What are the German modal verbs? How do you conjugate them? How to use German modal verbs? If you want clear and complete answers to these questions, you're in the right place! 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 … [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 German noun gender. 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 fuss … [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 alreaday 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 can … [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 on the B1 German vocabulary and grammar that you need and how to master it. We've already done a … [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 of … [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 language certificate is best?
You want to know what's the best German language exam for you in 2024? Read on! This post lifts the lid on the range of German as a foreign language proficiency certification options. You'll find essential info on each to help you choose the right exam. You may need a German language certificate as a prerequisite to matriculation at a German university. Maybe you want to live … [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...]
Is German hard to learn?
Is German hard 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, German, like 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...]