How to Quickly Learn German for Free
Learning any foreign language can be challenging. In particular, learning a language without paying for classes is tough, because you don't know where to start and because doing it for free requires self-discipline. According to the Center for Applied Linguistics, the four cornerstones of learning a language are interaction, connecting what you learn with your real life, having explicit learning strategies and using your native language where necessary -- contrary to many "immersion" teachers who insist on the target language only.
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Instructions
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Learn the 1,000 most common words in German through rote memorization. Search the Internet for "1,000 most common German words," and you will find several lists. Make a flash card for each word by hand, with the German word and phonetic pronunciation on one side and the English equivalent (with minimal necessary explanation) on the other side. Practice them 100 at a time, setting aside the ones you come to recognize, and re-testing yourself on the others. Practice cumulatively; that is, on the second round, don't simply practice the second 100 words, but practice all 200.
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Practice the 100 most common phrases in German. These will familiarize you with courtesies, interrogatives, and the rudiments of grammar. Use flash cards again.
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Make cards with the German word -- and a pronunciation guide -- for most of the articles and features around your house. Tape these up so you can see them all the time. "Spiegel, SPEE-gel" taped on the mirror in your bathroom will remind you that this is the word for "mirror" and how it is pronounced.
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Watch German films with English subtitles or English films with German subtitles. Quietly practice what you read or hear while you watch the films. This will help you learn the pronunciations, and repetitions of words and phrases will become recognizable.
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Practice with others who can speak better German than you. Meet-up groups are ubiquitous for foreign language practice. If your local university or community college has German classes, ask if you can sit in for free. Post an ad on Craigslist asking others to join you for a weekly practice, maybe with a good German film and a German potluck.
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Find a book in German and translate it a sentence at a time. Many libraries have foreign language sections that include Bibles that have side-by-side translations.
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Visit Germany or German neighborhoods. Practice German in real, practical circumstances. Most native speakers will be happy you are taking the trouble to learn their language, and they will be very helpful.
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