I want to learn to speak German - any recommendations?
Oct 17th, 2006, 05:55 PM
#1
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I want to learn to speak German - any recommendations?
The next beginning German class doesn't start until next fall at the local college, so I'm thinking about doing one of the Audio CD classes.
Has anyone here done one? I'm not looking for one that costs hundreds of dollars, but I would probably go up to $100.00 for a good program.
TIA
Has anyone here done one? I'm not looking for one that costs hundreds of dollars, but I would probably go up to $100.00 for a good program.
TIA
Oct 17th, 2006, 06:20 PM
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Try the BBC language on-line course. I've used it for Italian and found it very helpful.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/german/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/german/
Oct 17th, 2006, 08:17 PM
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I've used several tape programs to learn German. If you are serious about it spend the money for http://www.sybervision.com/pimsleurphp/index.php tapes.
Oct 18th, 2006, 01:41 AM
#7
I'm going to plug Michel Thomas again. try his beginners' course [2 tapes/CDs] - really the best courses i have ever found, because he helps you to understand how the language works, not just a few phrases.
Try your local library and see what they've got too.
Good luck!
Try your local library and see what they've got too.
Good luck!
Oct 18th, 2006, 02:34 AM
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I'm a fan of Pimsleur. Not German, but I'm currently learning Czech, and I'm doing fairly well with it, plus it's kinda fun! I had used Pimsleur for Italian years ago, and it did provide a good headstart for when I began my Italian class in Italy.
Check with your public library before you spend any money. In addition to what they have on the shelf, my library has a free download service (I think the files self destruct after a period of time, so not to violate copyright). Didn't work out for me, as the service only works with PC, not Mac, but I felt buying Pimsleur was money well spent.
Good luck!
Check with your public library before you spend any money. In addition to what they have on the shelf, my library has a free download service (I think the files self destruct after a period of time, so not to violate copyright). Didn't work out for me, as the service only works with PC, not Mac, but I felt buying Pimsleur was money well spent.
Good luck!
Oct 18th, 2006, 02:38 AM
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Oct 18th, 2006, 03:22 AM
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Both statements are equally true 
. Just with German, you mustn't make the mistake NOT to learn the gender of things. (Male, female or neutal). The rest can all be deducted by following grammatic rules. (Well, singulars and plurals are also important) ;-)
. Just with German, you mustn't make the mistake NOT to learn the gender of things. (Male, female or neutal). The rest can all be deducted by following grammatic rules. (Well, singulars and plurals are also important) ;-)
Oct 18th, 2006, 06:09 AM
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Hopscotch, I'm sure that system is great, but it's also waaaaay out of my price range! Thanks though.
Annhig - Duh! I never thought to check the library! Michael Thomas' CD's are within my price range to. Have you only tried the two CD set or have you done all 8?
Ira- I'll read the article later, hopefully it won't discourage me! ;-)
Annhig - Duh! I never thought to check the library! Michael Thomas' CD's are within my price range to. Have you only tried the two CD set or have you done all 8?
Ira- I'll read the article later, hopefully it won't discourage me! ;-)
Oct 18th, 2006, 06:44 AM
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The Library downloads are fantastic. Yes there is a time limit to their accessibilty on your computer for mine it is 7 days then they self destruct.
They can However, be burned to a CD to be played on a CD player with MP3 & WMA capabilities, this is not against the copywrite rules, which only state that you may not play them for groups.
I have done this and it's working great.
They can However, be burned to a CD to be played on a CD player with MP3 & WMA capabilities, this is not against the copywrite rules, which only state that you may not play them for groups.
I have done this and it's working great.
Oct 19th, 2006, 01:19 AM
#18
hi, Rapunzll [love the name, by the way], my main experience is of michel thomas italian, where I am now on the "advanced" course tho' i'm struggling a bit. [or to be truthful, a lot]
I have certainly found on visits to italy since I started it that I am understanding and communicating much better than I ever have before.
i have also done most of the Spanish 8 CD course, which I found equally good.
as for the german, i learnt at school and after numerous visits, am quite fluent. however, i did borrow it from the library for my son, who is also learning at school, to practice in the car, and he found it helpful too.
I would suggest trying to borrow it first, at least the 2 CD version, and seeing what you think, before you buy.
Viel Spass!
I have certainly found on visits to italy since I started it that I am understanding and communicating much better than I ever have before.
i have also done most of the Spanish 8 CD course, which I found equally good.
as for the german, i learnt at school and after numerous visits, am quite fluent. however, i did borrow it from the library for my son, who is also learning at school, to practice in the car, and he found it helpful too.
I would suggest trying to borrow it first, at least the 2 CD version, and seeing what you think, before you buy.
Viel Spass!
Oct 19th, 2006, 03:40 AM
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rapunzll:
I used the Michel Thomas 8-CD French course before my first trip. I bought mine, but noticed the library now has them. (See if your library will order them. Mine is very good about special requests.)
I first used the tapes on my long walks and drives...went through them twice. Then I supplemented with other books/tapes from the library and language websites. I looked up particular phrases I would need (e.g., for driving in the countryside).
During my trip research, words/phrases would occur to me that might be useful. I kept my books/websites handy and looked it up, then copied the French into a document for later study. Evenutally I categorized the document: at hotel, in restaurants, transportation, etc. The Michel Thomas tapes had given me a good basis in pronunciation, so the supplemental lessons went easily. I would still pop the Thomas CD's in during my walks for reinforcement. Overall, I think I spent about 5 months on the process.
By the time we got to France, I was amazed when I found I could actually carry on conversations! I always apologize for my poor French (I haven't learned conjugations/tense), but most people were delighted that I was trying. I still haven't mastered the gutteral "R" thing.
The most important aspect seems to be that Thomas gave me a good foundation in pronunciation. As I come across new words, several people have expressed surprise at my pronunciation (which surprises me!).
The supplemental tapes I got from the library were inferior to Thomas. But they weren't the well-known brands, so I can't compare. They were more inclined toward travel (asking for directions, etc.). Some put the emphasis on listening as opposed to speaking. None stood out, but each of them provided some knowledge I wouldn't have come across elsewhere.
I used the Michel Thomas 8-CD French course before my first trip. I bought mine, but noticed the library now has them. (See if your library will order them. Mine is very good about special requests.)
I first used the tapes on my long walks and drives...went through them twice. Then I supplemented with other books/tapes from the library and language websites. I looked up particular phrases I would need (e.g., for driving in the countryside).
During my trip research, words/phrases would occur to me that might be useful. I kept my books/websites handy and looked it up, then copied the French into a document for later study. Evenutally I categorized the document: at hotel, in restaurants, transportation, etc. The Michel Thomas tapes had given me a good basis in pronunciation, so the supplemental lessons went easily. I would still pop the Thomas CD's in during my walks for reinforcement. Overall, I think I spent about 5 months on the process.
By the time we got to France, I was amazed when I found I could actually carry on conversations! I always apologize for my poor French (I haven't learned conjugations/tense), but most people were delighted that I was trying. I still haven't mastered the gutteral "R" thing.
The most important aspect seems to be that Thomas gave me a good foundation in pronunciation. As I come across new words, several people have expressed surprise at my pronunciation (which surprises me!).
The supplemental tapes I got from the library were inferior to Thomas. But they weren't the well-known brands, so I can't compare. They were more inclined toward travel (asking for directions, etc.). Some put the emphasis on listening as opposed to speaking. None stood out, but each of them provided some knowledge I wouldn't have come across elsewhere.
