So you’re interested in learning German. You’re certainly not alone; it’s one of the more popular languages for native English speakers to acquire. Whether it’s connecting with a relative in Germany, advancing your career outlook, or just for the satisfaction that comes with learning another language, there are plenty of reasons to do so. But what’s the blueprint for how to learn German?
The best way to learn German is with Pimsleur – so you’ve come to the right place! Our German courses are specifically designed for beginners. We use intuitive, educational tools to help you eventually speak the language conversationally.But there are plenty of ways you can start on your own – that’s why we put together this guide to learning German. You can easily integrate on-the-spot learning opportunities for plenty of everyday activities. Ready to become one of the 135 million people who speak German? Keep reading!
How to Start Learning German: Tips and Strategies
Die Reise von 1.000 Meilen beginnt mit einem Schritt. Or, the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. There are numerous ways to start learning German today. Some are right in front of you, and others require a little searching. Regardless, these tips to learn German can help you make that all-important first step in your learning journey!
- Get familiar with the German alphabet. The good news: German uses the same Latin-based alphabet as English. The not-so-good news? German, like other Central & Northern European languages, really loves consonants – much more than English. Some consonants and vowels are roughly similar to English, while others require a little effort to get used to, especially with pronunciation. Knock out those ABCs (in German), and you’ll have accomplished the first step in your how to learn German plan.
- Explore Germany’s rich cultural offerings. One of the best ways to learn German is to simply hop on the country’s impressive wave of literature, art, and cinema (while German movies aren’t as renowned as other European countries, there are some hidden gems). As you’re acquiring the language, try reading Goethe, Hesse, or Nietzsche in the original language, and read some passages aloud. Take in a German movie with subtitles on to sharpen your skills. All of these are excellent methods to learn German – and for how to learn about German culture along the way!
- Taste and travel your way to knowledge. Listening is a key skill when learning German. And so is taste! Try your hand at making an authentic German dish like bratwurst (super easy), schnitzel, German potato salad, or even a pretzel! For the full sensory experience, nothing beats travel. Germany is a popular tourist destination, and we even created a Nuremberg travel guide to help you navigate the city’s impressive historical and cultural landscape (yes, including food).
- Get a Pimsleur subscription. The best way to learn German is right here at Pimsleur! We have German lessons ready to help you right away. Geared toward novice learners, our platform takes you from square one to conversational speaker in a matter of weeks. All it takes is around 30 minutes per day, and you can learn anytime, any place – thanks to our convenient app!
Take your learning online. Aside from Pimsleur’s expert instruction, you can enhance your experience of how to learn German on your own. YouTube is chock-full of informative videos on the language, with helpful tips on pronunciation, cadence, vocabulary, and more. Check out some of the best free courses here!
Overcoming Common Challenges When Learning German
We already mentioned the heavy consonant use in German, but until you start learning German, it’s hard to understand just how much they’re utilized. Plus, the language makes extensive use of double consonants, which impacts pronunciation.
For an example of how complex German words can be, consider the longest German word: Donaudampfschiffahrtsgesellschaftskapitän (Danube steamship company captain). If you’re counting at home, that’s 42 total letters – and only 12 vowels!And while there are plenty of loanwords exchanged between English and German, the Deutschland vocabulary has its own unique words you’ll have to learn. Pronunciation is likewise a significant challenge, but don’t worry…you’re in good hands (and ears) with Pimsleur’s Voice Coach with AI pronunciation feedback.
Moving Beyond the Basics: Your German Learning Journey
These tips to learn German are a great way to supplement your acquisition of the language. Still, the best way to learn German is with a proven learning system at your disposal. And no other system combines intuitive learning, educational resources, and proven techniques quite like Pimsleur!
That’s because all of our German lessons are based on the Pimsleur Method, the only guide to learning German you need. You’ll speak and listen your way to conversational speaking, just like a child would – by developing your natural oral and aural skill set.
We provide the tools for how to learn German – you simply bring the enthusiasm, curiosity, and hard work to the table. After using our tips to learn German combined with your own initiative, you’ll be surprised by how fast you’ll pick up the language! Viel Glück in your upcoming learning journey – you got this!
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