The German language skill levels are categorized into three broader levels: primary user, independent user, and proficient user. These levels are defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The specific levels are as follows:
- A1 and A2: Basic ability
- B1 and B2: Intermediate or independent
- C1 and C2: Proficient or approaching native fluency
This is a step-by-step guide that was created with one goal in mind: To help complete beginners learn how to speak German fast
How To Say… in German
| Hallo! – Hello! | Wie geht’s? – How are you? |
| Danke! – Thank you! | Mir geht’s gut. – I’m doing well |
| Vielen Dank! – Thank you very much! | Mir geht’s nicht gut. – I’m not doing well |
| Willkommen! – Welcome! | Ich komme aus… – I’m from |
| Alles Gute zum Geburtstag – Happy Birthday | Ich bin hier wegen + Genitiv… – I’m here for… |
| Fröhliche Weihnachten – Merry Christmas | Bis später! – See you later |
| Guten Morgen! – Good Morning! | Tschüß! – Bye! |
| Guten Abend! – Good evening! | |
| Ich heiβe… – My name is… | |
| Wie heißen Sie? – What’s your name? |
How Long Does It Take To Learn German
Learning German can be a bit difficult, especially if you are a native of a language that doesn’t belong to the Indo-European family of languages. There is no fixed period of time that guarantees you will succeed in learning the German language, but what’s most important is consistency. You’re not going to wake up one morning and find yourself speaking fluent German.
Learning a new language may take a different time depending on many factors like your prior experience and exposure to the language, your resilience, how much work you put into the learning process, motivation, and so on. But, if you practice on a daily basis for a period of at least three to six months, you’ll probably be able to handle a daily conversation with a friend and doing things like getting into a cafe and making an order in German.
German Language Alphabets
People say it’s all about mastering the basics. So, if you’re wondering how to learn the German language if you’re a complete beginner, we recommend you start with the alphabet. The German language has 26 letters, just like English. There are a few letters with pronunciation that doesn’t exist in English: ä,ö,ü and β, but you won’t find these letters in the Alphabet. Practice their correct pronunciation as this will help you adjust your accent significantly.
| Alphabet | Pronunciation | Alphabet | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Ah | N | Enn |
| B | Beh | O | Oh |
| C | Tseh | P | Peh |
| D | Deh | Q | Kuh |
| E | Eh | R | Err |
| F | Eff | S | Ess |
| G | Geh | T | Teh |
| H | Hah | U | Uh |
| I | Ih | V | Fau |
| J | Yott | W | Veh |
| K | Kah | X | Iks |
| L | Ell | Y | Ypsilon |
| M | Emm | Z | Tzett |
Free Apps To Learn The German Language
Today technology is on your side. Make sure you use it efficiently. On the Internet, you have a bunch of free online applications that can serve you as perfect tools to boost your language skills. You can access them for free and it takes minutes to have them on your device. Here are some of these applications you should consider:
Anki
It’s an app designed to help you widen your vocabulary through flashcards. You can make flashcards on your own with text, images, or sounds or you can download pre-made ones.
Memrise
With Memrise you can learn and socialize at the same time. You can compete with your friends in German. This app also offers other programs, so once you are done with German you can change the subject.
WordPic
This app will help you expand your vocabulary with pictures and also helps to practice your pronunciation.
Babbel
In Babbel, you’ll have questions with multiple answer choices. The app reads questions aloud so you can practice pronunciation.
DeutscheAcademie
This app is dedicated to practicing. You get access to a lot of materials that can help you upgrade your level in the German language
Wie geht’s
Is an app that covers a range of topics. It is focused on vocabulary. It can be used with or without an Internet connection
Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most popular apps for learning German and other languages. It’s an online course where you can create your profile and set your own goals.