You have often asked yourself: ‘Why can’t I get past “hello” and “thank you”?’ Many learners despair because they know the vocabulary but falter when it comes to conversation. This is rarely due to a lack of talent – often it’s just a case of not having the right focus. Here you will learn how to quickly speak German without falling into grammar traps or getting lost in the theoretical jungle.
This is what you will learn today:
- Learn ‘survival sentences’ for everyday
- Use language apps specifically for quick success
- Build 15-minute speaking rituals into your daily routine
- Mistakes are your friends – why perfectionism holds you back
- Learn to speak German through series and music
- Find a tandem partner – how to overcome your fear
- Your personal checklist: From your first sentence to a fluent dialogue
1. Learn ‘survival sentences’ for everyday
Don’t start with complicated grammar, but master simple sentences that are really needed in everyday life. Ask yourself: What do I need at the supermarket today? or How do I order in a café? Examples:
- ‘Could you repeat that please?’
- ‘I’d like a pretzel, please.’
- ‘Where is the nearest underground station?’
These ‘survival phrases’ will give you an immediate sense of security – you can achieve something, not just know things in theory.
2. Use language apps specifically for quick success
Apps are ideal for getting started – but use them strategically:
- 20 minutes a day instead of hours of swotting.
- Focus on speaking practice, not just multiple choice.
- Repeat sentences out loud – even if it feels weird!
Studies show that short, regular study sessions are more effective than marathon sessions
3. Build 15-minute speaking rituals into your daily routine
Your brain needs repetition to store German as a ‘habit’. This is how it works:
- Morning routine: describe what you are doing at breakfast in German (‘I’m drinking coffee’).
- Commute: listen to a podcast and repeat the sentences (e.g. ‘Slow German’).
- Evening routine: Tell your pet in German how your day was – yes, really!
4. Mistakes are your friends – why perfectionism holds you back
‘I’ll wait until I’ve made no mistakes’ is the biggest mistake of all! Even native speakers make mistakes. Important:
- Start with short sentences, even if the articles (the, a) are wrong.
- After a conversation, note down a mistake you want to correct.
- Ask in a friendly way: ‘Would you please correct me if I say something wrong?’
5. Learn to speak German through series and music
Netflix & Co. are your secret teachers.
- Watch series like ‘Dark’ or ‘How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)’ with German subtitles.
- Sing German songs by Cro or Namika out loud – the rhythm will help you practise your pronunciation.
- Listen to podcasts for beginners (e.g. ‘Coffee Break German’) to internalise sentence patterns.
6. Find a tandem partner – how to overcome your fear
You only learn to speak by speaking.
- Swap 30 minutes of German for 30 minutes of your native language.
- Start with topics like hobbies or travelling – this builds bridges.
- Use video calls: facial expressions and gestures help with understanding.
7. Your personal checklist: From your first sentence to a fluent dialogue
- Weeks 1–2: Learn 10 survival phrases + count aloud from 1–20.
- Weeks 3–4: Do 2-minute self-talks (‘What am I looking at right now?’).
- From month 2: Meet with a tandem partner weekly.
You can do it – keep at it!
Every journey begins with a step – even if it’s a small one. Whether you say ‘Guten Tag’ today or try a joke in German, every sentence will help you to progress. Remember: even Goethe had a stutter.
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Would you like to improve your German quickly?
If you would like to learn or perfect your German in Germany or Austria, we have a wide selection of language schools for every need and size on offer.
Here you can find all our programmes in Germany and Austria:
German courses for children and teenagers
If you’re still not sure which city or language school is right for you, just get in touch with us and together we’ll find the best solution for you!
