Angela merkel biography video for students

Introduction

Angela Merkel, who is stepping down after 16 years leading Germany, has often been referred to as 'mutti' - which means 'mother' in German.

Where did this nickname come from and who is she really? That's what Sam and Neil talk about, as they teach you related vocabulary.

This week's question 

Who was Germany’s first ever chancellor?
a) Otto von Bismarck
b) Helmut Schmidt
c) Or Franz von Papen

Listen to the programme to find out the answer. 

Vocabulary

chancellor
person in the highest position in a government or a university, and especially the title for the head of the government in some European countries

hardline
describes someone with traditional and strict beliefs that can’t be easily changed

put down
insult, used to make someone feel stupid or embarrassed

put in their place
made to feel less important than they are trying to be

cliches
phrases or ideas that have become meaningless because the