Let’s not beat around the bush and just admit that German is one of the hardest languages to learn. You see, it’s a complex language with many rules and exceptions that greatly differs from English. But you know what? With the right tips and strategies, anyone can become proficient in this language. In this article, we will answer once and for all the question, “Is German hard to learn?” and give you the tricks to master this the right way.
If you’re considering learning German, it’s important to know that it’s a Category 2 language by the Foreign Service Institute. This only means that it can be a challenging language and requires at least 36 weeks of consistent study to gain proficiency. However, it may take less time if you’re genuinely motivated to learn! According to language experts, the language’s difficulty level is partly due to its complex grammar, including verb conjugation, cases, articles, and word order.
In addition, German has three genders and a variety of plural forms for nouns, which can make vocabulary acquisition more challenging. And if you’ve ever been to Germany, I’ll bet all my money that you also found the pronunciation of this language quite tricky!
To become fluent in this language, it’s mission-critical to develop a specific learning strategy that works for you. Some learners may find it helpful to focus on grammar and sentence structure first, while others may prioritize building their vocabulary and practicing pronunciation. But here’s the thing! Language learning is unique to you and you alone! What works for you may not work for others, so we urge you to try different methods and resources until you find what works best.
Let’s dive a little bit more into this topic in the sections below!
Is German Hard To Learn?
Yes, German is hard to learn! You see, this language requires you to change words that come in front of nouns to indicate which case the noun is in. Here’s a brief example of how the articles change to emphasize the meaning of “Hund.”
- der Hund (the dog) – subject (nominative case)
- den Hund (the dog) – direct object (accusative case)
- dem Hund (to/for the dog) – indirect object (dative case)
- des Hundes (of the dog) – possessive (genitive case)
But it’s not just articles that we need to change in German! Nouns, adjectives, and pronouns all change depending on the case they are in, which can be extra challenging for total beginners to grasp. In my experience, I had to set aside two full weeks to make sense of the changes per case!
German also has many compound words that might make you feel like your Hercule Poirot! For example, the long words “der Kühlschrank” (refrigerator) and “das Weichei” (wimp) may sound unique but may appear super confusing for language learners.
The redeeming factor in learning German? The word order! Surprisingly, the word order in German is not as complex as we thought. In fact, it follows the basic SVO agreement, making it easier for learners to break down. So you see? German is not that difficult! You just need to set aside more time to understand critical grammatical points.
German-English Cognates
One advantage of learning German as an English speaker is the presence of many German-English cognates. Cognates are words in two different languages that have a similar meaning and a similar form. Since English and German are both Germanic languages, they share many cognates.
Tips For Mastering German
Learning German can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Whether you’re a beginner or already have some knowledge of the language, there are many ways to master German. To help you out in this aspect, here are some tips!
Tip #1: Embrace German Media
Immerse yourself in the language and culture to improve your fluency and comprehension. Listen to German music, watch German movies and TV shows, and read German books. You can also explore German-speaking communities (groups) to experience cultural immersion firsthand.
Tip #2: Don’t Skip Grammar
Learn the grammar rules, including verb conjugation, word order, cases, and articles, as they are the building blocks of the language. While German grammar may initially seem complex, understanding it is crucial for becoming proficient in the language. Practice using these grammar rules through exercises and activities until they become second nature.
Tip #3: Speak With Native Speakers
Practice speaking with a native speaker, which will help you improve your pronunciation and become more comfortable with the language. You can find language exchange partners online, Tandem app, or through local community centers.
Tip #4: Use Advanced Resources
Use language-learning apps and tools like Ling or Rosetta Stone to supplement your studies. These apps offer a variety of exercises and activities to help you improve your grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Additionally, take advantage of online resources that provide grammar explanations, practice exercises, and interactive tools.
Over To You!
By following these tips and consistently practicing, you can overcome the linguistic differences and language barriers of learning German. Remember, language learning is a journey, and mastering German takes time, patience, and dedication. If you truly want to master the language and converse better with the locals, then now is the best time for you to focus more on your learning by creating a study plan.
One’s study plan can be as comprehensive or as simple as you would like it to be. For instance, you can add details like your time block for learning or even add a graph that shows how much time you spend on the language each day. The important thing is that you make sure to follow through with your study plan.
Now if you want something that helps you learn German AND track your progress simultaneously, you’ve got to try out Ling!
Learn German With Ling Today!
Ling is an online language-learning platform that offers a comprehensive and effective approach to learning German. We offer a variety of lessons for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, for German and 60+ other languages. Plus, all our language units are designed to be engaging and interactive, with a focus on practical vocabulary and conversation skills.
Whether you’re looking to learn German for work, travel, or personal enrichment, Ling is the best resource to help you achieve your goals. Try it out today from the Play Store or App Store to get started!
