Learning German can be hard, but finding the best resources shouldn't be. So here's a list of the best beginner resources for learning German.
Learning a new language is always a challenge, even at the best of times. Especially learning language like German, with often overwhelming amounts of grammar to learn and words that keep getting longer, is no mean feat. If you're a beginner learning German, finding the best resources alone can be tricky!
We understand how hard learning German is, and so we're here to help! Maybe you've used Duolingo and that's helped, or maybe you're a complete beginner, looking for somewhere to start. No matter what level your German is now, here's a guide to the best apps, books and resources for learning German.
Busuu understands that there is no one way to learn a language, and that different people find different things challenging, and other things simple. So Busuu makes personalised lessons for you so you can work on clear, specific things and make noticeable progress easily. They have speech recognition tools to help you improve your pronunciation, and they give you personal feedback on your writing. Furthermore, they have interactive games and tasks for learning lots of vocabulary and lessons for helping you understand grammar. Create an account with Busuu and your German will be fluent in no time!
Obviously we have to mention Lexody... it's the easiest way to practice speaking with a native German speaker! Find native German speakers in your city, who are also learning English. Meet in person, and spend 30 minutes speaking only in German. Then 30 minutes speaking only in English - allowing both of you to totally immerse! We recommend safe places to meet, and can provide conversation topics and language games for you to play on your Lex. Language exchanges are the best way to improve your language skills, so find German speakers in your city now!
Babbel is not free, but it is definitely worth the subscription. The lessons start gradual, and help you improve your language skills incrementally. The voice recognition helps you improve your pronunciation and the interactive games are perfect for learning vocabulary. Babbel is great for learners of any level, so whether you're a total beginner or an advanced Germanist, you can improve lots with Babbel, either on your computer or on their app. Also, like Lexody, they suggest conversation topics for you to practice your speaking, making it the perfect practice before a Lex.
Lingoda offers live online classes with native German speakers, who teach you directly and personally and help you improve your German, no matter what level you are. It isn't free, but the personal live teaching is well worth the cost of up to $9 per lesson. Also, if you attend 90% of your classes, you can get up to $400 cash back to reward your efforts. Finally, as your German improves, you can get an internationally recognised Lingoda certificate for your German level!
Rocket Languages is not the cheapest option available, but the resources available to help you learn German are amazing. With Level 1, you get 128 hours of lesson time, over 2000 common phrases with voice recognition, as well as lots of interactive audio lessons and language and culture lessons. And if you don't like it, you can get a full refund within the first 60 days of payment. Rocket Languages is especially good for beginners looking to improve their German quickly, and so is a great preparation for your Lex. Work on your German with Rocket Languages and you'll be fluent in weeks!
These are the best online resources for learning German, but obviously this doesn't fit with everyone. Lots of people prefer having a textbook they can always consult and take with them, without needing wifi or a device with you. So if digital resources aren’t your speed, check out these textbooks designed for beginners!
We hope this list of the best beginner resources for German was helpful for you, wherever you are in your German learning! Let us know in the comments below. And when you're done, check out our Best German Podcasts and Best German Books for beginner German learners. Or better still, schedule a Lex and show off your German skills.