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- Jun 3, 2015
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I've been learning German for some months now and I think with some decent success. I can say I'm B1 level atleast, my Goal is to be fluent till end of the year and I try to include different methods - my girlfriend speaks it , so trying to make some small conversations. Also an app for building vocabulary, "slow german" blog will be next.
Looking for any advice from people who went through the way on their own with the goal to learn it not in a 4-5 years period, but on a more focused approach.
I'll share more on what I went through until now, if there is interest in thread!
I speak German and Spanish, I'm learning Mandarin and Swedish as well. I find that the only thing that can really catapult you, is speaking it every day with native speakers.
I'd say that my Spanish is a lot better than my German, however I live in the UK so never really speak it. When I go to Spain it takes me about 7-10 days to get back into the flow.
You're lucky, keep chatting with your girlfriend, and watch all your favourite shows dubbed in German.
Lastly, start thinking about the structure of the language. It's easy as an English speaker to try and transpose what you're thinking into your new tongue. Instead, start listening to the way Germans speak English, really try to literally translate, rather than transpose.
For instance:
"Can I speak to Mr Schmidt please?" is transposed to; "Kann ich mit Herr Schmidt spreche bitte?"
Is actually "can I, with Mr Schmidt speak please?" It's a subtle difference, but paying attention to it, will help you.