When it comes to foreign languages, everyone has a different learning style. One of the most important things to consider in choosing a German course is its teaching methods.
Find out the approach the German course takes. How much does the course rely upon your native tongue? Some present the English translations and explanations side-by-side with the German, while others attempt to immerse you in the language.
What tools does the course use to convey the various aspects of the German language? Some courses are primarily audio or text-based, while others rely on a variety of different media.
You may choose to begin your study of the German language in a classroom setting. Many high schools offer German language courses. German is also widely available at colleges and universities. Your local continuing education center may include German in its foreign language programs.
Learning German in the classroom has many advantages. Immediate access to a fluent German speaker is useful in providing explanations and assisting with difficult vocabulary, phrases, idioms and grammar. It also provides the opportunity for interaction and practice with other students.
You may prefer to learn German at home. There are literally a wealth of resources from which to choose.
The traditional book and audio German courses, such as Living Language, are still popular. This type of course is presented on a number of CDs with an accompanying book that provides translation of the dialogue, grammar and vocabulary, useful phrases, and exercises.
Many German learners use language learning software as their primary course. German courses produced by Rosetta Stone and other big names come highly recommended, though they are quite expensive. Cheaper courses are available and may vary in their effectiveness. Read user reviews and take advantage of any free trials offered by software companies before buying.
For those who do not wish to spend any money, there are several free German courses on the Internet. These include "Deutsch - Warum nicht?" produced by Deutsche Welle and "Deutsch-Lernen.com" (see Resources). These and similar websites offer lessons, vocabulary, grammar exercises, audio and much more.
Taking a German course at home allows you to go at your own pace. The key to success for any of these programs, however, is to stay disciplined. Setting aside a small block of time each day to study German is more effective than studying for three hours every few weeks. If you have difficulty motivating yourself, a more structured setting may be ideal.
Studying German in a German-speaking country is one of the most exciting, productive and interesting ways to learn the language.
If you are learning German at a university or college, check out their offering of study-abroad programs. Otherwise, independent companies, such as AmeriSpan (see Resources), hold German courses at exciting locales in Germany, Austria and elsewhere. Some study-abroad programs may also include a home stay, tours, concerts and other cultural events in their course fee.
While the course may include a traditional classroom setting, learning German abroad is only to your advantage. Being in a German-speaking country forces you to use your newly acquired German skills. Not only that, but you learn more than you ever could from a textbook. You pick up how German is spoken colloquially, moving away from the somewhat constructed German used in other courses.