Learn German with these tips
When moving into a new country, in order to fully integrate, be independent, get better job opportunities, one needs to master the language of the locals! There’s no other way to go about it. If you’re planning on moving to Germany, we can’t stress enough how much knowing German would make your life easy peasy. Or just easier.
Sure, in a city like Berlin you’ll find many internationals and English speakers, however, on each bureaucratic and service encounter, you’ll have to speak German.
So here are our tips on learning German:
Start learning before arriving in Germany. Don’t wait until you’re already here, the sooner you’ll start - the better your language will be!
Watch German news / movies / series. Get used to hearing the language. On Netflix and other streaming portals there are many movies with German dubbing.
Language apps. German language learning apps give you the option to start learning German right away. fHere are some options you could look into:
Babbel: Babbel offers a module-based language learning approach where you learn German vocabulary and grammar. You can either choose an app subscription which gives you access to online modules without a teacher or book a Babbel live subscription with virtual German language lessons.
Lingopie: Watch your favorite TV show and learn a little German on the side. You can connect Lingopie to your Netflix account to learn German with dual subtitles and other learning features.
Duolingo: Duolingo offers a free German language learning app and is one of the most popular options on the market. It uses gamification and focusses primarily on everyday challenges.
Once you’re in Germany you can sign up to a German class. Also a great way to meet new people. (In Corona times the classes are online)
1.000 small steps. Look for the 1.000 most frequently used words in German and constantly repeat them out loud or hang-up post-its to memorize them. Slowly you’ll start to understand sentences and your confidence will grow.
Don’t be shy! Use your German whenever you can. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, or that you won’t understand what others reply. Ask again, ask to speak slowly, say you’re still learning. People will appreciate the effort.