How to Teach Yourself German: 24 Simple Steps

Are you asking yourself how to teach yourself German? I did too—until I finally managed to do it. It felt incredible when I had my first German conversation, knowing I had achieved this entirely on my own.

The experience was so rewarding that I decided to pass along my strategies and advice—the ones that proved most effective for me.

When you are teaching yourself German from home, you need to figure out which activities are genuinely productive and which are a good use of your time.

This guide presents a straightforward and efficient 24-step method for learning German, along with numerous enjoyable techniques to enhance your German speaking and pronunciation abilities as you progress.

1. Hear and Repeat German Letter Sounds

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the German alphabet.

Pay attention to how each letter sounds on its own versus when combined with others. Also, notice the differences in sound between English and German letters. Similar to English, two letters together (diphthongs or consonant combinations) can produce a sound quite distinct from the individual letters.

The following video is extremely helpful—a native German speaker will guide you through individual letter sounds and common letter combinations.

Give extra attention to letters with an umlaut (the two dots above a letter), as this alters the letter's pronunciation.

After that, be sure to read our article on challenging German pronunciations:

2. Build a Stockpile of Some Easy Framework Words

Once you are comfortable with the alphabet and letter sounds, the next step is to learn some basic framework words. These are simple, extremely common words that will serve as the foundation for expanding your vocabulary.

Consider the words you use most frequently in English and find their German counterparts. Excellent starting points are:

• German greetings
• Yes / no
• Please / thank you
• Excuse me / sorry

You can also explore this list of the 100 most common German words and aim to learn a few new ones daily:

3. Expand Your Vocabulary with Nouns, Verbs and Adjectives

After you have grasped some fundamentals, begin to widen your vocabulary with nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Try to set a daily target—for instance, learn three new nouns, verbs, and adjectives (totaling nine words) each day.

Here are some word lists you can use:

• The 200+ most common German nouns
• 50 most common German verbs

This useful video introduces 100 German adjectives for beginners:

4. Take Advantage of Spaced Repetition

Now that you have some vocabulary under your belt, remember that practicing German for 15 minutes daily is often more effective than studying for a few hours once a week. Your brain needs to become accustomed to recalling and using German spontaneously.

You can easily fit this practice in at home. Spaced repetition is a well-established memorization method that involves gradually increasing the time between reviews of words and phrases.

For new words, you will need to review them daily or every couple of days initially. As they become part of your long-term memory, you will encounter them less frequently.

You can implement spaced repetition by using flashcards or language applications like Memrise, which have these activities integrated.

5. Start Stringing Sentences Together

Okay, you've now become quite familiar with some key German words. The next step is to begin using them.

This involves learning German sentence structure and word order.

You can find a clear yet comprehensive explanation of German word order on the Dartmouth College German Department website.

Then, you can practice applying these rules yourself with these free online exercises—simply click a series of words in the correct order to form German sentences.

To learn more about German sentence structure and word order, take a look at this useful post:

6. Memorize Reusable Phrases for Speaking German

Now you can begin learning some basic German phrases. Just like with individual words, start by practicing simple phrases you might use on a typical day.

For example, “I would like a soy milk cappuccino please.”

Pick phrases that would be most practical for your daily life in a German-speaking country! This will not only help you learn to speak German—it's also very motivating to envision a future where you are living or traveling in Germany.

Here is a great post containing over 160 common German phrases:

7. Watch Movies and Videos in German

Once you can grasp some very basic German, try watching a film you've seen before—but watch it dubbed in German. You could even use English subtitles to help you follow along.

For instance, here is our YouTube lesson based on the German-dubbed version of “Friends”:

As your skills improve, try watching some German films with German subtitles or explore German YouTube channels.

You could also watch authentic videos on Lingflix. Lingflix takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and converts them into personalized language learning lessons. You can try Lingflix for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app. P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

8. Read the News in German

After getting some exposure to German films, make sure you're also working on your reading comprehension. Reading German news is a reliable way to do this.

There are websites like News in Slow German and Sloeful that offer news articles specifically designed for German learners.

Highlight or write down any unfamiliar words and look them up later in a German dictionary.

To find some German news sources, see this post:

9. Start to Think in German

It's likely that, at an advanced level, your mind will automatically switch to German when you are around German speakers.

But even at an earlier learning stage, you can make a conscious effort to think in German, at least for a few minutes each day.

Instead of translating from your native language, try to connect objects directly to German words and phrases. Mentally describe the things around you in German.

Begin with simple statements like "die Blume ist gelb" (the flower is yellow) and slowly progress to more complex sentences.

10. Build a New Favorite Word Every Day

One of the most interesting aspects of the German language is its creative potential. If a word doesn't exist for what you want to say, you can often create one by combining other words—for example, "Luftschlosstraum" ("daydream," literally "cloud-castle-dream"). Doesn't that sound fascinating?

If you can't recall the specific word for something but know some related words, try putting them together and see what you come up with!

While you're thinking about German words, check out this post to discover 30 unique ones:

11. Listen to German Podcasts

First, have a look at this post on German learning podcasts.

As another way to focus on your German pronunciation while being entertained, podcasts offer an engaging and enjoyable method to learn German.

You can listen to lessons on German idioms, colloquial expressions, and even some playful words to joke around with the locals.

One of the most popular podcasts for German learners is GermanPod101. It offers hundreds of audio and video lessons, with new material for all skill levels being added regularly.

German audiobooks are another excellent resource for honing your listening skills. Take it a step further by speaking along with them!

12. Read German Fairy Tales and Children’s Books

Scientific research indicates that sleep assists our brains in processing and storing information.

So, why not incorporate a few minutes of German into your nightly routine?

My personal favorite before bed is reading German fairy tales, such as "Rotkäppchen" (Little Red Riding Hood) or "Aschenputtel" (Cinderella).

Since fairy tales (and children's stories) typically use simpler sentence structures, they are a great way to build your vocabulary for more varied conversations.

Reading comprehension has to start somewhere. Children's books are delightful and fun – plus, you'll gain cultural insights by learning the stories Germans grow up with. Some, like the Grimms Märchen (Grimm's fairy tales), you might already know in their English versions.

You can always opt to read German translations of English stories, such as the classic "Die kleine Raupe Nimmersatt" ("The Very Hungry Caterpillar") or the adorable "Kleine Eule ganz allein" ("Little Owl Lost"). Others, like "Die Biene Maja und ihre Abenteuer" ("Maja the Bee and Her Adventures"), might be new to you.

13. Watch German Comedy

Yes, there is even stand-up comedy about the German language! "What's So Funny About German" is a 10-part series provided by the BBC, featuring stand-up comedian Henning Wenn.

The series covers numerous topics, including the German alphabet, telling time, politeness, gender, and even some jokes. This is one of the most entertaining ways to immerse yourself in German and have a laugh about some of the challenges you've been facing.

You can also check out another one of our video lessons, which features comedian Vincent Pfäfflin talking about his culture shock with German expressions:

14. Make Friends with German Native Speakers

If you want to become more comfortable with speaking, connecting with native German speakers is extremely beneficial.

There are websites like Tandem (which is based in Berlin), HelloTalk, and Speaky that help you connect with language exchange partners. Exchange text messages, do a video chat, or ask if you can call them.

You could also visit a German restaurant, practice ordering with the staff, and attempt to have a conversation in German.

You might feel tongue-tied or awkward, but the best way to overcome this is to not worry too much about grammar! Whether you use der, die, dem, das, or den, people will generally understand you even if the grammar isn't perfect.

It's better to speak as much as you can using the simple structures you know. The more you speak and listen to people, the more natural and flexible these rules will become.

If you're living in Germany, finding a Sprachpartner (speaking partner) should be relatively easy.

Ask a prominent German learning Twitter feed for a retweet to help you find potential partners. The language center of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin even has an online tandem database. Not everyone will be interested in a purely online language partner, but there are many options available regardless of your schedule.

15. Invest in a German Dictionary

When you start learning a language and begin trying to speak or understand it, you will always have more questions than answers. A dictionary helps you make headway in this area and allows for more spontaneity in your learning. You can look up words that interest you, regardless of whether they are part of a structured lesson.

So, which dictionary should you buy?

If you want a book with German-to-English and English-to-German translations, I'd recommend one from the Langenscheidt publishing house. Their language learning materials are high quality across the board, including textbooks and resources for other foreign languages. The bilingual translations are ideal for beginners who might struggle to understand new words from German-only definitions.

If, on the other hand, you want a challenge as you build your vocabulary, then the standard German dictionary "Duden" is for you. It is highly respected and provides the definitive guide to past and current conventions of Rechtschreibung (orthography).

And of course, don't forget the Internet – there are many free websites that can assist you on your path to fluency. I highly recommend the online dictionary dict.cc for its general accuracy, specificity, and wide range of synonyms. Google Translate can also be a handy tool, but avoid relying on it too much. Google is often prone to errors and grammatical issues, so you'll need to double-check for mistakes.

16. Buy a German Textbook

If you're already taking a course, you'll probably receive a prescribed textbook. But if you're learning independently or are unhappy with your current book, now is a good time to get a well-structured volume that will guide you through the concepts you want to learn in a style that suits you.

Having a textbook will give you a clearer picture of what you still need to learn and where there are gaps in your understanding of grammar and basic conversation. This is particularly important for more advanced learners. You might be doing a great job teaching yourself simple German travel phrases, but a textbook might reveal that you don't know how to discuss hypothetical situations. That's why it's always good to have a reliable teaching resource to fall back on.

I would recommend "Deutsch heute" for introductory students. "Kaleidoskop" is perfect for intermediate learners and for those who want a stronger emphasis on German culture and entertainment.

And if you're not ready to invest in a textbook yet, here's a post that covers many other free German online resources:

17. Read German Translations of English Books

The next step in your recreational reading journey is to tackle authors who write just beyond your current vocabulary level, but whose stories you already know. The "Harry Potter" series is a common starting point. This allows you to navigate stories filled with new grammar and vocabulary because you already understand the general plot. Keep a dictionary nearby and expand your skills!

Here's a great list of German books for beginners:

18. Find a Stammtisch (Regular Meeting of German Speakers)

Tired of talking to just one German speaker? Now it's time to find a whole group of them! This will be easiest if you live near a university or in a large city. Most college German departments organize some kind of regular Stammtisch event.

These gatherings often include students, professors, and a few other community members. Non-academic Stammtisch meetings in the United States tend to consist mostly of older expats. Go meet them and hear their stories – many of these individuals have led fascinating lives and will be happy to share their experiences.

I recommend Meetup for this. Just search for German, and more events than you imagined will appear.

19. Follow German Twitter Feeds

Using Twitter to follow German news, humor, culture, and language instruction feeds is a great way to integrate learning into your daily life – especially in situations where carrying a textbook or watching a movie isn't practical. Use those spare moments on public transport, waiting in line, or relaxing at a café to get the latest updates on all things German.

20. Start a Daily Journal in German

While it's easier to write down your thoughts in your native language, challenge yourself to write directly in German and skip English altogether. This will force your mind to start thinking in German, rather than going through the translation process step-by-step. Thinking in German is a crucial and significant step toward fluency.

If you need to use a word you don't know, try circumlocution. This means describing a concept using an alternative approach. Try to think of synonyms or explain the word using other German words.

Let's say I don't know the word for "apple," but I know the color "red" and the word "tree." Instead of saying "apple," I could say "it is red and it grows on a tree." The idea is to approach the unknown word or phrase from a different angle that still conveys the same concept.

Afterwards, look up the word, and if it's one you'll need frequently, memorize it for future use.

21. Write Letters to German Pen Pals

Build on your journaling practice by starting to communicate in German with real people. You can find pen pals on websites like MyLanguageExchange and GlobalPenFriends.

If you prefer, you can write the letter in English and also attempt to write it in German, sending both versions. You might also encourage your pen pal to do the same, giving them a chance to practice their English.

But eventually, you'll want to transition from writing in English and then translating, to writing directly in German. Again, this will help train your mind to think in German.

Of course, a more modern approach to this exercise is to write emails in German. However, some people find that the act of physically writing on paper makes the process more engaging and memorable.

You can also consider writing to other German learners! The Goethe Institut offers courses that connect you to a global community of German students.

22. Attend an Immersion Camp or Travel to Germany

There might be German immersion opportunities closer than you think! There are several camps and programs in the U.S. where you'll hear and use only German, day in and day out.

For example, Middlebury College runs a famously intensive total German immersion program. You'll be speaking and hearing German constantly, even in the woods of Vermont!

Schulhaus Denver also provides German language classes for all ages and levels. The teachers are native speakers who offer a full immersion learning experience.

Ask your local university's German department about similar opportunities in your area.

The ultimate test of your German knowledge is to spend time in Germany! Apply to be an exchange student and spend a semester or year abroad. Many host families will provide a fully-immersive experience that lets you explore the language and culture firsthand. They can also act as guides.

23. Rock Out to German Music

Fans of instrumental music might want to skip this tip. Do you like rock music? Prefer pop? Or maybe you're more into hip hop? Whatever your taste in music, there's a German-language equivalent. Using YouTube, Spotify, or even the artists' own websites, you can easily access music in German.

If you're not sure where to begin, the heavy metal of Rammstein, the catchy rap/pop of Falco, and the feel-good pop of Nena are good starting points, but I'd personally suggest checking out Austrian pop rock band Bilderbuch if you're looking for fun, catchy songs you can easily sing along to.

Or, if you prefer a more artistic, thoughtful, and poetic approach to the German language, the long-standing Berlin band Einstürzende Neubauten performs using instrumentation like clanging sheet metal and air rushing through PVC pipes!

An "Ohrwurm," or a catchy tune that gets stuck in your head, is a fantastic way to learn German. Just remember to be patient. Listening to a song just once, it can be difficult to catch every word, but keep in mind that pop music usually has the clearest vocals to follow.

Here is a current playlist of popular German music:

Here's a great post about German music to give you even more ideas:

24. Eat Delicious German Food

This is one method that won't feel like studying at all—and all you need to do is head to the kitchen!

Jägerschnitzel, Spätzle, and Apfelstrudel aren't just delicious dishes. They can be educational, too. Find a tempting recipe on websites like ChefKoch.de or from German celebrity chefs like Alfons Schuhbeck and the German national soccer team's chef, Holger Stromberg.

Once you've found a dish that appeals to you, translate the recipe and prepare it in your own kitchen. Your family and friends will certainly appreciate this—assuming you're willing to share the results!

Here's a great overview video of German cuisine:

How to Approach German as an English Speaker

If you're an English speaker and want to speak German, there are a few things to bear in mind to help you on your journey to master the German language independently.

• German and English actually originate from the same language group, the Germanic language group. This can be seen as a real advantage over someone from a different language family. However, while German and English are in the same language group, they share relatively few similarities.
• The most difficult aspect of the German language is often the grammar. It is one of the few Germanic languages that has retained much of the old fully-inflected grammar, which is somewhat similar to Latin or Russian.
• Sentences are structured differently in German compared to English. So you must pay attention to word order and cannot simply replace English words with German ones. For example, "hilf mir doch mal jemand," which translates word-for-word to "somebody me help" in English.

So as you can see, the grammatical side of German can be challenging at first. However, once you get a handle on the grammar, it becomes much easier from there.

Now that you have numerous tips and tools to succeed, go ahead and learn German on your own! I assure you it is achievable if you follow these steps and integrate German naturally into your life.

And One More Thing… If you're like me and prefer learning German on your own schedule, from the comfort of your smart device, I have something you'll love. With Lingflix, you can learn German from real-world content, just as native speakers actually use it. If you're not sure where to start, check out our curated library of videos that are handpicked for beginners and intermediate learners, as you can see here: Lingflix brings native German videos within reach. With interactive captions, you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, pronunciation, and useful examples. You can even see other videos where the word is used in a different context. For example, if I tap on the word "Kind," this is what pops up: Want to make sure you really remember what you've learned? We’ve got you covered. Practice and reinforce the vocab from each video with learn mode. Swipe to see more examples of the word you’re learning, and play mini-games with our dynamic flashcards. The best part? Lingflix tracks everything you’re learning and uses that to create a personalized experience just for you. You’ll get extra practice with tricky words and even be reminded when it’s time to review—so nothing slips through the cracks. Start using the Lingflix website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download our app from the App Store or Google Play.Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)