Cristina Finger
German Coordinator and Contract Instructor (German)
Cristina Finger holds a Magistra Artium (M.A.) in Comparative Literature, German Studies/New German Literature and English/New English Literature, a University Certificate in German as a Foreign Language both from the Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn, Germany, and a Certificate in University Teaching from Carleton University.
For more than twenty years, she has been passionate about teaching German and sharing German language and culture with students from diverse backgrounds. Throughout her career, she has taught at universities and educational institutions in Germany, Thailand, Indonesia, and Canada, bringing a wealth of international experience to her classroom.
Cristina has been active in German language education in Ottawa since 2008, leading Goethe-Institut Ottawa in its mission to promote German language and culture worldwide and, since 2014, teaching German language courses at Carleton University.
Through her work at both the Goethe-Institut and Carleton University, Cristina has helped create opportunities that connect students with German language and culture beyond the classroom. She has developed partnerships with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ottawa and other cultural organizations, giving students access to free film screenings, exhibitions, and special events. She has also made it possible for students to take the internationally recognized Goethe-Zertifikat examinations close to home, providing a valuable credential for study, work, and travel in German-speaking countries.
Cristina Finger believes that people learn languages best when they feel comfortable participating, asking questions, and learning from one another. Her classes encourage communication, curiosity, and mutual respect, creating a space where students can build confidence while enjoying the process of learning German. She also connects classroom learning with cultural and community experiences, helping students discover the language in real-world contexts and making German come alive beyond the textbook.