How do you say "Happy New Year" in your target language? It'a question I've had to ask myself as I saw in New Years past in Wales, Germany and Russia. The answers remind me, first, that direct translation is not always the name of the game in language learning. As we explore a few New Year's phrases, we'll get a quick glimpse of some of the linguistic nuts and bolts holding … [Read more...]
The Goethe-Institut German B1 exam explained
If you want the Goethe-Institut German B1 exam clearly explained, you're in the right place. In this post we'll unpick the format of this important "intermediate" German language exam. We'll get clear on just what the exam itself involve. 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 intermediate German exam as … [Read more...]
Joining it up: how conjunctions can transform your intermediate German
If you're already a solid beginner in German and looking to become move into intermediate, one of the things you have to learn to do is understand and use longer, more complex sentences. To transform your German as you burst into intermediate, you're going to need conjunctions. But what exactly are conjunctions? This post explains all. Let's look at the most useful German … [Read more...]
German modal verbs explained
German modal verbs are one of those welcome areas where German and English feel very close. When "ich kann" means "I can", "wir müssen" means "we must", what's not to like? Yes, here our common linguistic ancestry seems close to the surface, with English still forming questions the and negatives Germanic way. No "Do you can?" but a good, Germanic "Can you?", … [Read more...]
How to remember German noun gender: the ultimate guide
Learning the German noun gender system can be a real headache. In this post, I'm sharing some top tips on how to remember the gender of individual words. Taken together, the tricks will stack odds of getting the gender right significantly in your favour. The info below will save you time and give you confidence as you power ahead auf Deutsch. Los geht's! So what is all the … [Read more...]
Motivation for intermediate (B1) German: enjoying the highs and getting through the lows
After the initial excitement of starting to learn German, you'll already have found that your motivation goes up and down. That's true at all levels. But what are the specific highs and lows that you're likely to encounter as a lower intermediate (B1) German learner? In this post, let's look at the good bits (things to look forward to( and the not so good bits (and how you … [Read more...]
Intermediate (B1) German vocabulary and grammar: what and how?
What new vocabulary and grammar do you need to move from upper beginner (A2) to lower intermediate (B1) German? Maybe you want to improve your German for work or pleasure. You may even need to pass a German B1 exam. If so, you're in the right place for some actionable information what intermediate German vocabulary and grammar you need how to master it. We've already done a … [Read more...]
From beginner’s (A2) to intermediate (B1) German: What’s the difference?
If you feel like you've got the basics of German off pretty well but want to know how to break into the ranks of the intermediate German learner, this new series of articles is for you. What do you need to be able to do to call yourself an intermediate speaker? How to you acquire those additional skills? How's the process going to feel and how can you ensure that you keep going … [Read more...]
“Dr Popkins Method?” How I got fluent in German
To help you better in your language learning, I’m sharing my own story in the "Dr Popkins Method?" series. I’ve told the story of how I got fluent in French, Welsh and Russian. Now, let’s look at how to learn German.....or, at least, how I've done it. This post covers roughly the same German ground - but in more detail - as the second half of the vlog linked at the bottom … [Read more...]
Language momentos (1): finding a room with basic German
This is the first occasional post in which I'll be sharing personal stories from my language learning life. Highs or lows, big or small, they're some of the things I have in mind when I say that languages have enriched my life so much. I hope they'll help inspire you to get started or to keep going on your own language journey. It's often those small practical triumphs when … [Read more...]