Start here: your first German steps
Begin with sounds, not rules. Learn the alphabet, the four key letters (Ä, Ö, Ü, ß), and stress patterns. A quick pronunciation PDF plus short audio clips helps you link spelling to sound. Practice greetings, introducing yourself, and numbers 1–20 so you can survive your first small talk within minutes.
Create a one-page cheat sheet in PDF: greetings, polite phrases, days, and essential verbs like sein and haben. Keep it on your phone for instant recall. The goal is comfort and clarity, not perfection. If you can say hello, exchange names, and order a coffee, you are already learning like a pro.
- Learn the alphabet and key sounds in 10 minutes.
- Memorize 10 survival phrases from a free PDF.
- Practice numbers, time, and polite forms (Sie vs du).
- Record yourself once and compare to native audio.
A1 words and phrases you will actually use
Focus on high-frequency chunks: Ich hätte gern, Wie viel kostet das, Ich komme aus. Group words by situation (cafe, transport, shopping) and turn them into small, printable packs. Many free word lists exist as PDF; choose ones with example sentences so you learn usage, not just translations.
Build a mini course from your lists: 10 new items per day, then review. Use spaced repetition flashcards and read each phrase aloud. In a few weeks, you will cover the A1 essentials while sounding more natural.
- Personal info: name, origin, address, phone, email.
- Time and dates: days, months, appointments, schedules.
- Food and shopping: prices, quantities, common items.
- Travel basics: tickets, directions, platforms, delays.
- Emergency phrases: help, doctor, pharmacy, police.
Grammar made friendly (A1–A2)
Keep grammar light and practical. Start with present tense, verb position in statements and questions, and separable verbs. Learn the Nominative and Accusative with a simple article table PDF. Use example-rich sentences so every rule feels useful.
Adopt a step-by-step approach: one pattern, many examples, quick drill, short speaking practice. When ready, add modal verbs (können, müssen), plural forms, and basic prepositions like in, auf, mit. This is enough grammar to talk about daily life without drowning in exceptions.
- Step 1: Word order in simple statements (Subject–Verb–Object).
- Step 2: Yes/no and W-questions with correct verb-first.
- Step 3: Accusative articles (den, einen) with objects.
- Step 4: Separable verbs (aufstehen, einkaufen) in context.
- Step 5: Modal verbs and everyday prepositions.
Practice plan: 20 minutes a day
Short, consistent sessions beat long marathons. Use a timer and rotate skills so your brain gets variety. Combine your free PDF notes with quick online exercises and short listening clips. Keep a simple log to track progress.
Speak early and often. Shadow dialogues for one minute bursts. Write two lines about your day. If you miss a day, do not quit—just resume the next step. Momentum is your real course.
- 5 minutes: review yesterday’s PDF phrases out loud.
- 5 minutes: online listening or dialogue shadowing.
- 5 minutes: micro-grammar drill with two examples.
- 5 minutes: write 3–4 sentences and read them aloud.
Where to find free PDFs and courses online
Look for reputable sources that align with A1–A2 objectives. Many institutions provide beginner lessons, worksheets, and answer keys as downloadable PDF files. Pair them with short videos or audio so you connect text to sound.
Search terms to try: german A1 pdf, beginners course pdf, german grammar tables pdf, A1 vocabulary list pdf, learn german online beginner. Evaluate quality by checking clear objectives, examples, audio references, and an answer key.
Combine two sources max: one core course for structure and one PDF pack for vocabulary. Too many materials create noise and slow your progress.
- Goethe-Institut: beginner worksheets and exam-style tasks.
- DW Learn German: structured A1–A2 courses with PDFs.
- University open courseware: syllabi, vocab lists, drills.
- Open textbooks and community decks with audio support.
- Local libraries: free e-resources and language portals.
FAQ
- How long does A1 German usually take for beginners?
- With a consistent 20–30 minutes a day, many learners reach A1 in 8–12 weeks. If you can add short speaking practice, progress is faster and more durable.
- Are free PDFs enough to learn the language?
- PDFs are great for structure and review, but add audio and speaking. Pair a clear PDF course outline with online listening and brief conversation practice.
- Is an online course better than a textbook?
- Use both if possible. A structured online course keeps you moving; a concise PDF or textbook consolidates grammar and vocabulary for quick revision.
- How many minutes per day should I study?
- Aim for 20 minutes on busy days and 40–60 on weekends. Short daily steps beat irregular long sessions. Keep one rest day each week to recharge.
- What is a good step-by-step method for pronunciation?
- Start with the alphabet and special letters, shadow slow dialogues, record yourself, and compare to native audio. Repeat in 1–2 minute sprints for focus.