Watch German Television via satellite or computer. I know you tend to get distracted by the pictures rather than listening to the sound, but it’s still a good way to start and see stories not covered by your local TV company. Listen to German radio, it all sounds a bit strange at first, but just let it wash over you until you get tuned into the language.
Have German theme days at home during the week, and no this doesn’t mean oompah bands and leder hosen are compulsory. Speak as much German as possible, do a German crossword which can be found online. Check out all the leaflets you brought back from your last trip to Germany. Even read the label on the back of that box of biscuits you bought.
Use fridge magnets to make up words and phrases.
There are some German alphabet magnetic words and phrases on the market at the moment to help you. See who can make up the longest sentence (that makes sense of course.)
Buy a German newspaper everyday, you’ll get some strange looks at your local Starbucks but so what. Just pray a German family doesn’t sit down beside you, actually come to think of it that would be a great way to see how your conversational German is coming along.
If you’re off on holiday to Germany, speak the language at every opportunity. Yes I know the Germans, especially the young people, love to speak English, it can be frustrating for you, but remember they’re trying something different as well. so praise them, gently help them if they don’t quite get it right.
They’ll do the same for you believe me! I remember a couple of years ago telling a French couple who had invited us into their home that the pleasure was all THEIRS rather than ours (got my notres mixed up with my votres) We had a good laugh about it and another round of drinks to toast my little indiscretion.
Visit supermarkets and DIY stores, pick up every leaflet they have, collect estate agents papers, free newspapers, business cards, tourist brochures. They all have pictures on them with the German name beside them of course. This will help build up your vocabulary and help identify the strange things in jars on the supermarket shelves.
And finally never turn down an invitation to visit the Germans at home. Even if you can only say wunderlich or herrlich, it’s not to be missed. Mentally exhausting as you try desperately to understand what’s going on, but the experience is worth its weight in gold.
Viel Glück!
Jim Cassidy
I’m a UK based radio journalist with a wife and five cats to support.
If my article has whet your appetite, then why not test drive German Language lessons online. You can get a Free 6 Day Mini Course at http://usfreeads.com/879254-cls.html
Tags: learn to speak german, speak german
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