Learning a new language can be challenging, but with the right approach from the beginning on, you will have fun and improve your language skills within a short time.
The best way to progress fast is by practicing smart and efficiently.
I have studied three foreign languages myself and teach students from all over the world for many years, now. Let me share my expertise with you.
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Tip 1: Set yourself a goal
Having a strong WHY is going to help you overcome challenges and stay consistent. Do you need German for your work? Would you like to support your kids in German school? Or would you like to manage your daily life in Germany with more confidence? Get clear on your goals and start full of motivation.
It helps to define intermediate targets and schedules. For example:
- Being able to talk to my neighbors in German within the next three months.
- Passing B2 Goethe test, December next year.
- Having a fluent conversation in German with my boss in July.
If you like to be supported, ask an experienced language coach to work out a strategy that fits your individual goals and needs. Together you can plan and succeed easily.
Tip 2: Participate in class
Taking classes is a great way to learn German quickly and effectively. Look for classes that focus on conversation and pronunciation, as these will help you become more comfortable speaking the language.
Working with a native teacher and speaking as much German as possible in class will make a huge difference in your learning progress because you will follow the perfect grammar and pronunciation from the beginning on.
The most efficient way to learn a language is a one-to-one-coaching with a personal language coach.
Tip 3: Include learning German in your everyday life
Let self-studying become part of your daily routine. Practicing 15 minutes every day is more effective than two hours on a Sunday night. By repeating vocabulary and grammar exercises daily, words and rules will easily stick in your mind.
You find many entertaining podcasts to learn German for free. Choose an interesting episode and improve your language skills while doing sports, traveling on the train, or walking in the city.
There are lots of videos for language learners on Youtube. Some of theme include English subtitles that help you understand German even in the very beginning.
And of course there are many helpful language apps to learn German on the move.
Create an individual routine that works best with your schedule. Stay consistent!
Tip 4: Speak German from the beginning on
Learning a new language works best when you are living in the country. You already can work on your German skills only by leaving the house. Introducing yourself to new friends, placing your order in the restaurant or asking the staff in a shop about different sizes or colors.
The earlier you start speaking, the sooner you will become fluent and confident in real life conversations. Even when you are a beginner, or are not sure about articles and grammar rule – Don’t wait to start speaking!
Surely you will make mistakes. This is absolutely, no problem! Mistakes are great because they help you to improve faster. And most of the people will understand and help you.
Take every opportunity to speak to people – in the neighborhood, on the market, at a store, in a café, or on the street.
Some students have a fear of speaking. A great help to overcome fear is to prepare for dialogues at home in a „safe“ ambience. Talk to your dog, or to yourself in the mirror. The more often you practice a certain dialogue by self-talk, the more confident you become. When going out and talking to people, you will already be used to the phrases and speak easily.
Tip 5: Pronunciation is key
Even when it seems challenging, try to work on your pronunciation from the beginning on. Germans probably will understand you easier when your pronunciation sounds German. If you once get used to speak incorrectly, it is hard to change this, later.
Listening to native Germans, who speak correct and clearly is key. My advise is to watch the German news and to listen to radio-shows and podcasts.
I put a focus on pronunciation in my classes, because especially in the beginning I consider it super important. Learning in one-to-one makes a big difference to studying only with language apps, or in classes with many students.
By following these tips, you will progress fast and be well on your way to becoming fluent in German. Together we can work on your skills and you will speak German like a native soon.
