Asking for a Parent-Teacher Meeting — and What to Say in It
Phoning the school office for an appointment, and then the meeting itself: describing what your child says at home and asking to be kept informed.
Sometimes something is wrong and you cannot ask about it in a room full of other parents. Your child does not want to go to school. Another child is bothering them. Something has changed and you do not know why.
In Switzerland the answer is the Elterngespräch — a private conversation with the class teacher. You are entitled to ask for one, and asking is completely normal.
Two conversations here: the phone call that books it, and the meeting itself.
Key phrases to know
- Ich möchte gerne einen Termin für ein Elterngespräch. – I'd like an appointment for a parent-teacher meeting.
- Um was geht es? – What is it about?
- Mein Sohn hat Probleme mit einem anderen Kind in der Klasse. – My son has problems with another child in the class.
- Passt Ihnen 15:30 Uhr? – Does 3:30 p.m. suit you?