Learn German
List
English | German | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Guten Tag | |||
Hi! | Guten Tag | |||
Good evening | Guten Abend | |||
Goodbye | Auf Wiedersehen | |||
See you later | Bis später | |||
Yes | Ja | |||
No | Nein | |||
Please! | Bitte! | |||
Thanks | Danke schön! | |||
Thanks a lot | Vielen Dank! | |||
Thank you for your help | Danke für Ihre Hilfe | |||
Don't mention it | Bitte sehr | |||
Ok | In Ordnung | |||
How much is it? | Was kostet das bitte? | |||
Sorry! | Entschuldigung! | |||
I don't understand | Ich verstehe nicht | |||
I get it | Ich habe verstanden | |||
I don't know | Ich weiß nicht | |||
Forbidden | Verboten | |||
Excuse me, where are the toilets? | Wo sind die Toiletten bitte? | |||
Happy New Year! | Frohes Neues Jahr | |||
Happy birthday! | Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! | |||
Happy holiday! | Schöne Feiertage! | |||
Congratulations! | Gratuliere! |
First contact
How to learn German by yourself? Start with an easy and free online course!
We have adopted an objective and efficient approach to learn how to speak a language easily and quickly: we suggest you to start by memorizing words, phrases and practical expressions that you can use in everyday life and that will be useful when traveling.
Getting used to pronounce words out loud, numbers for instance, is an easy exercise that you can often practice and at anytime throughout the day.
It will help you to get used to the sounds of your chosen language and thus make it more familiar.
And once your vacation begins, in Berlin, Hamburg or in another city in which German is the official language, you will be surprised how familiar and easy to understand it will seem.
Furthermore, using a pocket dictionary is always useful, particularly during a trip. It enables you to find the translation of new words and enrich your vocabulary.
Why speak German while traveling?
This is the most spoken language in Europe
No less than 100 million people around the world master German. In addition to being Goethe’s mother tongue, it is the official language of several countries, including Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Austria, and it is also spoken in some parts of Africa and certain communities in North America. As you can see, speaking this language is firstly a way to access a diversity of cultures, but also a way to increase your business opportunities both in European and African countries and in some American communities.
The official language of the world's fourth-largest economy and the leading power in Europe is also the one of many classics of world literature such as the works of Goethe, the Grimm brothers, Thomas Mann and the winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature Heinrich Böll and Herta Müller.
A major language on the Internet
There is another reason why learning this language is useful: the Internet. We are in the digital age and domains with the ".de" extension (referring to Germany) is the most present on the web, just after the ".com" domains. Having access to such content can prove very useful when you want to expand your search capabilities or find information that is not widely known in other languages.
Germany's annual contribution to science and research is another interesting motivation. Did you know that every year one in ten books published in the world is written in this language? This country is among the leaders in research and innovation, occupying the third place in patent applications worldwide.
Make a success of your stay in Germany
Whether you are going to spend a few days with friends for a leisure trip or if you are on a business trip, nothing will be more useful to you than to be able to slip a few words in the language of your interlocutors, who will appreciate your effort and will be certainly more willing to help.
How to succeed in having good pronunciation within a week to a month?
It's easy: all the letters are pronounced. The pronunciation of German is fairly faithful to its writing: you can rely on the texts to pronounce this language correctly. You will need to learn some rules to have a good accent (for example, to know where to place the tonic accent), but in general it will not be too difficult for you to understand, despite some subtleties on syllables like "sch" or the "-e " in the end of a word — subtleties that may make Germans laugh when they hear you, but will not prevent them from grasping the meaning of your words, neither from appreciating your efforts to learn their language.
We invite you to listen to the pronunciation of the letters by clicking on the following link: German alphabet with audio.
Practical Tips for Learning German
1. Start with the Basics
Begin by learning the German alphabet and basic pronunciation rules. This foundation will help you read and speak German more accurately.
2. Build Your Vocabulary
Focus on everyday words and phrases that you are likely to use. Flashcards and language apps can be very helpful in expanding your vocabulary.
3. Practice Speaking
Speak German as much as possible. Practice with native speakers or fellow learners. Use language exchange platforms to find conversation partners.
4. Immerse Yourself
Immerse yourself in the language through German media. Watch German movies, listen to German music, and follow German news. This will help improve your listening skills and familiarize you with the cultural context.
5. Use Official Online Resources
There are many official online resources to help you learn German:
- German courses by Deutsche Welle (DW): Offers a wide range of resources, including vocabulary sheets with audio, videos, interactive exercises, and evaluation tests. This comprehensive and free site is suitable for learners from beginner to advanced levels.
- Deutsch lernen: Provides exercises and summaries related to grammar and conjugation. While it is more suitable for learners who already have basic knowledge, it is an excellent resource for improving your grammatical skills.
- Goethe-Institut: Offers online courses, resources, and information about German culture and language learning.
- Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung: Provides articles, videos, and other resources in German, which can be useful for advanced learners looking to improve their reading and comprehension skills.
6. Take a Language Course
Consider enrolling in a language course with a qualified teacher. Personalized instruction can accelerate your learning and help you master difficult concepts.
7. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key. Practice German daily, even if only for a few minutes. Regular exposure and practice will lead to steady progress.
By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you can start speaking and understanding German in no time. Happy learning!