Are you looking to learn German fast and effectively? As an international living in Germany since 2014, I’ve discovered 10 incredibly easy ways to learn the German language fast. Whether you’re planning a move to Germany or just want to pick up the language, these tips and tricks will have you speaking German like a pro in no time!

Learn German Fast

• • 1. Use a Language Learning App
  • 2. Listen to German Music
  • 3. Watch German TV Shows and Movies
  • 4. Immerse Yourself in the Local Grocery Store
  • 5. Take an Intensive German Course
  • 6. Use a Bit of “Liquid Courage”
  • 7. Practice Speaking with German Friends
  • 8. Leverage Google Translate
  • 9. Brush Up on German Before Moving
  • 10. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

1. Use a Language Learning App 📱

Using a language learning app can be incredibly helpful to learn German fast. I recommend finding an app that you enjoy using and making it a part of your daily routine. Apps like Babbel and Duolingo are great options, but if you’re serious about learning quickly, consider using Babbel as it provides more in-depth lessons and allows you to set daily learning goals. The app also sends notifications to keep you on track with your learning progress. Consistency is key when it comes to language learning, and using a language learning app can help you stay motivated and engaged in your learning journey.

Benefits of Using a Language Learning App

• • Offers structured lessons and learning goals
  • Provides daily reminders and notifications
  • Allows flexibility in learning duration
  • Keeps you motivated and engaged

2. Listen to German Music 🎶

Listening to German music can be a fun and effective way to immerse yourself in the language and improve your listening skills. While it may seem unconventional, exposing yourself to German music can help you familiarize yourself with the language’s rhythm, intonation, and vocabulary. Here are a few tips for incorporating German music into your language-learning journey.

Exploring German Music Genres

• Discover traditional Schlager music for a taste of authentic German culture
• Explore mainstream German pop music, such as music by popular artists like Helene Fischer, to enhance your understanding of everyday language

Benefits of Listening to German Music

• Improves listening comprehension and pronunciation
• Enhances vocabulary retention through catchy lyrics
• Provides cultural insights and exposure to colloquial expressions

Prefer Podcasts? Check out our 5 favorite podcasts for learning german.

3. Watch German TV Shows and Movies🍿

If you want to immerse yourself in the German language, watching German TV shows and movies can be incredibly beneficial. I personally found it helpful to watch familiar TV shows like “The Big Bang Theory” in German with German subtitles. This allowed me to connect the spoken words with their written form and context, making it easier to understand and learn the language.

When watching German movies, I recommend starting with “Friendship,” an English movie featuring German actors. This movie provides cultural insights and exposure to colloquial expressions while incorporating some German dialogue, making it a great starting point for beginners. Additionally, watching original German movies will expose you to authentic language and cultural nuances, further aiding in your language-learning journey.

Tip: Learning about German culture helps you navigate all different scenarios including cultural mishaps.

4. Immerse Yourself in the Local Grocery Store 🛒

Visiting the local grocery store in Germany is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture. While it may seem intimidating at first, exploring the products and reading the labels can significantly enhance your language skills. Familiarize yourself with the products, read the labels, and even engage with the staff if you feel comfortable. This practical immersion will not only help you learn essential vocabulary related to daily life but also build your confidence in understanding and using the German language.

5. Take an Intensive German Course to Learn German Fast

If you’re looking to accelerate your progress in Learning German, taking an intensive German course could be the perfect solution. Whether you’re residing outside of Germany or prefer online learning, options like smarterGerman or Lingoda offer comprehensive courses tailored for different proficiency levels. Intensive German courses, typically running from Monday to Friday, provide an immersive learning experience, covering grammar, sentence construction, and formal speech. The intensive nature of these courses ensures rapid and thorough language acquisition, making it one of the most effective ways to master German swiftly.

Good to Know: Something they may not teach you in language courses is what to say and what not to say when speaking to a German, but don’t worry I got you covered 😉 .

Online Intensive German Courses

• Accessible from anywhere, including outside of Germany
• Comprehensive coverage from A1 to B2 proficiency levels
• Expertly designed by experienced German language educators

Benefits of an Intensive German Course

• Rapid acquisition of language skills
• In-depth understanding of grammar and sentence structure
• Enhanced ability to speak formally and confidently

6. Use a Bit of “Liquid Courage” 🍺

When learning a new language, especially in social settings, a bit of “liquid courage” can work wonders in boosting confidence and easing communication barriers. Taking the language practice outside the classroom, such as in a casual bar environment, can provide a relaxed setting to engage in conversations and practice speaking German. This approach can help overcome inhibitions and fear of making mistakes, ultimately helping you increase your fluency and comfort in using the language.

⚠️ Please drink responsibly

7. Practice Speaking with German Friends 🗣️

If you have German friends or a way to make German friends, make it a point to engage in conversations with them. Speaking with native German speakers is essential to learn German fast. Practice incorporating new words into your daily conversations and gradually expand your vocabulary. Additionally, watching German vloggers on YouTube discussing topics that interest you can also help you familiarize yourself with informal German.

Watch German YouTube Vloggers for Language Practice

• Helps you learn informal language usage and colloquial expressions
• Hang out with German friends to practice speaking

8. Leverage Google Translate

Google Translate or DeepL can be an invaluable tool in your language-learning journey. It’s beneficial for translating emails, text messages, and various forms of written communication. Additionally, you can use the audio feature to hear the pronunciation of the translated text, aiding in improving your listening skills. Make it a habit to utilize Google Translate for daily language practice and reinforcement.

9. Brush Up on German Before Moving 📚

Before moving to Germany, it’s essential to brush up on your German language skills. Having a basic understanding of German before arriving can significantly expedite your language-learning process and integration into the local community. Learning German in advance equips you with essential vocabulary and phrases, making it easier to communicate and adapt to your new environment.

Utilizing Language Learning Resources

• Consider using language learning websites Babbel or Rocket Languages for pre-move preparation
• Explore online courses and tutorials to build a foundational understanding of German
• Practicing basic phrases and vocabulary will help you feel more confident when you arrive

Good to know: The Goethe Institut also offers online classes and interactive video guides for free to get started in learning German before you even get here.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

Embracing the opportunity to speak German, even when it feels challenging, is so important for learning the language quickly. Overcoming the fear of making mistakes 😳 and actively engaging in conversations with native speakers will significantly enhance language skills. Remember, speaking German regularly, regardless of your proficiency, is the most efficient way to speed up your learning journey.

Just Remember…

• Push yourself to speak German, even if it feels intimidating
• Engage in conversations with native speakers to practice and improve your language skills
• Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and continue to push yourself out of your comfort zone

Download our Welcome Program: There are several different types of German classes you can enroll in (some are even paid for by the state – we go through these tips in the Welcome Program), so just make sure that if your place of work or visa requirements request that you take part in a particular program (eg. intensive, part-time, integration, etc.) make sure you’re signing up for the correct school.

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