What are the best German series on Netflix for keen learners in 2025? 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...]
Enhancing the rhythm of your language learning year
We all love quick wins in our language learning but true success comes when we stay engaged over the long term. For that, habit trumps goals and motivation. But here’s an idea that may count as a habit but can also add some real motivational swing into the mix too: building participation in events into the rhythm of your year. Of course, a twice-weekly conversation or once … [Read more...]
Olly Richard’s new Uncovered (Intermediate): review
Here's my review of the Uncovered (Intermediate) courses for Spanish, German, French, Italian or Japanese from Olly Richards at StoryLearning. I’ve been exploring the courses from the inside and here’s the low-down: first in overview, then in depth. Listen up if you are at lower intermediate and looking for the materials - and a method - to help you take your language forward … [Read more...]
How to use German infinitives
In this post we’ll get to grips with German infinitives. What do we actually mean when we talk about the infinitive of a German verb? When do you use the infinitive in German and can you use it on its own as a bare infinitive or do you have to use the zu infinitiv (Infinitiv mit zu)? How similar are German and English here? Eh? Read on! All will be revealed, with lots of … [Read more...]
What to expect from a foreign language tutor (and what not to expect)
What to expect from a foreign language tutor? Well, if you think a tutor can learn the language for you, you’ll be disappointed. That certainly doesn't mean that it's not worth hiring a foreign language tutor, though. Get your expectations right and you'll find, as I have over the years, that a good language tutor can be hugely helpful at key stages on your road to fluency. … [Read more...]