8 tips to learn German quickly • Wanderlix

Would you like to introduce yourself to the language of Goethe? Here are 8 tips to learn German quickly!

Are you planning a trip to Germany or just picking up the job of your dreams in a German company? The hic is that you do not master (again) German. You may have acquired some rudimentary knowledge during your schooling. But these are unfortunately far from sufficient. So you want to quickly assimilate the necessary foundations to succeed in understanding and making you understand in German.

If German suffers from the reputation of being a difficult language, it is nevertheless one of the most spoken languages within the European Union. Also, his learning and mastery will undoubtedly open many doors to you.

To succeed, there are several possibilities available to you. Wanderlix reveals eight tips to learn German in a simple, effective and playful way.

1. Take courses to acquire the basics

Unlike other Latin languages close to French, German has clean features that do not improvise (grammar, structure of phrases, variations). Whether you’re a polyglot or “no language person”, it will be difficult for you to avoid learning the basics of the German language.

Among the many resources that exist, the French training organization Lingueo , certified Qualiopi and OPQF, presents many advantages, both educational and economic, to learn German at its pace and according to its desires:

• Special courses in videoconference, accessible where and when you want (24h/24 and 7j/7);
• A selection of language teachers, native and certified;
• obtaining a certificate at the end of training;
• Financing your training up to 100% with your CPF account, if you are employed or looking for employment.

2. Practice German by traveling

Voyager is probably one of the best ways to learn a foreign language. Why not attach the utility to the pleasant by planning a getaway to Berlin , to Hamburg or Munich , to boost your German level?

In addition, did you know that the affective dimension influences our learning process? In other words, the greater your affinities for the German language, the higher your chances of moving rapidly in German. Prive the total immersion stays to optimize your chances of practicing the language and discovering local culture, more authentic and in-depth.

Room in the living room, collocation, couchsurfing, the possibilities to exchange with premises without ruining are multiple. To help you jump the step and put all chances on your side during your trip, here 24 German words and expressions to learn before you leave.

3. Find a Germanophone tandem

Your budget or schedule are not compatible with the organization of a trip to Germany? The tandem is THE solution to practice and learn German from your couch or from the local coffee.

Based on cultural discovery and reciprocity, the principle of “tandem” is simple: allowing two people of different mother tongues to practice the language of the other, thanks to regular exchanges.

Several options are available to you to find the Germanophone tandem of your dreams:

• Networking platforms such as Meetup;
• Language exchange applications such as Tandem;
• Social networks (Facebook groups focused on travel and/or cultural exchanges).

4. Watch German movies

The unqualified cinema in the original version know: watching a V.O. film is the best way to capture the cultural and linguistic subtleties of a work. It is also a fun and enjoyable way to advance in the target foreign language, without too much apparent effort.

You are already making a Kopfkino (imagining the worst about a situation, exaggeratedly) with the idea of watching a movie in German? Start by selecting subtitles in French, before moving to higher levels (subtitles in German, then German version without subtitles), as soon as you are more comfortable.

Our neighbor of Outre-Rhin has produced several cinematic chips that win to be discovered. To go further, discover our selection of eight best films to learn German .

5. Listen to German podcasts

Listening podcasts is another great way to exercise your brain in understanding the German language. The short format of podcasts allows you to immerse yourself in the German language on a daily basis, by going to work, during your lunch break, or comfortably seated in a transat when you are on vacation!

Give yourself a relaxing moment every day by listening to a podcast. You will permanently form your ear to the specificities of this beautiful language, and your early apprehensions will only be a distant memory. The following podcasts are particularly directed towards learning German:

• Coffee Break German which combines German lessons and anecdotes on life in Germany, country culture, gastronomy and traditions. It is for beginners;
• A Flavour of German which emphasizes idiomatic expressions and German phrases associated with any type of subjects. Perfect for pressed intermediate levels, eager to improve their level of conversation in German;
• The Easy German Podcast, destined at the more advanced levels, which has set itself the objective of making non-native people discover the German language of every day, through discussions or micros-trottoirs addressing subjects as entertaining as varied.

6. Read in German

Thanks to your regular and assiduous practice of the language, you begin (finally!) to express yourself in German with the assurance that you were missing. Sehr gut ! But what about your level of writing, essential to communicate with your tandem, friends or German-speaking colleagues on a daily basis?

As mentioned above, the German language is distinguished from French, by its structure, grammar and its famous variations which do not flow from a source for non-Germanophones. To understand the functioning of the language and improve your level in writing, nothing better than reading regularly in German. Why not:

• Linking the classics of your childhood in original version, such as the Grimm (Hansel & Gretel, the Little Red Chaperon...), if you are a beginner;
• Discover German versions great online magazines;
• Follow German bloggers or influencers sites popular (such as Marie Nasemann – blog on ethical fashion, Anna Schunck and Marcus Werner – webzine on sustainable lifestyle or Faktastich – webzine on “necessary knowledge”);
• Read the German press and/or “devour” the various volumes of the Kommissar Kluftinger polar (“Klufti”), also famous and popular among the Germans, as it was in its time Colombo in the Americans.

7. Progress through applications

Applications have been revolutionizing foreign language learning for several years. Interactive, educational and playful, they have the advantage of allowing their users to learn while having fun. They will be especially useful to you in your learning German if:

• Learning German is a chore for you;
• You are not receptive to classical language courses;
• You don’t have much time to devote to learning German on a daily basis;
• Through other learning methods, you have reached a “palier” that you want to exceed.

For example, the following applications will help you quickly improve your German level, if you use them regularly:

• Babbel
• Busuu
• MosaLingua
• Mondly

8. Dedramatize: learning German is within your reach!

To master Goethe’s language, forget all the a priori you might have on German. As with any other foreign language, learning German requires motivation, consistency and training. No more, no less!

Consider this new challenge positively. Adopt methods that respect your rhythm, goals and interests, while keeping in mind that a few minutes of learning each day will be much more effective than half a day at irregular intervals.

Do the first step to your German-speaking interlocutors, starting with making short sentences, and without focusing too much on your accent or grammar. A short, even approximate exchange is always better than an embarrassed silence. You will see that the Germans – quite frankly – will greatly appreciate your efforts!