I'm really interested in learning another language. I've tried to learn Spanish, didn't work. I've tried to learn French, didn't work. I know Pig Latin, but I don't really know if that is a language. My mom lived in Germany when she was a child (she can't remember any German at all now), so now I would like to learn German. What are some good, fast, and if so cheap ways to learning this language?
2007-03-17 07:28:54 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Unless you are some kind of prodigy, you probably can't learn a foreign language overnight. I've been studying German for three years and I still have a lot to learn.
I'd suggest getting a grammar book and teaching yourself basic vocab and sentence structure. You might also find you learn faster by watching movies in German ("Run, Lola, Run" seems to be a popular one for beginners because it is very repetitive) or reading books in German (I'm working my way through the Harry Potter series currently and if you've read them in English, you won't have too much trouble figuring out what is going on).
2007-03-17 07:34:42 · answer #1 · answered by Venin_Noir 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
several good answers already, explore more than one option and see what is most comfortable and effective for you
I want to add something, Find and learn the very basic rules of pronunciation of spelling, words with ei always pronounced like "eye", words with ie always pronounce like "ee" as in "Key", etc.... Start with the basic foundation, then progress. Don't try to make tons of progress before the basics. In German language and grammar, they do not have exceptions to rules like English language does. Knowing that can prevent some problems and give you courage. Get the foundation right, then progress from there.
Also, for vocabulary, you can learn so much so fast if you get a picture dictionary (real one, not one for kids). There is one that is similar to a medical text book, showing a scene or object, and lines pointing between the word and the name of all the parts, example a picture of an office, showing all the words for all the objects and people in the office. Its intriguing and fun way to boost your vocab so fast.
Langenscheidt Picture Dictionary German-English
2007-03-17 07:45:02 · answer #2 · answered by million$gon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no quick way to learn anything, especially a language. To get the best results, you have to take your time. Our German teacher at school has been studying for I don't know how long, but he still refers to a English-German dictionary for some words. So basically you won't ever learn it as well as a native would.
I think that just learning basic phrases and key words would be fine if you're planning to go to Germany, but most Germans speak pretty good English.
2007-03-17 07:42:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was nice to hear that you are interested in learning german.I was born & raised there! You might want to check out ebay or half.com they have some great learning discs and dvds for your computer/tv... but honestly the best way to learn the language is to maybe have some german pen pals that would actually be a great start for you.Good luck.
Wie geht es dir? How are you?
Wie heisst du? Whats your name?
Wie alt bist du? How old are you?
Ich heisse...My name is...
2007-03-17 10:45:44 · answer #4 · answered by Michael Jackson 1958 - FOREVER 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check Rosetta Stone online, or type Learn German free online tutorial.
2007-03-17 07:34:18 · answer #5 · answered by Emil 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deutsche Welle/ Goethe Institute have a complete course on-line starting from beginners' level.
Try a look and good luck!
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/0,2142,2547,00.html
And you'll need a dictionary
http://dict.leo.org/ende?lp=ende&lang=de&searchLoc=0&cmpType=relaxed§Hdr=on&spellToler=on&search=swan&relink=on
And a verb conjugator
http://www.canoo.net/services/Controller?dispatch=inflection&input=wei%DFen&features=%28Cat+V%29%28Aux+haben%29&country=D&lookup=caseInSensitive
2007-03-17 08:04:07 · answer #6 · answered by M.M.D.C. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to germany, sorry but thats the only way to learn fast.
2007-03-17 07:31:59 · answer #7 · answered by bojanglestothemax 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Use "The Euro Method" (CD). It has a great program.
2007-03-17 07:42:59 · answer #8 · answered by s√(s-a)(s-b)(s-c) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋