Learning tips for successfully learning the German language
Alemania supports you in your learning, therefore this text is deliberately in German for you to practice, because…
Practice, practice, practice!!
After learning a basic vocabulary, the best way is still: practice, practice, practice!! Language skills will improve much faster if you manage to speak no other language besides German for a period of time.
Many non-native speakers in Switzerland join forces with other people who speak the same language, often from their home country. This can provide a sense of security in a foreign country, but it will hardly improve language skills. Ideally, one should therefore only read Swiss newspapers, watch Swiss television and listen to Swiss radio for a while. And of course, seek contact with Swiss people as often as possible – even a short conversation with the baker or neighbor helps!
Grammar
One should also avoid the mistake of initially only wanting to “bring the grammar under control”. Grammatically perfect German is certainly very nice, but unfortunately anything but easy. And perfect conjugation of all verb forms will initially contribute virtually nothing to communication skills! Therefore, one must overcome shyness and simply start chatting away, even if it sounds awful at first!
Vocabulary
A good way to expand your vocabulary is to read texts aloud or repeat aloud what you hear. For example, you can repeat after a television presenter. It's not even that important whether you understand every word. Simply speaking aloud is enough to get your brain used to the new sounds. You'll be amazed at how quickly you suddenly incorporate certain words and phrases into your vocabulary.
Homework
Homework is an integral part of a language course and must be completed carefully, whether it involves learning vocabulary or completing grammar exercises. Homework is important. Students who are negligent about it quickly fall behind in class and subsequently lose interest in learning.
Incidentally, the same applies here: Speaking aloud while doing the tasks makes learning easier and greatly increases the quality of what is learned.
Intensive language courses
We've found that most participants in a language course with many hours of classes each day quickly become exhausted. The initial enthusiasm fades quickly when, in addition to the demanding daily workload, you also have to tackle hours of homework. It's also worth noting that with a shorter class day, you can more easily miss a class now and then. In contrast, with a class day that lasts many hours, it's almost impossible to catch up after an absence. Stick with it—it's worth it. Even if some days are incredibly tedious, the rapid improvement in your speaking skills with our Alemania learning system will amaze you.
Passive learning
Swiss television is a great way to improve your language comprehension. Television is free and offers a natural (and, above all, fast-paced) style of speech, just like you hear on the street. The more you watch and listen, the faster you'll pick up additional words and phrases. You'll be surprised how much and how easily you can learn through this kind of passive learning.
Conversation courses
An interesting and affordable alternative is a language exchange, where you primarily practice conversation. You meet in a small group and take turns speaking German. This is also a great way to meet new people and make friends. At our schools in Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne, there's an information board where anyone looking for a conversation course can sign up. Of course, you can also book it directly online.
German courses
From German courses for beginners to German level C2, from literacy courses to conversation training: at the Alemania German School you can learn German with ease.
German test
Take the self-assessment test "German Placement Test" here to get an overview of your German level. You are also welcome to visit us directly in Zurich, Bern, or Lucerne to take a German test.
