Obtain educational material to enable you to learn German step-by-step. Use a textbook and CD, online video tutorials or a DVD that has different chapters for you to work through. For example, bbc.co.uk/languages/german, deutsch-lernen.com or learngerman.elanguageschool.net have courses available that take this approach.
Flick through your study material and become familiar with how German letters looks, plus listen to the audio CD and get a feel for how it sounds. Surrounding yourself in the language will help focus your attention.
Begin learning basic grammar rules. Know that nouns, unlike in English, are either masculine or feminine, infinite verbs end in "-en" and regular verbs follow the same pattern.
Go to the first chapter of the study material and read over it. Then, work through the material methodically. Start with pronouncing the alphabet, numbers and letter combinations so you can begin reading and forming words.
Recite verb patterns to remember them. For example, to learn "sein" which means "to be" write down, "Ich Bin, sie sind, du ist" and repeat it, until you know it. Repeat this for all words, including irregular verbs so you do not forget.
Practice your enunciation of letters and syllables to become more confident in pronouncing German words. When you work through the material it will be easier to progress more quickly as the sounds become familiar to you. Read out loud to achieve this.
Get familiar with basic phrases so you can make introductory conversation with someone. Learn complete phrases such as "Hello, how are you?" and different responses like "I am fine, thank you" or "I have a headache". Build up your vocabulary throughout these exercises, and be sure to create list of words that you do not know. Memorize the list.
Use dictation exercises to improve your listening skills. Listen closely to a German speaker, and write down what is being said or answer questions to the accompanying exercise in your study guide.
Watch German music videos to improve your ability at listening, translating and understanding common words and phrases. Listen Live provides a list of German radio stations available on the Internet, so review this list and start listening to native speakers.