English L2 vocabulary acquisition through storytelling for adolescents with and without learning disabilities

English is a widely spoken language around the world and is taught in German schools. Even though acquiring English proficiency is vital in today’s globalized society, students with learning disabilities (LDs) or other severe academic difficulties in Germany are often considered incapable of learning English as a second language (L2) beyond a very rudimentary level. In this study, we examined the effects of an English-language storytelling program on the vocabulary of German secondary school students with and without LDs ( N = 45) for four weeks using a pretest–posttest control group design with follow-up measurements. Results showed significant gains for participants in the treatment group compared to the control group. Moreover, the participants in the English-language storytelling program developed more positive attitudes towards the English language overall.