A foreign language learner must know how to utilize available tools online as necessary.
BBC Languages may have been outdated, but it still works as a beginner’s introduction to various languages.
In this review, let’s take a look at how BBC languages help you learn German.
What is BBC News?
If you are part of the mass amount of English speakers that live in the UK or outside the UK and are fans of the website, you probably know what BBC already is.
BBC is a popular public service broadcaster in the United Kingdom for over 99 years (November 14, 1922).
BBC News continues to be a credible source of information about what’s happening in and out of the UK.
As BBC states, they are objective and independent, and every day they produce unique, world-class programs and material that inform, educate, and amuse millions of people in the UK and throughout the globe.
While it is ultimately known as a newspress website, it also hosts several language lessons in German or other languages for the beginner level.
BBC Languages – Learn German
Let’s take a look at how you’ll improve your language skills in German using BBC Languages.
It includes sections to learn German phrases
Greeting the people you meet for the first time is sometimes the make or break point on how your relationship will start.
If you are not familiar with the native tongue of Germany, then you can start listening, reading, and writing down important German phrases for basic conversations.
BBC Languages to learn German includes phrases you can say when you’re renting a hotel in Germany, riding public transportation, skiing, ordering food, and so much more.
They also have German slangs and interjections where you can pick up what kids of this generation are saying. It does include vulgar words so it may or may not confuse you.
The best part of BBC Languages – Learn German is they have a free mp3 audio lesson per topic.
However, most of these words are limited and the section itself is outdated. More information on that as we go along this post.
Online video tutorials for beginners
They also feature video tutorials for some of the topics discussed.
If you like F1 racing, BBC Languages German has a short documentary and video tutorials that you can watch to learn from native speakers.
On the other hand, you may have to find other videos to watch and subscribe to.
We recommend you learn German grammar through Youtube videos.
Online German language placement test
If you’re already confident with your German skills, you can try BBC Languages German language placement test.
There are many language lessons that will help you determine if you have an excellent level of fluency in German.
On that note, you won’t find advanced level German lessons on this website should your results show as intermediate or even beginner.
Why use BBC Languages?
By nature, any language learner will look for high-authority websites and popular brand names.
It’s common for many newspress websites and public service broadcasters to promote the culture and nationalistic benefits of their own country.
BBC is a highly-trusted public service broadcasting company that has tapped into language learning for kids and adults alike.
By using BBC Languages, they have provided a way to remove language barriers for their listeners.
BBC Languages provides an online language program for daily practice without learners being forced to do hours of practice.
Hence, BBC Languages is a window for any learner that is busy with their work or school but still wants to hear audio courses.
We also reviewed a similar public broadcasting website that teaches German.
Learn more about Deutsche Welle Podcast here.
But an announcement!
As of February 2, 2022:
BBC Languages is no longer updated and already archived. Yet, you can still access this useful online resource.
BBC stated that it will only continue its educational lessons and will stop providing free language materials for adults.
However, we do suggest that you check out BBC Bitesize, their newly renovated educational platform for languages.
It is intended for educational purposes (which means it may be intended for school use), thus it may lack what advanced learners are looking for.
Stay tuned to this website for more updates on better and more recent German language courses for free online.
