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Experiencing Shakespeare in English: Hannover and the English Theatre Tradition
Understanding Shakespeare in English -- does that sound impossible? Not at all! Shakespeare's language is closer to modern English than many people think. In this interactive lesson, you will discover the most famous Shakespeare quotes, learn essential theater vocabulary, and explore how Hannover's theater scene keeps the English tradition alive. With 12 exercises and a video, you will train your English at B2 level -- from Early Modern English to Shakespeare idioms you use every day.
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Shakespeare in English: Language, Theater, and Hannover
William Shakespeare shaped the English language like no other writer. Over 1,700 words and countless idioms that we use daily can be traced back to the most famous playwright of all time. For advanced English learners, Shakespeare is a fascinating resource for deepening your feel for the language.
In this lesson, we combine Shakespeare's world of theater with practical English exercises at B2 level. You will learn:
- How to understand and translate the most famous Shakespeare quotes
- Essential theater vocabulary for English-language performances
- The difference between Early Modern English and today's English
- How Hannover's theater scene keeps the English tradition alive
- Everyday idioms that trace back to Shakespeare
Whether you want to attend a performance at the Staatstheater Hannover or read Shakespeare in the original -- this lesson will prepare you perfectly.
Includes interactive exercises and final test. Duration: approx. 20 minutes.
Email Vocabulary
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Shakespeare's Language: Early Modern English
Rule
Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English (c. 1500-1700). This stage of the language differs from today's English in three main areas: pronouns (thou/thee instead of you), verb forms (dost, hath, art instead of do, has, are) and word order (verb before subject in statements). The good news: most of the vocabulary is identical to modern English.
Examples
"You are more lovely than a summer's day."
'Thou art' = 'You are'. 'Thou' is the informal address, 'art' is the corresponding form of 'be'.
"He has a lean and hungry look."
'Hath' = 'has'. The third person ending '-th' was later replaced by '-s'.
"Why are you Romeo?"
Careful: 'Wherefore' does NOT mean 'where', but 'why'. Juliet asks why he must be called Romeo (a Montague).
Tips
- •Thou = informal 'you', You = formal 'you'
- •Verb endings: -st (thou speakst), -th (he speaketh) = modern -s ending
- •'Tis = It is, 'twas = It was, o'er = over, e'er = ever
Cultural Note
Did you know? Shakespeare invented or first recorded over 1,700 English words. These include everyday terms like bedroom, lonely, generous, eyeball and manager. When you speak English, you're quoting Shakespeare without even knowing it!
Exercise 1: Translating Shakespeare Quotes
'Sein oder Nichtsein' translates to English as: '______ or not ___'.
Exercise 2: Shakespeare Myths
'Wherefore art thou Romeo?' means 'Where are you, Romeo?'
Theater Vocabulary
Theater Vocabulary in English
When attending a Shakespeare performance in Hannover or elsewhere, it's helpful to know the key theater terms in English. The Staatstheater Hannover and the Theater am Aegi occasionally offer English-language performances.
English theater vocabulary includes many terms from French and Latin origins. Some words sound similar to German but have different meanings or pronunciations. Particularly important are the differences between stage (Bühne), scene (Szene) and act (Akt), which serve as structural elements in Shakespeare's plays.
Essential Theater Vocabulary
6 words
soliloquy
nounA speech in which a character alone on stage speaks their thoughts aloud
Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' is the most famous soliloquy in English literature.
tragedy
nounA drama with an unhappy ending, in which the hero fails due to a character flaw
Macbeth is a tragedy about ambition and its destructive consequences.
playwright
nounA person who writes plays for the theater (note: not 'playwriter'!)
Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language.
intermission
nounThe break between acts of a theater performance (British: interval)
During the intermission, we discussed the first act over a glass of wine.
iambic pentameter
nounThe meter Shakespeare used for most of his plays: five iambs per line (da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM)
'But SOFT what LIGHT through YONder WINdow BREAKS' -- that's iambic pentameter.
aside
nounA brief remark by a character intended only for the audience, not the other characters
In many Shakespeare plays, villains reveal their true intentions through asides.
Game: Unscramble Theater Terms
Matching: Shakespeare Quotes and Their Meanings
Click on a word on the left and then on the matching translation on the right.
Shakespeare Idioms in Modern English
Shakespeare Idioms You Use Every Day
Many English idioms that sound completely ordinary today were coined or first recorded by Shakespeare. Knowing these expressions will not only improve your English but also help you understand the cultural depth of the language.
Here are some of the most important Shakespeare idioms commonly used in modern business and everyday English:
- Break the ice -- Overcome social awkwardness (The Taming of the Shrew)
- Wild goose chase -- A pointless search (Romeo and Juliet)
- In a difficult situation -- A tough spot (The Tempest)
- Heart of gold -- A kind, generous nature (Henry V)
- Wear your heart on your sleeve -- Show emotions openly (Othello)
These idioms are particularly useful in Business English. In Hannover, where international companies like Continental, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and TUI are headquartered, you'll encounter these expressions regularly in meetings and presentations.
Sentence Builder: Using Shakespeare Idioms
Translation: Let's break the ice at the conference.
Translation: Shakespeare in Everyday Life
English
Can you break the ice and introduce yourself?
Tip
Tip for Hannover: The Staatstheater Hannover regularly performs Shakespeare plays, sometimes in English. The English Theatre Hannover and various reading groups also offer opportunities to experience Shakespeare in English. Check event listings for current performances!
Final Quiz: Shakespeare Knowledge
What does 'wherefore' mean in Shakespeare's language?
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