Learning German - the learning methods and their advantages and disadvantages

Learning a new foreign language is a great way to broaden your personal horizons or even a career springboard, but at the same time it is a great challenge and involves sacrificing and investing time and sometimes a lot of money. Not everyone has a flair for foreign languages and learning German turns out to be hard work for many a willing learner. However, with a large portion of motivation and interest, initial successes can be achieved very quickly. Please read theTips for learning German better!.

Learning German: Overview of learning methods, advantages / disadvantages

Anyone who has set themselves the goal of learning German is faced with the question of how to achieve this goal. Ideas about learning German are as individual and different as we humans are. Fortunately, foreign languages can be taught in many different ways. The learning methods can be roughly divided into three subject areas: Self-study, language courses and language trips. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages. The table below can help you to find the best possible solution for learning German for your type of learner, your circumstances and your everyday life.

Learning style, learning method Advantages Disadvantages 
Self-study and online learning with apps for learning German
  • Low or no costs
  • Learning units can be accessed anytime and anywhere, so short time slots (e.g. commute to work, break, etc.) can be used to learn German
  • Good compatibility with work and everyday life
  • Learning pace is individual, therefore no excessive demands
  • A lot of self-discipline is required!
  • Motivating social contacts may be missing over time
  • No contact person (teacher) for questions
  • Little variety
  • Wide range available, making it difficult to choose the right online tool or teaching aid
 

Language courses to learn German

(German course in any form, German diploma course)
  • Enables a good work-life balance
  • Teachers are available for tips and questions
  • Social contacts in the class are motivating, people support each other
  • Diploma / course confirmation (as an enclosure for job applications etc.)
  • Commitment helps to achieve set goals when learning German
  • Courses are well structured
  • Possibly high course costs, travel expenses, parking fees
  • Teaching materials, teaching style and learning pace cannot be customized
  • Teachers' expectations (e.g. for homework) could trigger pressure
 

Language stays to learn German

(living with host families, local courses, international internships and work placements)
  • Daily language use, therefore rapid language acquisition
  • Cultural impressions and contact with locals create lasting memories and encourage a lasting interest in the language
  • Learning German can be combined with a vacation
  • Social contacts facilitate language learning
  • An internship abroad is also considered career-enhancing
  • Diplomas / course certificates promote job opportunities
  • Possibly difficult to reconcile with work
  • Loss of earnings during a trip abroad
  • High costs (flight, rent, possible language course on site)
  • Large investment of time

This table clearly shows that some advantages can also be a disadvantage. A good example of this is the flexible time management in self-study; it is precisely this lack of commitment that is often the reason why no or only very slow progress can be observed in learning German.

If you want to learn a foreign language, you should therefore think very carefully about which learning method is right for you so that you can avoid frustration and continue to enjoy learning.

In order to see the first signs of progress in learning German, you first need interest, motivation and enjoyment. With the right approach to learning, you will reach your goal quickly and with a lot of fun!

Overview of schools for learning German