Learning to speak another language fluently may seem difficult, but it is feasible for anyone willing to devote time and effort. Learning virtually anything requires consistency to yield positive results. You can learn to speak German in different ways. For instance, you can use language learning apps, attend physical classes, or have a tandem partner.
This article will teach you practical techniques that will help you learn German from the comfort of your home. So, if you’ve always wanted to learn German, we urge you to sit back and relax as we unveil some German-learning techniques.
Nine Simple Techniques for German at Home
Learning anything whatsoever requires practice. Likewise, if you want to learn to speak German, you need to practice in order to get better. Learning as much as possible in a practical way will help you become a fluent German speaker. Here are the essential techniques for learning German:
1. Develop an Interest in Learning
You need to have an interest in learning German before you can progress with the learning. You make learning easier for yourself when you have an interest. We recommend that you look around to find motivations to learn German to grow your interest in learning.
2. Learn Basic Vocabulary
Learning just a chunk at a time is enough. You can start to learn new words before you exactly know how to put them in a sentence beautifully. You do not necessarily need to get overwhelmed for a start. When you start with basic vocabulary, German will eventually become a familiar language.
It is fundamental to understand the basic German alphabets and how their vowels and consonants are pronounced. Learning simple phrases is likewise a baby step. Phrases such as:
Good day – Guten tag
How are you? – wiegeht’s?
You’re welcome – Bitteschön
Please – Bittes
3. Learn the Basics of German Grammar
German grammar may seem extensive, but it is well structured. Fortunately, the structure of German grammar isn’t difficult to learn. Although grammar can be learned in contexts you come across, it is advisable to master the rules guiding the construction of sentences. Parts of speech in German are also important to master. Learn how they behave in different linguistic cases and contexts.
4. Read Books Written in German
If you are so concerned about understanding German comprehension, you must read many German books. At first, reading German books will be challenging, but if you don’t give up, it will eventually become easy.
Consistency plays a significant role here, which should be exhibited in the place of learning. You get familiar with certain words, phrases, and even the writing style when you read books written in German.
5. Relate with German-speaking Friends
Conversing with people who speak German fluently will improve your fluency also. You don’t need to be ashamed when you say things wrongly. Most beginners tend to back out at this early stage, but we recommend that you maintain consistency. Participate in debates and talks where German is spoken.
Apps like HelloTalk and sprachaustausch are also helpful for connecting with German speakers. Ensure you develop good listening skills before you start relating to German speakers.
You’ll understand things quickly when you hear them, even if you have never learned, read, or spoken them before. Learners should be more interested in listening to people who speak German. You can listen to German programs on the radio or podcasts if German speakers aren’t nearby. You can also watch German TV shows as they can help you sharpen your vocabulary and grammar.
6. Practice Self-Assessment
Seeing how far you’ve come keeps you motivated. Pick up your mistakes and correct them. Challenge yourself by engaging in precise German-language texts and audios. If you want to improve your German language skills, you should expect to make many mistakes at first. Just make sure you have the urge to learn from your mistakes rather than repeating them over and over.
7. Listen to German Podcasts
If you want to improve your listening skills, grabbing all that is said in German, you must hear many German podcasts and even songs. Song, in particular, will help you memorize some things in German without stress.
You must be a good listener to learn German via podcast. Else, you’ll hardly gain knowledge from podcasts. Hence, if you feel your listening skills aren’t good enough, you should work on your listening skills before you start listening to podcasts.
8. Leverage German Learning Tools
It is crucial to find the best tools to help you learn, whether learning for fun, work, or travel. Language learning tools serve as guides to help you reach fluency. Compared to the stress of learning foreign languages in the past, online German learning apps provide the opportunity to learn or study anytime.
They provide less stress, and the cost is usually much lower or even free. They make memorizing and mastering much more stimulating. Even if you are yet to visit a country where German is spoken, these tools provide varieties of opportunities to engage with real materials and practice key skills.
Fortunately, most of the tools for learning to speak German are free, though some have premium versions if you want additional features.
When choosing a tool, it is advisable to consider your budget first. You also need to be aware of what level your chosen tool covers. If you are a beginner, a tool that focuses on building essays may not be necessary at the moment. Instead, tools for basic things in German are appropriate. It is best to go for the ones that allow you to follow your daily hobbies and interests. For instance, you can start watching movies, reading blog posts, or listening to German music.
Here are five apps that are free to download on both the App Store and Google Play.
- Linguee: It is well designed with features that help you to remember the words you’ve once searched for. A must-have app for anyone learning the German language. This tool will help you overcome forgetfulness as you learn German since you won’t have to keep learning the meaning of the same word repeatedly.
- Der Die Das: This app is focused on learning articles, especially in German. You can enter a word to find its gender using the search feature. The ‘Game’ tab also helps you memorize several articles. This app is easy to use, perfect for beginners as well as those with advanced knowledge of German.
- Duolingo: This is a popular language-learning app available in many languages. The web version of Duolingo is more effective for language learning, but one needs to set aside specific times at home to sit with the computer. Duolingo is arguably the best for those with just a little knowledge of German.
- Der Tagesspiegel:Der Tagesspiegel is a German newspaper’s app. It is a good option for those with basic knowledge of German. This app improves your learning and makes you familiar with German news and culture.
- Memrise: Memrise helps you learn different languages using colorful flashcards. The flashcard contains both text and images. It also makes some video clips to improve Learners’ listening skills. The app is Ads free but often pops the pro-version for an upgrade.
9. Don’t give up
It is easy to lose focus when studying without an instructor. You may even feel you aren’t making any progress with learning. Frustration might even set in if you are not very careful. You must stand firm on your decision to keep learning when all these start happening. If you do not give discouragement a way, it will surely pass away.
Final Thoughts
While German might appear to be a complicated language, it is easy to master when you commit yourself to learn it. And of course, you’ll benefit from learning German as it is among the top languages in the world with several speakers worldwide.
For instance, if you are a business person planning to trade with German business partners, you’ll be able to communicate easily with your German business partners. Likewise, students who plan to study in Germany will be privileged to study their dream course after mastering the German language.