I know it's in a long time, but I'm going to spend Chistmas with a friend and his family in Germany. I don't speak a word of German! I don't want to look like an idiot, or give the impresion that I can't be bothered to try to learn their language. HELP!!!!!
2007-04-10 23:17:46 · 14 answers · asked by Angel Kitten Rox! 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
The best you can aim for in the time available is to be able to use and understand simple sentences. I'm sure your friend and his family are already aware that you don't speak German, so they won't have unrealistic expectations of you. They'll probably be really impressed if you can use and understand simple sentences. The fact that you TRY to speak their language is much more important than WHAT you say, or how many mistakes you make. They'll appreciate the effort you make.
Maybe you could get a phrase book or a CD-ROM to help you learn basic sentences and everyday vocab e.g. numbers, types of food (especially anything you don't like to eat so you can let them know). 'Ich moechte...' is a handy phrase too (= I would like, pronounced 'ish mursh-ta'). It goes without saying that 'bitte' and 'danke' are essentials.
If you have a range of basic phrases and words at your disposal, you should be able to make yourself understood ok.
2007-04-11 04:48:17 · answer #1 · answered by jammycaketin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm studying German at school.
Anyway, i think that the best way of learning it is going to German before Christmas, if it's possible, so as for every kind of foreign language. i tried to learn French alone. i bought the grammar books, even if I know that is not very easy to have self-taught study . you should buy them too and find someone who help you and correct the mistakes: that's really important, otherwise you fault without knowing it. it's difficult to study German alone. it's not an easy language and it's quite impossible to learn it in few time. this is my opinion... but try! i learned it 5 years ago, but now it's not perfect yet. that's why I have to go and live there... maybe next year!^_^
PS: another thing you could do to learn it better when you have grammar knowledge is following cartoons in German. it should help you to understand it and enrich your new vocabulary!
hope to have helped you! byeeeee
2007-04-11 02:11:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
best thing, go to germany. you'll never learn the true german language by just reading books or listening to audios. there's nothing you can do to learn it the EASIEST way unless you PERSONALLY learn and interact with german people, lifestyle, food and most especially culture.
try some books for some basic phrases and expressions. also, try knowing the different do's and don'ts, because I think that's what you can do, FOR NOW.
well, goodluck on your trip to germany. hope i helped!
2007-04-10 23:34:08 · answer #3 · answered by popovitto 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Watch the German versions of Sesame Street. It may sound wacky but it really helps it's the repetition of words and numbers and phrases.
2007-04-10 23:26:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fastest way to learn a language is to go live in the country and mix with the locals.Other than that, try to enroll in a "Speak German" course.
2007-04-10 23:48:14 · answer #5 · answered by Seng Kim T 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
German courses. Go Germany. Get near German people who also speaks English. Rack your brains and memorise them. Within a month, you've already got half the language right!
2007-04-10 23:21:07 · answer #6 · answered by GirlBehindTheShadows 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Hi hun.
If you just get the hang of a few words of German, it goes a long way. They know that you're at least making the effort.
Bitte = Please.
Danke = Thank you.
So, for example, "One beer please" is "Ein Bier bitte"
A cup of coffee = "Ein Kaffee bitte"
Try Google translate (http://translate.google.com/translate_t) for practice. It's a good help.
I'm the worlds biggest 'duffer' when it comes to languages, but I manage to get by with the basics. Once folks know you're willing to try, they'll help you all the way. Have fun!.. :)
2007-04-10 23:39:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
get yourself a matrix upload, plug your head in, and download the german language, i learnt in like 35 seconds, remember once you know the truth things are never the same.
so what will you choose the german language or carry on as you are now, or do you want to see how deep the rabbit hole goes?
2007-04-10 23:28:23 · answer #8 · answered by abadon imposer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rosetta Stone?? haha the BEST way to learn a language is immersion, going to a place that speaks that language and having to depend on knowing it.
2016-05-17 08:27:33 · answer #9 · answered by pauletta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.therosettastone.co.uk/en/offer/google?a=b
Rosetta Stone is a very easy to follow course and with a 6 month money back gurantee if your not completely satisfied - you can't go wrong!
Works brilliant for me when I travel to Germany.
You can also have this special code to give you free shipping when you order: ml080
2007-04-11 02:59:56 · answer #10 · answered by Lil' Phil 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋