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We all know that learning a new language is never easy. Especially one that is so different to your mother tongue. However, thanks to many online courses and phone applications, learning a language, like German has never been easier!
Throughout this article, we will discuss the many different available online tools to help deepen your knowledge of the German language. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, have a read.
Find out more about learning German online.
App's To Learn German On Your iPad/iPhone
Learning German using apps on your phone is a fun and effective method to learn how to speak the language.
Babbel
Babbel was founded in January 2008 and is the world’s first ever language-learning application, available in 14 diverse languages, including German. It is available both on the web, as well as on Android and iOS.
It offers language courses both on its website and app.
Are you a beginner in German or are you more of a confident speaker? Whichever you may be, Babbel tailors to different levels.
Babbel's lessons are made up of different aspect to learn the language properly:
- New vocabulary words in each lesson.
- An oral lesson.
- Grammar methods.
- You can then review what you've learned for future reference.
Each lesson takes around 10-15 minutes to complete, depending on your level and knowledge of German.
Anki
Anki was released only 4 months ago but has made a massive impact on German learners. Its name, "Anki" means "memorisation" in Japanese, which is a perfect name as this app makes learning German easy through memorising.
It has an excellent flash card and sound feature for learning German vocabulary.
Advantages:
- Anki is perfect for enhancing your level in German for the long run.
- You can translate into and from German.
- Anki is available to download on Google Play, Android, and iOS.
- Available to use on the web.
- You can use Anki's own flashcards or you can make your own.
The Best German Translators Online
Need help with German translations? Try these online translation tools.
Google Translate
We have all heard of Google Translate, it's everyone's "go to translation tool". However, how accurate is it? Well, it is safe to say that its technology is becoming increasingly advanced. It is efficient and a lot more precise than other online translation tools.
You simply type in the word or phrase you wish to translate into or from German, it then generates a non-human translation.
For example, let's use a simple English phrase to German:
This translation is accurate.
However, translating longer phrases with more complicated meanings prove to be a struggle for Google Translate, it is unable to generate natural translations as it uses non-human translations. Non-human translator tools aren't great as they are unable to gauge the exact meaning.
But, Google Translate is great if you're looking to generate a fast and short translation into and from German.
And, the best part is: it's free!
Linguee
Linguee has been available on the web since 2007. You can translate to and from many languages, including German, of course.
This website is mostly common amongst translation students and professional translators.
How does it work?
You type in the short phrase or expression you wish to translate and Linguee comes up with a variety of translations.
- It is a lot more accurate than Google Translate and Bing.
- The best thing about Linguee is they are all natural human translations.
- Excellent for vocabulary translations.
So, if you're looking to widen your vocabulary in German, then use Linguee and translate from and to your mother tongue!
The Best Websites for Learning Geman
Learning German is becoming easier with the introduction of new language learning websites.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta stone was released online in 2014 and is available online and to download on iOS and Android, in a whopping 24 languages! Of course, including German.
The brains behind Rosetta Stone promise that by using their language-learning tool, you can easily learn a new language, such as German, without visiting Germany! Sounds cool, right?
How does it work?
- Rosetta Stone believe that the best way of learning German is not through translation.
- It's extremely interactive.
- It teaches German vocabulary on a variety of topics and is also great for improving your German pronunciation! Which is great considering German pronunciation is not a walk in the park...
- Practice having a German conversation with one of Rosetta Stone's German native tutors, similar to a Skype call. You can ask your tutor anything to do with German.
However, Rosetta Stone does come at a price, and you have the option of opting for a 12 month or 24-month membership.
Memrise
Memrise is available to download on iOS and Android and it is available on the web. Founded in 2005, Memrise is available in 25 languages, including German!
Memrise does not offer lessons in pronunciation, reading and grammar. I bet you like the sound of this!
So, how does it work?
- Memrise is tailored to your personal level in German.
- It offers basic vocabulary words, like, "cat" and "brother" for beginners in German.
- More advanced German language learners have an insight into more complex phrases.
- Memrise does not require an internet connection on iOS and Android!
- You can hear a word pronounced by a German native speaker, improving your listening and pronunciation skills.
Whatever your level may be, if you're interested in learning new German vocabulary through photos and mems, then Memrise is suitable for you!
The Best Websites to Find a German Tutor
Find a private German tutor to help you learn and practice your German skills.
Superprof
Superprof is a free service that helps tutors and tutees find each other another via a secure and easy-to-use online tuition platform. You can either take lessons locally, face t0 face, or online around the UK or the world!
Superprof has tutors offering tuition in more than 1000 subjects (which go much further than academic support). Our dynamic startup has revolutionised one on one tutoring!
Whether you're a beginner in German or are more advanced, Superprof is the right place for you as our tutors will tailor their classes to your needs and requirements.
Since it was founded in August of 2013, Superprof has become a high-quality resource in the eyes of all who wish to find a tutor or start a tutoring business.
The Best Podcasts for Learning German
Podcasts are a cheap and fun way of getting to grips with a foreign language. Read more about German language podcasts here.
Slow German
Slow German is a great way to enhance your level in German, whether you're an advanced or an intermediate learner. Each episode is hosted by a German native journalist, Annik, who lives in Southern Germany.
These podcasts help towards situations you may find yourself in Germany. For example, on how to order in a restaurant or to ask where the toilet is in German.
For intermediate learners, each lesson is held entirely in German at a slow and easy pace. This will give you the opportunity to get to used to hearing German. A transcript for each lesson is also provided.
German Lingq
Have you ever sat in a coffee shop trying to eavesdrop on what the people around you are saying? Yes? No? Well, we've all done it! It must be frustrating to not understand what they're saying if they're talking German but don't worry, that won't be for long!
With German Lingq, you can listen to native German speakers talking about common topics, such as, spending the day at the beach or the zoo, or going to a restaurant. Their podcasts are specifically designed for beginners and intermediates, so you won't feel left behind.
Did you know that German is one of the top languages tested at GCSE level?
Conclusion
Online language-learning tools, such as Memrise seem great until you realise you're not actually interacting with a real life German person. So, at times when you're unclear about something, you can't stop to ask a question, which can be quite annoying!
So, if you're looking for one-to-one online German lessons, your best bet would be to subscribe to Superprof.
These online language-learning tools are still great to learn German, when you want and how you want, in the comfort of your own home.
There is no time pressure and no homework. You are your own teacher!
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The platform that connects tutors and students
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