Language learning methods you can tryGermanMind method
top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureSarah
    • Mar 12, 2023
    • 6 min read

Language learning methods you can try

Studying German doesn't have to be a tedious task. In fact, it can be a lot of fun if you approach it in the right way. One way to make studying German more enjoyable is to incorporate different study techniques into your routine. For example, if you find that traditional textbook exercises are boring, you can try watching German movies or TV shows with subtitles, listening to German music, or even playing German video games.

Another way to make learning German more enjoyable is to find a study group or language exchange partner. This can help you stay motivated and provide opportunities for conversation practice. You can also try practicing your German with native speakers through language exchange apps like Tandem or HelloTalk.

Additionally, there are many online resources available that can help you learn German in a fun and interactive way. Duolingo and Babbel are popular language learning apps that use gamification techniques to make learning more engaging. There are also many German language learning websites and YouTube channels that offer free lessons and resources.

If you're feeling burned out or frustrated with your current study style, don't be afraid to switch things up. Trying out different techniques and resources can help you find what works best for you and keep you motivated on your language learning journey.

In conclusion, studying German can be a fun and enjoyable experience if you approach it in the right way. Incorporating different study techniques, finding a study group or language exchange partner, and utilizing online resources can all help make learning German more engaging and exciting. So, don't be afraid to try new things and find what works best for you!



1. Use mnemonics

When learning new German words, it can be difficult to remember all the different spellings and pronunciations. Using mnemonics can help you remember the words by associating them with something else. For example, if you’re trying to remember the word “katze”, which means cat in german you could think of the word kitty as its somewhat similar to the german spelling for cats so you can create that association to help you remember that word. Mnemonics can also help you remember the correct gender of German words. For example, if you’re trying to remember that the word “die” means “the” in German, you could think of it as “die-ary”, which is a reminder that the word is feminine.



2. Link words to something meaningful

One great way to master German is to link words to something meaningful. When you link words to something meaningful, it makes them easier to remember and recall. For example, if you’re learning the word for “apple”, you could link it to the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Not only will this help you remember the word for “apple”, but it will also help you to remember the corresponding English phrase. Another way to link words to something meaningful is to use visual cues. For example, if you’re learning the word for “cat”, you could link it to a picture of a cat. This will help you to recall the word quickly, and also help you to remember what a cat looks like. You can also link words to something personal. For example, if you’re learning the word for “grandmother”, you could link it to a picture of your own grandmother.


3. Talk to yourself

This method may sound strange at first, but it can be a great way to immerse yourself in the language and help you become more comfortable speaking it. The first step to talking to yourself in German is to find some phrases and words that you are familiar with. This could be anything from basic words like “hello” or “goodbye” to phrases like “How are you?” or “What’s your name?” Once you have your list of words and phrases, start saying them out loud to yourself. Make sure to practice good pronunciation and accent as well. Another way to use this method is to create simple conversations in German. Start by introducing yourself in German, then continue the conversation by talking about your interests or activities. You can also ask questions to yourself to help practice understanding the language and responding. Finally, try to think in German. This means that instead of translating from English to German in your head, try to think of the German words instead. This will help you become more comfortable with the language.


4. Quiz yourself

By quizzing yourself on the German language it helps your brain retain more information. You can break up your learning into manageable chunks. It can be overwhelming to try and learn everything in German all at once so, break your study time into smaller chunks. This will help you stay focused, as well as make it easier to review specific topics. Use online quizzes to test yourself on grammar and vocabulary. There are a variety of online quizzes that you can use to practice and test yourself on German grammar and vocabulary. These quizzes are great for gauging how much you know and identifying areas where you need to focus more to improve your German learning.


5. Sleep

This might be the strangest one on the list but sleeping is one of the best ways to learn German as Studies have shown that sleep helps us store and consolidate memories. During the night, our brains are able to process and organize events that have occurred during the day. This helps our brains to store and recall the important information we have learned. Sleep also helps us retrieve memories. When we are well-rested, our brains are able to access memories more quickly and accurately. This means that if you need to remember something in German, it is best to get a good night’s sleep before you have to recall it. When we are well-rested, our brains are better able to absorb and process the new German words and phrases we learnt throughout the day. This means that if you want to learn German, it is best to get a good night’s sleep before you try to learn it. So even when you study hard for German make sure to sleep just as much too so you can improve your German.


6. The five senses

Want to make learning German more fun and engaging? Try using your senses to help you connect better with the new German information your brain is absorbing.

  • Sight: One way to use your sense of sight to learn German is to watch German movies or TV shows before bed. This can help you pick up words and phrases that you can use in your conversations. You can also use flashcards to practice German vocabulary words before you go to sleep.

  • Hearing: Have you ever heard of the language-learning technique of listening to German audio recordings before bed? This is a great way to help you pick up new words and phrases. You can try recording your own voice speaking out German words and listen to them as you get a good night’s rest. You can even listen to German music before bed to help you get into the language-learning mood.

  • Smell: Believe it or not, your sense of smell can actually help you learn German better. Try lighting scented candles or burning incense with a German scent before you go to sleep. This will help you form a connection between the smell and the language, and it can help you remember new words.


Conclusion

From traditional classroom instruction to online courses and apps, there are a range of language learning methods available to fit nearly any learner’s style and needs. By exploring the options, learners can find the method that works best for them and make language learning a fun, rewarding experience.


But if you want the best learning method to improve your German then check out the GermanMind website where you can find great courses for beginners, intermediate and those advanced in the German language. You can learn from native German speaking teachers that will help you learn German so that you can sound like a fluent speaker of the German language.



Read more blogs!

Mastering German Particles and Filler Words: Tips and Tricks from GM



Language Evolution:The Growing Use of English Words in German Conversations



Exploring the Fascinating World of Unique German Words


bottom of page