How to learn German
There are different methods to learn a language. The best method is one that suits you well and keeps you motivated. This is different for everyone. Try out different ways and see what suits you!
We recommend doing as much as possible in German in preparation for your trip to Switzerland. Watch German movies and series on Netflix, listen to German radio stations, follow German groups and pages on social media. Check your school or neighborhood for German courses or order an online German course. In addition, download a language app on your phone and keep practicing whenever you have a few spare minutes. Once you have established a reasonable foundation, try having conversations in German with someone nearby or use apps like Tandem or Speaky to find someone willing to help you practice for free.
Apps and websites
Apps you can use to learn German include Duolingo, Deutsche Welle and Drops. With Drops you can choose specific categories, such as body parts or pain complaints.
- https://www.duolingo.com
- https://www.dw.com/en/learn-german
- https://languagedrops.com
- https://learngerman.dw.com
YouTube
On YouTube you can look up Lingoni. She explains the German language clearly in English.
Deutsche Welle offers free YouTube courses in Greek, Polish, French, Spanish, Arabic and Russian at A1 and A2 level.
Benjamin also offers full German courses on YouTube. Writing along during the lessons can be very helpful.
Podcasts
Listen to specific Learn German podcasts on Spotify or Mixcloud. You can also try this playlist from the Goethe Institut.
Netflix
German series on Netflix include Dark and Wir sind die Welle.
Read and listen
Reading as much German as possible is very helpful. You can use apps like Beelinguapp. Listening to German music and reading along with the lyrics is also a great way to learn.
Tandem partner
You can use apps like Tandem, Speaky or HelloTalk to find a tandem partner. A tandem partner is a native German speaker who wants to learn English or another language that you speak. You help each other improve through chat, voice or video calls.
Learning German with AI
You can also practise German with ChatGPT. For example, you can simulate conversations with patients or rehearse a job interview in German.
Courses
There are many different options, such as courses at universities or language schools, online courses or even study trips. Below are a few examples.
Deutschakademie
Offers several courses in Germany and online at reasonable prices. They also provide free options such as this audio course:
https://www.deutschakademie.de
GermanPod101
https://www.germanpod101.com
Learn German through dialogues, flashcards and grammar practice. You can test it for free for seven days.
Need more options?
Check out this overview:
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/german/how-to-learn-german-free/