how i learned german

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their journey of learning German as a Brit, highlighting the challenges and rewards of speaking a second language. From informal language learning through immersion with a German partner to enrolling in a German integration course, they discuss how they’ve improved their skills over time. Offering tips on language learning, they emphasize reading, listening, writing, and speaking practice, alongside a positive, self-motivated attitude. The creator encourages viewers to embrace the process, recognize progress, and enjoy the fun of learning a new language, even if it’s not always ‘perfect.’

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker learned German not through formal education but by living in Germany and absorbing the language naturally.
• 😀 The speaker doesn't consider themselves fluent, but they understand most of the language and can hold a conversation.
• 😀 Many Brits struggle with learning foreign languages, often due to the way languages are taught in schools, which tends to focus on passing exams rather than practical use.
• 😀 The speaker started learning German after meeting their German partner, initially picking up curse words and phrases.
• 😀 The speaker took a German integration course for six months, which helped them build a foundation in the language.
• 😀 Learning a language 'naturally' has pros, like picking up slang and how native speakers use the language, but also cons, like lacking formal vocabulary.
• 😀 The speaker struggled with more formal German and vocabulary that isn’t commonly used in everyday conversation.
• 😀 The speaker recommends reading materials like manga, comics, and video games in the target language to improve vocabulary and reading skills.
• 😀 Watching videos, listening to music, and using subtitles can help with listening skills and comprehension in a foreign language.
• 😀 Writing and speaking practice are essential, and finding language partners or jobs in the target country can help improve these skills.
• 😀 The biggest tip for learning a language is perseverance—believing in yourself and pushing through the challenges even when progress feels slow.

Q & A

How did the speaker start learning German?

The speaker began learning German after meeting their partner from Germany. Initially, they picked up a few words and phrases, mostly curse words and informal language, but didn't actively study the language until deciding to move to Germany.

Did the speaker consider themselves fluent in German?

No, the speaker doesn't consider themselves fluent. They understand most of the language and can hold a conversation, but they acknowledge that their skills are still limited and they struggle with formal German.

What was the structure of the speaker's German language learning process?

The speaker enrolled in a German integration course, which lasted six months. They attended the course 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. They skipped the first section of the course due to their prior knowledge, and the course cost them around €900, half of which was reimbursed after passing the final exam.

How did the speaker continue improving their German after the integration course?

After the course, the speaker continued improving their German through immersion by living in Germany. They didn’t attend formal classes anymore but practiced by being surrounded by the language daily.

What are some advantages of learning a language 'naturally' as the speaker did?

Learning a language naturally, as the speaker did, allows them to understand how native speakers actually use the language, including slang, sentence structure changes, and the latest word inventions. This is often different from the 'correct' language taught in school.

What are the drawbacks of learning a language naturally without formal study?

One major drawback is that the speaker struggles with formal German and has a limited vocabulary. There are many basic words they don't know or have difficulty remembering, especially those that are less common in everyday speech.

What are the speaker's tips for learning a new language?

The speaker recommends focusing on reading, listening, writing, and speaking. For reading, they suggest engaging with content you enjoy, like manga, comics, or even video games. For listening, watching content with subtitles helps with both reading and understanding. Writing can be improved by texting with native speakers, and speaking practice requires interacting with people, even if it's difficult at first.

How does the speaker practice writing in German?

The speaker practices writing by finding native German speakers to text with. They also started a German-language YouTube channel where they only speak and write in German, using it as a way to practice writing and speaking.

What advice does the speaker give to people learning a language?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of persistence and self-belief. They encourage learners to keep going even if they don’t feel 'good enough' and remind them that learning a language is hard, especially for those who haven’t learned one since childhood.

What is the speaker's biggest piece of advice for language learners?

The speaker's biggest piece of advice is to believe in yourself and keep going. Learning a language is a long process, but it's incredibly rewarding. Even if you only know the basics, it's still progress, and it opens up a whole new world of opportunities, media, and connections.