how to learn german online? a guide for a1-b2

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their personal journey and practical strategies for learning German, from beginner to advanced levels. They discuss using resources like the Nico’s Weg series for structured learning, Lingoda for online courses with interactive classes, and YouTube channels and podcasts for authentic language exposure. The video emphasizes learning vocabulary in context, practicing speaking through conversation platforms like Tandem, and using digital tools like Notion for efficient study. Motivational advice highlights consistent yet flexible study habits, overcoming common challenges, and creating immersive, enjoyable German learning experiences tailored to individual schedules and goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stay motivated: German is challenging but achievable with dedication and consistent effort.
• 😀 Nico's Weg is a highly recommended resource for A1–B1 levels, offering story-based learning with exercises, vocabulary lists, and transcripts.
• 😀 Learn vocabulary in context by saving phrases from stories or videos in a notebook or digital tool like Notion.
• 😀 Lingoda is an effective online platform for B2+ learning, providing flexible scheduling, small group classes, PDF prep materials, and personalized feedback.
• 😀 YouTube channels like Izzy German and Easy German help learners understand real-life conversations and improve listening skills.
• 😀 Create a separate German-only YouTube account to immerse yourself in German-language content.
• 😀 Practice speaking regularly with native speakers via Tandem, HelloTalk, or language exchange websites.
• 😀 Self-practice is effective: speak to yourself, use new vocabulary, and practice forming longer sentences on various topics.
• 😀 Mix different resources and activities, including reading articles, listening to music, conversation classes, and hobbies in German.
• 😀 Maintain regular study habits, avoid burnout, and make learning enjoyable by integrating German into daily life and hobbies.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe German is considered a difficult language?

The speaker mentions that German has tricky grammar rules, complex sentence structures, unique pronunciation, and vocabulary that includes random articles and forms, which makes it notoriously difficult for learners.

What mindset does the speaker suggest is important for learning German?

The speaker believes that if someone else has achieved a goal, then anyone can too, provided they are dedicated and motivated to consistently work toward learning German.

What is Nico's Weg, and why does the speaker recommend it?

Nico's Weg is a German learning series that follows the story of Nico, a Spanish man in Germany. It is recommended because it teaches grammar and vocabulary thematically, includes transcripts, exercises, and vocabulary lists, and helped the speaker reach B1 level.

How did the speaker organize vocabulary while learning German?

The speaker used a phrase notebook to write down sentences from Nico's Weg, highlighting new words and adding meanings, which helped remember words in context rather than in isolation.

What is Lingoda, and how did it help the speaker progress in German?

Lingoda is an online language learning platform offering courses in German and other languages. It provided flexible class schedules, experienced teachers, interactive discussions, and personalized feedback, helping the speaker advance from B1 to B2.2 and beyond.

Why does the speaker prefer online platforms over traditional language courses?

The speaker finds traditional courses boring due to repetitive teachers, students, and environment, while online platforms like Lingoda offer variety in teachers, interactive discussions, and the convenience of learning from home.

Which YouTube channels does the speaker recommend for learning German?

The speaker recommends Izzy German and Easy German, emphasizing street interviews and content tailored to different levels (A1, B1) to understand real conversational German.

How does the speaker suggest improving German speaking skills?

The speaker recommends speaking with native speakers through platforms like Tandem, HelloTalk, and conversation exchanges, as well as practicing speaking alone by creating speeches using newly learned vocabulary and expressions.

What study habits does the speaker emphasize for consistent German learning?

The speaker advises studying German regularly without being overly strict, using varied resources like Nico's Weg, Lingoda classes, articles, podcasts, and music, while also incorporating hobbies in German to avoid burnout.

What tips does the speaker give for vocabulary retention?

The speaker recommends learning words in context using phrases or sentences, highlighting new words, using them actively in speech, and keeping vocabulary organized in a notebook or digital tool like Notion.

Why is immersion important according to the speaker?

Immersion is important because it allows learners to engage with the language in everyday life, practice speaking and comprehension, and connect German learning with hobbies, making it more enjoyable and effective.

How does the speaker handle unfamiliar words while watching YouTube videos?

The speaker pauses the video, writes down the full sentence containing the new word, and records it in a notebook or Notion to learn it in context, ensuring proper usage and retention.