BEST free resources to learn German + language study plans (A1 to C2) 2024 UPDATED

Want to know the best free resources to learn German + language study plans (A1 to C2) 2024? Look no further, this is the most updated video you'll find for high quality free resources!
After having reached a C2 in German, I'm going to share with you the best free resources I have used to learn German. They all helped me reach the highest level on the CEFR language framework (I was on a budget, after all!).
Note that you do not have to use absolutely everything I mention here to learn German. Though each resource is high quality, overwhelming yourself with resources can deter progress and focus. Revisit this video after trying out a few, and tell me how you found them!
My recommended textbooks for German self study:
Schaum's Grammar: amzn.to/3LrGV7v
Hueber A1/A2 Self Study Course: amzn.to/48hrjNz
Living Language German: amzn.to/45UsDEt
Practice Makes Perfect German: amzn.to/3PmZnPQ
WANT TO WORK WITH ME DIRECTLY?
→ Become more authentically YOU in your languages to end the frustration and stress (and, finally feel more calm, confident, and proud about your progress!). Work with me in my deep dive workshops that offer a more sustainable, therapeutic, and holistic approach to learning. Join the waitlist to know when I’m hosting the next one: language-travel-adoptee.ck.pa...
→ Join the WAITLIST for the Mindful Multilinguals Collective, my signature group coaching program to go from stuck and frustrated to calm, confident, and finding joy and clarity learning multiple languages: language-travel-adoptee.ck.pa...
→ I coach language learners 1:1! If you want to get ahead in your language learning, long term goals, confidence, and success instead of feeling stuck and overwhelmed… Book your FREE discovery call here to see if we’d be a great fit: calendly.com/languageadoptee/...
Get my free guide to access what PAID resources to learn German I used (plus the best resources I've used to learn 7 other languages and counting) HERE:
language-travel-adoptee.ck.pa...
Remember your language story matters, no matter where you are in your journey. Be kind, be vulnerable, and I wish you lots of joy diving in to learn German (plus my language study plans recommended for you to try at the end...no matter if you are A1-C2 in German!). Got questions? Leave a comment about what you found helpful in this video and which best free resource to learn German you'll try next!
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:22 Best resources to learn german (any level)
3:40 Best dictionaries to learn German (any level)
4:20 Beginner KZbin Channels to learn German
5:40 Intermediate/Advanced KZbin Channels to learn German
8:04 Beginner Podcasts
8:20 Intermediate Podcasts
8:43 Advanced Podcasts
9:08 Miscellaneous (music, vocabulary practice, German blog, tandem)
11:25 Language Study Plans for German
12:05 A1 Language Study Plan
12:45 A2 Language Study Plan
14:01 B1 Language Study Plan
15:27 B2 Language Study Plan
16:32 C1/C2 Language Study Plan
Disclaimer: This description contains affiliate links, which means I get a small commission from what you buy going through them. Thank you so much for your support!

[@languagetraveladoptee]

→ Become more authentically YOU in your languages to end the frustration and stress (and, finally feel more calm, confident, and proud about your progress!). Work with me in my deep dive workshops that offer a more sustainable, therapeutic, and holistic approach to learning. Join the waitlist to know when I’m hosting the next one: language-travel-adoptee.ck.page/c9877e34c8 → I coach language learners 1:1! If you want to get ahead in your language learning, long term goals, confidence, and success instead of feeling stuck and overwhelmed… Book your FREE discovery call here to see if we’d be a great fit: calendly.com/languageadoptee/30min Join the Waitlist for the Mindful Multilinguals Collective to go from stuck and overwhelmed in your studies to resilient, confident, and find joy and clarity learning multiple languages: language-travel-adoptee.ck.page/f55e614c79 Get a $25 discount when you Learn German with Lingoda: referral.lingoda.com/6ttjn8

[@rizwanqadeer2412]

In how much time you spent to get fluency in German language? If someone wants to pass German B1 or B2, what do you recommend and how much time it would take?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

@rizwanqadeer2412 hi! I recommend you watch this video to get a good idea of my own German journey: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKC3eWmHbJxkpbMsi=4CkLHKwiRI4ZCsq8 Also, reaching a certain level, within a certain time, and motivations for doing so are extremely personable, so there's no right or wrong answer without more information

[@Daviddaze]

Don't forget some fun channels like Deutsch1, DeutschLera, and German with Laura. Fun and knowledgeable ladies that help describe German intermediate quirky stuff!

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Those sound like great ones! Thanks for sharing

[@RaphaelManalo]

German with Laura thats the one that takes forever to do an intro and the actual content is only like a quarter of the video

[@takutoazia3185]

thanks bro。Danke leute。

[@mambofornasa]

I love German with Laura!

[@carlacl6000]

This video is very very HELPFUL. It's worth watching the entire video, you won't regret it. AND i don't understand WHY DOES THIS VIDEO HAVE SO FEW VIEWS!? She deserves so much more.

[@mambofornasa]

This is the MOST DETAILED VIDEO of how to learn German on the internet!!! Complete with resources for every stage of your language learning 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Vielen Dank für the resources💛 I'll be visiting your page periodically as I advance my language learning ✌️

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I'm glad it's helpful!

[@jennnnaaa7]

awesomeeeeee video. danke

[@millie_s_]

Amazing and helpful! Thanks :)

[@languagetraveladoptee]

So glad to hear!:)

[@bbyeonie]

wooow, so many resources!!! thank you so much for making this video 🌷

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I'm glad you enjoyed watching🇩🇪

[@chloebooher]

Wow, this is such an in depth and helpful video! The study plans are especially helpful. Thanks Emily!

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hi Chloe! It makes me happy to hear it was really helpful for you. Viel Spaß beim Lernen!💯

[@srisuyatmi5719]

Thank you so much

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Welcome 🙏

[@amritapatel4973]

sending loads of love and thanks ahhh seriously sisoo you helped me a lot thank you thank you again

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Welcome 🙏

[@DEUTSCH-kurzundknackig]

Wow, that's really huge with so many free and useful resources you mentioned. Amazing!

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@delighteze5980]

Brilliant study plan, Dankeschön.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Bitteschön!

[@aliix8215]

JUST WOW MARVELLOUS VIDEO THNKS VERY MUCH

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Of course!

[@melaniegrace7707]

Deutsch Verstehen was really what helped me transition from a beginner to being conversational. When I wanted something that was still easy but slightly more challenging… I went to MSA deutsch which is the German my story animated channel. The visuals help a lot with making the input comprehensible.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I don't know of this one but sounds really cool! I will have to check it out for my students:) thanks for sharing with us!

[@RubyDuran]

a lot of new resources i was not aware of! very helpful. I really admire how you managed to get to a C2 level through using these free resources!!! amazing work with your videos!!! thanks so much for sharing 💕

[@languagetraveladoptee]

So glad I could give you new ideas!:)

[@laura-cx8fb]

wow your channel is so helpful and you give me extra motivation !!!

[@languagetraveladoptee]

So glad to hear😊

[@elhamfathi5996]

Wunderbar!danke

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Bitteschön🌟

[@samueleditz6346]

Great explanation❤

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Glad it helped!

[@curious2625]

Thank you very much 👍🏻

[@languagetraveladoptee]

You're so welcome!

[@curious2625]

@@languagetraveladoptee ❤️

[@mahmoudsayed5612]

Really thanks a lot you helped me❤️

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Of course!

[@esta3492]

I just stumbled upon your channel and this is by the far the best video that breaks down German learning resources. So informative ! & brilliant study plan suggestion! Thank you! ❤

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I'm so glad you enjoyed Esta! Will be working later this year on resource videos for other languages:)

[@MiGosta-lr2md]

thank you very much

[@languagetraveladoptee]

No problem!

[@peterchen1418]

❤❤❤❤thank you for your help

[@languagetraveladoptee]

No problem!

[@frezerify]

Danke für die Informationen. ❤❤Super

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Gern Geschehen!

[@jeannematip8687]

You and your Video are just amazing.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Glad I could help!

[@OliviaMendez-nr6sl]

Best resources video for learning German that I've ever found, really pays to watch till the end even though you aren't advanced yet

[@languagetraveladoptee]

So glad it's helped you!

[@madewithlovestickers4043]

Hi could yo do a more indepth video about NThuleen please.great video

[@sheeliekittie9298]

omg, you're too amazing, German was your FIRST language and you seemed to slide into it effortlessly!! i feel more comfort with Spanish and French, and although it's gotten less 'scary' or daunting thanks to the consistency of Lingoda, lol I think i'm always going to be a bit irate when it comes to this grammar! i'm sorry I missed your last Live Stream on Sunday but I can't wait to catch up on it and of course always love your videos.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Thank you Sheelie! I have another video coming out about all the steps I took in my personal journey learning German. That will be next week, so it will give you a better idea of what was going on with me at the time! Oh about the live, no problem. Replay is available, and I'm going live again tomorrow at 5:15pm EST if you're also free at that time! Hope to see you there

[@norran1585]

I love this video soo much ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Thank you for your efforts Can your make a video for french language?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Yes! I have other videos coming out until rest of July first, but wanted to see how the community here would respond before making more for other langs, thanks for the feedback and I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@moramogaming4895]

This video is gold

[@languagetraveladoptee]

So glad it was helpful for you!

[@mirmir0003]

thank you lovely lady

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@sheeliekittie9298]

THANK YOU for going through the time to put this together, Emily! These are such great ideas and resources. Do you teach on Lingoda also? Or just on Italki or other platforms? I am so impressed honestly with Lingoda. I think I want to create a new account, or two, for Lingoda's Spanish and French. The way they outline everything and conduct lessons is really good and the teachers, ( so far anyway ) I've really enjoyed them, I think some are better than others though haha. I would say Lingoda and Italki are worth the money because its the best way to practice with speaking and native teachers!

[@languagetraveladoptee]

of course Sheelie! I do not teach with Lingoda but have on Italki (though not recently). I've had a lot of success with Lingoda though definitely, especially with their sprints! Glad you're enjoying them too :)

[@aneeshvaidya7838]

Wow such a well researched video

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hope it helped!

[@jazibahmed1663]

i wanted to start learn german for my future career in germany this video helped me alot gave me so much knowledge to start with thanks for making such great videos i apressiate your work

[@languagetraveladoptee]

So glad to hear about your future plans, and that my video helped! It's always there to return to for reminders :)

[@ohmystress2876]

your channel is incredibly underrated. this is by far the best "how to learn german" resource on youtube, thank you so much for this video :)

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I'm so glad it helped you on your journey:)

[@sharmainepenalosa9021]

Thank you so much. Your video is very informative for people like me who is currently overwhelmed in learning German. I really don't know where to start even though I have online A1.2 ongoing 3x a week I felt like it is not enough for me to learn and dive in the language.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Glad it's helpful! It can be overwhelming for me as well when class is going on 3x a week or more, I find myself needing to have even more time to study and review outside of class

[@imamprayuda]

Its briliant, I need video like this in french

[@languagetraveladoptee]

In the works!

[@LearnGerman_with_a_Native]

I love your video! 🇩🇪❤️

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@the_Alphas]

thank you

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Bitteschön!

[@GermanGuru-rd3gf]

Yes, I also like Assimil!

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I've never used it but have heard realllllly good things, it definitely on my list to try for different languages

[@jboss1073]

I'm very picky and quick to criticize, but your microphone is excellent, and you have configured it perfectly.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I'm glad it's clear for the video!

[@MiltonJava]

Quite a lot, great.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Glad it helped!

[@chrisbunka]

Very useful as I am beginning my German language journey. Well, now that you asked in the video what our goals are, I decided to take up German primarily to use some day in business in Brazil (I got the idea from another YT channel). For me right now, Brazilian Portuguese is top priority. FWIW, there is an active German language meetup in my area; and I plan to attend it soon.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hey Chris, soo exciting! Thanks for letting me know, I find it so interesting keeping up with your language journey. Glad this video gives you some good direction starting with German

[@chrisbunka]

@@languagetraveladoptee​​⁠I especially found your blueprints up through B2 to be helpful. Even if I deviate from them in the future, it’s still a good idea to have a framework to fall back on.

[@motivationaddiction7307]

Underrated channel.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Glad you found value!🙏

[@jjonsb]

I can only afford free right now. I’m learning German in college and this helps a lot thank you for sharing.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Yay for free! Glad I could help

[@diegovictor3984]

I'm learning it for work and fun. I'd to have a conversational level by the Polyglot Conference

[@languagetraveladoptee]

you'll make it happen👏

[@Dannykhc]

It costs a bit but I went through the first 12 Asterix comics German edition, as such Zaubertrank is fixed rigidly in my memory

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Wow, so cool! I imagine that's also a really fun way to solidify everything into memory

[@joanna7868]

This is a lovely video I have watched so far....I am heading for my B2 but I have all along been confused with how best I can revise and pass the final exam....thank you my dear

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Of course Joanna! Happy to help you:)

[@adventureswithmadison]

I love these types of videos... I'm not learning German now or any time in the future though. Do you have plans to do a video like this for Arabic, Russian, or Italian? I do understand the time it takes to produce this video, I was just curious 👀

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hey Madison! I do want to make a video for all of those, as you said it takes a whole to produce but that's the goal. I have other videos scheduled that are not like this one though, I did this one for German to see what my audience really likes. So thank you for the feedback! Other types of these videos I'll probably work on in August:)

[@francieleazevedo1261]

Danke 🤍🤍

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Bitte😊

[@ivanacheong4121]

Thank you so much for this video. I am learning German currently for work and love this structure. Question though: I can't find the Lingoda PDFs or writing prompts anywhere. Do you have a link?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hey Ivana! After making an account with lingoda, log in and under the classes tab, choose the level and any class topic. After clicking on class topic, you should see a button saying "open class material" which let's you download the matching slide for that class

[@xavierribas6863]

Amazing video!! When did you start learning German?😀😀

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I'm glad it was helpful for you!! I started in 2015, it's been a while🇩🇪

[@JP-qp8vl]

Sadly on Nthuleen, the German 101, 102... etc course page links on the left no longer work. she asks to return to the main site, but there all the worksheets are mixed and no longer split for the different levels. Nonetheless, thank you VERY much for these resources!!! Really appreciate it!

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Oh no! Not sure why it's mixed up now. In any case, I still went to this page and did all the worksheets and handouts in order when I was using it, even without the syllabus and it worked great: www.nthuleen.com/teach/grammar.html

[@whyArnold]

Thank you so much. Both the video and the comments are really helpful

[@languagetraveladoptee]

So glad to hear from you!

[@poonehkakhki8579]

hey there! thanks for the video. what is the site you recommended for the lyrics ? 9:18

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hey! I was referencing again to nthuleen.com specifically to this page where you find different song lyrics: www.nthuleen.com/teach/lyrics.html

[@poonehkakhki8579]

THANKS A LOT. HOPE THE BEST FOR YOU.@@languagetraveladoptee

[@ahmadshaban1486]

شكرا كتير عالمعلومات هي بس ثالث طريقة ما عرفت كيف موقع lingoda ما عرفت كيف حصل الكتاب

[@andrijanaadamovic5545]

💙💙💙

[@user-fc1mo3he1d]

I just confirmed to get the text guide When I'll be able to get it?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hey there! I have a double email opt in, so you must press the button to confirm you'd like to receive emails from me before I can deliver the guide to you. Make sure to look in your spam and junk folders for this (or promotional tab if using gmail) and add [e-mail] to your contacts so my emails don't get hidden!

[@devicemanagement500]

Thanks for the Guidance! I must ask a question though. I am going for self-study for A1 and want to complete it in 2 months so should I give 2 hours daily to my study session? Will that be sufficient for me to learn or should I increase the duration of the session. I actually have the German A1 Exam on April 20 so I have to get prepared by that😅

[@languagetraveladoptee]

there's no right amount, I'd say start with 2 hrs daily and see if you need to adjust!

[@patriciapat6141]

Im interested I want to learn

[@sheeliekittie9298]

hallo Königin der Grammatik =) ( i think you know what i try to say here! ) So, I thought no better person than yourself to ask these 2 things. Sorry as I hate to bother you with technical questions, but before my next lingoda class, i thought you could help if you've , nur einen Augenblich =) - how do we use this verb in a sentence, it seems useful: spat dran sein. The Dran is throwing me off. Like if I want to say, I'm sorry I'm always late. Tut mir leid, dass ich bin immer spat. But then I think I have to add ' ich bin immer spat DAN' and i didn't quite understand that. - this came up in a recent lesson on Lingoda but unfortunately the teacher didn't have time to explain.so why is it, if i ask 'what is the difference between ' does 'zwisschen' take dative? I assumed so, but then why would the adjective be in the accusative. so for example ' what is the difference between the Swedish and German language'. Was ist der Unterschied zwischen der schwedischen Sprache und der deutschen Sprache? Am I thinking this correctly? it becomes DER Sprache for dative, but then shouldn't it be Deutscher and Schwedischer Sprache as well? Vielen dank =)

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hey Sheelie! Zwischen does take Dativ but adjectives always take the dative adjective ending -en (think of it as this, I wouldn't think of it as "accusative ending", I know they look the same but I would categorize them separately so you don't get confused!)

[@mazenali7067]

Thank You For The Resources, But I Have A Question, Where Is The Nthuleen 203 Syllabus, I Can't Find It.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Another commenter a few days ago said those tabs for 101 102 203 and 204 do not work anymore for some reason. However all worksheets are categorized and labeled here www.nthuleen.com/teach/grammar.html

[@hosea-kd6en]

hello thanks for what you have share am much grateful but i still need some help from you am just a begginner learning german from A1 TO C2 i request you to let me know where i can get a roadmap that will guide me specifically what i should learn in each step as i prepare for my exams, looking forward to your response. thanks

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hi! The most affordable and quickest way to work with me is in my public workshops I host every month or so, that come with live support during the workshop as well as a 1:1 consult so we can cover the specifics you're looking for! You can sign up here, the workshop itself comes with replay access if you can't make the exact day, and you can still sign up for a consult whether or not you attend live. I hope to see you there!: skyrocket-your-language-learning.onepage.me/

[@ahmedshaata6624]

I do not understand the Nthuleen part how to revise what i have done in deutch welle where is the connection

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Good question, you can really use either only Deutsche welle or only nthuleen (I actually only used the nthuleen worksheets under the grammar tab, and finished each one in the order listed on the website). However, both websites compliment each other well. For understanding grammar, nthuleen worksheets were the most helpful for me, but there was more listening practice with pictures on Deutsche welle. So, it's your preference with how much you use one and/or the other

[@diegovictor3984]

Record a video like this for French

[@languagetraveladoptee]

planning to--- Italian and Turkish are in the works, french is next

[@mrsandmrbutterfly]

Danke! Es gefällt mir sehr! Aber kannst du bitte langsam sprechen? So viele Informationen. Du könntest zwei verschiedene Videos gemacht und würde ich bide gehört.

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hey! Ich werde das für andere Videos im Auge behalten, du hast ja Recht. Danke für die Rückmeldung

[@linneaclay]

How do you access the lingoda resources?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

One must make an account first and select German for the account. Then it should give you all the access to slides!

[@hosea-kd6en]

are there free resources there@@languagetraveladoptee

[@anirudhshetty6902]

im planning to pursue masters in germany sep 2024....will i be able to learn german by then?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Definitely! That seems like a great motivator already, and you have a certain timeline. These resources will really help you get there, as I have used them with my students who learned German before also going there to get their masters!

[@anirudhshetty6902]

@@languagetraveladoptee Thank you for your response! Your help means a lot ❤️. By the way, do you have any insights or advice regarding the choice between using a consultancy and applying for a master's in Germany on your own.....I'm sorry for bothering you; I'm just a bit worried about it😬

[@languagetraveladoptee]

@anirudhshetty6902 it is my pleasure to help! According to my students, they have all not needed to go through any consultant or "middle man" to apply. I also lived and worked in germany for a time and could figure out the paperwork all myself with a lot of research and German skills. I wouldn't think it's necessary unless you feel you want it for peace of mind, but I only know what my past German students have told me

[@anirudhshetty6902]

@@languagetraveladoptee Thank you so much for your response; I truly appreciate it! ತುಂಬಾ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು, which means "Thank you so much" in Kannada, my mother tongue

[@MrChiriho]

Does anyone know these kinds of sites for french?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

I'm in the process of making a french resources video, would also love to know if others have found similar sites as well

[@SB-lc5qg]

Any other recommendations for German KZbinrs?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

So many more out there, Tomatolix is also fun to watch for different experiments, SWR more discussion based in psychology, and Seotadeo for data science in german! But depends on what niche you really enjoy watching

[@kokohamahivan8230]

How much time did it take for you to go from A1 to C2?

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Hard to summarize on a clear timeline, I'd say roughly 2 years but writing/reading/listening etc levels all became the strongest at the same time when I was actually in the country. Otherwise they were not since I was mostly speaking to practice

[@loveotherone3075]

what do you mean Nthuleen 204 syllabus

[@languagetraveladoptee]

If you go on her website, you'll see tabs to the left for German 101, 102, 203, and 204 which correspond to A1-B2 respectively (based of US college curriculums). Once you click on 204 you can choose to view to syllabus to see what order they do her worksheets in

[@loveotherone3075]

@@languagetraveladoptee thank you

[@languagetraveladoptee]

@@loveotherone3075 no problem!

[@loveotherone3075]

@@languagetraveladoptee i have the book Kaleidoskop: Kultur, Literatur und Grammatik. but i dont have the audio and the answer

[@languagetraveladoptee]

@loveotherone3075 I've heard of this textbook for sure but don't know much about it. Sometimes audio/answer keys is definitely hard to come by, the best I could do in those situations is have either a tandem or a teacher read the exercises I finished!

[@nirvanabarakat4468]

بتعرفي تحكي سوري؟😂💜 Danke schönn

[@languagetraveladoptee]

اي صح! Bitteschön

[@user_t9732]

you beautiful, vietnam or indian?

[@almucats5405]

This video was recommended to me by KZbin and I clicked on it not really expecting much. This is the BEST German Learning tools video EVER!!! Thank you so so much 🥹☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@languagetraveladoptee]

Ahh! I'm so glad to hear it was so helpful ❤️