Physical literacy—to be discussed: a perspective from the point of view of German language sport science

Abstract

This article is intended to encourage discussion about the concept of physical literacy in the German-speaking sport science community. The first step illustrates how the concept of physical literacy is currently embraced both internationally and in German-speaking countries. Particularly concerning German language sport science, we would like to elaborate on a few observations in this respect. It becomes clear that physical literacy only appears to hesitantly permeate the research landscape of German-speaking countries. In addition, it is discernible that current German language concepts are retrospectively substantiated and expanded through physical literacy. The existing drafts, however, vary in terms of their specific content focus. Furthermore, in German language sport science physical literacy has so far hardly been discussed in an interdisciplinary manner. In the second part, we take these observations as a starting point and discuss challenges and opportunities as to why German language sport science should deal more intensively with physical literacy. In this context, we identify four challenges. Physical literacy has to be discussed both conceptually and terminologically. In addition, German language sport science should pick up interdisciplinary ideas of physical literacy and react accordingly. The discussion of physical literacy could also promote international visibility and may inspire physically related practices in a more holistic manner.