Week 61, Lesson 122, Friday
St Petersburg, the northern capital
Peter the Great founded St Petersburg in 1703, on the marshes of the Neva. For two centuries it was Russia's capital, and it still calls itself the northern one.
1Recap 5 minutes
Three questions from Monday, before anything new.
2Goal 1 minute
I can describe St Petersburg and say when and by whom it was founded.
3The lesson 20 minutes
In this lesson
- Peter's city
- Nights and bridges
Peter's city
St Petersburg in four moments.
| Russian | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Его основал Пётр Первый в 1703 году. | Peter the Great founded it in 1703. |
| Петербург был основан в 1703 году. | St Petersburg was founded in 1703. |
| Его называют Северной столицей. | It's called the northern capital. |
был основан: a short form, like музей открыт. It was the capital until 1918.
Nights and bridges
| Russian | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Летом здесь белые ночи. | In summer there are white nights here. |
| Ночью разводят мосты. | At night the bridges are raised. |
| Эрмитаж — один из самых больших музеев мира. | The Hermitage is one of the biggest museums in the world. |
4Listen and say 5 minutes
Sound of the lesson: Петербу́рг
Петербу́рг: stress on бу, pi-tir-BURK, and г sounds like k at the end.
- Петербу́рг [pi-tir-BURK] Hear it on Forvo (opens in a new tab)
- Эрмита́ж [er-mi-TASH] Hear it on Forvo (opens in a new tab)
5Phrases and words 5 minutes
Phrases to learn whole
Learn each one as a single unit, the way you would learn a word. They come back in your Daily 10.
- был осно́ван в … году́was founded in …
- Се́верная столи́цаthe northern capital
- Но́чью разво́дят мосты́.At night the bridges open.
Words to read aloud
Read each one aloud, then open it to check.
Се́верная столи́ца
the northern capital
Нева́
the Neva (river)
Hear it on Forvo (opens in a new tab)на́бережная
embankment
Hear it on Forvo (opens in a new tab)мост, мосты́
bridge, bridges
дворе́ц
бе́лые но́чи
white nights
был осно́ван
was founded
разво́дят мосты́
the bridges are raised
6Class exercises 15 minutes
Checked instantly. Get one wrong and you can try it again.
Role-play
Take one card each. Swap roles for a second round.
You
- Tell Ника what you'd like to see in St Petersburg, and why.
Ника
- Recommend one place you didn't mention.
7Your turn 5 minutes
Write when and by whom St Petersburg was founded.
See a model answer
Петербург был основан в 1703 году. Его основал Пётр Первый.
Saved as you type. It goes to Ника together with Homework 122.
8Mini questionnaire required, 80% to pass
9Feedback 5 minutes
10Check your goal 1 minute
I can describe St Petersburg and say when and by whom it was founded.
Can you do this now? Be honest: the answer decides your next step.
11Homework
Homework 122 on Monday: St Petersburg.
I can describe St Petersburg and say when and by whom it was founded.