{"id":2958,"date":"2019-12-15T08:46:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-15T08:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clozemaster.com\/blog\/?p=2958"},"modified":"2023-09-28T09:31:29","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T09:31:29","slug":"best-way-to-learn-german","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clozemaster.com\/blog\/best-way-to-learn-german\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way To Learn German"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In my previous blog post I discussed whether German is a difficult language to learn or not<\/a> \u2014 and hopefully I was able to convince you it\u2019s really not as bad<\/em> as many sources try to make it seem.<\/p>\n

In this blog post, I\u2019d like to give you a couple of suggestions on how exactly you can learn German in the best and most effective ways. Studying doesn\u2019t always have to be dry, tedious and boring!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how you can find your very own best way to learn German.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baby steps!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s tempting to jump head in into your new project \u2014 in this case, learning German \u2014 it is important to remember that sometimes going slower is the best way to go.<\/p>\n

Especially with a language that offers more than a few pitfalls, it pays off to start with easier topics and slowly work your way up to the more complicated ones: Maybe learning new vocabulary is a breeze for you, whereas endless hours cramming grammar topics might be difficult and tedious.<\/p>\n

I usually try to strike a delicate balance by alternating the hard stuff (for me this is definitely grammar!) and subjects that I have an easier time dealing with (in my case vocabulary).<\/p>\n

In my opinion, this offers a bit of variation between challenging yourself but also experiencing plenty of small victories, e.g. seeing how many new words can quickly be memorized.<\/p>\n

Put Things into Context (and Don\u2019t Skimp on Studying Vocabulary)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A few people I know have mentioned that they have an easier time learning a language when they put new vocabulary into a specific context. Learning a phrase involving the previously unknown word can help to build memory hooks, making it easier to memorize specific vocabulary as well as how to use the word in a sentence.<\/p>\n

Example<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Die F\u00e4higkeit <\/em>(singular), die F\u00e4higkeiten<\/em> (plural) \u2014 ability<\/strong>, abilities
\n<\/strong>\u2192 \u201cIch habe seine F\u00e4higkeiten untersch\u00e4tzt<\/strong>.\u201d \u2014 \u201cI underestimated his abilities<\/em>.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This way, you are learning not just the word itself (F\u00e4higkeit<\/strong> \u2014 ability<\/em>), but also the article accompanying the word (in this case, the word \u201cF\u00e4higkeit<\/strong>\u201d is female).<\/p>\n

On top of that, since the new word is put into context, you also will see how it is used in the accusative<\/strong> (\u201cI have underestimated what<\/em>?\u201d). That way, you are also diving into the grammatical aspect of using said word.<\/p>\n

Aside from putting vocabulary into context, it is important to broaden your active vocabulary as much as you can. While understanding and using German grammar correctly is important, acing German grammar won\u2019t do you much good if you don\u2019t have a good base when it comes to actual words<\/em> you have memorized.<\/p>\n

Although it is kind of par for the course \u2014 every language lives through proper use of vocabulary \u2014 I think it is important to mention this once again: the more words you know, the easier it will be for you to maintain a conversation and to actually participate<\/em> in understanding the actual language, whether it\u2019s through talking to people, watching TV or reading a magazine or a paper.<\/p>\n

Easy Ways to Memorize German Vocabulary (and Other Stuff)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you are struggling to memorize certain words (or if you simply have a hard time memorizing vocabulary, period), you can actively try to build memory hooks by e.g. putting sticky notes around your house on objects around you.<\/p>\n

You could, for example, put a note on your fridge that reads \u201cder K\u00fchlschrank<\/strong>\u201d (refrigerator<\/em>) \u2014 providing an easy method to learn a word more or less in passing. The same could be done with other objects in your house.<\/p>\n

This provides an especially nifty and effective way to learn nouns, although you could even branch the sticky note method out a bit: if we stay on the example of \u201cder K\u00fchlschrank<\/strong>\u201d, you could also easily memorize associated adjectives, such as \u201ckalt<\/strong>\u201d (cold<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Another great way to memorize important knowledge more or less in passing is to put it out in plain sight<\/strong>. This is a trick I\u2019ve learned from my fifth grade English teacher, and while it is kind of silly, it has been proven to be very effective (at least for me).<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s a certain topic you are struggling with \u2014 e.g. the conjugation of a certain word \u2014 write it down on a piece of paper and put it on your bathroom mirror. This way, you always see whatever is hard for you to memorize when getting ready in the morning or getting ready for bed. While this may seem pretty insignificant (and not like actual \u201cstudying\u201d), your brain memorizes more than you\u2019d think!<\/p>\n

In other words: Putting this kind of reminder out in plan sight won\u2019t replace \u201creal\u201d studying, but it might help make things a little easier for you.<\/p>\n

Speaking of making things a bit easier on you: another great way to sort of \u201ckickstart\u201d your brain is revising before bedtime. I know, taking your study notes to bed with you might seem a little compulsive, but you don\u2019t need to put in a late-night cramming session by any means.<\/p>\n

Simply reading over your notes will give your brain a small refresher before sleep (where information is processed and your brain regenerates from your daily activities).<\/p>\n

This can help you memorize important information literally in your sleep <\/em>\u2014 and while this is also not a substitute for actual studying, it can be very helpful!<\/p>\n

Immerse Yourself in the German Language!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When I started learning Japanese for the first time (at this point I was enrolled in university), there was a small section in our faculty library with children\u2019s books for those who just started out learning the language.<\/p>\n

For the longest time, I looked at the various Japanese characters and had absolutely no clue \u2014 which was even more frustrating because what I held in my hand were essentially books for small toddlers.<\/p>\n

Eventually though, while mindlessly flipping through the thick pages one random day, I saw the picture of two butterflies \u2014 a small one and a big one \u2014 and read the statement \u201cMama wa kirei<\/em>\u201d (\u201cMom is pretty.\u201d): I just had read my first Japanese sentence, by myself and without any help.<\/p>\n

This was the first time I felt like I truly understood<\/em> the language, and not just only from my professor\u2019s notes or through a textbook.<\/p>\n

Whether you do it by starting small \u2014 with children\u2019s books, for example \u2014 or diving right in with TV shows and German newspaper articles, exposing yourself to a language is highly important.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for a fun game that lets you immerse yourself in German in a stress-free environment and improve your German writing skills, The Great Translation Game<\/a> is an excellent option. The game lets you work your way through translating native-level texts from German to English and back, and provides immediate feedback as soon as you make an error, helping ensure that the end result of your work is always perfectly correct.<\/p>\n

Especially when listening to spoken words (through podcasts, music, audiobooks or TV programs), you get a feel for the pronunciation, flow and sound of a language \u2014 and at the same time you will eventually pick up on certain words, helping you understand more and more.<\/p>\n

One very effective way of going about this is watching a movie you are already very familiar with. This way you can easily follow the plot and learn the language without getting frustrated and zoning out.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry if you aren\u2019t able to understand much when watching programs you are not familiar with initially \u2014 you\u2019ll be surprised how quickly you will make progress if you are consistent in your efforts!<\/p>\n

Consider Finding a Tandem Partner (or German Native Speakers)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I probably should give a disclaimer before I go deeper into this topic: Not everyone is a people person, so finding a German-speaking person to communicate with regularly might not really be something you are comfortable with.<\/p>\n

However, there are plenty of (online) resources, such as apps and websites that can connect you with German native speakers all over the world. There are also opportunities to find real-life tandem partners, oftentimes through e.g. schools, colleges or universities in your city.<\/p>\n

This way, you will be able to learn the ins and outs of the German language firsthand (and have the opportunity to listen to what actual<\/em> German sounds like apart from the \u201ctextbook\u201d version of the language). At the same time, you might be able to teach the other person a little bit about your native language, whether this is English, Spanish or Polish.<\/p>\n

As I previously stated, not everyone is comfortable with the prospect of sitting down and learning German from a stranger via Skype or at your local library. But if you are, this might provide you with a great opportunity to not only learn German, but also get a good insight into German culture \u2014 and maybe even make a new friend!<\/p>\n

Practice, Practice, Practice!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As I said before \u2014 learning a language sometimes takes a little bit of discipline and just sticking with a routine of constant revision. Some languages require more of that \u201croutine maintenance\u201d than others, although I\u2019d definitely say that German is one that tends to be on the more work-intense end, especially when factoring in the elaborate grammar with its distinct features (such as the case system).<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let minor setbacks discourage you. The phrase \u201cpractice makes perfect\u201d might sound like a horrible clich\u00e9, but it holds a lot of truth!<\/p>\n

Consider Your Options \u2014 and Know Which Way of Studying Works Best for You!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We all have different ways and methods of studying \u2014 some of us are visual learners, while some of us prefer to listen to information in order to process it better.<\/p>\n

There are numerous ways out there to learn a language. Obviously, the fact that you are reading this blog post makes for an amazing start, because one of the easiest ways to learn a new language and become fluent fast is by practicing with Clozemaster<\/a> \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Another effective way for you to pick up a new language is to have comprehensive charts and tables that explain various aspects of the language, such as its grammar. Maybe you\u2019re a bit like me and actually prefer textbooks over a \u201cmodern media only\u201d approach.<\/p>\n

The key is to combine these various aspects of studying. Customizing your learning experience will make for even more effective studying and will help you memorize vocabulary, grammar and syntax even faster.<\/p>\n

If you are unsure which type of studying works best for you, I highly recommend giving a couple of methods a try. I personally have to write things down on paper in order to fully comprehend them.<\/p>\n

I hope I could give you some helpful hints and tips on the best ways to learn German (and maybe even helped you make studying German a little less boring)!<\/p>\n

As always, have fun and viel Erfolg <\/em>in your endeavor to become fluent in German fast!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Learn German in context with Clozemaster<\/h2>\n

Clozemaster\u00a0<\/strong>has been designed to help you learn the language in context by filling in the gaps in authentic sentences. With\u00a0features such as Grammar Challenges, Cloze-Listening, and Cloze-Reading, the app will let you emphasize all the competencies necessary to become fluent in German.<\/p>\n

Take your German to the next level. Click here to start practicing with real German sentences!<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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