When I started studying German, the most common way to have direct contact with the language was to travel to a German-speaking country. At that time, traveling just to study was something very difficult, at least for me, who couldn’t afford it. Only with a lot of effort and help from people around me I was able to travel to Germany for the first time to work. The goal was to reach a level of immersion in the language that I could never get in Brazil. Being in a target language country is something that can be extremely beneficial for learning the language and also the culture. However, let me share with you: this alone is not enough. You have to be committed to your immersion process.
Experiences outside the country with little immersion
Immersion requires much more than a change of geographic space. It requires commitment to one’s own learning. This means, for example, seeking the company of people who have the same purpose and being exposed to the greatest number of situations where one can hear and use the target language. I know many people who crossed the ocean to train German, but when they were in the country, they would only make friends with people who spoke their language, or settled in using English. Make no mistake: being outside your country can be very difficult and friendships are a safe haven. Thus, making friends is very important (regardless of the language they speak). However, you could also try to get closer to those with similar goals and who share your desire to be exposed to the language.
Besides, nowadays there are many ways to have access to immersion without leaving home and that is what I would like to talk about 😉
Lots of immersion within the country of origin itself
There are many solutions for those who cannot make a transatlantic trip to be in constant, direct contact with the language.
I list some options below:
- YouTube: There are several channels on YouTube that can bring you closer to the German-speaking world. The EasyGerman channel, for example, is a great choice to hear explanations about grammar issues or to see interviews with natives and immigrants in German. Besides the diversity of subjects (grammar, culture, vocabulary, curiosities, among others), the videos have English subtitles so that beginners can also follow.
Another channel that I love and find very valuable for those learning German is “Deutsch mit Marija”. She is a teacher that clarifies vocabulary and expressions (Redewendungen), and gives tips on useful materials for those learning. She also talks about life, working with what you like and other interesting topics.
2. Deutsche Welle: The Deutsche Welle website presents many options for those learning from level A1 to C1. I recommend looking for everything they offer in the “Deutsch Lernen” part of their website. In particular, I would like to draw attention to the “Nicos Weg” series. We follow Nico’s arrival in Germany in short episodes (with subtitles). Each episode has a list of materials that can be used to intensify the study, but the series can also serve as another source to hear German and get to know a little more about the culture.
https://learngerman.dw.com/de/hallo/l-40322767
Another interesting option is the “langsame gesprochene Nachrichten“, where you can hear the news spoken at a slower pace. Even for those at the basic level, listening to news in the target language is a way to get in touch with the language and expose yourself to sounds and speech rhythms.
3. Music and Podcasts (Spotify, YouTube…)
Before YouTube and Spotify, I had to rely on my father’s records and tapes to listen to music in German. At that time, I depended on the goodwill of colleagues who had traveled to lend me CDs or order from specialized stores. It was much more difficult to have access to German music. Nowadays, all you have to do is to log in to YouTube or have a Spotify account. Listening to music is another way to expose yourself to the language and you can do this while driving your car, cooking, doing housekeeping…
Below I leave a link to my Spotify playlist of songs in German. The collection is varied, and that’s the intention :D. But look also for other lists and discover new songs that you like, so you can spend more time listening to the target language.
You can also find German-language podcasts in these platforms. There are podcasts about various different themes, some of which might interest you.
4. News
Deutschlandfunk’s news programs discuss the most talked-about subjects at the moment. It is worth leaving the radio on when possible. Don’t worry if it’s too hard to keep up, as the idea is just to increase contact with the language. Immersion is exactly that: to be in direct contact with the language for as long as possible. You can listen to the radio through the site and the App.
https://www.deutschlandfunk.de
5. Movies and series
Watching original-language films and series is a great way to hear German. The advantage is to listen to the normal rhythm of speech. As for dubbed movies, you’d probably hear the dialogues in an unnatural rhythm (usually faster in the case of German). Thus, training your listening skills can become a little more challenging, but it is still a good form of exposure to the language.
6. Tandem
Tandem, or exchange, is a great solution for those who seek to train the target language, but have no one to practice with. In Tandem sites you’ll find German speakers who want to practice your mother tongue with you in exchange for talking to you in German. Everyone wins 🙂
You can practice both your writing skills (Schreiben) by email and your speaking skills (Sprechen) by Zoom, for example.
Below is an example of a community in which it is possible to search for someone to practice tandem. There are several. Search for them! It is important, however, to observe from the beginning if linguistic exchange is really your tandem partner’s goal 😉
https://www.tandem.net/de/deutsch-lernen/rio-de-janeiro
In this post, I showed you that it is possible to do immersion even without leaving home. You can start having constant and direct contact with German even today!
If these tips helped you or if you know other advice, I will love to receive your comments!
I wish you a fulfilling and happy learning!
Liebe Grüße,
Chris
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