what they like to do in their free time or what their hobbies are.

Show interest in their answers. Listen to what they have to say and ask follow-up questions.

Share your own interests and experiences. If you have similar hobbies or interests, talk about your experiences and share stories.

Suggest activities or events related to their hobbies. If you know of a local event or activity that’s related to their interests, suggest that you go together.

Example Dialog:
Peter: Hallo, was machst du in deiner Freizeit gerne?
Anna: Ich spiele gerne Tennis und gehe gerne wandern. Und du?
Peter: Ich spiele gerne Schach und lese gerne Bücher.
Anna: Oh, das ist interessant. Wo spielst du Schach am liebsten?
Peter: Ich spiele Schach am liebsten in einem öffentlichen Park oder in einem Café. Und wohin gehst du gerne wandern?
Anna: Ich gehe gerne in den nahegelegenen Bergen wandern. Es ist dort so ruhig und entspannend.
Peter: Das klingt toll. Vielleicht sollten wir einmal zusammen wandern gehen.

English translation
Peter: Hello, what do you like to do in your free time?
Anna: I like playing tennis and going hiking. And you?
Peter: I enjoy playing chess and reading books.
Anna: Oh, that’s interesting. Where do you prefer to play chess?
Peter: I prefer playing chess in a public park or in a café. And where do you like to go hiking?
Anna: I like hiking in the nearby mountains. It’s so quiet and relaxing there.
Peter: That sounds great. Maybe we should go hiking together sometime.