by Laura Jones
Updated on May 31, 2024
How to learn German fast: 11 tips
Learning a new language from scratch can feel overwhelming. And if you need to learn a language quickly, it’s even more stressful.
But it doesn’t have to be that way and if you start out on the right track, your learning journey will go smoothly right up to fluency.
Read on for seven tips on how to learn German quickly and efficiently.
German has a bad reputation as a difficult language, often stemming from its long words and admittedly tricky grammar. But if you are wondering how to learn basic German, there’s no reason why you can’t do it fast because it’s really no more difficult than any other language.
If you want to learn more about this, check out our article on why German is easier than you think.
If you’re going to learn German from scratch, you need to have a goal in mind to keep you motivated and give you a sense of achievement when you reach it. Make sure the goal is achievable – you’re not going to be reading Nietzsche’s philosophy after a month – and make it real world.
You might be tempted to set a goal like I will learn 100 words in a month. This is achievable, but it’s not the real world.
A much better goal is: I will order an entire meal in German by the end of the month. Or: In six weeks, I will make small talk with my colleagues only in German. If you’re not in Germany, you might set this goal: I will speak to my language partner for 15 minutes without using English.
Your longer-term goal will likely be to become fluent or at least semi-fluent in German. Wondering if this can happen in three months? It’s possible.
This tip might seem a bit obvious. But, it’s important to figure out what the basic words are in your context. Cat is a basic word. But if you’re learning German for work, you’re probably not going to be talking about cats that often.
Start with the verbs you use most often, like be, have, want and go. It’s also a great idea to learn the modal verbs like can, must and might. In German, the verbs change depending on who’s speaking but a lot more than they do in English since there is the category of case in German grammar.
Learning the rules of basic German grammar is essential, and the good news is that the German language is very logical, despite the presence of some exceptions, as in any language.
Look at word lists of the 500 most commonly used words in German and, if you’re learning business German, think about the words you use most often in your industry.
Want to learn the numbers? Check out this blog post.
Step up your vocabulary learning by studying meaningful chunks of language instead of just single words. So when you learn the word train, Zug, learn how to say by train, mit dem Zug, so you can use the word in context.
If you’re learning verbs, you can go even further and memorise whole phrases that you’ll be able to alter as your vocabulary grows. With can, können, learn I can play the piano and eventually you’ll be able to replace play the piano with speak German.
Ich kann Deutsch sprechen!
Most of us don’t think of German as a fun language. But learning German for beginners can definitely be interesting if you make it so.
Listen to German music or a podcast, or watch a great German TV show. If you’re into cooking, write your shopping list and cook a recipe in German.
Whatever you’re into, try doing it in German. Even if you’re a beginner, learning German can be fun.
Think you’re wasting your time on YouTube? Think again, as long as you switch to watching TV and videos in German. You’ll usually have subtitles available in English, so start with those and when you’re ready, graduate to just having German subtitles. This is great for pronunciation and a good way to learn spelling as well.
And don’t forget TikTok – 15-second videos might be just the right length for someone new to German. And, you can be sure you’ll know the latest German slang.
Doing anything new can be scary for adults. We’re not used to doing things we’re not good at. But the best way to learn German fast is to do things that make you nervous. And for most people, this is speaking.
If you’re in Germany, it might be as simple as going to a cafe and ordering everything in German. So what if you end up with a small black coffee instead of a large latte? The first step isn’t about doing it right, it’s just about doing it.
You can also start by joining an online language forum and practicing with real people for free.
Engaging with native speakers of the foreign language you are learning through language exchange partners can be a great way to practice your speaking skills.
By conversing with native speakers, you can practice speaking and listening, improve your understanding of basic spoken German, and learn new words and phrases.
Conversation partners whose native language is German provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the German language, improve your German skills, and gain confidence in communication.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced learner, interacting with native speakers offers real-world practice that complements traditional language learning methods.
Through language exchange platforms, meetup or facebook groups, you can connect with native German speakers who are eager to help you learn. By engaging in conversations with them, you can learn German in a natural, interactive way. You’ll have the chance to practice speaking, receive feedback on your pronunciation, and expand your vocabulary.
Tandem is also a great resource for this –or look for native speakers in your area. However, you do it, speak, speak, speak.
If you’re looking to learn basic German fast and in a way that fits into your busy schedule, think about joining an online class. You’ll have a teacher to correct your mistakes and a curriculum to follow to make sure you’re making progress and staying on track.
And, you can choose when and where to do your lessons, so no matter how busy you are, you can squeeze in a few hours of German classes every week.
This is also a safe space to practice your speaking because your teacher has a clause in their contract that says they’re not allowed to laugh at your mistakes. No, not really, but I promise they won’t anyway. Book a class with Lingoda to check if I’m telling the truth.
If you’re aiming to learn German quickly, immerse yourself in the language at every opportunity. Switch your phone settings to German, listen to German radio stations and music, and incorporate German into your daily surroundings by labeling stuff in your house with the German word for each item.
Exposure to the language in various contexts helps reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation while enhancing your overall language skills. This constant exposure ensures that you’re consistently engaging with German, making progress more efficiently.
Consider enrolling in an intensive German course, which can provide a structured and focused approach to learning. Institutions like the Goethe Institute offer great resources for learners seeking to start learning German or improve their language skills. If you prefer online learning, try the Lingoda Language Sprint!
Intensive courses typically cover grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation practice, allowing you to rapidly acquire new words and solidify your understanding of the language.
By dedicating concentrated time and effort to your studies, you can accelerate your learning process and gain confidence in speaking German.
Embracing your mistakes is an integral part of the language-learning journey, especially when it comes to mastering German. Recognize that errors are natural and inevitable steps toward improvement. Rather than fearing mistakes, view them as valuable learning opportunities.
Whether it’s mispronouncing words, making grammatical errors, or struggling with comprehension, each mistake provides valuable feedback for refining your German skills. By embracing your mistakes with a positive mindset, you’ll build resilience, develop a deeper understanding of the language, and ultimately progress more rapidly in your journey to fluency.
So, don’t be afraid to take risks, make errors, and learn from them – it’s all part of the process of becoming proficient in the German language.
Are you ready to learn German now? Hopefully, you’ve seen that by learning chunks of vocabulary, integrating German into your everyday life and yes, speaking, even if it’s scary, you can go from zero to German hero fast. If you need a bit more inspiration, check out our post on the best way to learn German before you get started.
In this section, let’s also explore some frequently asked questions about the best ways to master German.
The quickest way to learn German depends on various factors such as your learning style, dedication, and available resources. Immersion methods, intensive courses, and consistent practice can all contribute to rapid progress in acquiring German language skills.
The time it takes to learn German varies from person to person. Factors such as previous language learning experience, the intensity of study, and the learner’s natural aptitude all play a role. However, with regular study and practice, significant progress in German skills can be achieved in a matter of months.
While dedicating one hour a day to learning German can be beneficial, the effectiveness of this approach depends on how efficiently that time is used. Consistent daily practice, supplemented by immersion experiences and varied learning activities, can contribute to steady progress in developing German skills.
The time it takes to learn basic German varies depending on individual factors such as your goals and the intensity of your study. With focused effort and regular practice, learners can typically acquire basic German language skills within a few months.
Learning German independently is possible with the abundance of resources available today. Join online courses, try out language learning apps, read textbooks, and have immersive experiences such as watching German media and practicing conversation with native speakers to start studying German on your own.
Achieving fluency in German is a long-term goal that requires sustained effort and dedication. While the time it takes varies for each individual, consistently studying, practicing speaking and writing, and expanding your knowledge of the language can lead to fluency over several years. Mistakes are inevitable but essential for learning and improving your German skills along the way.
Mastering the German language is an enriching endeavor that offers countless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or honing existing skills, embracing a diverse range of learning methods, from immersive experiences to digital content, tandem partners or structured courses, is key.Platforms like Lingoda provide tailored language courses that cater to learners of all levels, fostering confidence and fluency.
