How to Learn German: 1 Ultimate Tip for Beginners to Learn German Quickly
You find yourself in a picturesque European city, walking through cobblestone streets lined with wonderful cafes, historic buildings, and beautiful landscapes. And the air is filled with melodic sounds of the German language. You effortlessly converse with locals, immersing yourself in this culture that’s too important for the continent, and enjoy traditions that surround you. Your fluency in German has opened doors to educational and career opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
Suddenly, you wake up, realizing (unfortunately) it was just a dream.
But why let it remain a dream when you can make it a reality?
This blog post will guide you on how to learn German quickly and effortlessly. Los geht’s! (Let’s go!)
1. How hard is it to learn German?
Contrary to popular belief, german is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance.
In fact, it is a very logical language, and the more you learn it, the more you will appreciate the little thing about it, and you will even understand its full structure.
Let’s check these key things to know about German that will help you learn the language more easily:
- German has a consistent spelling system: it’s easy to read and write once you understand the rules.
- The grammar follows a clear set of rules: initially, it can be a challenge (but who doesn’t love challenges?!), and it will be more intuitive with practice.
- German shares linguistic roots with English: many words and concepts will feel familiar to native English speakers.
While German may give you some challenges – especially with its complex case system and long compound words – its logical structure and similarities to English make it a good language for beginners.
One of the many advantages of learning German is its widespread use across Europe, and beyond.
German is an official language in six countries in Europe: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Belgium.
Also, it’s spoken by minority populations in several other European nations, so you might run into people talking German if you’re traveling for business or personal purposes.
German is also a language with a long history and amazing culture. From the literary works of Goethe and Schiller to the philosophical musings of Kant and Nietzsche, learning German opens doors to a world of intellectual and artistic treasures.
Even in fields like science and technology, German has played its role, with many groundbreaking discoveries and innovations originating from German-speaking countries, all making the world a better place.
So, don’t worry!
While German may seem hard to learn at first glance, its logical structure, great culture, and practical applications make it a rewarding language to pursue. You just have to pick the right method, have the dedication, and in no time, you’ll find that German is great fun!
2. How long does it take to learn the German language?
The time it takes to learn German depends on several factors:
- your language learning ability,
- the amount of time you dedicate to studying,
- and the methods you use.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has a useful guideline for measuring proficiency levels in German:
- A1 (Beginner): Basic understanding and ability to communicate in simple situations.
- A2 (Elementary): Ability to communicate in familiar, everyday situations.
- B1 (Intermediate): Ability to handle most situations likely to arise while traveling or living in a German-speaking environment.
- B2 (Upper Intermediate): Ability to converse fluently and understand complex texts.
- C1 (Advanced): Ability to communicate effectively in most situations, with a good command of idiomatic expressions and cultural references.
- C2 (Proficient): Near-native fluency, with a deep understanding of the language and its nuances.
How long it takes to learn German? Well, here’s a possible graph for giving you answers on this question:
| CEFR Level | Time Estimate (with dedicated study) |
|---|---|
| A1 | 3-6 months |
| A2 | 6-12 months |
| B1 | 1-2 years |
| B2 | 2-3 years |
| C1 | 3-5 years |
| C2 | 5+ years |
Keep in mind: these are rough estimates, and your progress is depending on your individual circumstances and dedication to language learning.
Factors as your age, previous language experience, motivation, and the learning methods you use can all impact the time it takes to reach fluency.
It’s also important to note that reaching a certain CEFR level doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve learned the language. Language learning is an ongoing process, and even advanced learners can continue to refine their skills of the language and culture. Just think about your native language: you’re always learning new words and chunks, because the language is also evolving.
| Following the CEFR levels can be a good strategy but this is not what we on Effortless Conversations advocate for. It’s good for measurement purposes. Still, if you want to be fluent in a language, you should aim for a more natural learning method – something like Conversation Based Chunking method. |
The timeline give also assumes consistent study. If you’re learning German in a more casual or sporadic manner, the time it takes to reach each level may be longer. Consistency and immersion are key to making steady progress.
Interested in building and following these healthy habits? Maybe you should check Tiny Trust Builders! It’s all to turn your aspirations into daily actions, so you can live the life you’ve always wanted.
3. The ultimate tip: best way to learn German with Conversation Based Chunking
While there are many methods and resources available for learning a new language, one approach that has proven to be particularly effective for learn German is Conversation Based Chunking.
This method focuses on learning the natural building blocks of the language, known as “chunks,” rather than memorizing isolated grammar rules and vocabulary.
Instead of breaking down sentences into individual words, Conversation Based Chunking teaches you to recognize and use common patterns and phrases (chunks) that native speakers naturally use in conversation.
By learning these chunks in context, you’ll develop an intuitive understanding of German in no time, and be able to communicate more naturally.
Here are some examples of common chunks in german, along with their English translations:
| German Chunk | English Translation |
|---|---|
| “Wie geht es dir?” | “How are you?” |
| “Ich verstehe nicht.” | “I don’t understand.” |
| “Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?” | “Could you please repeat that?” |
| “Tut mir leid, ich spreche kein Deutsch.” | “I’m sorry, I don’t speak German.” |
| “Wo ist die Toilette?” | “Where is the bathroom?” |
| “Ich verstehe” | “I understand” |
| “Ich möchte…” | “I would like…” |
| “Wie viel kostet das?” | “How much does it cost?” |
| “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” | “Do you speak English?” |
| “Können Sie mir helfen?” | “Can you help me?” |
| “Wo ist…?” | “Where is…?” |
| “Wie komme ich zu…?” | “How do I get to…?” |
| “Ich bin verloren” | “I’m lost” |
Now, let’s see these chunks in action in a sample conversation, with the chunks underlined:
Tim: “Guten Morgen! Wie geht es dir?” [Good morning! How are you?]
Katrina: “Ich verstehe nicht.* Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?” [I don’t understand. Could you please repeat that?]
Tim: “Entschuldigung, tut mir leid, ich spreche kein Deutsch. *Sprechen Sie Englisch?“ [Excuse me, I’m sorry, I don’t speak German. Do you speak English?]
Katrina: “Ja, I speak English. How can I help you?
Tim: “Wo ist die Toilette?” [Where is the bathroom?]
Katrina: The bathroom is down the hall, first door on the left.
Tim: “Danke.” [Thank you.]
Katrina: “Bitte.” [You’re welcome.] Let me know if you need anything else.
Tim: “Wie viel kostet das?“ [How much does it cost?]
Katrina: I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? [Could you please repeat that?]
Tim: “Ich möchte know how much this costs.” [I would like to know how much this costs.]
Katrina: Ah, I see. This item costs $10.
Tim: Okay, danke. Auf Wiedersehen! [Okay, thank you. Goodbye!]
Katrina: “Auf Wiedersehen!” [Goodbye!]
By focusing on these natural language patterns, you’ll develop an intuitive understanding of German and be able to communicate more effortlessly in real-life situations.
This approach encourages you to think in German from the very beginning, rather than translating word-for-word from your native language. You’ll develop a more natural flow in your speech and a better understanding of how native speakers communicate.
4. Other resources for beginners: how to learn German online
While Conversation Based Chunking is an effective and proven method (I taught tens of thousands of students in different languages), it’s usually beneficial to combine different methods and resources when learning a new language
Here are some additional tools and resources that can help you learn german:
- DuoCads: A spaced repetition app that helps you build your German vocabulary through digital flashcards.
- Speechling: An online platform that provides pronunciation practice and feedback from native speakers. With Speechling, you can record yourself speaking German and receive detailed feedback on your pronunciation, accent, and intonation from certified language coaches and AI tools.
- GermanPod101: An immersive language learning program that combines audio lessons, transcripts, and interactive exercises. GermanPod101 offers a range of lessons tailored to different proficiency levels, covering topics from everyday conversations to specialized vocabulary for business, travel, and more.
- italki: A platform that connects you with professional German tutors for personalized online lessons. With italki, you can find native German speakers or experienced language teachers who can provide 1-on-1 instruction, conversation practice, and feedback tailored to your specific needs and goals.
By combining these resources with Conversation Based Chunking, you’ll have a well-rounded approach to learn the German language that is good to different learning styles and needs.
So, why let your dream of speaking german remain a dream?
Join the challenge, follow the ultimate tip of Conversation Based Chunking method, and explore the huge range of resources available to you.
In no time and with the right method, you’ll be talking with locals in picturesque European cities and unlocking a world of possibilities.
