“Do I need to learn German grammar”? "Is German grammar important?" Those are question we often ask ourselves as beginner - and intermediate - German learners. The answer is “yes, but”. This post explains why grammar matters but also how it can get in the way if you don’t approach it right. "Ok, so if I really do need it, how do I learn German grammar?" You’ll discover the … [Read more...]
The Goethe-Institut German A2 exam explained
If you want the Goethe-Institut German A2 exam clearly explained, you're in the right place. In this post we'll unpick the format of this important "upper beginner" German language exam. We'll get clear on just what the A2 test German exam itself involves. That'll help you decide whether it's for you. You'll get a better sense of what you need to achieve to pass this … [Read more...]
Kyiv, Kiev, Odesa, Odessa
It's getting lighter here in the evenings at last...literally, if not metaphorically. For the last two weeks, I've been glued to the news sites and social media, following the horrific events in Ukraine. I've also been in contact with some of Russian and Ukrainian friends I've made over the years. When I first visited Russia … [Read more...]
Language learning “anchors” and getting back on track
Making language learning a regular habit is half the battle on the road to fluency. But "life" will sometimes totally get in the way of your language learning plans.That much is sure. The trick is to make sure you're all set up to get back on track when things calm down.In a recent post, we looked at how to keep things ticking over at a much lower level when you're hit by … [Read more...]
How to learn Portuguese fast
So, you want to learn Portuguese fast? Follow the advice in this post and you can get yourself ready to use your Portuguese in the sorts of basic everyday contexts that we all need or in highly specialised contexts that are personal to you. This post is addressed to you if you're a beginner, a false beginner or rusty. That said, much of what you'll read will also help … [Read more...]
TRKI Fourth Certificate: the fullest “how to” candidate interview yet
I'm delighted to present the latest in Howtogetfluent's well-established series of interviews with successful candidates for the most advanced Russian exam, the TRKI 4th Certificate. The Тест по русскому языку как иностранному Четвертый сертификационный уровень (ТРКИ-4), as it’s known in Russian, is the top exam for Russian as a foreign language. The exam … [Read more...]
How to keep learning a language when life’s turned upside down
Last September, my life got turned a bit upside down. First, routine tests revealed that my dad had cancer and he had to go into hospital for a major op. I decamped to stay at his apartment near Oxford so I could visit him hospital. We expected him to be out in five days, but he was in for a month. For a few days, things look pretty grim and it was just at that point that I … [Read more...]
Three encouraging language learning truths
Learning languages can be an exciting, thrilling process. But it also takes a lot of time and, if you're "in" for the long haul, you'll have your ups and downs. Here are three encouraging truths to buck you up a bit next time you're starting to flag. Why you're good enough to get fluent, even if others are better If you're anything like me, you may sometimes look at … [Read more...]
The 50 most common German adjectives
Learning the most frequent German words is makes tactical sense when you're starting to learn the language. Below, you'll find a full list of the fifty most common German adjectives. Adjectives are words that describe what somebody or something is like, for example old, young, intelligent, red, tired. For example “Der Mann ist alt” (the man is old), "Das Buch ist neu" (The book … [Read more...]
How to learn Spanish fast
So, you want to learn Spanish fast? Follow the advice in this post and you can get yourself ready to use your Spanish in the sorts of basic everyday contexts that we all need or in highly specialised contexts that are personal to you. This post is addressed to you if you're a beginner, a false beginner or rusty. That said, much of what you'll read will also help … [Read more...]