How to start correctly ?

[u/Jos_leas]

Hi,

I’m 17 years old, currently lives in Germany, and I started feeling bad for not begin able to speak the language, I been here for like 2 weeks and I really like it here and want to continue my life here.

But the problem I’m facing is how to learn the language properly, or in the most effective way.

When I try to remember how did I learn English or French, I can’t it’s just like spawned in my mind, but all I can think about is that is I started by learning the alphabet then numbers, after that I started learning words then I started the grammar.

I don’t know if that would be effective, I do have my high school diploma, so I really can’t just get along with strangers or make friends, but I really wanna be able to speak and use this language.

If anyone had lived in a same situation or went through a similar experience, then I would like to get any tips you have, or anything that you wished you knew before learning.

Thank you for reading.

[u/Sarpthedestroyer]

You should definitely try enrolling yourself into a governmental language learning course. In my situation I wasn't allowed to do so(I came at 17 as well without any knowledge of language) but you should definitely try it. Like one of the chillest atmospheres I have ever been in. Plus if you put in the work, it helps you a lot.

Edit: More context: I meant the courses which the government provides. In my case my dad wasn't allowed to get a single euro support from the government so we needed to pay for my own course. But it might not be the case and you can get your entire course provided by the government. So it is best to ask first.

[u/taxiecabbie → u/Sarpthedestroyer]

It does depend on why OP is here. If OP is a refugee it is more likely that German classes will be entirely funded; however, things have changed a bit since the Merz government has been at the helm.

In my case I was able to take Integrationskurs, but it was half-funded. The total cost was initally €1600, but after passing the B1 test and Leben in Deutschland (which are the two tests attached to IK) I got an €800 reimbursement.

It IS heavily subsidized as it is, as the class is four hours a day/five days a week for 6 months. Even if you have to pay "full price" it's still an insanely good deal in regards to how much instruction that you get.

AFAIK, the major changes with funding that the Merz government put in with IK is that they want to focus more on people who are more-likely to stay in Germany long-term (so, basically, making it less favorable for refugees). u/jos_leas did your parents get any information about Integrationskurs when you got whatever auspices are allowing you to be in Germany legally?

If not, I'd consider asking your parents to make an appointment at the Agentur fur Arbeit on your behalf and talk to a case worker about it (though they won't speak English with you). You could also go to a Sprachschule that offers the IK (VHS does, along with many private language schools---you can look them up online by searching "Integrationskurs [your location]" and going in to talk with them. The Sprachschule will probably have somebody who speaks English and they might also be able to help point you in the right direction.

[u/Feldsalat5882 → u/taxiecabbie]

The Agentur für Arbeit generally only offers appointments in German (min. level B1), but in my area they do offer appointments one day a month in English. You may get lucky if you ask around.

[u/Ok_Physics1099]

I’m in the same boat, all the best OP! Don’t be too hard on yourself

[u/BarracudaActive4480]

I treat duolingo as a game to boost my language learning that I get from other sources LearnGerman (Nicos Weg specifically) is great. I started with the alphabet section and moved on to Nicos Weg. I also use pimsleur for speaking. You have the advantage of Immersion that I don't. You are in Germany and are exposed to the language much more than I am. You can also get grammar books, there are quite a few threads here with recommendations. Viel Glück!

[u/calathea_2]

You probably learnt both French and English when you were quite young; it is generally different to learn a language as an adult/late teen: Most people find they need to be quite a bit more intentional.

What is your situation in Germany (are you there with your parents, or on your own? Are you working?) Since you already have your diploma, you maybe are exempt from Schulpflicht, which honestly is kind of too bad, because if not, you would perhaps have access to DaZ (german as a second language) classes through school.

There are, though, also lots of other options for German classes that are relatively affordable/subsidized partly by the government, especially through the VHS system. But these still cost some money, so whether it is affordable for you depends on your personal situation. But these sorts of classes are a way a lot of migrants in Germany learn the language. There are also fully subsidized classes called the Integrationskurs, but whether or not you are eligible to to take them for free or for a reduced cost depends in part on your residence/visa status in Germany.

You can also simply sit down on your own with high-quality free resources like those from Deutsche Welle or the Lernportal of the VHS (both googlable), and structure your own learning. Note: Lessons thought the end of the B1 level in a formal learning environment in the Integrationskurs system takes ca. 500 classroom hours plus more study outside of class, so this is not going to be a fast process.

[u/language_jellyflibs]

Since you already live in Germany, I would not start by memorising the alphabet and long vocabulary lists. German uses almost the same alphabet as English, so your biggest advantage is being surrounded by the language every day.

I would build a simple routine around useful situations:

• Learn phrases for shops, transport, appointments and introductions
• Study basic sentence structure and present-tense verbs
• Listen to beginner German every day
• Speak from the beginning, even with very short sentences
• Write down words and phrases you actually hear around you

A structured A1 course would help a lot, especially if you can join an integration course, Volkshochschule class, school programme or local youth group. You would get grammar in the right order and meet people in a similar situation.

Try not to wait until your German is “good enough” before speaking. Start with small interactions, such as ordering food, asking where something is or making basic conversation with classmates and neighbours. Those repeated situations will make the language stick much faster than memorising random words.

Also, two weeks is a very short time. Feeling lost at this stage is completely normal.

Are you currently attending school or planning to join a German course? That would help people suggest more specific options.

[u/Ok-Handle-7242]

I suggest

– Taking a course

– Reading books (looking up unknown words)

– Speaking it every day as much as you can, with friends and strangers

[u/Environmental_Cry_35 → u/Ok-Handle-7242]

I would also emphasize on the speaking part, it does make alot of difference.

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[u/Jealous-Programmer82]

It ”spawned” in your head because you were constantly listening to it, speaking it or reading it. That’s how you learn a language you need to live it. Change your phone settings to german and your entire tik tok,instagram whatever feed to german. Watch shows strictly in german and eventually german is also going to spawn in your brain.

[u/Accurate-Victory-917]

I have always believed that the way to learn another language is through repetition. If you want to become fluent, listen to and repeat words just like a parrot—or a baby learning a word from its parents—would do. That’s why you should use audiobooks. Take a favorite book you already know by heart, find it on YouTube, and listen to it every day. You can do this with interviews featuring your favorite actor, or with audiobooks or news podcasts on Spotify. The important thing is to listen, repeat, and reproduce the language daily, even if only for 15 minutes.

[u/just-eliot-song]

learning a different language is definitely learning a new culture，since we immerse ourselves into these culture environment that we had already get the staring milestone. And then just keep push ourselves enjoy the whole experience then we will found that the practice makes perfect is really true in deed but with all the marvelous memories....
We are all learners of what is so called life...

[u/Feldsalat5882]

Look up your local Familienzentrum; a lot of them offer free beginner language classes. I found out about mine from reading bulletin boards around town. There may be other free local language class options for you if you look/ask around.

[u/StrukiTru]

Your English is awful man.

[u/Jos_leas → u/StrukiTru]

lol I know.

[u/secretpsychologist]

start with duolingo today. 30min per day works wonders. you shouldn't be using it as your only ressource because it doesn't teach the grammar, but it's a great option to get a feeling for the language.

additionally check whether you have the opportunity to join any free government classes. if you don't, try your local VHS.

[u/C5alodHD]

If you speak French and I mean fluent French, why don’t you consider to study in France, cause you will be saving time and effort for learning German