Learning German A Guide to Language Learning Techniques

Learning German A Guide to Language Learning Techniques How To Learn German ChaptersTips For Learning GermanOnline Learning: Learn German Using Websites And AppsWatching German: Learn German Through Television And FilmListening To German: Learn German Through Podcasts And AudiobooksReading German: Learn German With Newspapers Designed For BeginnersPlaying In German: Learn German With Interactive GamesTesting Your German Skills: Recognition And CertificationInteresting Facts About The German LanguageGerman is among the most spoken languages across the world, and is the native tongue of multiple countries in Europe.However, with so many people based in Germany having such a good knowledge of English, why is it so important to learn to speak German.  Moreover, what are the best techniques to adopt when trying to get up to speed with this powerful language?Well, if you don’t go through the process of learning this rather intriguing language then there are many (what can only be described as) weird and wonderful things that you will miss out on! Just take a loo k at these fascinating facts, for example, to get an idea of why learning German is so worthwhile.1. While Germany is said to be one of the top ten spoken languages across Europe, it is at the same time the number one mother tongue language on the continent. How is this possible, you ask? German is often the first language of habitants in various countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and even parts of Belgium and Slovakia.2. The German language has not two, but three different genders! There are feminine and masculine nouns, just like in languages such as French, however the Germans additionally have neutral words for things like objects with no defined gender.3. Although Germany is one hour ahead of GMT, you might be fooled into thinking that it is in the same time zone as the UK if you happen to ask a local what the time is. This is because the Germans say it is half two when it is actually 1.30pm. Though it might seem a bit odd, this is again qui te a logical approach as some would argue that it is in fact only half way through the second hour of the afternoon.Don't get confused - learn how the Germans tell the time differently to us! Photo via Visual hunt4. The German alphabet has more than 26 consonants. This is due to additional official letters like 'ß', which creates a sound similar to 'ss' in English. Other distinctive features are the letter-diacritic combinations it uses, i.e. the two dots above vowels to indicate  a shift in pronunciation.5. The German language is known for its incredibly long words, which emerge as a result of compound words adjoining eachother like a domino effect.6. Germany shares more than 60% of its vocabulary with English, as opposed to French which shares less than 30%. Is it therefore  safe to say that these figures mean  you are already a proficient German speaker before you even start learning? Maybe not, but at least it means you’re well on your way!Whether you decide to attend a begin ners' class, take the subject at school, learn German online or to try to teach yourself, there are of course some basics you must master first. Be top of your class from the offset by following sone of these helpful tips!Logo, a children’s website that consequently uses very simplistic terminology and features lots of images, charts and videos as visual aids; and The Huffington Post (in German, of course!), which is slightly more complex but usually covers some interesting ground and therefore might grab your attention.Not aimed at German newbies per se, the Huffington Post is supposedly adapted for B2-level learners. You can find out more about the different levels of comprehension by looking in the CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.Playing In German: Learn German With Interactive GamesPlaying games is a popular teaching method in school, and it’s no surprise as it certainly makes learning much more fun. Why not, therefore, play games that require the use of German words to make your language learning journey more exciting?The website German-Games.Net has been created for just that purpose. A quality online app for German language learners, it offers a range of games designed to help you revise the content you just learned via their tutorials and tests, some of which are mix and match games whilst others are multiple choice spelling games.Playing games, especially if you have a competitive streak, gives you an incentive to learn and absorb key language features so that you can feel that sense of elation when you get a question or puzzle right.By engaging with German in this fun way, it will increase your likelihood of retaining the information you have learned, especially if the games are well-designed and thought out with vibrant colours and appealing pictures that relate to the content displayed.Testing Your German Skills: Recognition And CertificationWhile the most recognised qualification across the UK and Ireland are the GCSE and A Level certificates, there are other methods of language learning which can lead to you gaining certification in the subject. For instance, the International Baccalaureate and various university degrees offer you the chance to study German, as well as many other languages, as an option before being awarded a grade at the end of the course.There are also various websites and independent schools that offer you the opportunity to test your comprehension in German, however, the best place to go for this is to the Goethe-Institut, an official body for the testing of German. This institution can provide world-recognised evidence of your German language skills.You can find a private tutor for German classes on Superprof, browse our range of qualified tutors:German lessons LondonGerman lessons Glasgow German lessons Manchester