Best Apps To Learn German

Why learn German with language learning software

Because of German’s popularity, it doesn’t take much research to find various strategies, tips, and other resources to help you study. However, since German is such a unique language, it’s challenging to learn without a carefully built study plan. Above all else, years of research mean that language learning software offers a course structure that will help you quickly learn German.

Another reason to use software to learn German is to better memorize the 20,000 words required to reach fluency. Language learning platforms introduce new vocabulary at the right time to make this process faster. They even include revision sessions to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Language learning tools also help with the complex German grammar system. It explains all the different verb forms, when to use one of the three genders (male, female, neuter), and more. Finally, since spoken German is so different from its written form, you’ll also need to study how to create sentences so that you can have conversations with a native speaker. And let’s not forget that German pronunciation isn’t the easiest. By integrating speaking exercises with speech recognition, many language learning platforms can evaluate your pronunciation and tell you exactly where you need to improve.

Recommended language learning apps for German

The challenges of learning German

Although German and English are both West Germanic languages and share some vocabulary, the truth is that German is far more complex than its distant cousin. That’s in part because the language is constantly expanding with new terms created by a process known as Wortbildung – you might know them as those catchy words like ‘Rechtsschutzversicherungsgesellschaft’. This means that German has dozens of ways of expressing the same thing, making it even longer to memorize all the necessary vocabulary. On top of that, you also need to learn when to use a particular expression. Language learning software won’t make this challenge go away, but at least it can make it more fun and ensure you don’t forget any words that you’ve already learned. And let’s not forget that Germans use three genders (male, female, and neuter), which follow some vague rules.

Spoken German is very different from how it’s written. Even if you understand everything you read, you’ll still have a hard time understanding what people are saying. That’s because Germans don’t speak with proper grammar as we know it. They substitute the genitive with the dative, rearrange sentences to emphasize the most important part, use incorrect verb forms, and the list continues. So, using a language learning app that offers both writing and speaking exercises is essential, but you already knew that since German also has such challenging pronunciation.

Best ways to learn German online

Language learning software will guide you through your German learning journey, but there are a few ways to improve your experience even further. The fastest way to memorize any language is through immersion, which means having contact with the language as much as possible. Fortunately, Germany is the home of fantastic TV shows, movies, and music. For example, if you’re into The Office, you can improve your listening and speaking skills by watching the German version of the show – Stromberg. Meanwhile, if you’re into crime drama series, Tatort has been running since the seventies and follows an ever-changing cast of police detectives.

German literature is also full of excellent books for you to read. The novel Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind was an international sensation in 1985, and it also got a Netflix adaptation. Last but not least, 6% of all websites are written in German, so you’ll easily find online articles about all kinds of topics.