William Shakespeare - Life, Language and Lasting Influence

When talking about the greatest writer in the English language, one name always comes first: William Shakespeare. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, Shakespeare became a playwright, poet, and actor—and shaped not only literature but also the English language itself.

Plays like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night's Dream are still performed around the world today. Shakespeare's works address timeless themes—love, jealousy, ambition, and fate—and are thus still relevant 400 years later.

Furthermore, we owe many expressions to Shakespeare that are now part of everyday English. Phrases like "break the ice," "wild goose chase," and "all that glitters is not gold" come directly from his plays. For English learners, Shakespeare means understanding the origins of expressions that are heard repeatedly in conversations, books, and films.

That's why I like to use examples from Shakespeare in my private English lessons in Sangerhausen (or online). It's not about reading ancient texts word for word, but about discovering how his language has shaped modern English—and how you can benefit from it.

Whether you're a theater lover, a literature fan, or simply curious about the roots of English culture, Shakespeare offers an inspiring way to better understand and learn the language.