You’ve made the decision. You are ready to get serious about learning the German language. Now, you need to figure out how to learn German on your own. Luckily, you came to the right place.
New technologies and travel opportunities make it easier to learn German. Attending a language school abroad will most definitely get you to learn the language quickly. If that sounds overwhelming, you can always take one or two courses abroad to start.
Can’t get away? There are apps and computer programs like Lingoda, Duolingo, iTalki, and Rosetta Stone which challenge you to better develop your language skills. These tools can help you learn German from the comfort of your own home.
Learning the German language is not just about Oktoberfest, Schnitzel, Lederhosen, beer, or pretzels. However, it helps to be interested in the German culture, because that will motivate you to learn more and keep trying.
Is it easy to learn German?
For the most part, German vocabulary is easy to learn for native English speakers! German, English, and Dutch are all West Germanic languages. Therefore, there are words that sound and/or look similar to each other in these languages.
Is it easy to learn German? Dealing with the grammar is probably the toughest part about learning German for beginners. From a native English speaker’s perspective, formed sentences may look backwards or out of order. Also, the articles der, die, and das can be infuriatingly confusing to figure out, which can make it frustrating for beginners to learn German.
Nonetheless, keep in mind these important tips to learn German. Once you get the hang of the German alphabet and learn some words and phrases, you will be well on your way to becoming fluent in German.
15 tips to learn German
1. Start with the German alphabet. Memorize and practice the sound each letter makes and later use that knowledge to read German words.
2. The best way to learn German is to first learn basic phrases like hello, goodbye, how are you, yes, no, where are you from, and how old are you. Using common phrases will help you start to build up your German language skills.
3. Study the nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Keeping up with the vocabulary and learning common words will help you form sentences and learn the language quickly.
4. Once you’ve got basic phrases and words down, start putting sentences together. Then slowly work your way up to more sentences.
Netflix and…language learning? That’s right, movie night is a great way to learn to speak German!
5. Learning German doesn’t always have to involve memorization, it should also be fun. Engage in German culture and watch German movies, videos, and television shows to immerse yourself in the language. You can either find a show dubbed in German, watch a show with subtitles, or go all the way and watch something with no English at all.
6. Soak up German words and phrases visually by looking at magazines and reading newspapers and news articles.
7. Multitask and go for a run or clean up while listening to German-language podcasts, music, and audiobooks. Not only will this way of learning German get you out of your chair, but you can also get things done!
8. Jet off and totally immerse yourself in the German language by learning German abroad. Immersion is one of the best ways to learn to speak another language.
9. Speaking of travel, did you know you can attend language schools abroad? It’s true, there are many options to learn German at language schools in Germany.
10. If you can’t go too far, that doesn’t have to stop you from learning German. There are language schools in the U.S. that focus on German. Also, you can try classes at community colleges that offer German language learning opportunities.
11. Team work can make the dream work! Try forming a study group in-person or online with other people who want to learn German.
12. Learn better one-on-one? You can easily find a tutor and learn German one-on-one in-person or online. For finding a tutor online, try iTalki.com. Tutors online are especially helpful to learn to speak German.
13. If you’re wondering how to learn German on your own, focus on using apps and other programs to practice your German such as Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, Babble, and Lingoda.
14. Attend cultural events to immerse yourself in the German language. Yet another reason to go to Oktoberfest!
Visit Oktoberfest and say Prost! to language immersion.
15. Work through a textbook. Keep it old school and go through a textbook from start to finish. Make sure you move up to a more advanced textbook if you are not being challenged enough.
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 German language programs—it’s free!
3 ways to learn German Abroad
1. Volunteer to Teach English and Study German with Excellence Center in Europe
- Highlights: Make a positive difference in the world while learning German. This program is 1 to 13 weeks in Halle (Saale), Germany. Volunteer abroad by teaching English to refugees and migrants. You will have the responsibility of teaching two to four conversational English classes each week. If you volunteer with this program, you will get at least three hours of German per week, housing, logistic help, and sometimes breakfast!
- Read Excellence Center in Europe reviews
2. Teen Language Camp in Berlin, Germany with Greenheart Travel
- Highlights: For 15 hours per week, you can live in the capital of Germany while learning the German language! At this teen summer camp, students live with a host family exploring all Berlin has to offer, from its historical roots to its delicious street food. The cost of the program depends on how long you want to participate, usually ranging from $1,970 to $7,310. Note that meals are included and a transportation card is included as well.
- Read Greenheart Travel reviews
3. Learn to Speak German in Regensburg, Germany with The National Registration Center for Study Abroad
- Highlights: Study the German language in a historical city that is very easy to navigate. This program is relatively inexpensive compared to other language schools in Germany. The options for housing include homestays and student housing. If you are not sure if you want to commit to long-term study abroad, then Regensburg is a great choice for a short-term location to learn German.
- Learn more about The National Registration Center for Study Abroad
3 ways to learn German online at home
1. German Language and Volunteering in Germany with IPSL
- Highlights: You can choose to participate in this program in-person or online. The program is based in Halle, Germany and it focuses on intensive German. Additionally, there are opportunities for volunteering and giving back while learning German. This language institute teaches German language learners anywhere from beginner to advanced. You’ll get a language proficiency certificate for successful completion of the program.
- Read IPSL reviews
2. #1 Online Language School with Lingoda
- Highlights: Take online German courses at Lingoda.com. There are live classes online available 24/7. You have the option to learn one-on-one with a tutor or teacher. Another option is to learn in small groups. Lingoda has courses for beginners, intermediate-level, and advanced language learners. They even offer a seven day free trial so you can figure out if you like this learning method before you commit.
- Learn more about Lingoda
3. German Intensive Courses with Tandem Köln
- Highlights: Practicing German online can be one of the best ways to learn German. Tandem Köln realizes this and prioritizes their goal of making German language learning fun. Small interactive classes allow for an enjoyable intensive language learning experience. This program is available for all levels of German including beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
- Learn more about Tandem Köln
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Ready to learn how to speak German?
Consider practicing German your excuse to travel to beautiful places like this more.
Keep up your motivation to learn German and practice as often as possible. Learn slang and funny words to keep yourself entertained while learning German. Also, learn about German culture by either traveling to Germany or researching online.
You have the tips on how to learn German abroad and online at home. So, start making a plan to learn German now!
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