Resources for Learning German
Have you always wanted to learn German, but never quite got round to it … or do you want to improve your German language skills? Here are some resources that might help. Remember, thanks to modern technology, it’s never been easier to learn a foreign language
The first thing to say is, everyone has their own learning style. What works for someone else might not work for you, and vice-versa. Look for something that works for you. A combination of learning resources might be the key - and remember, even successful language learners sometimes hit a brick wall … the solution is to just keep at it, you will get there!
Where can I learn German?
In the past, a lot of people started to learn German by going to an evening class, often provided by local councils. These have become scarcer in recent years, but if there’s one near you – great! You’ll get tuition in a smallish group and the chance to speak and practice German.
Some colleges and other organisations providing German classes:
- The Goethe-Institut is the official German cultural institute, with bases in London and Glasgow, and provides a wide range of German courses, from beginners to advanced. You can study online or in-person. They also provide exams at all levels.
(https://www.goethe.de/ins/gb/en/)
- City Lit is a London-based college which provides German courses at various levels, and you can choose to study either online or in person. (https://www.citylit.ac.uk/)
- Deutsch Centre International is a private German-teaching institution based in Manchester. It offers classes in-person or via Zoom, with native German speakers. (https://deutschcentre.com/)
- Deutsche Welle is Germany’s equivalent of BBC World. In addition to reporting news and current affairs from around the world, it’s website also provides excellent, free German-language courses. (https://learngerman.dw.com/en/learn-german/s-9528)
Online learning tools
There are a number of popular language-learning apps, some with AI features. Here are just three, a search will reveal many more …:
- Duolingo is app-only, offering a “gamified” approach – you can earn points, unlock levels, and build daily “streaks” to keep you motivated. The basic form is free, but with ads. (Link)
- Babbel is a subscription tool, with 10 – 15 minute lessons. The lessons are structured, covering speaking, listening, reading and writing, and including grammar. (Link)
- Pimsleur is another subscription app focussing on useful, real-life conversations, but it doesn’t focus on grammar rules or writing. The lessons last about thirty minutes. (Link)
Remember, there are lots more apps and AI tools out there!
Personal tutors
One-to-one tuition gives you more opportunities to speak the language and receive feedback in real-time, much more so than in a group class for example. See Luca Lampariello’s advice below, on how to get the most from a personal tutor.
What do the experts say?
A number of polyglots, yes some of them really do speak fifteen or more languages, share their language-learning advice online. Here are three who also have Youtube channels – their YouTube channels are full of good advice:
- Luca Lampariello … (https://www.lucalampariello.com/)
“If you use a language tutor, make clear beforehand what you want to learn – don’t leave it to the tutor”
- Lindie Botes … (https://lindiebotes.com/)
“Work on a language every day, even if for ten minutes, otherwise you’ll forget words”
- Richard Simcott … (https://speakingfluently.com/)
“Don’t worry about making mistakes when you speak, and set yourself goals”
Lots of German tutors have Youtube channels. The “YourGermanTeacher” channel covers the grammar very thoroughly. (Link)
Young people
Some towns and cities have Saturday schools for children and young people who have German as a home language, and a search online will reveal if there’s one near you.
We wish you success with your language learning and hope you find this information useful.
©The Anglo-German Family History Society
