Search Results

For learners of German, one of the first things you’ll need to get familiar with is the alphabet. At first glance, the German and English alphabets  may look almost identical, but there are a few key differences that can be tricky for beginners. Understanding these differences early on will make learning to speak, read, and write in German much easier. In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique aspects of the German alphabet , how certain letters and sounds differ from their English counterparts, and what role special characters like Umlauts  and the Eszett (ß)  play in the German language. The German Alphabet: An Overview Both German and English share the Latin alphabet , consisting of 26 letters. However, German adds a few extra characters that do not exist in English, specifically the Umlauts  ( Ä, Ö, Ü ) and the Eszett  ( ß ), making the German alphabet more versatile in representing different sounds. Here’s the full German alphabet: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Ä Ö Ü ß Similarities Between the German and English Alphabets The majority of the letters in both the English and German alphabets look the same and are pronounced similarly in many cases, especially for vowels like a , e , i , and o  in short words. For example: Apfel  (apple) Hund  (dog) Lampe  (lamp) In addition, many consonants also have the same sound in both languages, like m , n , l , and f . However, there are a few pronunciation differences, particularly regarding how consonants and vowels are used in German words. The German Alphabet: Accents and Umlauts:  One of the most distinctive features of the German alphabet is the inclusion of diacritical marks. The umlaut (ä, ö, ü) and the Eszett (ß) contribute to the uniqueness of German orthography. Extended Characters:  The German alphabet consists of 26 basic letters, with the addition of three umlauted vowels and the Eszett, bringing the total to 30 distinct characters- 22 consonants and 8 vowels. The English Alphabet: No Umlauts or Eszett:  In contrast to German, the English alphabet comprises 26 basic letters, and diacritical marks like umlauts and the Eszett are absent. English relies on context or alternate spellings to convey similar sounds. Use of Accents:  While English doesn't have umlauts, it occasionally incorporates accents borrowed from other languages in loanwords (e.g., café, façade). Key Pronunciation Differences While many letters look familiar, several are pronounced differently in German than in English. If not mastered early on, this can lead to confusion for learners. 2.1 Vowel Differences Vowels in German can be either short  or long , and the way they are pronounced can drastically affect the meaning of words. A : In German, A  is pronounced like the “a” in “father,” whereas in English, it can take various forms (as in “cat” or “cake”). Example : Apfel  (apple) – the A  here is short. E : The E  in German can be either a short sound (like the “e” in “bed”) or a long sound (as in “they”). Example : Tee  (tea) – the E  here is long. I : In German, I  is pronounced like the “ee” in “see” when it is long, or like the “i” in “sit” when it is short. Example : Tier  (animal) – the I  here is long. 2.2 Consonant Differences J : In German, the J  is pronounced like the English Y . For example, Jahr  (year) is pronounced “Yahr.” W : The W  in German is pronounced like the English V . For example, Wasser  (water) is pronounced “Vasser.” V : Interestingly, the German V  is usually pronounced like the English F . For example, Vogel  (bird) is pronounced “Fogel.” Z : In German, the Z  is pronounced as “ts.” For example, Zeit  (time) is pronounced “Tsait.” The Umlauts (Ä, Ö, Ü) One of the most noticeable differences between the German and English alphabets is the use of Umlauts . The Umlauts— Ä, Ö, Ü —represent distinct vowel sounds that don’t exist in English and change the meaning of words entirely. Ä The Ä  is typically pronounced like the English "a" in “cat” or the “e” in “bet.” It’s important to distinguish Ä  from the regular A , as they can completely change a word’s meaning. Example : Mann  (man) Männer  (men) Ö The Ö  sound is pronounced like the "i" in "bird" but with rounded lips, or similar to the French “eu” in “peur.” It can be a challenging sound for English speakers to pronounce correctly. Example : Hören  (to hear) Können  (can) Ü The Ü  is a high-pitched vowel sound, similar to the French “u” in “lune.” It is made by saying the English "ee"  in “see” while rounding the lips. Example : Türen  (doors) Früh  (early) Umlaut Tip: Learning to Differentiate If you’re struggling with these sounds, practice differentiating Ä, Ö, Ü  from their non-Umlaut counterparts by listening to native speakers and repeating after them. There are plenty of language apps, such as Forvo  or Pimsleur , that can help you train your ear for these subtle but important distinctions. The Eszett (ß) The Eszett (ß) , also known as the sharp S  or "scharfes S" , is another character unique to German. It is pronounced like the double S  in English (as in “kiss”), and its usage depends on specific spelling rules. When to Use the Eszett The ß  is used after long vowels and diphthongs in certain words, whereas ss  is used after short vowels. It’s essential to get this right, as it can change the meaning of words. Example : der Fluss  (the river) – with a short vowel sound. der Fuß  (the foot) – with a long vowel sound. In Switzerland, the ß  has largely been replaced by ss , but in Germany and Austria, it remains a key part of correct spelling. Letter Pronunciation: Phonetic Consistency in German:  The German alphabet is notably consistent in its pronunciation. Each letter typically has a single, unchanging sound, contributing to the language's phonetic clarity. However, some letters and letter combinations tend to confuse English native speakers. A  (ah) B  (beh) C  (tseh) D  (deh) E  (eh) F  (eff) G  (geh) H  (hah) I  (ee)             J  (yot) K  (kah) L  (ell) M  (emm) N  (enn) O  (oh) P  (peh) Q  (koo) R  (air)             S  (ess) T  (teh) U  (oo) V  (fow) W  (veh) X  (iks) Y  (oopsilon) Z  (tset) au [ow] Auto (car) ei [ay] Wein (wine) ie [ee] Wien (city of Vienna) eu [oi] Leute (people) st [sht] or sp [shp] if part of the same syllable, e.g. studieren (to study), spielen (to play) v [fao] as single letter but [f] in words, e.g. viel (a lot, much) w [v] Wasser (water) z [tset] Zeit (time) English Phonetics:  English, on the other hand, can be more complex in terms of pronunciation. The same letter or combination of letters can produce different sounds based on context, contributing to the idiosyncrasies of English phonetics. Alphabetical Order: Position of Umlauts:  In German, umlauted letters are considered distinct entities and are listed separately in the alphabetical order. For example, ä, ö, ü come after their non-umlauted counterparts. English Alphabetical Order:  In English, letters with diacritical marks are typically treated as variants of their base letters and are positioned accordingly in alphabetical order (e.g., café comes after cafe). Letter Pronunciation and Spelling: Consistency in German:  German spelling rules are generally more consistent than English. Once you understand the pronunciation of a word, you can often accurately predict its spelling. English Spelling Irregularities:  English, with its rich linguistic history, has inherited a multitude of spelling irregularities. Words may be spelt in ways that diverge from their pronunciation. Capitalisation in German Another key difference between English and German is the capitalization of all nouns  in German, regardless of whether they are proper nouns or not. While in English, we only capitalize specific nouns (such as names or countries), German capitalizes every noun, which helps distinguish them from other parts of speech. Example : Die Katze schläft auf dem Sofa. (The cat sleeps on the sofa.) Tip for Learners : Pay attention to noun capitalization when reading or writing in German. It can help you quickly identify subjects, objects, and other parts of speech. Tips for Learning the German Alphabet and Pronunciation Now that you know the major differences between the German and English alphabets, here are some practical tips for mastering the German sounds and letters: Listen and Imitate Native Speakers One of the most effective ways to learn German pronunciation is to listen to native speakers. Watch German-language TV shows, YouTube channels, and podcasts. Pay close attention to how letters and sounds are pronounced, and try to mimic them. Apps like DuoLingo  and Babbel  also offer pronunciation exercises that help you fine-tune your German. Practice with Tongue Twisters German Zungenbrecher  (tongue twisters) are a fun way to improve your pronunciation and fluency with tricky sounds like Ü , Ö , and the Eszett . Try repeating the following tongue twister: Blaukraut bleibt Blaukraut und Brautkleid bleibt Brautkleid. (Red cabbage remains red cabbage, and bridal gown remains bridal gown.) Practising these will help you get more comfortable with the unique German sounds and improve your fluency. Use Language Apps and Flashcards Consider using language apps like Anki  or Quizlet  to create flashcards for practising letters, sounds, and words that feature Umlauts and the Eszett. Repetition is key when learning a new alphabet. Conclusion Navigating the differences between the German and English alphabets is an important step in your language-learning journey. While both languages share a common base, the German alphabet includes unique characters like the Umlauts (Ä, Ö, Ü)  and the Eszett (ß) , and its letters are often pronounced differently. Understanding and practising these differences will help you improve your reading, writing, and pronunciation skills. With regular practice, listening to native speakers, and using helpful resources like flashcards and language apps, you’ll soon find that mastering the German alphabet and pronunciation is not as difficult as it seems. So dive in, start practising, and embrace the beauty of the German language! To get your German off the ground, you might want to read our blog posts on the conjugation of German verbs , the numbers in German , how to introduce yourself in German , and the 10 most useful German verbs for beginners .

Many argue that German is among the most challenging languages to learn , surpassing even French or Spanish. However, the level of difficulty depends on factors such as your native language, language learning experience, and personal preferences. If your native language is rooted in Latin or a Germanic language, the learning experience can vary. In this blog post, I'll explore what lies behind the perceived difficulty of learning German compared to learning French and Spanish. While German grammar is often cited as a major hurdle, it boasts a consistent and logical structure, more so than French or Spanish. The key lies in the fact that rules in German grammar, although numerous, generally apply broadly, with fewer exceptions than in Latin-based languages. Consider word order in German sentences . The fundamental rule is that the conjugated verb occupies the second position in a main clause, shifting to the end in a subordinate clause. Although there are connectors that blur the lines between main and subordinate clauses, once mastered, these connectors simplify German word order. In contrast, French and Spanish share word order similarities with English, but complexities arise with adjectives and pronouns, making the syntax less straightforward. E.g. J'aime les robes vertes. J'aime les nouvelle robes . The German language treats all adjectives in the same way. When the French language uses two vous right next to each other, they each have different meaning. E.g. vous vous aimez ,. The first vous means you (being the subject), and the second means yourself (being the direct object), but the verb comes third. Examining verb conjugation and tense usage, German proves to be more straightforward than French and Spanish. German verbs generally end in -en, simplifying the infinitive form. In contrast, French and Spanish present multiple infinitive forms, each conjugating differently with numerous exceptions. German also has fewer past tenses (Perfekt, Präteritum, and Plusquamperfekt) compared to the five past tenses in French and Spanish. Finally, the subjunctive mood in both French and and especially in Spanish (as there are more conjunctions to learn) is quite confusing. Not only is the subjunctive mood used to express necessities, possibilities, and judgments, it is also used in subordinate clauses to communicate subjectivity, uncertainty and unreal situations from the perspective of the speaker. In German, the situations in which the subjunctive is used are more straightforward and similar to English (hypothetical situations, polite questions, advice, suggestions etc.). The third example is the German cases (nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive) and three genders in the German language (masculine, feminine, neuter). While the logic of the cases is actually very similar in the three languages, French and Spanish express the difference between a direct and indirect object and the genitive case by virtue of prepositions and their endings, whereas German uses its articles. However, as German has a third gender- the neutral- that the two Romance languages don't have, there are more articles to learn, making the language more difficult in that respect. Of course, the list of grammar rules students need to master in German and in the other two languages is a lot longer. From adjective endings to numerous prepositions , but what about German vocabulary? While German vocabulary may be nuanced and less directly translatable from English, it compensates with compound nouns that offer clear, specific meanings. Pronunciation in German, once basic alphabet differences are understood, is considered less challenging than French and somewhat easier than Spanish. Let's finally consider pronunciation. Once you have familiarised yourself with some alphabet differences between German and your native language and remember the sound of some letter combinations like ie/ei , the pronunciation of German words is not as difficult as especially French but to some extent also Spanish. There are rules, of course, but I'm sure everyone who has ever learned French would agree that the language bends its pronunciation rules quite a lot. In essence, while German presents many grammar rules, and some may be more intricate than in French and Spanish, the language's logic and consistency are aspects highly valued by learners. Moreover, the richness of the German language provides access to a culturally diverse universe, including classical music, literature, and philosophy, making it a rewarding language to explore. The true question isn't necessarily about the level of difficulty but whether learning German aligns with your interests and goals—a question that merits a personalised response On our blog, you will find many other topics to do with language learning in general and learning German in particular. For instance, we review the online dictionaries dict.cc, dict.leo, Linguee and Collins , discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel, Busuu, and Quizlet , explain the difference between levels of language competence from A1 to C2 , and answer the question how long it takes to learn German .

Compound conjunctions are made up of two connectors that are used in combination to establish a correlation between two statements. Confusingly, they follow different word order rules in German . While some are used as subordinate conjunctions that send the conjugated verb to the end, others are coordinating conjunctions that follow the word order of a main clause, so keep the conjugated verb in the second position. Below, you'll find a list of all compound conjunctions with their English translation and examples. Entweder…oder -either…or Sie trinken entweder freitags oder samstags Bier zusammen in der Kneipe. (They either drink beer in the pub on Fridays or Saturdays) Ich lese entweder ein Buch oder ich höre einen Podcast. (Either I read a book or I listen to a podcast) Sie macht entweder Yoga oder Pilates (She either does yoga or pilates) Weder..noch - neither…nor Ich trinke weder Wodka noch (trinke ich) Tequila (I neither drink vodka nor tequila) Er möchte weder nach Irland noch (möchte er) nach Sweden fliegen. (He neither wants to fly to Ireland nor to Sweden) Nicht nur…., sondern auch - not only but also Er liest nicht nur gern Büchern, sondern er schreibt auch gern Bücher (Not only does he like to read books, but he also likes to write books) Man sollte nicht nur Grammatik, sondern auch Vokabeln lernen (One shouldn’t just learn grammar but also vocabulary) Sowohl… als auch - as well as/both…and Man kann heutzutage Bücher sowohl lesen als auch hören. (Nowadays, one can both read and listen to books) Ich besuche gern sowohl Ausstellungen als auch Gallerien (I like to visit exhibitions as well as galleries) Teils..., teils - partly Viele Leute benutzen ihr Tablet teils zum Arbeiten, teils um fernzusehen. (Many people use their tablet partly for work, partly to watch tv) Die Wohnungen in Berlin Kreuzberg sind teils heruntergekommen, teils ultramodern. (The flats in Berlin Kreuzberg are partly decrepit, partly ultramodern). Zwar….aber - it’s true/indeed….but Das Wasser war zwar kalt, aber wir sind im Meer geschwommen (It’s true that the the water was cold, but we swam in the sea) Er macht zwar nicht immer seine Hausaufgaben, aber meistens. (It’s true that he doesn’t always does his homework, but most of the time) Einerseits…., andererseits - one the one hand…., on the other hand… Sie findet ihn einerseits interessant, andererseits ein wenig humorlos (On the one hand, she finds him interesting, on the other a bit humourless) Er mag seinen Deutschkurs einerseits, andererseits findet er die deutsche Grammatik schwierig (On the one hand, he enjoys his German course, on the other hand he finds German grammar difficult) As the last example shows, for reasons of emphasis, you can swap the conjunctions in the first clause with the subject, but in the second clause the conjunction must be at the start. Two other examples would be Entweder lese ich ein Buch oder ich höre einen Podcast. Weder trinke ich Wodka noch Tequila. Je…desto/umso I discuss in a separate blog post because it is more complex than the others. As you probably noticed, “noch”- the second conjunction in the phrase "weder...noch" needs to be followed by the conjugated verb and then the subject. All other conjunctions in the second clause are followed by the subject and then the conjugated verb, which is the typical word order in a German main clause . Another thing worth mentioning is when a comma is used in German , which I explain in a separate blog post. Let me make a final remark. Compound conjunctions should not be confused with so-called connecting adverbs in German . In my other post, you'll find a detailed explanation of the difference. If you found this explanation helpful, please leave a like or a comment. Thanks a lot for reading!

Everyone who has ever lived abroad knows that the experience sheds a new light on one's homeland. Having lived in the United Kingdom for 15 years and working as a German tutor who is constantly in touch with clients from all around the world, I think I have a thing or two to say about us Germans. So, in this blog post, I will discuss stereotypes about us that are actually true. So what are very German things to say and do (in absolutely no particular order)? 1. To make plans for pretty much everything and well in advance is certainly very German. I am guilty of that myself, I must admit, especially when it comes to planning holidays. 2. To love rules and organisation. If you ever visited Germany or even lived there for some time, you'll know that there are laws and rules for almost everything. God forbid that the state would leave any decision to its citizens' "common sense". German bureaucracy is a beast that cannot be tamed! 3. Not to cross the street when the light traffic light is red , even if there is a no traffic. And not just during the day! Rules are rules for the Germans 👮‍♂️. 4. To complain, moan, and worry about everything that is not as perfect as expected. German perfectionism is real. “Don’t worry, be happy” 🇯🇲 certainly wasn’t written by a German! 5. To constantly open your window to get “frische Luft” (fresh air) because German houses are so bloody well insulated. My mother even claims she cannot even do any "work" in the house if the windows aren't open. 6. To be the world champions in recycling because we love the rules that come with it. Environmental concerns don't faze us that much! 7. To readily assume you’re fluent in English , even though it’s more Denglish- so English with Germanic grammar and vocabulary. My favourite example would be placing a restaurant order with the question, "Can I become a beefsteak?" The German word bekommen means to get, to receive 😉 8. To feel “cool” using English words like“meeting” and “call” and to use "nice" for the best thing ever. Cringeworthy- and not just for English native speakers and German tutors! 9. To reserve sun beds and umbrellas ⛱ by the pool 🏊‍♂️ . We may have started it, but now everyone appears to be doing it! 10. Struggling to comprehend irony . There is such a thing as a German sense of humour, but it’s not exactly subtle or dark. 11. To be terrible at small talk . Germans want to cut to the case and don't get the point of "how are you?" chit chat. 12. To be so brutally honest and direct that we rarely ever say “to be honest” (um ehrlich zu sein) because it (almost) goes without saying 😅. Just don't mention the war... 13. To throw far too many already (schon) and still (noch) into questions and not to realise how bossy this sounds. As a German living in the UK- I speak from experience. 14. To answer with "doch!" to shut down discussions. 15. And to say "genau" fifty millions times a day since precision is everything. On the upside, we also use that precision to manufacture the cars that are loved the world over. 16. To wear neutral colours like beige in as well as outside the office 24/7. Germans are not exactly world famous for their sense of fashion. 17. Proudly wearing the combination of socks with sandals as if it were the most natural thing to do. 18. To have gnomes in the garden not as a joke (because irony isn't a thing in Germany, remember?) but because they are pretty. Or aren't they? Weird! 19. To be obsessed with beer . Does any other country have a "Reinheitsgebot" (purity law)? 20. To eat Sauerkraut a lot. Some nations call us the krauts for a reason! 21. To love eating sausages and pigs so much that there are countless German idioms with them. "Es geht um die Wurst" (literally, it's about the sausage), die Sau rauslassen (let the pig out), and even "Schwein haben" (to have pig). 22. To be stingy as hell, particularly in the South-West. Not only did we invent the concept of splitting restaurant bills, most of us also calculate it down to cents!! 23. To be obsessed with German bread , especially when living abroad. Guilty as charged! So, yeah, that's us. Or did I forget something import? If so, leave a comment below. You might also be interested to learn 11 fun facts about the German language . So check out our post. On our German language blog "Auf Deutsch, bitte!" , you will find posts on many topics in German grammar that will help you to progress more quickly in German - from adjective endings in German , the four German cases , pronouns , prepositions to German s yntax . Find out more about our German lessons , small German classes , and new online German courses here. #verygerman

Prepositions are the glue that binds language together, providing essential context to spatial relationships. Two commonly used prepositions in German, "an" and "auf," may seem similar at first glance, but they hold distinct meanings and applications. In this blog post, we'll delve into the nuances of "an" and "auf," shedding light on their differences through clear examples. How to Use An and Auf in German Before we delve into the differences between an and auf, we have to clarify that both belong to the category of two-way prepositions in German, that is, they can be used with either the accusative or dative case, depending on whether there is a change of location or not. Let's now consider how to use an and auf. I. The Versatility of "an": A. "an" denotes proximity and contact with a surface or object. Examples: a. Das Bild hängt an der Wand. (The picture hangs on the wall.) b. Er steht an der Tür. (He is standing by the door.) c. Die Blume wächst an der Mauer. (The flower is growing on the wall.) B. "an" expresses attachment or connection. Examples: a. Ich klebe das Poster an die Wand. (I'm sticking the poster to the wall.) b. Sie legt das Buch an die Seite. (She puts the book next to her.) c. Der Schlüssel hängt an meinem Schlüsselbund. (The key is hanging on my keychain.) C. "an" indicates a fixed position or location. Examples: a. Das Gemälde hängt an dieser Stelle. (The painting hangs in this spot.) b. Die Lampe ist an der Decke. (The lamp is on the ceiling.) c. Der Zettel klebt an der Tür. (The note is stuck on the door.) II. The Spatial Usage of "auf": A. "auf" signifies a surface or object that something rests upon. Examples: a. Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. (The book is lying on the table.) b. Die Katze sitzt auf dem Fensterbrett. (The cat is sitting on the windowsill.) c. Die Tasse steht auf dem Regal. (The cup is standing on the shelf.) B. "auf" describes a sense of elevation or height. Examples: a. Der Ballon schwebt auf der Luft. (The balloon floats in the air.) b. Die Vase steht auf dem Schrank. (The vase is on top of the cupboard.) c. Die Flagge flattert auf dem Mast. (The flag is fluttering on the mast.) C. "auf" implies openness or a state of being spread out. Examples: a. Die Karte liegt auf dem Tisch aufgefaltet. (The map is spread out on the table.) b. Der Teppich liegt auf dem Boden. (The rug is lying on the floor.) c. Die Schreibunterlage liegt auf dem Schreibtisch. (The desk pad is on the desk.) III. Navigating Context: Choosing "an" or "auf": A. When to use "an": 1. Use "an" for attachment, proximity, or fixed positions. 2. Employ "an" when indicating contact with a surface or object. B. When to use "auf": 1. Use "auf" when describing something resting or being elevated on a surface. 2. Choose "auf" for situations involving openness, spread-out items, or height. IV. Practical Exercises: A. Create flashcards with sentences using "an" and "auf." B. Engage in conversations to practice the correct use of each preposition. In the intricate realm of German prepositions, "an" and "auf" navigate spatial relationships. By understanding their nuanced meanings and contexts, you'll enrich your ability to express precise spatial concepts in German. So, whether it's a picture hanging "an" der Wand or a book resting "auf" dem Tisch, embrace the subtleties of these prepositions to elevate your language proficiency. Other tricky pairs of prepositions are seit vs. vor, aus vs. von, and bei vs. mit in German. Check out our posts to learn about their differences.

Embarking on the journey of learning German can be both exciting and challenging, and choosing the right language learning platform is crucial. In this review, we'll delve into the features, effectiveness, and overall experience of using Babbel for mastering the German language. The Pro's and Con's of Babbel Babbel, a popular language-learning app, has gained recognition for its user-friendly interface and structured lessons. While it offers a convenient way to begin the journey of learning German, it is crucial to acknowledge its limitations and understand why it cannot entirely replace the personalised guidance of a German tutor. The Pro's User-Friendly Interface: Babbel boasts a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for learners of all levels. The platform's intuitive design ensures that navigation is seamless, allowing users to focus on their language learning without unnecessary distractions. Structured Lessons: Babbel follows a structured learning path, guiding users from basic vocabulary and grammar to more complex language skills. Real-Life Conversations: Babbel's lessons often incorporate real-life conversations, providing learners with practical language skills that can be applied in everyday situations. Interactive Exercises and Pronunciation: Babbel offers a variety of interactive exercises, including listening comprehension, writing, and speaking activities. This diversity keeps the learning experience engaging and dynamic. Pronunciation Practice: The platform incorporates speech recognition technology to help users improve their pronunciation. Learners receive instant feedback, enhancing their ability to articulate German sounds accurately. Cultural Insights: Babbel goes beyond language mechanics by providing cultural insights. Users gain an understanding of German customs, traditions, and everyday life, fostering a holistic language experience. Flexibility and Accessibility: Babbel's mobile app allows users to learn German anytime, anywhere. The flexibility of accessing lessons on various devices ensures that learning can seamlessly fit into diverse lifestyles. Progress Tracking: The platform enables users to track their progress, providing a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue their language learning journey, without being as gimmicky as Duolingo (read my review of Duolingo , if you want to find out more) The Con's Limited Free Content: While Babbel offers a free trial, access to full lessons requires a subscription. Some users may find the free content limited compared to other language learning platforms. Lack of Personalisation: Babbel provides standardised lessons that cater to a broad audience. However, individual learners have unique needs, learning styles, and proficiency levels that might not be fully addressed in a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Limited Adaptability: The app may struggle to adapt to specific learner difficulties or adjust the pace according to individual progress, hindering a truly tailored learning experience. Insufficient Speaking Practice: While Babbel includes pronunciation exercises, it might not offer sufficient opportunities for learners to practice speaking and receive personalised feedback on their pronunciation. Limited Conversational Interaction: Interactive conversations in real-life scenarios are essential for language acquisition. Babbel's focus on scripted dialogues may not adequately prepare learners for spontaneous conversations. Inadequate Cultural Context: Learning a language goes beyond vocabulary and grammar; it involves cultural nuances and context. Babbel's curriculum may lack the depth needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of German culture, customs, and idioms. Overemphasis on Technology: A. Screen Dependency: Relying solely on a language-learning app may contribute to screen dependency, limiting diverse learning experiences. A tutor can introduce varied materials, authentic conversations, and cultural immersion that extend beyond the digital realm. Limited Guidance for Complex Grammar: A. In-Depth Grammar Exploration: German grammar, known for its intricacies, requires thorough exploration and guidance. While Babbel covers essential grammar rules, it might not provide the depth needed to navigate complex structures effectively. Lack of Motivational Support: A. Personalised Motivation: Learning a language can be challenging, and learners benefit from personalised motivation and encouragement. A German tutor can offer tailored support, address specific challenges, and celebrate individual milestones. Conclusion Babbel undoubtedly serves as a valuable introductory tool for learning German, offering convenience and accessibility. However, its limitations, such as generic lessons, insufficient speaking practice, and a lack of personalized guidance, underscore the importance of complementing app-based learning with the expertise of a German tutor. A tutor provides the human touch, adapting to individual needs, offering real conversational practice, and fostering a deeper understanding of the language and culture. For a holistic and personalized language-learning experience, the integration of both Babbel and a German tutor proves to be a powerful combination. You might also be interested in reading my  comparative review of Babbel, Busuu, Duolingo, Memrise, and Quizlet , and my German tutor's guide on how to learn German effectively .

Mastering the present tense in German is a crucial step on the journey to fluency. It is the lens through which we view actions unfolding in the present moment. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricacies of the German present tense, understand its usage, and delve into the nuances that make it an indispensable part of everyday communication. A Deep Dive into German Present Tense In the vast sea of German grammar, the present tense stands as a fundamental cornerstone, shaping the way we express actions, thoughts, and states in the current moment. Whether you're a language enthusiast eager to unravel the intricacies of linguistic expression or a German learner striving for mastery, understanding the present tense is essential. This blog post serves as your compass, guiding you through the nuances of the present tense in German. Join us on this linguistic exploration, where we'll delve into the structure, usage, and unique characteristics that define how the German language captures the essence of the here and now. Understanding the Present Tense in German: Let's Start with the Basics In German, the present tense is used to express actions happening in the present moment. Whether describing routine activities, ongoing events, or expressing general truths, the present tense is your linguistic gateway. Unlike English, where verb conjugations are minimal, German demands a closer look at verb forms, particularly for regular and irregular verbs. Conjugating Regular Verbs Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern in the present tense. The stem, obtained by removing the "-en" ending from the infinitive form, stays consistent. Endings for different pronouns are then added. Let's take the verb "spielen" (to play) as an example: ich spiele (I play) du spielst (you play, singular informal) er/sie/es spielt (he/she/it plays) wir spielen (we play) ihr spielt (you play, plural informal) sie/Sie spielen (they/you play, formal) Understanding the pattern that applies to the conjugation of German verbs in the present tense facilitates the conjugation of other regular verbs. So check out my blog post on the subject. Navigating Irregularities Irregular verbs, true to their name, introduce variations in the stem during conjugation. While regularity provides a formulaic approach, irregular verbs like "sein" (to be) and "haben" (to have) require dedicated memorisation. However, these irregularities often follow patterns, making them more manageable. Common Present Tense Usages Expressing Current Actions: The present tense is primarily used when describing actions occurring right now. For example, "Ich lese ein Buch" (I am reading a book). Conveying General Truths: German employs the present tense to express timeless truths or facts, such as "Die Erde dreht sich um die Sonne" (The Earth revolves around the sun). Talking about the Future: In German, the present tense can be used to discuss future events when context makes the timing clear and events are assumed to be certain. "Wir fahren morgen in die Stadt" (We are going to the city tomorrow). Narrating Past Events: In spoken German, particularly in informal settings, the present tense can be used to recount past events, offering a conversational and dynamic narrative. Subtle Nuances in Usage Present Continuous Actions: German often uses the present tense for ongoing actions. "Sie liest ein Buch" (She is reading a book) emphasises the ongoing nature of the activity. That is because the German language doesn't have an equivalent to the continuous present in English. Present for Future Plans: While German has a dedicated future tense, the present tense can be used informally for future plans when the context makes the timing evident and events are assumed to be certain. In unraveling the present tense in German, we uncover its multifaceted role in conveying actions, truths, and narratives. Understanding the conjugation patterns for regular and irregular verbs equips language learners with a powerful tool for effective communication. Embrace the present tense as your linguistic companion, opening doors to the vibrant world of German expression. As you embark on conversations and storytelling, let the present tense be your guide through the linguistic landscape. As a beginner in German, you might also be interested to learn how to introduce yourself in German and our beginner's guide to German word order.

Students often ask me how they should learn new vocabulary. Many simply write down a list of words and their translation or spend hours upon hours on apps like duolingo, memrise, babbel or the like. The problem with both approaches is that, while they might increase their passive vocabulary, often for only limited period of time, the new words don't enter their active vocabulary. In other words, they can't use them when they need them. In my experience, the best way to bridge passive and active vocabulary is the use of flash cards as shown below. Write the word you want to study- here "fahren"- in the middle of the card, and write anything that is interesting about the word grammatically at the top. Here, it is an irregular verb, so it is worth writing down its conjugation and past tense (Perfekt) form. This will help especially cognitive learners to remember the meaning of a word. Now, what is quite important when we try to learn a new word that we are keen to use in future is to write a sample sentence or two using the word in context. These sample sentences should be both self-explanatory and intuitive. If they are not, they are of little use. Finally, on the back of the card, you should write the translation of the German word into your mother-tongue. And last but by no means least flip back and forth to test yourself. Give it a try- you will learn many, many new words that you will be able to use and you are less likely to forget.

#Autumn is such a great season in my beloved #london

Are you an opera singer or music conductor who needs to learn German for professional reasons? Having worked with many singers and conductors before, my one-on-one tuition and small group German courses will provide you with the tailored input you need to advance your German and further your career. Just check my website for further details on our German lessons.

Olesen Tuition gibt es jetzt auch auf Deutsch! Für alle, die online mit einem erfahrenden Lehrer ihre Deutschkenntnisse verbessern oder die Sprache von Grund auf lernen möchten. Buchen Sie Ihren Deutschunterricht mit uns.

Even German native speakers make mistakes in their own language, but can you find what's wrong here? Then answer in the comments section. There are clues in our blog posts on nachdem vs. danach and dative prepositions in German. Learn more about word order in German and other grammar topics on our German language blog "Auf Deutsch, bitte!"