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Learn German with DW

DW has been offering a modern and diverse range of German courses
for over 60 years. The bilingual courses are ideal for beginners.
Advanced learners can improve their skills with special programs,
like an original telenovela. Whether you prefer reading texts, listening
to audio clips, or watching videos, there’s something for every
kind of learner. And for those who wish to use the courses offline,
the course materials can also be downloaded.

Media Type: video, audio, text (download), interactive exercises
Language: German

Deutschtrainer  

01: Introduce yourself  

02: Introducing the family  

03: To greet – to say goodbye  

04: Asking for help  

05: How are you?  

06: What's your phone number?  

07: What time is it?  

08: How do you spell that?  

09: Immigration  

10: At the doctor's office  

The key to a life in Germany: learning German

students in a German language class

If you really want to make a life in Germany, one thing is paramount: you have to speak German. That's the only way to tackle everyday tasks and get to know your neighbors. Here are some tips on how to go about that. 

Germany Guide for Refugees

Return to "Germany Guide for Refugees" homepage  

  • Ein Vater spricht mit seinem Baby

    Top tips for learning German

    Speak out loud

    Speaking a new language is so hard because it requires you to use the knowledge you have just learnt, and call on it quickly. That's why you need to practise a lot. If you don't have anyone to speak German to, then just practice with yourself.

  • Symbolbild Beschriftung Zettel Deutsch lernen

    Top tips for learning German

    Label household items in German

    Take a small piece of paper, write the name of the item and stick it on. It's a simple way of learning, all day long! Our tip: write the definite and indefinite article for the noun too, plus the plural form of the word. Otherwise, you'll have to learn those words again later too.

  • Deutsch-türkische Bilderbücher

    Top tips for learning German

    Read German children's books and comics

    Children's books and comics are written in a simple style and there are also pictures. That's why they are so good for people who are starting out, learning German. Some children's books even exist in two languages.

  • Klima Ausflug

    Top tips for learning German

    Write your shopping list in German

    Learning German vocabulary that is useful for everyday life is particularly important. Try to write your shopping list and other notes for yourself in German. It might take a bit longer, but we promise that you will learn a lot.

  • Flohmarkt Köln Unicenter Verkäuferin Kundin

    Top tips for learning German

    Write your shopping list in German

    Learning German vocabulary that is useful for everyday life is particularly important. Try to write your shopping list and other notes for yourself in German. It might take a bit longer, but we promise that you will learn a lot.

  • Top tips for learning German

    Don't wait til your German is perfect

    The most important thing is that you can be understood. That doesn't mean that every sentence has to be perfect. And it is not a big deal if you can't get the article of the noun right. Think about it: many people that you speak with, won't even know any other foreign language.

  • a digital radio

    Top tips for learning German

    Listen to German radio

    When you are a beginner, it may be hard to understand anything at all on German radio. But, by listening more, you will develop a feel for the language. For more advanced German speakers, it's a good way to learn a lot about German culture and, at the same time, to improve your language skills.

  • Two women talking

    Top tips for learning German

    Find a German for language exchange

    A good opportunity to come in contact with native German speakers is to get a "tandem partner." You should try to meet a German person who wants to learn your language and then you can help each other. This helps you not just to learn vocabulary and expressions, but also to get into the rhythm of the language.

  • vegetables

    Top tips for learning German

    Use German recipes for cooking

    Cooking isn't just a way of fueling yourself for the day, it is also an important part of life. The best way to learn the name of different foods is to cook them yourself. If you don't like German food that's not an issue: you can cook Italian dishes, as long as the recipe is written in German!

  • Young woman with book

    Top tips for learning German

    Read books that you know, in German translation

    Your favorite book is probably something you know like the back of your hand, right? That's a great advantage if you want to read the book in German. You know the plot, so you can read it and just concentrate on the language. Give it a try!

  • German Pop star Helene Fischer
    More

    Top tips for learning German

    Listen to German music and learn the lyrics

    Music makes you feel emotion and it brings people together. But it can also help you learn a language too. In Germany there are a lot of different singers (like Helene Fischer, Pictured here) and bands, so you are sure to find something you like. DW has a program „Learn German with music." Click on "More" and you can listen to some songs that will help you learn German.

  • Scene from German Cowboy parody movie Schuh des Manitu
    More

    Top tips for learning German

    Watch films or TV in German

    This is also a good way to combine learning German and enjoying a bit of entertainment. There are lots of good German films or TV series, many with subtitles. But you can also watch one of your favorite Hollywood films, in the dubbed German version. Or you could give DW's show "Jojo sucht das Glück" a try. Just click on "More" at the top of this slide to get there.

Other formats for beginners

Video exercises for advanced beginners

Das Deutschlandlabor

DEUTSCHKURSE | Deutschlandlabor Banner mit Logo

What did you always want to know about Germany? Our moderators ask experts and people on the street – and investigate for themselves which stereotypes are true. The videos are suitable for learners from level A2 and up. 

Jojo sucht das Glück

EINSCHRÄNKUNG Jojo 3 Titelbild

In 33 video episodes, "Jojo sucht das Glück" follows the adventures of a Brazilian, Jojo, in Cologne. The series includes interactive exercises, grammar explanations, and lots more to help you improve your German.