Easiest way to learn German as an adult

[NottsNora]

I’d like to learn German without having private tuition. My local adult education centre only runs Spanish classes.

Is it worth getting KS2 language books and trying to learn using study aids and online tutorials? Am I being very optimistic?! I did try learning German at school and wasn’t very good at it so I don’t know if I’m setting myself up for failure or maybe I’ll apply myself more this time.

Apparently Duolingo focusses on key phrases rather than grammar (according to DCs).

Well personally I rate duo lingo. I've learned French and itialian
It's been good enough for me to converse with French in laws of my sister and Italian i was confidently able to order and reserve booking etc

I got a fairly long way in Italian using Duolingo & the Coffee Break Italian podcast before I started going to classes - they also do Coffee Break German so worth having a look at that.

Duolingo, maybe with a grammar textbook along side so you understand why the phrases are structured as they are. Duolingo will get you to A2 which is about mid-grade GCSE level anyway. You'll struggle to get any further without lessons

You can do it online with the Goethe Institute, they're really good. Some universities also do online classes, City Lit and Oxford University dept of languages are two.

www.goethe.de/ins/gb/en/spr/kur/fer.html

Personally, if you’re self-teaching I think the best way is to use an old-school book and audio course to get the backbone of the language. I always found the Teach Yourself courses good and for many languages they have a more basic version that gives you a nice soft start you can then consolidate with the regular course.

Thankfully, we’re now spoilt for good audio and reading content for language learning. Look for graded readers and podcasts for learners once you’re a little way into a course. Also online language exchanges, Reddit and other forums to ask questions of other learners. Also good apps for building vocab, such as Memrise. If you’ve got Netflix there will be tonnes of German language films and tv series you can watch with subtitles on.

So, I don’t agree that you need a class, although you do need motivation if you don’t have weekly appointments, homework, etc. that’s the real value of a class.

I'm bilingual and speak German. I stuff it for 14 years and did it as A level.
I've had a go on Duolingo just to keep on top of speaking the language but your son is right, the translation and order of words isn't too accurate. German word things in different orders, plus masculine, feminine and natural etc. some phrases and words are said backwards such as numbers.

it took me many years to be able to get to the point to speak it. Duolingo is good for people wanting to speak it lightly and know odd words and meanings. But I think it's better to learn read German. To speak it, I'd go with textbooks etc. you need speaking modules as well as written.

good luck! It's a hard language to learn, but if you put in the time and effort you'll pick up the basics in no time.

I studied it*

What was trying to say is Duolingo is good for someone to read German, textbooks and spoken modules help with being able to speak German.

to be able to read it and speak it are very different and the spoken side of things for me took much longer than to read it.

So, I don’t agree that you need a class, although you do need motivation if you don’t have weekly appointments, homework, etc. that’s the real value of a class.

The reason I switched to classes - first online, then in person - was to get more of a focus on speaking & writing, beyond what Duolingo etc could offer.

Spending a couple of hours a week in conversations & role plays, doing free writing for homework, being able to ask questions & getting corrections & explanations face to face has made a huge difference.

Obviously I’m really lucky to be able to do this - I know the OP said she doesn’t have a local class.

I recommend using Netflix as well. A huge number of things have German dubbing or subtitles.

I do recommend choosing either dubbing or subtitles because the translations vary.

Researcher/trainer in language pedagogy here. Definitely Duolingo alongside whatever other method you choose. A decent grammar/course book from Langenscheidt.

I would avoid GSCE etc course books. Don’t get so hung up on the grammar that it prevents you from having a go of understanding/speaking. Make loads of mistakes. An online course with speaking would be great but there are great free courses online (I did an Italian one with, I think, Harvard).

Ideally have a holiday somewhere German speaking, people in smaller villages are more likely to speak back in German to you.

Try these and see what suits, enjoy it! I learned German as an adult! I love it! Viel Spaß!

I'd agree with above comments regarding DuoLingo as focusing on specific vocabulary, rather than conversational skills, but nonetheless a good starting point before investing in a proper tutor. Just my two cents :)

I took evening language classes at my local university if there is one local to you?

Thanks for the replies - some great tips here! Danke.

For more structured learning have a look at Openlearn... from the Open University. Courses start from absolute beginners and build gradually.
Pad it out with Duolingo, Coffee Break German, listen to German radio stations ( be aware the accents can be quite distinct over the regions, so go for major stations). Also sign up for Quizlet.. lots of word lists already on there from other people,and you can practice your vocabulary.
Good Luck!

Thank you! I’ll try these.