A new language can be intimidating to begin because you have no idea where to begin! What is the most effective way for beginners to learn German? What are your pains in learning German?
Does it have to be so hard to learn a language?
It takes a lifetime to master our native tongue. Fortunately, we are constantly given opportunities to broaden our knowledge, correct our mistakes, and improve our communication skills. especially with beginner German!
Speaking a foreign language makes things more difficult, but that’s okay.
However, there are other factors at work as well:
- It can be something you are doing, such as failing to prioritize it, lacking the necessary motivation or time, or not making an effort to locate the necessary resources. Because learning a foreign language becomes more difficult as you get older, your timing may not be ideal.
Children have a sponge-like mind, and their procedural memory is much more active until adolescence. As a result, they excel at tasks that require unconscious skills, such as dancing, bicycling, or recognizing subtle linguistic patterns.
Adults, on the other hand, struggle with implicit learning because they are less skilled.
- You haven’t set high enough expectations: learning a second language is difficult. What piques your interest? What do you prefer: writing, speaking, reading, or listening? It is difficult to complete them all at once. What about the levels of competence?
- You may not realize it, but different languages are classified as difficult based on the amount of time and effort required to learn them. You might have chosen the most difficult language.
Anyway, did you know there are cognitive enhancement techniques? I can recommend the best nootropics for language learning. They won’t work like magic, but they will help you maintain mental focus.
The pains of learning a new language
The following is a list of issues that language learners frequently run into while studying:
#1 I don’t know how to study a language!
#2 I’m embarrassed because I can’t speak!
#3 I’m frustrated because I’m wasting time and money!
#4 I’m nervous because I make mistakes!
#5 I fear that it’s too late to start!
#6 I regret that I don’t have time!
#7 I feel discouraged because I can’t travel/ live in___!
#8 I fear that I’ll forget it after I quit studying!
As you can see, we’ve highlighted every negative emotion that learning a new language may cause. If you’ve ever said or thought one of the above phrases, know that it’s perfectly normal and understandable because you’re about to embark on a new challenge and experience.
These “problems” do, however, have solutions. So keep at it!
#1 I don’t know how to study a language!
The most difficult aspect of learning German for beginners is this: I’m not sure how to do it. We all study languages in school, but we don’t always learn them effectively.
In reality, many people are unaware of effective language study methods. Yes, what is the most efficient method for studying German independently?
Some people believe you can learn a language while sleeping. The key is to learn the German language rather than how to study. The distinction between curing and treating an illness is the same.
You are looking for a solution. You want to learn that language. To understand how language acquisition works, adopt the concepts of comprehensible input and spaced repetition.
#2 I’m embarrassed because I can’t speak!
For those with some prior knowledge, there is a skill imbalance when learning German. Speaking German as a beginner can be humiliating because you may be able to understand but feel unable to communicate.
That’s normal and usually not your fault; instead, it’s your study strategy’s fault. You’re also far too humble! You most likely know more than you realize.
If you don’t believe us, try conversing with yourself in German in front of a mirror. You only get one chance at life! As a result, you should make an effort to practice whenever possible.
#3 I’m frustrated because I’m wasting time and money!
Learning a language, like any other skill, costs money and time. Learning German is more difficult for beginners than for intermediate speakers.
However, neither time nor money should be wasted. The best German learning software can help you progress much faster.
If you struggle to find time to study, consider the downtime in your schedule, such as commute time.
You can learn German while driving if you have the right resources.
#4 I’m nervous because I make mistakes!
It can be frightening for newcomers to Germany who are afraid to step outside their comfort zone! We all feel anxious because we make mistakes so frequently.
So please bear with me. That is how we acquire knowledge. Making mistakes, on the other hand, is a sign that you are maturing. Making mistakes is natural, and if you have reasonable expectations, you will not be upset.
It can be beneficial to vary your study materials. You could, for example, study some German idioms, proverbs, quotes, sayings, or even swear words to make yourself laugh.
#5 I fear that it’s too late to start!
In the case of older beginners learning German, it may be too late to sound native. Starting and learning a language at a reasonable level, on the other hand, is never too late.
It may take a little longer if you’re older, but you can still do it. You can communicate correctly and effectively at a relatively high level in a relatively short period of time. As a result, German for beginners can be learned at any time.
#6 I regret that I don’t have time!
You might feel bad about not having more time. Even with a hectic schedule, it is possible for beginners to learn German.
If you stick to a study plan, you won’t get frustrated because you’ll know where you stand and how well you’re doing.
Use this tool to determine which schedule will work best for you.
#7 I feel discouraged because I can’t travel/live in _____!
Many people lament their inability to live in or travel to countries where the language they are learning is spoken. Although being there and interacting with the locals is beneficial, it is not always the best way for beginners to improve their German.
After all, if you travel to Germany, you can only use basic German for travel purposes, such as giving directions.
#8 I fear that I’ll forget it after I quit studying!
If you don’t use the language for a while, your proficiency will inevitably deteriorate, but you will never completely lose it. The good news is that once you’ve learned something and put it to use, it’s more difficult to forget.
In other words, beginners forget German more easily than experienced speakers. Because of this, learning German for beginners is only the first step toward developing a strong memory.
After all, even if you forgot everything, you’d still enjoy the process.
What’s your pain?
Did this list help you with your difficulties learning German for beginners? Naturally, you cannot – and should not – give up and claim that you were not meant for this. It may be more difficult for you,
but it is still doable. Furthermore, there are undoubtedly some things you can do to make your journey a little easier. You must do the following: Instead of learning haphazardly, make a plan and start with the 1,000 most common German words.
Finding amusing study materials, such as idioms or hand gestures, is also advantageous. Try to write every day; it’s no secret that writing is one of the best ways to remember information.
Don’t make studying boring; it’s understandable that you’d become bored if you spent all day reading grammar and listening to uninteresting classroom-style dialogues.
Have you considered not watching a German movie or the news with subtitles? Or how about listening to music in that strange language? There are also basic German classes available on the Internet.
If you’re looking for something for nothing, it’s not difficult to find free German classes. Another option is to look for good beginner-level German books or podcasts. In any case, there are numerous ways for you to learn German, so we strongly advise you not to give up!