1 Year of Learning German | My Experience and Future Plans

Summary

In this reflective video, the creator discusses their personal journey with learning German, tracing its evolution from a distraction during a difficult time in 2023 to a fulfilling hobby. They share insights into their methods, like using apps such as Busuu and Anki, and highlight the progress they've made in comprehension through immersion and reading. Looking ahead to 2024, their goals include enhancing comprehension, integrating more native content, and starting to focus on speaking and writing. They also contemplate adding another language, like Japanese, while stressing the importance of enjoying the learning process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker began learning German in 2022 as a way to try something new, but the journey became more meaningful in 2023 during a difficult personal period.
• 😀 Learning German was initially a distraction from personal struggles, including health issues, but has grown into a long-term hobby and personal challenge.
• 😀 The speaker’s main focus in 2023 was on improving German comprehension, particularly through listening and reading, using tools like Anki and YouTube.
• 😀 Anki, despite being used inconsistently, played a vital role in the speaker's vocabulary retention and overall progress in learning German.
• 😀 Immersion through comprehensible input, such as watching German YouTube videos and reading books like 'Matilda,' significantly improved the speaker's comprehension.
• 😀 The speaker has embraced a more relaxed and enjoyable approach to language learning, emphasizing progress at their own pace rather than stressing over efficiency.
• 😀 In 2024, the speaker aims to enhance their German comprehension further, particularly by incorporating more native German media into their practice.
• 😀 Speaking and writing are areas the speaker plans to focus on in 2024, with initial steps involving self-practice, shadowing exercises, and possibly using apps like Tandem.
• 😀 The speaker is considering learning another language, with Japanese being a top contender due to its intriguing culture and alphabet, though they are unsure whether to balance both languages in 2024.
• 😀 The YouTube channel has been a motivating factor in the speaker's language learning journey, providing a platform for connection and sharing experiences with others.
• 😀 Despite inevitable challenges and inconsistent motivation, the speaker expresses gratitude for learning German, seeing it as a personal refuge and something that has changed their life.

Q & A

Why did you start learning German?

I started learning German in 2022 by taking an A1 online course because I wanted to try something new. However, I didn't finish the course due to personal struggles. By the start of 2023, I began learning German more seriously to distract myself from personal issues and focus on something positive.

How did your approach to learning German evolve in 2023?

My approach evolved significantly. Initially, I was just trying to learn the basics. But after facing some personal challenges and getting sick with dengue fever, I had time to reflect and shifted my focus to more structured and consistent learning, especially emphasizing listening and reading comprehension.

What role did Anki play in your language learning process?

Anki played a crucial role in my progress. It helped me with vocabulary retention and reviewing words through spaced repetition, which is especially useful when learning German. Even though my usage of Anki was inconsistent, it was still the most impactful tool for my language learning.

What other tools or resources did you use in your German studies?

In addition to Anki, I used Busuu to build foundational skills and immersion through watching YouTube videos with German subtitles. I also started reading 'Matilda' in German using the Lute app, which helped improve my reading comprehension.

How do you feel about your progress in German comprehension so far?

I'm quite surprised by how much I understand now, especially considering I started as a complete beginner. Through immersion with media like YouTube and books, I've seen a noticeable improvement in my comprehension, though listening remains a bit harder for me.

How does your experience with learning English compare to learning German?

Learning German is similar to how I learned English as a child—through immersion and exposure, even without fully understanding everything at first. Just like I did with English, I watch content in German and combine it with structured lessons to enhance my understanding.

What motivates you to continue learning German?

Learning German has become more than just a hobby—it's a personal challenge and a way to connect with others. The progress I’ve made and the sense of satisfaction from understanding more motivates me to keep going, despite life’s challenges.

What are your language learning goals for 2024?

In 2024, my main goal is to further enhance my German comprehension. I want to understand more content, particularly in videos or movies, without needing to look up words. I also plan to start practicing speaking and writing more, though I expect challenges in these areas.

Do you plan to learn another language in 2024?

I’m considering adding Japanese to my studies in 2024. While Italian and Greek are practical for my personal life, Japanese excites me more due to the challenge of learning a different alphabet and culture. However, I’m still undecided as I don’t want to slow down my progress with German.

How has your YouTube channel influenced your language learning journey?

My YouTube channel has significantly motivated me to continue learning German. It’s rewarding to see others engage with my content, share their experiences, and even help me discover new tools like Lute. The positive feedback keeps me connected to my language learning goals.