Next steps
You've completed this introductory guide to German. You now have a foundation in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context. Here's how to continue your learning journey.
Assess your level
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) defines language levels:
| Level | Description | You can... |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Introduce yourself, ask simple questions, understand basic phrases |
| A2 | Elementary | Handle routine tasks, describe your background, understand common expressions |
| B1 | Intermediate | Deal with most travel situations, describe experiences, explain opinions |
| B2 | Upper-intermediate | Interact fluently with native speakers, understand complex texts |
| C1 | Advanced | Express yourself fluently and spontaneously, use language flexibly |
| C2 | Proficiency | Understand virtually everything, express nuanced meaning |
This guide covers roughly A1 content. Your next goal should be reaching A2, then B1.
Daily practice
The minimum effective dose
Even 15–20 minutes daily beats hours of occasional study. Consistency matters more than intensity.
A simple daily routine:
- 5 minutes: Review vocabulary (flashcards)
- 5 minutes: Listen to German (podcast, music)
- 5 minutes: Read German (news, graded readers)
- 5 minutes: Practice speaking (shadowing, language partner)
Vocabulary building
- Anki or similar apps: Spaced repetition locks words in long-term memory
- Word lists: Learn the 1,000 most common words first; they cover ~85% of everyday speech
- Themed learning: Learn words in related groups (kitchen items, office vocabulary)
- Context over isolation: Learn words in sentences, not as isolated items
Grammar practice
- Work through a structured textbook or course
- Do exercises with answer keys for immediate feedback
- Focus on one grammar point at a time until it feels natural
- Notice patterns in authentic texts
Listening practice
Podcasts for learners
| Resource | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Break German | A1–B1 | Scottish-produced course with clear explanations |
| Slow German | A2–B1 | News and culture at reduced speed |
| Easy German | A2–B2 | Street interviews with subtitles (also on YouTube) |
| DW Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten | B1–B2 | Daily news at slower pace |
Native content
| Type | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| News | Tagesschau, ZDF heute, ORF (Austria) |
| Radio | Deutschlandfunk, SWR, Bayern 2 |
| Music | Kraftwerk, Nena, Die Ärzte, AnnenMayKantereit, Rammstein |
| Audiobooks | Audible.de has vast selection |
Reading practice
Graded readers
Start with books written for learners:
- Langenscheidt, Hueber, and Klett publish graded readers
- Look for "Leichte Lektüren" or "Easy Readers"
Native texts (progressive difficulty)
- Children's books: Simple vocabulary, clear sentences
- News for learners: Nachrichtenleicht (DW), News in Slow German
- Simple articles: Wikipedia Simple German articles
- Native news: Spiegel, Die Zeit, Süddeutsche Zeitung
- Literature: Short stories before novels; try children's/young adult first
Books in German
Classic and accessible titles:
- Das doppelte Lottchen (Erich Kästner) — Children's classic
- Der kleine Prinz (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, translated) — Simple prose
- Emil und die Detektive (Erich Kästner) — Detective story for young readers
- Die unendliche Geschichte (Michael Ende) — Fantasy (more advanced)
Speaking practice
Language exchange
Find native German speakers learning English (or your native language):
- Tandem / HelloTalk: Apps for language exchange
- italki: Online tutoring and community tutors
- Local Stammtisch: German conversation groups in many cities
- Meetup.com: Search for German language groups
Private tutors
Online platforms offer affordable one-on-one lessons:
- italki
- Preply
- Verbling
Even one hour per week with a native speaker accelerates progress.
Self-practice
- Shadowing: Listen and repeat native speakers in real-time
- Self-narration: Describe what you're doing in German
- Role-play: Practice dialogues from this guide out loud
- Record yourself: Compare your pronunciation to natives
Writing practice
- Keep a German journal (even a few sentences daily)
- Write messages to language partners
- Use Lang-8 or HiNative for corrections from native speakers
- Write comments on German YouTube videos or forums
Formal study options
Certificates
Official German language certificates:
- Goethe-Zertifikat (Goethe-Institut): The gold standard, A1–C2
- TestDaF: Required for university study in Germany
- ÖSD: Austrian German certificate
- telc Deutsch: Widely accepted in Germany
Courses
- Goethe-Institut: Offices worldwide, excellent quality
- Volkshochschule (VHS): Affordable courses in Germany
- University extension courses: Many universities offer German
- Online: DW (free), Babbel, Busuu, Lingoda
Immersion opportunities
Study in German-speaking countries
- Language schools: Intensive courses in Germany, Austria, Switzerland
- University programmes: Many German universities are tuition-free for all students
- Au pair programmes: Live with a family, help with childcare
Virtual immersion
- Change your phone/computer language to German
- Follow German accounts on social media
- Watch German YouTube and Netflix with German subtitles
- Join German Discord servers or online communities
Staying motivated
Set specific goals
| Vague goal | Specific goal |
|---|---|
| Get better at German | Complete A2 textbook by June |
| Learn vocabulary | Learn 10 new words daily for 30 days |
| Improve listening | Watch one Easy German video per day |
| Practice speaking | Have two 30-minute conversations per week |
Track progress
- Keep a learning journal
- Record yourself every month to hear improvement
- Take practice tests periodically
- Celebrate milestones
Connect with the culture
- Cook German recipes (in German!)
- Watch German films (start with subtitles)
- Listen to German music
- Follow German news
- Plan a trip to a German-speaking country
Recommended resources
Apps
| App | Best for |
|---|---|
| Anki | Vocabulary (spaced repetition) |
| DW Learn German | Structured course (free) |
| Babbel | Comprehensive course |
| Tandem | Language exchange |
| dict.cc | Dictionary |
Websites
| Site | Content |
|---|---|
| dw.com/learngerman | Free comprehensive course |
| german.net | Grammar explanations |
| leo.org | Dictionary with forums |
| reddit.com/r/German | Community support |
| yourdailygerman.com | Blog with detailed explanations |
YouTube channels
- Easy German: Street interviews, subtitled
- Get Germanized: Fun explanations of German quirks
- Learn German with Anja: Energetic, clear teaching
- Deutsch für Euch: Grammar deep-dives
A final word
Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be plateaus and frustrations. The difference between those who succeed and those who quit is persistence.
Every mistake is a learning opportunity. Every conversation is practice. Every German text you struggle through builds your ability.
You've taken the first step. Keep going.
Viel Erfolg! — Good luck!