Is talking to yourself a useful technique to help you learn a language? Many successful learners swear by it and, done right, it offers four clear benefits. First, self-talk (as the technique is also called) builds up confidence (by removing performance pressure). Second, it lets you focus entirely on your own voice (so you can pay attention to accuracy). Third, it's a … [Read more...]
German accusative case (one stop shop)
In this one stop shop on the German accusative case, you'll get a summary and detail on 1) What it is 2) When to use it and 3) What the special accusative case forms of certain words are. There's a clear explanation of the German case endings and my handy all-in-one table German case endings table. We'll finish with some take-away tips in summary. Let's get started! Los … [Read more...]
German nominative case (made clear)
In this post, you'll discover 1) What the German nominative case is 2) When to use the nominative case and 3) What the special nominative case forms of certain words are, including a clear explanation of the German case endings and my handy all-in-one table German case endings table. We'll finish with some take-away tips in summary. Let's get started! What is the … [Read more...]
How to find and fix mistakes in your foreign language speaking and writing
In this post, we’ll look at three easy but effective techniques to help you find and fix mistakes that you make repeatedly when use your foreign language, so that they don't solidify as permanent features of your speaking or writing. The distinction between good mistakes and bad mistakes when you use your foreign language First, let’s be clear! There's lots of scope … [Read more...]
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
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
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
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 (2023)
What are the best German series on Netflix for keen learners in 2023? 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...]