Do you want to know how to speak German fluently? Well then, keep reading!
Tips to speak German fluently
One of the biggest difficulties for most people is understanding how to speak German.
You see, there are a lot of rules regarding grammar and pronunciation in any language, and while some people might understand those rules intuitively, others need a clear example or two before they start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
This blog will help you learn how to speak German fluently so you can confidently start conversations with friends, meet new people and immerse yourself in the culture of this beautiful country.
Get a feel for the language
Your first step towards fluency is getting a feel for the language. When you first start learning a new language, it’s important to understand how we use words in a sentence, how they relate to each other, and how they affect meaning.
Although there are some exceptions, German is not a “wordy” language. This means that we use fewer words than in English, and they are generally shorter and more precise.
Choose a German-English dictionary and start reading to help you get a feel for the language.
Look up words you don’t understand and try to figure out the meaning; this will help you understand the German word structure a little better (not to mention give you a new-found knowledge of the English language!).
Continue this until you feel like you better understand the German language.
Don’t expect instant results
As we said before, learning a new language can be very difficult, and there are no “quick fixes”. If you’ve never learned German before, you have to get used to the fact that it will be incredibly difficult and take a lot of time and effort.
As frustrating as this is, it’s important to put up with it if you want to learn how to speak German fluently. It’s common to expect to get fluent in a year or two, but that’s unrealistic.
German is a very different language to English, and it takes a long time to understand what’s being said and start using it yourself. But once you do, you’ll find it’s easier and more fun than you thought it would be!
Learn vocabulary before you learn grammar
When learning a language, vocabulary is very important. It’s what you use in everyday conversations and helps you express yourself when you’re out and about.
Vocabulary is often the reason why people struggle with learning a new language. It doesn’t come naturally to us, and it feels unnatural and unnatural to others.
This can be because a lot of words are new. After all, the conversation takes place in a different context than you’re used to (such as a “colloquial” (every day) setting rather than the classroom), or simply because you haven’t learned them yet!
You must first get a feel for German before learning the words to tackle this issue. Make sure you understand the sentence structure and the meaning of the words before learning grammar.
This will not only help you to understand grammar better, but it will make it a lot easier when it comes to learning new German words.
Speak from day one
Don’t try to speak German in your head when you start learning German. While getting a feel for the language, it’s also important to talk to yourself in the target language while in English.
This will help you remember German grammar rules and show how you would say things in German.
Try to use German words in your sentences when you can because they’ll help you memorize grammar rules a little better and make your German conversations sound more natural.
You don’t want to start learning to speak German by speaking in a completely unnatural way.
Make it personal
When you’re learning to speak German, you don’t want to talk about yourself all the time. You are starting a new chapter in your life, and you should try to make everyone you meet feel welcomed and accepted.
As we’ve already said, German is a straightforward language, so you don’t need to worry about over-emoting and sounding funny when you first start learning. Please keep it simple, keep it real, and be honest.
This will make you sound more confident and genuine and make others feel welcome around you.
Explore
When you’re learning German, don’t stick to the same routine. Getting stuck in a pattern and becoming comfortable in your ways is easy.
But this is very dangerous because it will make it much harder to change if you need to (such as if you struggle with a certain part of the language).
Try to mix up your routine whenever you can, and combine your lessons with things you like to do outside class. This will help you to stay motivated, and it will make it easier for you to find something to keep you interested during your everyday life.
Let’s sum it up
German is a beautiful language with many histories, interesting words, and grammar. If you want to learn how to speak German fluently, then you must follow these steps, and you will be successful:
- You should get a feel for the language.
- You should not expect instant results.
- It would be best if you learned grammar before learning vocabulary.
- You should speak it from day one and make it personal.
- Lastly, you should explore!
I hope this blog will help you learn German more fluently so you can confidently start conversations with friends, meet new people and immerse yourself in the culture of this beautiful country.
