29/12/2025
Most people don’t fail because they’re “bad at languages”.
They fail because they start with the wrong order: too much grammar, too little speaking, and zero routine.
Here’s the simple plan I’d follow as a complete beginner:
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✅ Step 1 — Train your ear + pronunciation first (daily)
Before grammar, you need your brain to recognize German sounds.
Do this every day for 10–15 minutes:
• listen to short German phrases (not long podcasts)
• repeat immediately (shadowing)
• focus on: ch, r, ä/ö/ü, and sentence rhythm
🎯 Goal: German starts to feel “familiar”, not like noise.
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✅ Step 2 — Learn “chunks”, not isolated words (the speaking shortcut)
Single words are slow. Chunks are fast.
Learn sentences you can use immediately:
• “I would like …”
• “Can you repeat that, please?”
• “I don’t understand.”
• “How do you say … in German?”
Why this works: your brain stores language as patterns, not dictionaries.
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✅ Step 3 — Speak from day ONE (even if it’s messy)
No waiting until you feel “ready”. Ready is a myth. 😄
Do 3 minutes speaking out loud daily:
• talk about your day
• describe what you see around you
• say your plans for tomorrow
Rule: don’t stop to translate every word.
Keep the flow, use simple structures, repeat them often.
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✅ Step 4 — Build grammar in the smartest order (minimal + useful)
You don’t need ALL grammar to start speaking.
Learn only what creates real sentences:
1. Present tense (I go / I have / I need)
2. Word order (German verb position: the “engine”)
3. Articles (der/die/das) + plurals (little by little)
4. Accusative basics (I have / I see / I need)
Later (not now): dative, past, adjective endings…
🚫 Don’t binge grammar. It feels productive but doesn’t build fluency.
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✅ Step 5 — Follow a routine that’s too easy to fail (3–3–3 method)
Every day (yes, even on busy days):
• 3 min pronunciation/shadowing
• 3 min speaking out loud
• 3 min writing (3 tiny sentences)
That’s 9 minutes. No excuses.
Consistency beats motivation. Every time.
Comment your level: A0 / A1 / A2 / B1 👇
And tell me: what’s hardest for you—speaking, grammar, or pronunciation?
Your German Teacher
Denise 🧚♀️
