One of the biggest obstacles when learning German is mastering articles. The good news is that the more you practice, the less you need to consciously think about them.
Unlike English, German nouns have genders and the definite article must match them. Luckily, there are some rules that can help you figure out the gender 9 times out of 10. These rules, plus our review feature, make it easier to lock new vocabulary into memory.
1. Listening
Learn to listen in German in a way that helps you understand the context of what you hear. Whether you’re a complete beginner, need to brush up before a trip or business meeting, or are ready to level-up your conversation skills, Babbel has lessons that will fit your needs.
Mastering pronunciation is essential for understanding what you’re hearing. Even though German has some sounds that don’t exist in English (like the back-of-the-throat “r” sound in rot and the hissing “ch” sound in dreissig), you can get there with practice.
It’s also important to supplement your audio learning with reading and writing. Read out loud and keep a German journal to build your vocabulary, as well as jot down unfamiliar words and phrases to review later. And watch German movies and TV shows with subtitles to help you connect with the language in a more visual format. You can even find media that’s specifically geared toward German learners like Babylon Berlin and Deutschland 83.
2. Reading
In German lessons, you learn new vocabulary and grammar as well as practice using them in context. You will also be introduced to German pronunciation, and the grammatical rules that make German sentences sound natural and structured.
Many of these concepts might seem intimidating, especially at first. However, remember that learning a language is a process, and consistent practice is the key to success. You will never wake up one morning and suddenly be fluent, but you can reach your goals with the right approach and tools.
It is well known that the brain memorizes and connects information better when it is having fun, so try to have some fun as you learn. Watching German movies and TV shows can be a great way to entertain yourself while learning, especially when the movie or show has subtitles in your native language. And don’t be afraid to use online German dictionary to look up unfamiliar words and their definitions.
3. Writing
Writing is a powerful tool for absorbing German lessons. Unlike listening, writing gives you the opportunity to read and see language in action, a vital step toward fluency. Writing can also help you to expand your German vocabulary, as well as practice your grammar.
When composing texts, make sure you choose materials that are appropriate to your level of proficiency. If you start reading material that is too difficult, you may lose interest and stop regularly practicing German writing.
Try to write in your German journal or compose short texts, such as email messages to friends. You can even use social media to practice your writing skills, as some platforms offer the option to post in German.
Practicing grammar rules, building an expansive vocabulary and focusing on sentence structure can help you to improve your German writing. Take advantage of resources that provide valuable feedback from tutors or native speakers, and hone your writing with the help of a strong support system.
4. Speaking
Learning to speak German will give you access to a rich cultural landscape. The language is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral to the historic cities of Bamberg and Rothenberg. Knowing the language will help you explore these wonders more fully, and will also allow you to make more meaningful connections with the people who call Germany home.
Learning a new language requires time and practice. However, you can speed up your progress by focusing on the vocabulary that is most important to you. For example, if you work in the healthcare industry, it is helpful to know phrases that can help you explain things in German to your patients.
You can find a variety of German-language learning materials online, from books to podcasts and even YouTube videos. However, when choosing media to learn from, it is important to choose content that is engaging and interesting. This will help you to retain the knowledge you gain, and will keep your motivation high.