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...]
Which German exam is best?
You may need a German exam as a prerequisite to matriculation at a German university. Maybe you want to live and work in Germany or even obtain German citizenship. Or, like me, you may simply appreciate the value of exams in providing focus and a medium-term goal to work towards. A certificate can be a great objective yardstick of your attainments so far. You may be confused, … [Read more...]
Language learner’s update (May 2018)
I haven't done an update on my own language learning is going since my review of 2017-18 in late December. It's time to catch up. I also want to flag up what's been going on the site....and what's coming up. Back in Germany I'm writing this from Berlin at the start of a twelve day period in the German "Sprachraum". I'm here to celebrate the joint 50th birthday of three … [Read more...]
Learning German: what’s hard, what’s easy?
How difficult is German to learn? This mega-post about German is the first in an occasional, in-depth series - "Language Lowdown" - in which I'll be giving it to you "both barrels" on different languages. What's hard? What's easy? It'll be very much the rough with the smooth. But don't worry, every language does have its share of smooooooth. It can be hard to get … [Read more...]
German pronunciation challenge! (video)
A key to success in language learning is don't be afraid. Jump in and have a go! That's just what a great bunch of language enthusiasts did at the Polyglot Gathering in Berlin when I challenged them to practise their German pronunciation. The result? A new fun video, the "Howtogetfluent.com German pronunciation challenge". You can dive straight in by clicking on the … [Read more...]
Language progress when you’re seconded “in the field”: some solid advice
In this brief video interview, full-time student of German and Russian (and budding polyglot) Harry Ness tells us about how he's trying to make the most of his extended period working and studying in Germany. Whether you're a student looking forward to your "year abroad" or already in the world of work and preparing for an extended secondment, Harry's to-the-point tips are for … [Read more...]
How to prepare for an advanced language exam. Lessons from my Goethe-Institut C1 success
In a previous post I told you about Project revive my German and my new three-month goal: passing an advanced German exam (Goethe Institute C1). The pass mark is 60%. Here's the good news: I got 85.5%. A result! Now I'm sharing what I did to develop my advanced reading, writing, speaking and reading skills before the exam. I stress the importance of exam technique at … [Read more...]
Logging your language learning (and an update on Project revive my German)
As I look back over my latest period of focussed German practice and study - "Project revive my German" - I'm struck by the value of logging my efforts. Here's a brief overview of what I did, how it helped me and how logging could help you too in your own learning. First set your goal and your routine My logging was in the service of progress towards a clear goal: … [Read more...]