How to learn German fast: complete guide to mastering the language
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Are you thinking about learning German but don't know where to start? You're not alone! With the right strategies, you can accelerate your learning and achieve fluency faster than you can imagine. Be Easy has prepared a complete guide with the best tips for you to master the German language efficiently.
Why learn German?
German is the most spoken language in the European Union after English, opening doors to countless professional and academic opportunities. For those who wish study and work in Germany, mastering the language is fundamental not only for daily communication, but also for fully integrating with the local culture.
In addition, Germany has some of the best universities in the world and offers education at very affordable costs for international students. The German labor market is one of the most robust in Europe, with excellent salaries and working conditions.
How long does it take to learn German?
The time required to learn German may vary depending on several factors:
- Dedication to studies
- Chosen learning method
- Exposure to the language
- Prior knowledge of other languages
- Learning Objectives
- Immersive environment
With consistent dedication, it is possible to achieve:
- Basic level: 3-4 months
- Intermediate level: 6-8 months
- Advanced level: 1-2 years
Is it difficult to learn German?
German is reputed to be a challenging language, primarily for its specific grammatical rules and compound words. However, many people are unaware that German shares linguistic roots with English, which can facilitate learning for those who are already fluent in the English language.
For those who wish Learn a language abroad, cultural and linguistic immersion in Germany can significantly accelerate the learning process.
7 essential tips for learning German quickly
1. Establish a consistent study routine
To accelerate your German learning, it is essential to establish a consistent study routine. Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to the language, keeping regular schedules and alternating between different learning methods. This consistency helps your brain create stronger connections and memorize content more efficiently.
2. Harness the power of apps
The use of language apps can be a great ally in your learning. Duolingo offers daily exercises that help build a solid foundation, while Memrise is great for expanding your vocabulary. Busuu complements learning with conversation opportunities with native speakers, allowing you to practice in real situations.
3. Practice with natives
Practicing with natives is essential to develop fluency and proper pronunciation. Look for online conversation partners through language exchange platforms and don't hesitate to participate in study groups. A valuable tip is to watch content in German with subtitles, starting with Portuguese subtitles and gradually moving to German subtitles.
4. Master modal verbs
Modal verbs are fundamental in the German language and mastering them can make a big difference in your communication. Verbs such as können (power), müssen (duty), and wollen (want) are frequently used in everyday life and can help you express complex ideas even with limited vocabulary. Focus initially on these essential verbs before moving on to more complex structures.
5. Understand compound words
German is renowned for its compound words, and understanding how they work can significantly expand your vocabulary. Learn how to identify base words and how they combine to form new meanings. For example, “Krankenhaus” (hospital) consists of “Kranken” (sick) and “Haus” (house). This knowledge allows you to deduce the meaning of new words even without having previously studied them.
6. Use mnemonic techniques
To memorize words and expressions more easily, use mnemonic techniques. Create associations with your native language, use mental images, and develop short stories that help you remember specific words. For example, to remember that “Schmetling” means butterfly, you can imagine a butterfly making a “schmet” sound while flying with its wings.
7. Immerse yourself in German culture
Finally, immerse yourself completely in German culture. Listen to German music during your daily activities, watch German series and movies, and try to read simple news in German. Not only does this cultural immersion improve your understanding of the language, it also increases your motivation by creating emotional connections with the language and culture. Remember that learning a language is also about understanding the way its speakers think and express themselves.
Basic expressions in German
To facilitate your initial communication in Germany, we have separated some essential expressions divided by context:
Basic greetings and conversations:
- Hallo/Guten Tag (Hello/Good morning)
- Guten Morgen (Good morning - in the morning)
- Guten Abend (Good evening)
- Danke (Thank you)
- Bitte (Please/Of Nothing)
- Tschüss/Auf Wiedersehen (Bye)
- Wie Gent's? (How are you?)
- Sprechen Sie English? (Do you speak English?)
In the restaurant:
- Ich möchte bestellen (I would like to order)
- Die Rechnung, bitte (The bill, please)
- Zum Mitnehmen (For the trip)
- Noch ein Bier, bitte (Another beer, please)
Emergencies and help:
- Where is...? (Where is...?)
- Ich brauche Hilfe (I need help)
- Ich verstehe nicht (I don't understand)
- Können Sie das Wiederholen? (Can you repeat that?)
Basic German grammar
German grammar may seem complex at first, but it's quite logical when you understand its fundamentals. Let's explore the basic concepts:
Articles in German:
- Der (male): der Tisch (the table)
- Die (female): die Katze (the cat)
- Das (neutral): das Buch (the book)
How to identify the gender of the words:
- Words ending in -ung are feminine
- Words ending in -chen are neutral
- Words ending in -er are generally masculine
Grammatical cases: German has four cases that indicate the function of the word in the sentence:
- Nominative: subject of the sentence
- Accusative: direct object
- Dative: indirect object
- Genitive: indicates possession
Basic verb conjugation: Example with the verb sein (to be/to be):
- Ich bin (I am)
- Du bist (you are)
- Er/Sie/Es ist (he/she/that is)
- Wir sind (we are)
- Ihr seid (you are)
- Sie sind (they are)
Certificates of proficiency in German
If you plan to study or work in Germany, you may need to prove your German level. There are different certificates available:
Goethe Certificate:
- A1: Beginner
- A2: Basic
- B1: Intermediate
- B2: Upper Intermediate
- C1: Advanced
- C2: Proficiency
DAF test:
- Specific for admission to German universities
- Evaluate the four language skills
- Score from TDN 3 to TDN 5
- TDN 4 is generally required for university admission
Telc in English:
- Internationally recognized
- Available at all levels (A1 to C2)
- Focus on everyday and professional situations
DSH (German Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang):
- Specific exam for universities
- Conducted directly at educational institutions
- DSH-1, DSH-2, and DSH-3 Levels
- DSH-2 is generally the minimum required
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers complete exchange programs in Germany, with full support for you to learn the language while living a transformative international experience. Our specialized team is ready to help you choose the best program and provide all the necessary support during your learning journey. Contact us and discover how to fulfill your dream of mastering German in one of the most developed countries in the world!
