BBC news video lesson-A2 Crossing borders during the pandemic.

• English
• Middelbare school
• mavo, havo
• Leerjaar 2,3

The BBC’s Gavin Lee took a road trip in the Schengen area to see how much the virus has impacted freedom of movement on the continent

Many different European countries form the Schengen Area. They share open borders. You can travel through these countries without passport control or any immigration rules. Well… until corona happened.

Words to help you.

    in lockdown – in a situation in which people are not allowed to enter or leave a place or area freely because of an emergency
    border – a line separating one country or state from another
    border post – a border checkpoint, where people, cars, etc., are searched by someone before being allowed to continue
    to put a strain on something – to make something more difficult to manage
    temporary – not lasting for a long time; not permanent
    exception – a case where a rule does not apply
    to fast-track – to make things happen faster or earlier than normal
    lorries – trucks (vehicle that transport stuff)
    essentials – things that are absolutely necessary

Which borders does the BBC reporter cross?

Can you still get across from one European country to another without checks?

Why are the rules different for lorries?

How many Schengen countries are there?

2. Is the Netherlands one of the Schengen countries?