Plan-net launch WhatsGerman to help refugees learn German on WhatsApp

More than a million refugees arrived in Germany in 2015. They left behind everything — and speak no German. They have to wait for an average of three months for a German course — but language is the most important thing for successful integration. Our friends at Plan-net have come up with a solution that helps refugees to learn the basics of the language using one of the only possessions that have brought with them: their smartphone. We caught up with the team behind the project.

Tell us the idea in 140 characters or less?
 WhatsGerman is the first language course for refugees, that works on WhatsApp.

Where did the insight for the concept come from?
Many newspapers took hold on this message: Refugees left behind everything — despite hope and their smartphones. With their smartphone, they organise their flight, navigate and stay in contact with family and friends. Having arrived in Germany, the smartphone remains one of their most important belongings. We saw an opportunity in that insight.

Furthermore, it takes at least three months for a refugee being able to take part in an official German course. With WhatsGerman, they can now start immediately to learn German via WhatsApp. Because successful integration starts with mutual understanding.

How did you build the language courses? And what considerations did you have to take into account when designing a course specifically for WhatsApp?
 The courses were built together with a language teacher and an Arabic native speaker. As it had to fit in the messenger format, we had to keep the lessons short. That’s why we used emojis, text and videos. Emojis help to keep the amount of data low. The videos support the listening comprehension.

What have been the biggest challenges throughout the project?
 As the idea is quite simple, the realisation was quite simple as well. We used an already existing channel, WhatsApp and due to word-of-mouth we could reach thousands of people in a short period of time. To be honest, we just did it and it worked.

What have you learnt throughout the project?
 A modern communication tool paired with our experience in advertising can really make a difference.

What has the reaction been to the project? And what do you hope the lasting impact will be? 
Eighty thousand people signed up during the first six weeks. At the moment we have about 120.000 participants — and every day we get a thousand more. On the long run, we want to help people getting started with their new lives.

Have you seen any other interesting examples of how technology and creativity are being used to help the refugee crisis?
 We like the idea Flüchtlinge Willkommen. It’s a platform similar to AirBnB, on which refugees can find a sleeping place in flat shares or houses.

What else is making you think ‘F**k that’s good!’ at the moment?
 The way Mercedes just wished BMW ‘Happy 100th Birthday’. Because it’s so simple and smart.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given? And who gave it to you?
 Procrastination is the thief of time.
 ~Everybody’s grandma.