Can I get by without German?

Thriving in Germany Podcast

In today’s episode on learning German, we talk about:

• Why even having school German doesn’t really prepare you for speaking the language when you get here.
• A handy tip that prevents you from trying to rephrase everything you say if someone doesn’t understand your German.
• How we both overestimated how much English was spoken by everyday Germans.
• How unhelpful it is when you say something in German and the other person tries to be helpful by replying in English.
• Suzanne’s theory as to why Germans don’t generally speak English as well as people from Scandinavian or Benelux countries.
• What big mindset change Kim went through to improve her German.
• Suzanne’s “rule” that really helped her to improve her German.
• Bilingual kids and German schools.
• The challenges that people have when learning German and what to do to overcome them.
• The best ways to learn German.
• Why you can’t get away without learning grammar!
• Why we think it’s important to learn German while you’re here (even if it’s only for a short time).
• Why comparison is futile and relaxation is the key.
• The fears that prevent you from progressing faster.
• Two very useful tools to complement language learning that can help you overcome mental blocks, and negative self-talk, increase your motivation, build your confidence, reduce anxiety, and enhance your memory and your recall of vocabulary and grammar.
• How things you experience in your childhood can influence your language learning.
• Why you’re majorly missing out if you don’t learn German (regardless of how long you’re planning to stay).
• Two funny language stories that still make us cringe.

Tools for learning German:

Google “Volkshochschule + your city” for reasonably-priced in-person language classes.

Italki language learning website/app.

Duolingo (free app and web-based language learning tool)

Find a tandem partner

Want to get to know us better? Connect with us here:

Kim

Website: https://thriveingermany.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.lummis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lummis-209b0120/
For the Thrive in Germany online course https://www.thriveingermany.net/booking-1 and use coupon code "podcast" for 10% off

Suzanne

Website: https://suzannedinter.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/suzanne.dinter

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/suzannedinter
To book a breakthrough session with Suzanne: https://appointment-suzanne-dinter-hypnosis-coaching.as.me/breakthrough
Free hypnotic download: https://suzannedinter.com/calm-and-confident/