How to learn German on your own?

Most people naturally believe that the German language is difficult to learn, but this is just a myth. Learning any language, including German, takes motivation and dedication. Moreover, German is part of Germanic languages and shares a handful of similarities with English. Considering this you may be surprised, but German is reasonably easy to learn for English speakers.

In this article, we will talk about some useful tips to learn German by yourself.

Create a study plan and set goals

When you start learning, it’s very important to set your goals straight. Not having an objective or reason for studying German will affect your motivation. Whether you’re learning to improve your work prospects or for personal reasons, determine what you want to achieve in the end, and begin from there.

Start on the right foot

If it starts well, it ends well. Not everyone has the resources and time to attend in-person German classes or travel to Germany. This doesn’t mean however that you shouldn’t start learning. You can enroll in an online language course, use a language-learning app, or practice with free resources. Don’t forget to do quick vocabulary revisions and review the grammar topics and pronouns that you’ve learned.

Make speaking German a habit

If you have German-speaking friends try to always speak in German with them. At first, it will be difficult but with time and practice, you’ll build up a vocabulary, and you’ll learn more and more new phrases. If you don’t know any German speakers, you could find a German tutor online and practice with them in your free time. They will help you improve your conversational skills very quickly. The earlier you master German pronunciation, the earlier you overcome your speaking anxiety. And don’t be afraid of making mistakes; they’re part of learning.

Avoid disruptive elements while studying

Avoid picking up unnecessary calls in the middle of your lesson or tutoring session. Turn off or keep your phone on silent, and let your colleagues and friends know that you are unavailable during the tutoring period. It seems challenging at first, but it’s the best way to make your sessions efficient and take the most out of your study time.

Develop useful study tools

Scribble down essential phrases and vocabulary on pieces of paper. Then, post them on a large poster and hang them in the places where you spend most of your time, for example, near the coffee machine, above your toilet mirror or desk, or near your kitchen stove.

Develop simple memory hooks

You will come across many rules, phrases, and words that you will struggle to memorize. Develop memory hooks to help you learn German by yourself and to help you memorize things easily. Mnemonics are simple linguistic detours that can help you understand the context and remember what you’ve learned quickly.

Give your brain a break between intense studying sessions

It’s recommended to take short breaks while studying. Don’t consider a breather as lost time; you need to give your brain time to process what you’ve learned.

Learning German is as rewarding as it is fascinating. It’ll open a world of opportunities for you. To learn German online, you can connect with an experienced German teacher on italki to learn faster and boost your morale and keep learning.