Last year I took a trip to Germany for a vacation. Prior to embarking, I tried out a free Internet course just to pick up the basics. Because there were time constraints I was only able to learn a couple of key phrases and a handful of words. The basics were just about all the course really offered anyways. Thinking that I would get by on a general understanding, I was pretty excited to get on my way. Well once I arrived it was extremely apparent that I was mistaken.
A friend of mine was in Berlin on business. So I planned on meeting up with him and hoped to spend much of my time with him at my side. Knowing that he had actually taken the time to learn the language and was prepared was something that i counted on. I was a bit distressed to find out he had a big conference that week that seemed to spring up at the last minute. So it left me alone most of the time I was there. Which was fine with me, I had a bunch of exciting things lined up to do. As the days went by I grew increasingly frustrated by my limited knowledge of the German language. My communications with the local people were short and impersonal. I found myself listening to their dialogue and only grasping a small amount of content. While some of the words were familiar, I couldn’t piece together what most of it meant. Which made me feel like a dumb tourist who hadn’t put any effort into actually learning German.
There are mainy reasons to learn German as outlined below:
Learn German For Travel In addition to the three major European countries where German is a native language, German is a second language for many countries across Eastern Europe. Those planning to travel in Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia or Kazakhstan may find it useful to learn German to communicate in those regions. There are many websites that offer free language lessons to help travelers learn basic German phrases. However, for a more intensive course, travelers could learn German in Berlin or another part of Germany.
Learn About German Culture German culture is more than beer and lederhosen. Germany has a rich cultural heritage. Many great thinkers, such as Freud and Einstein, were German. Many of the most respected classical composers came from Germany. There is a lot to do in Germany, from exploring towns with a centuries-old history to seeing the wonders of modern engineering technology. Those who study in Germany will find that this gives an inside view of many aspects of German culture.
The best solution possible is to find an audio program that can teach you the language of the Germans step by step and at your own pace. After all, if you take a class you could fall far behind and never actually learn a thing or you could be so advanced that you get bored in class and still learn nothing. But and audio program will work at your pace, at your own hours, for however long you need. Heck, you can even repeat the tapes over and over again. What community college professor can repeat things over and over continuously, not only in class, but also in your car on the drive to work and back, or in your bedroom when all you have is pajamas on getting ready for bed? My most recommended course is Rocket German. You can find more info about it out here - Rocket German Reviews. If you are a total beginner and have no clue in German I have one word for you: PIMSLEUR. Go and get it. NOW. In 30 days you will be 100000% motivated to keep on going. I am currently to Level 2 and I am blown away how much this thing is effective. Also, after Pimsleur, take Michel Thomas course. The advantage is that you get motivated quickly. The disadvantage is that you do not get fast progress like with the first method. You can find more info about Pimsleur German, Rosetta German, Rocket German about here - Rosetta German Review.