Maybe you know this: You want to finally speak German better, but it just feels like too much.
So many words, so many rules – and you feel like you have to start over again and again.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not your fault. Often, all you need is a good plan that fits your lifestyle. In this article, you’ll find five simple but very effective tips that will help you learn more easily and in a more relaxed way – even if you don’t have much time.
What you’ll learn today:
1. Why a good learning strategy is so important
Learning German takes time, practice and patience.
But often you can’t see the forest for the trees. There are a thousand possibilities: books, apps, videos, podcasts.
What should you do first? And how do you stick with it when your everyday life is already full enough?
This is exactly where a good learning strategy helps. It gives you direction.
You know exactly what you can do today without overtaxing yourself.
And best of all, you often achieve more with small steps than with long learning marathons that only frustrate you.
Tip 1: Schedule fixed learning times
You may have already noticed that ‘I’ll study when I have time’ rarely works. Because at the end of the day, there’s no time left. That’s why it’s better to treat studying like a fixed appointment – just like coffee with friends or a visit to the dentist.
Consciously plan short study sessions, for example:
- Review vocabulary for 10 minutes every morning
- Practise grammar for half an hour every Tuesday and Thursday
- Write a short text or watch a film in German at the weekend
It is important that the times fit into your daily routine.
There is no point in taking on too much. Start small and build up your training slowly. This will keep learning relaxed and achievable.
Tip 2: Expand your vocabulary with flashcards
Flashcards are a classic because they really work. Write the German word on one side and the translation, an example sentence or a picture on the other. You can always have the cards with you – in your pocket, backpack or on your mobile phone.
Make use of waiting times: at the bus stop, at the doctor’s or during your lunch break.
This way, you learn almost without noticing and without stress.
There are also many digital solutions, such as the Anki or Quizlet apps.
They use the spaced repetition method, which means you repeat words at the right intervals. This means you see difficult words more often and easy ones less often. This helps you remember what you’ve learned better.
Tip 3: Listen to German – anywhere, anytime
Learning doesn’t just mean sitting at a desk. Listening to German also helps you progress – and you can do that almost anywhere.
Here are a few ideas:
- Listen to podcasts while walking or cleaning.
- Play German music while cooking or driving.
- Watch series or films in German – with subtitles at first, then without.
This will train your listening comprehension and help you get used to the sound of the language.
Even if you don’t understand everything, your brain is still working and learning in the background.
Tip: Find topics that interest you – whether it’s sports, cooking or crime stories.
This will keep things exciting and make listening more fun.
Tip 4: Practise writing for everyday life
When it comes to writing, many learners immediately think of long essays or difficult grammar.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Writing is also easy in everyday life.
Here are a few ideas:
- Write your shopping list in German.
- Write down what you did today in a small notebook.
- Write short messages to friends or in a learning community.
Writing helps you remember words and structures better. It trains your thinking in German and makes you more confident.
And don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s much more important that you do it regularly.
Tip 5: Speak, speak, speak
Are you afraid to speak because you’re afraid of making mistakes?
But it’s precisely by speaking that you learn the most.
Look for opportunities to speak German:
- Find a language partner.
- Sign up for a course.
- Take advantage of everyday opportunities – for example, at the supermarket, in a café or during small talk with colleagues.
Talking to yourself is also allowed!
For example, describe aloud what you are doing or what you want to do tomorrow.
This will help you practise speaking quickly and without translating.
Remember: mistakes are not a problem. They are a sign that you are confident and learning.
Conclusion: small steps lead to the goal
Learning German doesn’t have to be a big project that puts you under pressure.
With small, regular steps, you’ll get much further than you might think.
Find the method that suits you and your everyday life.
Use the time you have – even if it’s only five minutes a day.
And most importantly, be patient with yourself.
Every step counts – and you’ll see how your German gets better and better.
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Would you like to put these tips into practice right away?
A language course in Germany or Austria is the perfect opportunity to practise German directly in everyday life and get to know the country and its people better.
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!
