1️⃣ First, you need to clarify the purpose of learning German. This can help you establish different milestone goals and create a more targeted learning plan. For example, if it's for studying abroad, your short-term goal might be to pass the TestDaF; if it's for work, your long-term goal might be to speak fluent German.
With a clear purpose, you can set S.M.A.R.T goals. If, for instance, you want to improve your German speaking skills, you can use the following method as an example:
- Specific: Clearly define your goal.
For example: I want to be able to participate in a 15-minute German conversation fluently by the end of next quarter. - Measurable: Ensure your goal is quantifiable.
For example: I will engage in at least two conversations with native German speakers per week, each lasting 15 minutes. - Achievable: Ensure your goal is attainable.
For example: I will use online language exchange platforms to find native German speakers or join a local German study group. - Relevant: Ensure your goal is relevant to your learning needs and long-term objectives.
For example: Improving German speaking skills will help me communicate more confidently with German speakers and contribute to my academic or career development. - Time-bound: Set a clear deadline.
For example: By the end of next quarter, I will confidently engage in a 15-minute German conversation.
Through this S.M.A.R.T. goal, you've specified the details of improving German speaking skills and set a clear timeframe, which will help you organize your efforts toward this goal. Remember to continuously adjust and modify your goals based on your progress.
2️⃣ Secondly, determine your learning methods and tools. For example, decide on your approach: self-study or taking classes? What materials will you use? Are there platforms or apps that can assist your learning?
If you have the time and prefer an intensive approach to improve your German proficiency, taking classes might be a good option. However, if you, like me, have a full-time job, self-study allows for better flexibility in managing your study time and progress.
However, I must emphasize: pronunciation is crucial, and you should find someone who is proficient in German or a native speaker to teach and correct you! Pronunciation is vital for any language as it not only affects your speaking but also impacts your listening skills. Additionally, choose a gradually progressive German textbook. I personally recommend: tichwort Deutsch. A good teaching material provides a clear understanding and assessment of your learning progress and proficiency.
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Aside from textbooks, there are several supplementary tools I've used for years, namely German Assistant and German Daily Listening. Additionally, a program that I find particularly helpful for practicing everyday German is Easy German. However, it's crucial to have a piece of paper and a pen ready to jot down common words, phrases, and sentences you hear. Reviewing and memorizing them afterward can significantly enhance your learning.
It's worth emphasizing that beginners struggle with grammar, intermediates with vocabulary, and advanced learners with comprehension. Grammar and syntax improve with practice, but what truly sets German apart, in my opinion, is its vocabulary.
- Vocabulary
When memorizing vocabulary, focus on transitive/intransitive, true reflexive/false reflexive, and some fixed expressions. For example, the word "verlassen" can be used as an adjective, a transitive verb, or a reflexive verb. Yes, the core of German vocabulary is verbs!
Additionally, while learning words, start accumulating words with the same root and distinguish between them. For example, "erlassen," "verlassen," "einlassen." When memorizing verbs, first memorize the meaning and conjugations. After becoming familiar with the content, focus on usage and collocations during the second or third review for practical application.
- Listening
For German listening, precision is crucial, especially for lower proficiency levels. As your German improves, gradually increase the ratio of extensive listening. Precision listening helps with vocabulary and grammar comprehension. After becoming familiar with the content, you might even be able to summarize the content in your own words. Extensive listening, on the other hand, tests whether you can grasp the main points and key details of an article and explain what you heard in your own language. Therefore, the materials for precision and extensive listening are different. For precision listening, choose standardized, clear, and moderately difficult articles. For extensive listening, choose very daily, more advanced articles than your current level.
In addition to listening materials on German Daily Listening, there are also many books and German podcasts available on Amazon Audible, some of which are free.
- Speaking
There are now various ways to practice speaking. Besides using Tandem, you can also integrate voice plugins into ChatGPT, enabling on-the-go human-computer dialogue. For oral practice, prepare a series of topics for training. For example, if you are preparing for the C1 exam, you can train units according to the exam topics. This way, you can learn and consolidate vocabulary and common collocations related to the topic.
It's worth mentioning that both speaking and writing are the output parts of German. People often emphasize the input part of language learning, such as listening and reading, and neglect the output part. This is not advisable. Input and output need to be practiced synchronously for mutual complementation.
- Reading
Reading is the input part of German. In addition to detailed reading of textbooks, you also need extensive reading to cultivate German thinking. Kindle offers many German readings that you can choose based on your interests and hobbies. Moreover, many of these readings have auditory versions available on Audible.
If your German is not that advanced, you can choose graded German readings from Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. Another recommended option is the well-known German learning magazine Deutsch Perfekt. "Deutsch Perfekt" is a comprehensive German learning magazine that provides rich and diverse content for learners at various levels. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, as long as you are interested in learning German and German culture, consider reading this magazine.
3️⃣ Finally, if you want to assess your learning achievements through an examination, there are several reputable German language exams:
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Goethe-Zertifikat (Goethe Certificate):
Issued by the Goethe-Institut, this certificate evaluates individuals in the areas of German listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It is divided into different levels, including A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.
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TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language):
TestDaF is used to assess the German language proficiency needed for studying at German universities and research institutions. It consists of four sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
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DSH (German Language Proficiency Test):
DSH is used by German universities to assess the German language proficiency of foreign students, usually as a prerequisite for admission. The difficulty and content of the DSH exam may vary depending on the specific university.
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Telc (European Language Certificates):
Telc offers a range of German language exams at different levels, including common levels from A1 to C2, as well as specialized exams. These exams typically cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
These exams are widely recognized in German-speaking countries and are usually available globally. The choice of exam depends on your learning goals, such as entering a German university, pursuing employment, or other purposes. Before selecting an exam, it's advisable to carefully understand the structure and requirements of each exam to ensure you choose the one that best suits your needs.
When learning a language, while the environment is essential, even more critical is your subjective initiative: the enthusiasm for learning. My feeling is that the entire process of learning German is like climbing several peaks, and each peak is always a bit higher, allowing me to see better landscapes. My father often encourages me:
Whenever you find it challenging, you are often approaching the mountaintop.