How I Learn German & Helpful Links!

[@christianwww]

I'm german and i learned the english language basics in school. But with that (Hauptschule)knowledge i would never been able to understand real conversations or even speak more than a single sentence. After i finished school i really liked a Nickelodeons kids TV-series that i wanted to watch as soon a new episode got released and i didn't want to wait until it airs a year later here in germany. So i've downloaded the episodes and tried to understand what the actors are telling and what the storyline was. It helped me a lot to hear "real" conversations to learn the language ...and if i did not understand the story i watched the episode again with joy :)

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

I think the most important thing is to get the grammar somewhat right. You are totally understandable, but you can really improve on that. I think, listening to audio books or audio drama (both in German, of course) could really help you with that! They can also often be taken home from the library like books, and since they are on CDs, you can just make a copy (which is officially a legal "Privatkopie" in Germany, as far as I know).

[@TheTuubster]

If you like to listen to conversations in Germany I can recommend radio podcasts from ARD in the Mediathek. The radio channels put up all their interview shows there. You can download them there as MP3. Google for "ARD Mediathek", go to the website, select the "Radio" section and then search for the following shows: "Mensch Otto" "Blaue Couch" "Eins zu Eins" "Hörbar Rust" "Tietjen Talkt" "SWR Leute" "THADEUSZ"

[@craftyapplepie]

Thank you for the info for the radio podcasts. I have also put a link in the description box for others. :)

[@RunderKeks28]

Joseph Haydn composed the melody but the lyrics were written by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841.

[@craftyapplepie]

Thanks for the fun fact about the lyrics!

[@RunderKeks28]

craftyapplepie You're welcome. :)

[@taktventil]

Och man, das wollte ich gerade sagen ;-)

[@taktventil]

And August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallerleben composed it on the island Helgoland 8-)

[@FSK40Gaming]

you shold listen to the old anthem, which was used in the time from 1871 to 1918. it wasn´t an official anthem but it was in use. i think you know it, when you listen to it :) it´s the anthem of the king of prussia and the german emperor. its on youtube, it´s called "Heil dir im Siegerkranz"

[@Uzair1987]

There are several factors in teaching yourself to talk German online . One place I found that succeeds in merging these is the Landra language tactic (look for it on google) without a doubt the most helpful treatment i've seen. Look at all the incredible info .

[@aubreykue]

THank you so much for this! I've been using the interactive course on the DW website and I feel like I'm learning at a much quicker pace than with the german-learning apps.

[@MickeyKnox]

What you said about "I don't like to watch TV/a movie with subtitles" is one of the reasons we have dubbing in Germany. Even though it seems like EVERY german speaks english, it is not - the generation of my parents does not speak english at all, even my older brother does not speak english. Even Alfred Hitchcock said, that watching films with subtitles is worse than watching it dubbed - and he spoke german too :)

[@Folgemilch21]

complete bullshit. once you get into it, reading subtitles is not hard at all. i watch eveything in its original version, french, spanish, asian films with subtitles - it's so much better than hearing that horrible dubbed dialogue

[@MickeyKnox]

good for you

[@Folgemilch21]

***** whenever someone says "the dub is better than the orginial", i can only shake my head. Hogans Heroes is about an german POV camp... by dubbing it in german, the whole situation gets completely distorted.. Just because you are used to a certain dubbing because you watched that as a kid, does not mean it is "better". A translation can never be "better" than the original. it is always a distortion and huge change. half of the actors performance gets lost. wordplay and humor gets lost. this is just a fact

[@MegaChaosGelee]

+Folgemilch21 While I acknowledge that part of the performance of the actor is lost, another artist brings his talent in with the dub. I don't watch movies and shows mainly to judge the actors, but to be entertained. Sometimes I hate the voice of the original, or it is hard to understand, but the dub is really great. So while I won't say which is "better", I certainly decide for myself what I LIKE better. There are good dubs and bad ones. Sometimes a mediocre performance can get enhanced by the sync. You say wordplay and humor gets lost, but there are many examples where they inserted something that not only fits perfectly, but may even be more clever or good in a different way. And no, to demand from everyone who does not speak English to just read subtitles would be very over the top. Because obviously, hearing and reading is a different experience and can get confusing for some, especially older people. Reading requires more concentration, so that may suck for those who just want to let a show wash over them after work etc. Or maybe they can't see that good anymore, or maybe the subtitles change too fast because the characters speak fast and they can't keep up (not everyone has the same reading tempo). So dubs can be a welcome alternative that makes many potential problems instantly nonexistent and in general is more comfortable for the wider audience. I agree that more people should at least now and then try the original version more often, especially if they speak and understand the language. There is a little bit too much ignorance going on in that regard. But at the same time, I'm really tired of this militant anti-dub faction that thinks it's the worst thing that happened to humankind and should be eradicated. MUCH work and talent goes into a quality dub, not only from the speakers but also of the Synchronregie etc. To flat out demonize it isn't doing those people justice.

[@armadspengler2717]

+MegaChaosGelee Very well said!

[@teuwaiseu_love]

Haydn wrote a string quartet :D. Second movement is the anthem :)

[@fabscoto]

Dictates are such a great idea! 💡 Thanks so much for the great video! 😃

[@philippaaamcm]

Such a great video!! So many suggestions I have never heard of before 😊

[@kevinpitt2203]

Hi Martha - first time here, got to you via the cat video, love BSH cats. Anyway, speaking German, I used to work in Germany in the bad old days of the late 1970's/early 80's. I was a welder fabricator, think Auf Wiedersehen Pet, it was about the same time as well. You will be a bit young to remember that. I was never going to learn German going round with my mates, Ein bier bitte, noch Ein bier bitte, sort of thing. I then ended up on a night shift with no British guys, and nobody spoke English. I was with an Hungarian, who came over during the uprising, one Tunisian who was saving up to get a wife, apparently 10 000 DM got you a decent one. The last one was an unbelievably miserable Spaniard everyone hated. The German raced along nicely, but not as well as when I got a German girlfriend. She said it was embarrassing with me there with my incomprehensible German, I thought it was good, and then everyone having to revert to English to include me in. She taught me German properly and we only spoke German. In a few months I really could say I was reasonably fluent. In fact maybe too German as I later found out. I worked in Siegen which has a particular dialect, and my girlfriend was a bit broad, shall we say, in it. Basically it was like being taught English by a Gordy or a scouser. The hardest bit for me to get my head around was the idea of a gender for each noun. What a weird idea.

[@Fanny-vt2zw]

FINALLY SOME HELP I NEED TO LEARN GERMAN

[@nikosmarov5375]

Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else wants to learn about how to speak basic German language try Dalz Instant German Discovery (just google it ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my buddy got great results with it.

[@keidun]

I watch Katja (Deutsch für Euch), Ania ( Learn German with Ania) and Jenny (German with Jenny) videos on learning...Vuko of Get Germanized and his buddy Dave have some language and culture videos as well... You have come a long way...BTW-great video...

[@craftyapplepie]

Cheers Keith! I'm trying my best to be entertaining and informative. :) Have a good weekend!

[@keidun]

You are doing a great job...I would like to see your subscribers go up...I think it will happen...I am pulling for you...

[@NormanF62]

Are you also watching Trixi of Don’t Trust the Rabbit? A good resource for learning German that’s funny. And Donna of Wanted Adventures offers an American insight into life in Germany.

[@petarsimic5733]

There are many factors in speaking German . One plan I found which succeeds in merging these is the Landra Language Tactic (check it out on google) definately the most useful treatment i've heard of. Check out all the awesome info .

[@persesw]

where did you get the peanut comics?

[@vedaty.367]

This is an useful video. Thank you very much..

[@TheTuubster]

BTW I learned english in school, but I never got quite a personal connection to it. It changed when I discovered the american late night show "Late Show with David Letterman", which was broadcast in the early 90s. After that I watched Star Trek on UK import VHS cassettes. And since teh internets even tho I am German I would say the english language makes up 50% of my daily life. Especially regarding comedy (mostly from the US) it expands the horizon drastically. There is no quality program in Germany like the US late night shows, which I follow since Letterman.

[@craftyapplepie]

Thanks for sharing! I'm missing a German late chat/comedy show with international celebrities as there isn't really anything like that on TV at the moment. I like to watch The Graham Norton Show sometimes. :D And also clips of the US late chat shows on YT.

[@TheTuubster]

When you go to my channel you see on its front page I have a playlist which I constantly extend with new funny clips. When I come home from work instead zapping through the TV channels I surf on YT for funny/interesting clips. :)

[@SRoseAIResearch]

That was a fantastic video Martha! And is great help for me and me wanting to improve my German and also great because I want to move to Germany in the future!

[@SocialDictator]

Everybody is welcome.

[@craftyapplepie]

Hi Sam, happy to hear you found the video useful!

[@wiseguysfanjojo]

You're also watching "Wer weiß denn sowas?" ? I love that show :D I love Quiz Questions, one of the reasons I enjoy your channel so much :)

[@craftyapplepie]

Hehe, yes, I like the format of the show. Elton is my fave. :D I think I am addicted to quiz questions. :D

[@mjdmalti6736]

THAnks alot for this great video !

[@johnridge1179]

Thanks. Those links are very helpful.

[@AP-RSI]

Du bist eine gute Lehrerin! Ich höre deinen Videos in Englisch zu und mein Englisch verbessert sich, nach und nach...

[@mikesullivane30]

Das ist toll! Ich will mich mein Deutsch verbessern. Findest du englisch schwer? Wie lernst du englisch?

[@craftyapplepie]

Danke schön, das freut mich zu hören! :D

[@AP-RSI]

Michael Sullivan Schul-Englisch... gelernt vor ca. 30 Jahren. Durch meinen Beruf musste ich mich viel mit Englisch auseinander setzen (lesen/schreiben), war aber nie gut in der Aussprache. :-) Ich finde englisch inzwischen nicht mehr schwer. Deshalb schau ich mir inzwischen sehr viele Sachen (YT-Videos, TV-Serien, etc. pp., nur noch in Englisch an, um mich an der Aussprache zu orientieren. Ich liebe englische Filme mit Akzent (z.B. Nord-Britisch, Schottisch oder Irisch...), da man da wirklich merkt, ob man es verstanden hat. ;-)

[@billkammermeier]

In America even when we spell it "sledge" we always pronounce that word as "sled". I'm dual-learning on your channel. I'm learning German and British English lol.

[@wilhelmseibert3515]

Try watching german movies with german subtitles. Helped me a lot watching english movies with english subtitles. Because it's often hard to hear what they are saying.

[@smushiurrahman1943]

here's several tips for how to learn German Decide exactly why you wish to learn German Try to speak German everyday Decide what method works for you the best. (I read about these and more from Landra Language Tactic website )

[@xtravine1431]

I've been studying studying German and found a great website at Landra Language Tactic (google it if you are interested)

[@dinukaranawaka4606]

There are several tips for how to learn German Decide exactly why you want to learn it Try to use German everyday Decide which method works for you best. (I learned about these and more from Landra language tactic website )

[@dalefuqua2487]

I've been researching into studying German easily and found a fantastic resource at Landra Language Tactic (check it out on google)

[@afeeser]

This is a very helpful video. Thank you!

[@leracou]

Your comics remarks reminded me, that I tried to understand US comics books before I had the slightest clue of english (I was in 4th grade I guess)

[@janirk7831]

I've been studying teaching yourself to understand German and found a great resource at Landra language tactic (check it out on google)

[@adiastapaka]

How long did it take you to be proficient in German?

[@dalefuqua2487]

I've been researching into studying German easily and found a fantastic resource at Landra Language Tactic (check it out on google)

[@ornleifs]

I'm definitely going to buy some Peanuts comics - I learned so much english from them so getting them in German seems a very good Idea - I'm now going through a DVD with Die Biene Maja which is very good for me cause unlike most German DVD's it has German Subtitles so you can see what they are saying and look up every word you don't know.

[@kenb6494]

do u donate material? :( actually my mother tongue is spanish but im looking forward to finally learning german

[@karlranseier7042]

+craftyapplepie Don't worry if everbody's laughing and you ain't. Maybe you did not pass on the joke, maybe it was just bad ;-). It is much worse, if at the movies, you have to laugh out loud and noone else does. And it's just right when people give you a stare that you realize, they did not get the joke, because it got lost during translation and dubbing. That is really awkward sometimes.

[@Speireata4]

I guess you figured that out yourself, but: the sledge = der Schlitten to sledge = rodeln so you were not far away with your answer.

[@montanus777]

or: to sledge = Schlitten fahren

[@jankreft6753]

It probably seams to be a bit weird but I wonder what's your favorite course in germ?

[@craftyapplepie]

Hi Jan, sorry but I don't understand what you mean. Do you mean what my favourite part of the German language is? :)

[@jankreft6753]

Well, not at all *being a bit ashamed*. I meant your favourite insult in German ^-^"

[@janbahrami3479]

Jan

[@jankreft6753]

Fakhruddin Bahrami yes?

[@ElecticBob]

Don't you ever forget the quiz question shake again! Please :)

[@craftyapplepie]

Ok ok, I promise. ;)

[@DemTacs]

I have problems with Urdu, although I grew up with it as a second language. I learnt english as a third. I sometimes have to read and hear the Urdu-Words to understant them. And dictarions where the horror for me in school. I always had to remember the end of the last sentence, because the teacher was to fast.

[@denascite2029]

I'm native German and couldn't think of the word for 'sledge'. Yeah....

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

Same here, but that was because I didn't know the english word sledge before.

[@MickeyKnox]

Das bedeutet doch nur dass du das englische Wort für rodeln nicht kanntest, sonst nichts.

[@denascite2029]

MickeyKnox naja doch ich kannte das Wort und ich wusste was es bedeutet. Ich wusste halt nicht das passende deutsche Wort

[@CoL_Drake]

i even forget the german word for bacon ... i speak to much english xD

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

Holly Schinken?

[@HesseJamez]

How long took it to speak a proper "ch"?

[@venbrowny1081]

here's a few ideas for how to learn GermanDecide precisely why you want to speak GermanTry to use German in your everyday lifeDecide which process works for you best.(I read about these and more from Landra language tactic website )

[@Respiruwu]

I love your videos ❤❤❤

[@ElRackadusch]

Tolles und sehr informatives Video. Danke! Und "rodeln" wird im deutschen auch "Schlitten fahren" genannt. Zumindest in Norddeutschland. Ich glaube in Süddeutschland ist rodeln immer bergab und Schlitten fahren auf einer Ebene gezogen von Pferden (oder den Eltern wenn man ein kleines Kind ist". Aber dort wo es keine Berge gibt werden die Befriffe synonym verwendet. Du lagst also mit deiner Übersetzung garnicht so daneben.

[@tesky12345]

Bitte ein solches Video auch für jene, die English lernen wollen, insb. Grammatik.

[@craftyapplepie]

Tolle Idee!!! Ich kann etwas vorbereiten. :D :D

[@kluntrum]

I learned a lot from Comics. Still love them :-) And your wonderful vids, of cause😊

[@mikesullivane30]

Ich mag "Die Simpsons". Ich habe einen Comic und ein dvd auf Amazon.de gekauft. Ich habe es nicht noch. Bald, ich hoffe. Ich denke dass das wird sehr hilfreich und Spaß sein.

[@kluntrum]

"Friss meine shorts!" -:))

[@craftyapplepie]

Thank you Peter for your kind words!

[@BassaSelim]

You could read Calvin & Hobbes comics as well, although I think the Peanuts have more text. And of course we could have a meetup and play board games ;) I have no doubt that you would get quite a few guests :) And there might be some online games. Buzz (for the Playstation) for example, but as a quiz game this is probably a bit too much for learners.

[@kumarsasi3763]

I've been studying teaching yourself to understand German easily and discovered an awesome website at Landra language tactic (google it if you're interested)

[@Folgemilch21]

again, just using english words and phrases in german (like saying that something is "cool") is NOT really "denglisch", it's just the common practice of using foreign words (Lehnwörter/Fremdwörter). Denglisch is an incorrect or confused mix of the two languages. Either (a), when you think you are talking german, but in fact what you are saying is just literal translation of english phrases or idioms which do not exist in german, or (b) when you think you are talking english or using an english expression but in fact the thing you are saying doesnt exist in real english or means something different. For example, when someone says to you "du hast einen guten job gemacht" , he is talking denglisch (a) - or if a german says he is going to a "public viewing" , meaning a public screening, he is also talking denglisch (b). ("Garden feeling" might be of that kind...)

[@KevKevLP]

The best Party Games are Mario Party 6 and 7.

[@catarineary]

100 points to me!!!

[@mayra2697]

where is she these days??

[@itsmeimaboy8036]

i love UK 🇬🇧❤

[@HasTAlaVIsta39]

I play only Crash Bandicoot now. No more uncharted adventures, I'm living a normal life now. Yeah

[@craftyapplepie]

Will you change your user icon to Crash? ;)

[@jensgoerke2863]

Try to join a Stammtisch centered on a topic you like - lots of discussions to listen to and join in when and if you like. A movie title for your next quiz: "Eine Leiche zum Dessert"

[@craftyapplepie]

I've not heard of a Stammtisch before, thanks for enlightening me. :D

[@billkammermeier]

I don't know how Stammtischs work in Germany (I've heard a Stammtisch is basically a reserved table at a restaurant or bar), but I found something called a "Stammtisch" in Pittsburgh, PA, USA where I live and we go every week and sit together and talk in German. I found it on meetup.com. It is great to get to talk German with people in person since I'm not in a German speaking country. Most of the people that attend our Stammtisch are native speakers, German teachers, people who have studied abroad in Germany, etc... so there is a lot of fluent/native speakers which really helps me learn. I highly recommend checking out meetup.com especially for those not in a German speaking country to find somewhere to go and practice their German in person.

[@jensgoerke2863]

A Stammtisch here in Germany is basically a group of people who come together because of a common interest, usually meeting at regular intervals at "their regular place" where they have a table reserved for that evening. Often a Stammtisch is a local chapter of a Verein spanning several regions, a group of people loosely connected to such a Verein, or a get-together of some colleagues. There's usually some fluctuation as to which members of the group will be attending, so it might take months to actually meet every member of a Stammtisch. The "regular date" before Christmas can also be a special occasion, the Stammtisch meeting at a special place, each attending member bringing in some food, so that there's basically a big homemade buffet, Julklap (an anonymous exchange of gifts), or Ramsch-Julklap (the gifts being something you don't want anymore but which somebody else might like).

[@itsmeimaboy8036]

you life in germany? i life in germany but my dad= Vater come from UK London

[@Charmed19832]

how can u speak so good and a girl i had to work in a team with is 7 months in germany and cannot speak a damn word. this is so annoying at uni. 😠 means it is not impossible. just a stupid excuse of that girl -.-'

[@marcro4031]

Brauch man jetzt wieder Reisepass für england vorher brauchte man nur Ausweis nach England der eine sagt man brauch nur Ausweis der andere sagt man brauch jetzt wieder reisepass.

[@ismailkojar5411]

Die Antwort ist A

[@unbezwingbarerful]

Wo wohnst du? Kannst gut deutsch sprächen. Ich finde deine Nase schön 🙂

[@TheTuubster]

You have beautiful eyes and a nice soothing voice, you know that, right?

[@craftyapplepie]

Thanks very much. Should I release a night time relaxation CD? ;D

[@TheTuubster]

Please do! :*

[@HesseJamez]

Our grammar sucks - I know

[@TheTuubster]

Isnt your boyfriend German? Why dont you practice German at home all the time!? Is he always talking english with you in private?

[@craftyapplepie]

Yes, he's German and we speak English at home - so much so that he has become practically fluent in English now. :) However with his relatives I have to speak German, so that is the challenge. :)

[@TheTuubster]

Maybe you should switch to German at home. :)

[@craftyapplepie]

I agree. :D

[@karenjenner317]

Mir tun all die englisch sprachigen Leute die deutsch ler wollen leid xD ich meine wegen den Artikeln...

[@unbezwingbarerful]

Was für Pickel?

[@leah.4058]

ig, twicedna und den Fällen Und pluralformen und f und v

[@unbezwingbarerful]

@@leah.4058 Das war nur ein Wortwitz von mir 😂

[@leah.4058]

Michael Dark Ich weiß, ich wollte nur ergänzen was ich glaube, dass es schwer zu lernen ist

[@unbezwingbarerful]

@@leah.4058 Kann man nicht so vereinfachen. Für jeden ist was anderes einfach oder schwer. Deutsch ist nicht die schwerste Sprache und Englisch nicht die Einfachste Sprache. Fehler sind beim Schreiben und Sprächen erlaubt. Trüg ein Auge zu 😉