How to get fluent, with Dr Popkins

How to learn a foreign language. Methods, matrials and stories to help you maximise your effectiveness on the road to fluency

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In-depth explorations, actionable tips and inspiring conversations for language learners who REALLY want to get fluent…..plus a little bit of fun along the way.

Polyglot Gathering relived! (daily vlogs)

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Polyglot Gathering daily vlogs

The Polyglot Gathering is an annual, four-day get-together for language learning enthusiasts. It takes place at the beginning of the summer. We all came home from the sixth Gathering in Bratislava in May 2019 and began looking forward to the 2020 event in Teresin, near Warsaw Poland. Alas, history had different ideas! For the next two years, the event was forced to switch … [Read more...]

Five fun Christmas foreign language practice ideas

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Christmas holly

We had ten days of "deep and crisp and even"-ish snow here in London, but, as I write this on Christmas Eve, I'm afraid we're back to the seasonal norm: rain and dank grey skies.  But not to worry! It's still festive enough here at Howtogetfluent Towers. 🎄  🎄  🎄 I do love a bit of Christmas kitsch, not least the … [Read more...]

A fun little vocab and writing skills project

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Grrr. It’s mid November and it's getting dark by half past four in the afternoon here in London now. By 8pm last night, when I headed out for an evening walk, it was dank and misty. It really felt like autumn. My mood, though, lifted up as I came across something quirky: a Royal Mail pillar box adorned with a knitted hat or “topper”. I’d heard before that there’s … [Read more...]

Goethe-Institut German A1 exam explained

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If you want the Goethe-Institut German A1 exam clearly explained, you’re in the right place. In this post we’ll unpick the format of this important beginner German language exam. We’ll get clear on just what the A1 test German exam itself involves. The focus is on the exam for adults (sub-titled Start Deutsch 1). We won't look at the beginners’ exam aimed at children and young … [Read more...]

Best German series on Netflix for keen learners (2022)

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What are the best German series on Netflix for keen learners in 2022? In this post you’ll discover ten strong contenders: what they’re about and why they’re useful and fun. Plus, at the end, two useful tips to help you find the shows and get the most out of watching them. Unsure of the value of learning German by watching TV? Well, many learners seriously underestimate the … [Read more...]

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