MS in GermanyYour trusted consultancy for pursuing higher education in top German Public Universities.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Building German Vocabulary
- Top Online Courses
- Mobile Applications
- Flashcard Tools
- German Dictionaries
- Best Online Dictionaries
- Mobile Dictionary Apps
- Mastering German Grammar
- Recommended Websites
- Grammar Books
- German Listening Skills
- Language Learning Platforms
- German Music and Movies
- Podcasts for Learning German
- Popular German Podcasts
- Podcasts for Different Proficiency Levels
- German Reading Resources
- Online German Books
- E-Books and Audiobooks
- German Newspapers and Blogs
- Top German Newspapers
- Engaging German Blogs
- Delving into German History
- Online History Courses
- Historical Documentaries and Films
- Test Your German Knowledge
- Online German Language Tests
- Mobile Quiz Apps
- Online Language Exchange
- Best Language Exchange Platforms
- Tips for Effective Language Exchange
- Additional Tips
- Establishing Your German Learning Routine
- The Power of Consistency and Practice in Language Learning
- FAQs
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Introduction
Stepping into the vast world of academia in Germany requires more than just a passion for your chosen field. A good grasp of the German language is key to seamlessly blending into the academic and social fabric of the country. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a future medical scientist, or a budding economist, being proficient in German will significantly enhance your university experience and open up opportunities you never imagined.
Why is learning German so important, you might ask? While many courses in Germany are taught in English, interacting with local students, professors, and non-academic staff often requires a basic understanding of German. Furthermore, living in Germany, you'll need to navigate everyday situations like shopping, travelling, or even reading a menu, all of which are made easier with a good knowledge of German.
Thankfully, there's a plethora of both online and offline resources to guide you on your journey to fluency. This blog post is your roadmap to the best resources available today for mastering German. Let's get started!
Building German Vocabulary
Top Online Courses
Online courses are a great way to kick-start your German vocabulary journey. Websites such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone offer interactive modules to learn and practice words and phrases. They engage learners through gamification, making vocabulary building a fun and enjoyable process.
Mobile Applications
For the tech-savvy students, mobile applications such as Memrise, AnkiDroid, and Quizlet can be your vocabulary companions. These apps use spaced repetition techniques, helping you retain new words and phrases longer.
Flashcard Tools
Flashcard tools are another effective way to build your German vocabulary. Websites like Cram and StudyBlue allow you to create custom flashcards or use pre-existing ones created by other users.
Vocabulary Resources | Description | Website |
Memrise | Free vocabulary and language learning tool. It has an achievement system to increase motivation. | |
Nthuleen | German vocabulary worksheets categorized by topics. | |
Babadum | A fun and cool vocabulary game-quiz. | |
Learnwitholiver | Learn German vocabulary with flashcards. | |
Cram | Learn German vocabulary with flashcards. | |
Languageguide | German words arranged by different topics. | |
Ielanguages | German words arranged by different topics. | |
Syvum | German to English vocabulary quizzes. | |
Lingolia | German words arranged by different topics and many exercises. | |
Quizlet | Flashcards creation and learning. | |
Cerego | A variety of courses and learning with flashcards. | |
Ankiweb | Create your own flashcards and learn using spaced repetition system. |
German Dictionaries
Best Online Dictionaries
Online dictionaries like Leo.org, Dict.cc, and Duden offer translations and examples of German words in various contexts. They also provide pronunciation guides, helping you understand the nuances of German phonetics.
Mobile Dictionary Apps
Mobile dictionary apps are essential tools for any language learner. Apps like Dict.cc and Linguee provide translations on-the-go and work offline, ensuring you have a reliable language aid at all times.
Dictionary | Description | Website |
Free, English-German online dictionary. You can also download offline version. | ||
DUDEN | A German-German dictionary. Contains links to audio snippets of the “Aussprachedatenbank der ARD” for correct pronunciations. | |
Bildwörterbuch | Learn dictionary words with images. | |
Canoo | ㅤ | ㅤ |
DWDS | Free German-German dictionary. A number of usage examples. | |
Hurraki | ㅤ | ㅤ |
Wörterbuchnetz | A network of cross-referenced German dictionaries. | |
Wiktionary | A collaborative project to produce a free-content multilingual dictionary. | |
Pons | A free online dictionary by a major publisher of dictionaries, includes verb patterns. | |
LEO dictionary | An excellent online, free multilingual dictionary. includes a great discussion forum and links to audio files for pronunciation. |
Mastering German Grammar
Recommended Websites
Websites like German.net, Deutsch Akademie, and Canoo.net offer comprehensive guides on German grammar rules. They provide detailed explanations, examples, and exercises to practice and test your understanding.
Grammar Books
Despite the digital age, traditional grammar books like "Hammer's German Grammar and Usage" and "German Grammar Drills" can be extremely useful resources. They provide in-depth explanations and exercises, allowing for a structured approach to learning German grammar.
Resource | Description | Website |
Deutschegrammatik20 | Grammar exercises | |
Schubert Grammar | A ton of grammar and vocabulary exercises | |
Levrai | A ton of grammar exercises | |
Lingolia | Grammar explanations and exercises | |
German-grammar | Grammar explanations and exercises | |
Mein-deutschbuch | Grammar explanations and exercises |
German Listening Skills
Language Learning Platforms
Platforms such as Pimsleur and FluentU provide resources tailored to improve your listening skills. They offer a range of audio and video content, from beginner to advanced levels, to help you understand spoken German in various contexts.
German Music and Movies
Listening to German music and watching German movies are entertaining ways to improve your listening skills. Artists like Rammstein, Herbert Grönemeyer, and films like "Goodbye Lenin!" or "Das Leben der Anderen" can give you a taste of authentic German language and culture.
Resource | Description | Website |
Slowgerman | Audio recordings with a text to follow | |
Mypass | TV shows in German | |
Kinotx | Hundreds of films and TV series in German | |
Tivi | Cartoons and shows for children in German | |
Germanpod101 | A YouTube channel with listening tasks | |
Deutschaussprache | Listen to correct pronunciation | |
Zdf | News in German | |
Deutsch lernen mit Nachrichten | A live news read in slow speed and having the text to follow | |
Deutsche Welle | Lots of videos for different levels | |
Cartoon with subtitles | German stories in HD for children to read along | |
Vorleser | MP3 downloads, short stories in German | |
Ticket nach Berlin | Free online video series from the Goethe-Institut and Deutsche Welle |
Podcasts for Learning German
Popular German Podcasts
Podcasts such as "Slow German", "Deutsch - Warum Nicht?", and "Coffee Break German" cater to different proficiency levels and focus on various aspects of the German language and culture.
Podcasts for Different Proficiency Levels
It's important to choose podcasts that match your language proficiency. Beginners might enjoy "German Pod 101", while intermediate and advanced learners can benefit from "Deutsch - Warum Nicht?" or "Der Tag".
Podcast | Description | Website |
Deutsch-perfekt | Podcasts for different proficiency levels | |
SlowGerman | Podcasts for different proficiency levels | |
DaZPod | Podcasts for different proficiency levels | |
Duden | A German language podcast | |
Deutsche Welle Podcasts | Podcasts for different proficiency levels |
German Reading Resources
Online German Books
Online platforms like Project Gutenberg and Open Library offer free access to classic German literature. Reading works by authors like Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse, and Franz Kafka can significantly improve your reading comprehension.
E-Books and Audiobooks
For those who prefer digital reading, e-books and audiobooks can be a great option. Websites like Amazon Kindle and Audible have a vast collection of German e-books and audiobooks catering to different interests and reading levels.
Resource | Description | Website |
Wievmanga | German comic books | |
Zeit | News in German | |
Free literature readings in German | ||
Wikibooks | Free online textbook and grammar guide |
German Newspapers and Blogs
Top German Newspapers
Reading newspapers is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with formal German language used in professional settings. Newspapers like "Der Spiegel", "Die Zeit", and "Süddeutsche Zeitung" cover a wide range of topics from politics to culture.
Newspaper | Description | Website |
Zeit | A weekly newspaper with high-quality news coverage on various topics. May not be suitable for beginners due to its sophisticated language. | |
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) | A well-known daily newspaper throughout Germany. | |
Der Spiegel | A well-known weekly newspaper. | |
Heise Online | Publisher of many well-known monthly journals on computing with high-quality journalism. | |
Handelsblatt | A daily newspaper focused on business and economy. | |
Nachrichtenwerk | German news in simple language. | |
Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) | A famous daily newspaper in Germany. | |
Bild | A popular yellow press daily newspaper. Uses an intense language at times but is easy to understand. | |
Nachrichtenleicht | German news in simple language. |
Engaging German Blogs
For a more relaxed reading experience, blogs like "Deutsch Perfekt", "LearnOutLive", and "German is Easy!" offer language learning tips, cultural insights, and engaging stories in German.
Blog | Description | Website |
German is easy! | A blog covering German grammar and vocabulary, with posts published daily. | |
Fragen Sie Dr. Bopp! | A blog on German grammar, orthography and style, featuring Q&A sessions with a language expert. | |
Marathon sprechen | A blog with articles on improving German speaking skills, as well as podcasts and videos. | |
korrekturen.de: Weblog | A blog with articles on German grammar and orthography, with a focus on common mistakes and confusing words. | |
Sprachlupe | A blog with articles on German grammar, vocabulary, and style, as well as tips on how to write in German. |
Delving into German History
Online History Courses
Websites like Coursera and Khan Academy offer free courses on German history. These courses provide a historical context to your language learning and deepen your understanding of German culture.
Historical Documentaries and Films
Documentaries and films like "The World at War", "Berlin Alexanderplatz" and "Downfall" provide an immersive way to learn about Germany's rich and complex history.
Resource | Description | Website |
GermanHistoryDocs | Online history courses | |
Historyworld | Online history courses |
Test Your German Knowledge
Online German Language Tests
Test your German language skills with online tests from Goethe Institut, Deutsche Welle, and Transparent Language. These tests cater to different proficiency levels and can help you gauge your progress.
Mobile Quiz Apps
Quiz apps like Duolingo Test Center and Quizlet offer fun and interactive ways to test your German language skills. They provide instant feedback and help you identify areas that need improvement.
Test | Description | Website |
Transparent Test | Online German language tests catering to different proficiency levels. | |
Heidelberg-languages Test | Online German language tests catering to different proficiency levels. | |
testedich.de: online tests | Online German language tests catering to different proficiency levels. | |
Prolog-berlin Test | Online German language tests catering to different proficiency levels. | |
Goethe Test | Online German language tests catering to different proficiency levels. | |
IIK exercises | Online German language exercises catering to different proficiency levels. | - |
Deutsch-perfekt Test | Online German language tests catering to different proficiency levels. | |
Aufgaben vom Schubert-Verlag | Online German language tests catering to different proficiency levels. | |
Grammatiktraining Test | Online German language tests catering to different proficiency levels. |
Online Language Exchange
Best Language Exchange Platforms
Platforms like Tandem and HelloTalk connect you with native German speakers interested in learning your native language. This reciprocal exchange is a great way to practice speaking German and learn about German culture.
Tips for Effective Language Exchange
To make the most of language exchange, set clear goals, be respectful of your partner's learning needs, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Language Exchange Platform | Description | Website |
Italki | Connects you with native German speakers interested in learning your native language. | |
SharedTalk (Rosetta Stone) | Connects you with native German speakers interested in learning your native language. | |
Verbling | Connects you with native German speakers interested in learning your native language. | |
GoSpeaky | Connects you with native German speakers interested in learning your native language. |
Additional Tips
Establishing Your German Learning Routine
Setting up a regular learning schedule is vital in mastering any new language, and German is no exception. It's important to designate specific time slots for your German studies in your daily routine.
Structured Lessons
Participate in structured lessons, which could be online courses, language apps, or even traditional classroom settings. Ensure to cover all aspects - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A structured approach will provide you with a solid foundation in German grammar and vocabulary.
Casual Reading
Incorporate casual reading into your routine. This could be anything from German newspapers, blogs, e-books to even comic strips. Reading material in German will expose you to the language in its written form, improve your comprehension skills, and expand your vocabulary.
Podcast Listening
Listening to German podcasts is an excellent way to improve your listening skills and pronunciation. Choose podcasts that match your proficiency level and interest. They can be educational or entertainment podcasts, as long as they are in German.
The Power of Consistency and Practice in Language Learning
The old adage "practice makes perfect" holds particularly true for language learning. Regular and consistent practice is the cornerstone of becoming proficient in German.
Incorporate German into Daily Tasks
Try to integrate German into your daily life as much as possible. Here are some practical ways to do it:
- Writing: Use German when writing your shopping list, jotting down reminders, or drafting emails.
- Reading: Make it a habit to read German newspapers or blogs. This will not only improve your reading skills but also keep you informed about German current affairs and culture.
- Speaking: Regularly converse in German, be it with a language exchange partner, a fellow learner, or even yourself!
Daily Task | Practice Method |
Writing | Write your shopping list or reminders in German |
Reading | Read German newspapers or blogs daily |
Speaking | Have conversations in German with a language exchange partner or fellow learner |
Remember, consistency and practice are key. By integrating these tips into your German learning journey, you'll be on your way to fluency in no time!
FAQs
Q: Why is it important to learn German for studying in Germany?
A: While many courses in Germany are taught in English, interacting with local students, professors, and non-academic staff often requires a basic understanding of German. Furthermore, living in Germany, you'll need to navigate everyday situations like shopping, travelling, or even reading a menu, all of which are made easier with a good knowledge of German.
Q: What are some good online courses for learning German?
A: Websites such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone offer interactive modules to learn and practice words and phrases. They engage learners through gamification, making vocabulary building a fun and enjoyable process.
Q: What are some good mobile applications for learning German?
A: For the tech-savvy students, mobile applications such as Memrise, AnkiDroid, and Quizlet can be your vocabulary companions. These apps use spaced repetition techniques, helping you retain new words and phrases longer.
Q: What are some good online dictionaries for German learners?
A: Online dictionaries like Leo.org, Dict.cc, and Duden offer translations and examples of German words in various contexts. They also provide pronunciation guides, helping you understand the nuances of German phonetics.
Q: What are some good German listening resources?
A: Platforms such as Pimsleur and FluentU provide resources tailored to improve your listening skills. They offer a range of audio and video content, from beginner to advanced levels, to help you understand spoken German in various contexts.
Q: What are some good German reading resources?
A: Online platforms like Project Gutenberg and Open Library offer free access to classic German literature. Reading works by authors like Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse, and Franz Kafka can significantly improve your reading comprehension.
Q: How can I test my German knowledge?
A: Test your German language skills with online tests from Goethe Institut, Deutsche Welle, and Transparent Language. These tests cater to different proficiency levels and can help you gauge your progress.
Q: How can I practice speaking German?
A: Platforms like Tandem and HelloTalk connect you with native German speakers interested in learning your native language. This reciprocal exchange is a great way to practice speaking German and learn about German culture.
Written by
MS in Germany
Your trusted consultancy for pursuing higher education in top German Public Universities.
