Learning German
More than 100 million people speak German as their native tongue. German has a rich history in the Western world and is, along with Latin, the mother language of English. Find the best online resources for teaching German and learning German with the Learning German Web Guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsBasic German
German is more closely related to English than many languages, so you’re sure to pick up some vocabulary quickly. Use the sites below to find resources for Basic German.
Insights for Basic German
- There are a number of great language CDs and DVDs available. Each has a different focus and they’re all expensive. If you choose this route, three of the best German programs are reviewed at Learn German.
- There are many free translation sites on the Web but most cannot be trusted for translating long sentences or complicated ideas; they should be used only for single words or very short phrases. Ectaco is a good one for single words and The New English–German Dictionary works well for common phrases.
- Planning a trip to Germany? You’ll find invaluable resources for getting to know the culture and booking every part of your trip in the findingDulcinea Germany Web Guide.
Top Sites for Basic German
Getting started with German …
Deutsche Welle
is the best place to start learning German. In addition to instruction for all levels, you’ll find news, cultural resources and trip planning information.
Indo-European Languages Tutorials
provides a quick reference sheet that’s useful as a refresher or when you’re in search of a useful phrase or verb conjugation. Browse the phrases according to your proficiency level.
For German vocabulary, verb conjugation and grammar lessons …
Deutsch-Lernen.com
has 10 beginner and 24 advanced lessons. Once you build a strong foundation, check out the Quotations and the Jokes for a taste of the German sense of humor.
Transparent Language
offers a wealth of resources ranging from basic language and structure to games and proficiency tests. Browse the Products to shop for instructional computer software.
For German cultural resources ...
Vistawide
is an online textbook that offers both basic and advanced German language concepts. Use the left navigation box to browse resources.
Learning German for children …
Enchanted Learning
is for young beginners. Printable diagrams test basic vocabulary and grammar. There are also English-German and German-English picture dictionaries.
Learning Conversational and Advanced German
The sites in this section can help you in your quest for learning conversational and advanced German. Become more fluent as you practice using the language.
Insights for Conversational and Advanced German
- If you have the money and the time, consider studying abroad for several weeks or longer in an immersion school—it’s the best way to learn a language the way native speakers use it. Central Europe is the place to go, and you’ll find resources below to help you get there.
- Perusing German magazines and newspapers, online or off, can help drive home your learning. Try Germany’s most popular magazine, Bild, to keep up with popular German culture.
Top Sites for Conversational and Advanced German
For conversational German …
Digital Dialects
provides interactive games that test vocabulary and phrase recognition using audio and video. Most of the site is dedicated to beginner and intermediate speakers.
Deutsche Welle's
interactive course has hundreds of hours of practice for those who have a foundation in German. The site requires free registration and it’s very easy to use. Lessons include video, audio and written resources.
For advanced German …
Deutsche Welle
is the most recognized German resource on the Web. Browse news in German or switch to the English version using the dropdown menu at the top right of the page.
To study German abroad …
StudyAbroad.com
helps users find language and academic resources by subject, country and city.
LanguagesAbroad.com
allows you to search for specific programs to immerse yourself in learning a language. Use the left navigation bar to search by country or get a price quote by entering more specific information.
Teaching German
Whether you enjoy teaching German to kids, teens or adults, you’ll find links in this section that can help you meet the needs of your students no matter their age or level.
Insights for Teaching German
- Many large universities host offices dedicated to study-abroad programs, an approach to learning a language that many feel is most beneficial and effective. These offices are geared toward students but can be just as helpful when exploring possible study-abroad options for teachers and professional educators.
- The Web is full of German reference resources you can offer students when they need extra help. Grammar, vocabulary and simple translation sites can be found in the “German for Beginners” section of this guide.
- We usually avoid recommending sites that are mere directories of links to outside sources. In our education guides, we make exceptions to this rule in order to provide you with as much helpful content as possible. Make sure to approach every directory with caution and evaluate the links before using a tool in the classroom.
Top Sites for Teaching German
Vistawide
is the place to start if you need to convince your students to continue their German studies. You’ll find 12 persuasive reasons for why German is important, and you’ll get inspiration to keep going.
Abcteach
contains a directory of German resources organized by theme and by type of material. Download the worksheets as PDFs and use either in class or as the basis for assignments.
The CLA Language Center
of the University of Minnesota offers several great links to German language resources.
GerGermanGrammarPodcasts
is home to podcasts from Chagrin Falls High School. Search the extensive list of German grammar podcasts using the box on the right side of the page.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison
hosts this award-winning site offering German instruction through podcasts. Choose from five stories that make German come alive.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
