doITawesome!

How to improve your German 

 

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Your life in Germany would be easier if you could speak some German. Nevertheless, we already know that German is quite a difficult language and it takes time and effort to learn it. But remember! Constancy is the key of success!

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As a student, you will get the chance to attend for free the German classes offered by the Lektorat (we explain this to you here).  This is a valuable opportunity, since the teachers are well prepared and there are different classes you could chose to attend.

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However, classes might not be sufficient for in order for you to improve the language. Therefore, we suggest to some tips:

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- Check Duolingo. This website/app is the most incredible way to learn a language. And it is for free! You can choose the start level and the daily time you can dedicate to the learning.

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- Use flashcards. Sometimes it is pretty difficult to memorize new words in a completely new language. Based on our experience, flashcards can help a lot. You don’t necessarily need to sit in front of your desk and learn by heart the new word. Flashcards are really useful because you can read them whenever you have few minutes time, like for example waiting for the bus. You can prepare your flashcards on some piece of paper or use online platforms like flashcardmachine.com or cram.com. If you check these two platforms you can even use the flashcards other users already prepared.

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- Read Deutsche Welle. If you like to read the news but you feel insecure about reading Süddeutsche Zeitung, we suggest you to check Deutsche Welle. DW is Germany's international broadcaster. It is available on the radio and the internet. They have a special section called “Deutsch Lernen”, where you can find many interactive instruments to improve your language. Special features are the articles categorized for each language level (from A to C).

 

- Watch Series. Learning a language can be funnier if you do it by watching series. We suggest you to start watching a German series completely in German. Don’t be afraid! We are honest; you might understand that much at the beginning, but if you are persistent you might realize that your listening is improving, after few episodes.

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The best series that we can suggest is “Türkisch für Anfänger”. This German sit-com/drama is critically acclaimed worldwide. The show focuses on the German-Turkish stepfamily Schneider-Öztürk, their everyday lives and particularly on the eldest daughter Lena, who narrates the show. During the show's run of 52 episodes, topics covered included both typical problems of teenagers and cross-cultural experiences.

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Further videos, documentaries, you can find them on the online website of German broadcasters (ARD, ZDF, RTL, Sat1) . You can suggest to have look at ARD Mediathek, where you can find many subbed videos.

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- Find a Tandem Partner. Improving German is easier if you can actually talk to someone. However, it might be a bit difficult to find a German friend. You can enroll for the Study Buddy programe offered by the University (we tried it and it is a really great experience!). Otherwise, we suggest you to check bulletin boards, since many people are offering their knowledge of German in exchange of another language. You can find tandem partners online as well. Erstenachhilfe.de is a useful website, that helps you finding a tandem parter.  

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