Speaking calendar/Nacktrodeln
February 15th · Cultural Insight

Nacktrodeln

Naked sledding in the German Harz. This event combines extreme cold with extreme vulnerability. This lesson explores the German concept of 'Freikörperkultur' (FKK) and whether public nudity in a sporting context is a sign of liberation or just a desperate grab for attention.

ADULT 18+ · SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. Why are some cultures (like Germany) so comfortable with nudity while others find it scandalous?
  2. Is vulnerability (being naked in the cold) a way to feel more alive or just a risk for health?
  3. Should naked sports be banned in public places where children might see them?
  4. What is the difference between nudity and eroticism in a sporting context?
  5. Would you ever participate in a wild public challenge like this to win a prize?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The Cultural Anthropologist

The Task: Compare nacktrodeln with a traditional sport in your country. List 3 social rules that would have to change for your sport to be done naked.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Is shame a useful tool for society, or a prison for the individual?