Listening is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for language learners at beginner and false-beginner level. Many learners assume they need more vocabulary. Or more grammar. Sometimes that's true. But very often the issue is that words, phrases and sentence patterns they've already learned simply aren't familiar enough yet for them to recognise quickly when they hear … [Read more...]
German listening practice on steroids (neglected technique)
Getting good German listening practice is essential if you want to get fluent. Even if you “know” lots of words and grammar, can read, write and even say quite a lot, listening often seems to lag behind. It’s really frustrating when you still can’t understand your favourite shows or movies. How embarrassing in a live conversation when you can’t catch the responses … [Read more...]