Getting started in minutes
Start small so you can stay consistent. Commit to 15–30 minutes daily and anchor it to an existing habit, like morning coffee. Set a clear goal: in four weeks, hold a short self-introduction in German and understand basic questions. Keep everything simple: one topic per day, one resource per step, and a tiny review at the end.
- Set a mini-goal: introduce yourself, ask for prices, order food.
- Choose a study slot you can protect every day (same time, same place).
- Use spaced repetition to learn 10 words in each session.
- Track progress in a one-page checklist you can export as a PDF.
- Celebrate small wins to keep motivation high.
Core phrases and pronunciation
Learn chunks you can use right away, then polish pronunciation. Focus on sounds like ä, ö, ü, and the sharp s in ß. Listen, repeat, and shadow short clips; mimic rhythm more than individual letters. These everyday phrases give you fast wins and make the language feel friendly from day one.
- Guten Tag — good day/hello
- Ich heiße … — my name is …
- Wie geht’s? — how are you?
- Ich hätte gern … — I would like …
- Sprechen Sie Englisch? — do you speak English?
Grammar, but simple: step by step
Treat grammar as a tool, not a test. Start with articles (der, die, das), present-tense verb patterns (ich, du, er/sie/es), and the idea that the verb sits in position two in most main clauses. Add the accusative only when you need it, and practice with real phrases instead of long tables.
- Articles: der (m), die (f), das (n); plural uses die.
- Verb second: Heute lerne ich Deutsch; not Heute ich lerne Deutsch.
- Regular verbs: wohnen, lernen, machen; memorize ich and du forms first.
- Accusative for objects: Ich habe einen Kaffee; small endings, big clarity.
Free online tools and a handy PDF
You can build a complete free course from quality online sources. Mix one video lesson, one vocab deck, and one dictionary. Keep a single notes page and export it weekly to a PDF so you can review offline. Consistency beats perfection—pick two or three tools and stick with them.
- DW Nicos Weg (A1–A2): structured video lessons and exercises.
- Anki or Memrise: spaced repetition decks for beginner vocabulary.
- LEO or dict.cc: reliable German–English dictionaries with examples.
- Forvo and YouGlish: real native audio to copy pronunciation.
- Open playlists on YouTube: short, focused lessons you can finish in minutes.
Your 4‑week beginner course plan
Follow this light plan to build momentum fast. Each day, spend roughly 10 minutes on phrases, 10 on vocab, and 10 on listening or speaking. Repeat topics as needed; the aim is confident basics, not rushing. By the end, you’ll have a reliable survival toolkit and a clear path to A1–A2.
- Week 1: Sounds, greetings, self-intro; verbs sein and haben; numbers, days.
- Week 2: Café and shopping phrases; accusative for objects; prices and time.
- Week 3: Directions, transport, appointments; separable verbs like anrufen.
- Week 4: Daily routine, simple past for common verbs, polite requests; mini dialogues and a short self-presentation.
- Weekly task: Compile new words into a one-page PDF and review on Sunday.
FAQ
- How many minutes should I study each day?
- Aim for 15–30 minutes daily. Short, focused sessions beat long marathons. Split time between phrases, vocabulary, and listening or speaking.
- Can I really learn German free online?
- Yes. Combine a structured video series, a spaced-repetition app, and a good dictionary. With a simple plan and consistency, beginners can reach A1–A2 without paying.
- Is a PDF vocabulary list worth it?
- Definitely. A one-page PDF you update weekly keeps words tidy and portable. Print it or keep it on your phone for quick micro-reviews on the go.
- What’s the best first step?
- Lock in the sounds and five core phrases. When you can pronounce ä, ö, ü and introduce yourself smoothly, every other step in the language becomes easier.
- How long to reach A1–A2 as a beginner?
- Roughly 100–200 hours, depending on your background and pace. With 30 minutes a day, expect several months. Use real dialogues and frequent speaking to accelerate.