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Resources and methods to improve spoken German, pronunciation, and real-life conversation skills.

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Awesome German Speaking Awesome

A comprehensive collection of resources and methods to improve spoken German, pronunciation, and real-life conversation skills.

Learning to speak German fluently involves much more than just vocabulary and grammar. This curated list provides resources for mastering pronunciation, building conversational confidence, and developing authentic speaking skills for real-world communication.

Contents

Pronunciation Guides and Resources

Comprehensive Guides

Sound-Specific Resources

Phonetics and Articulation

Academic Resources

Practical Exercises

Online Courses and Programs

Comprehensive Programs

Specialized Speaking Courses

University Courses

Language Learning Apps

Speaking-Focused Apps

  • Tandem - Language exchange app connecting you with native German speakers worldwide.
  • HelloTalk - Social language learning app with voice and text chat with native speakers.
  • Speaky - Free language exchange community for practicing German speaking.
  • ELSA Speak German - AI-powered speaking coach with pronunciation feedback.
  • Mondly - AR and chatbot features for conversational practice.
  • Drops - Visual learning with pronunciation emphasis.

Comprehensive Learning Apps

  • Duolingo - Gamified learning with speaking exercises and speech recognition.
  • Memrise - Video clips of native speakers with pronunciation practice.
  • Busuu - Structured courses with speaking exercises and community feedback.
  • Clozemaster - Context-based learning with audio from native speakers.
  • LingQ - Reading and listening with pronunciation tools.
  • Anki with Audio Decks - Spaced repetition with German pronunciation decks.

Dictionary and Reference Apps

Speaking Practice Platforms

Conversation Practice

  • Preply - Professional German tutors for personalized conversation practice.
  • Verbling - Live video lessons with qualified German teachers.
  • Rype - Unlimited private German lessons with professional teachers.
  • Baselang-style German Programs - Unlimited conversation practice model.
  • Amazing Talker - Personalized one-on-one German tutoring.

Group Practice

Role-Play and Simulation

Conversation Exchange Services

Language Exchange Platforms

  • My Language Exchange - Free language exchange community.
  • The Mixxer - Free language exchange platform from Dickinson College.
  • Languing - Video chat platform for language exchange.
  • Coeffee - Virtual coffee chats with language partners.
  • Polyglot Club - International language exchange community.

Professional Exchange

Podcasts for Listening and Speaking

Beginner-Friendly Podcasts

Intermediate Podcasts

Advanced and Native Content

Pronunciation-Focused Podcasts

YouTube Channels

Teaching Channels

Conversation and Immersion

Pronunciation-Specific

Vloggers and Native Content

Books and Textbooks

Pronunciation Textbooks

  • German Pronunciation and Phonology by Wiese - Academic approach to German phonetics.
  • Phonetics: The Science of Speech by Martin J. Ball and Joan Rahilly - Includes German phonetics sections.
  • German Pronunciation by Curt Sachs - Classic pronunciation guide.
  • Aussprachetraining by Ursula Hirschfeld and Kerstin Reinke - Comprehensive pronunciation training book.
  • Phonothek intensiv by Ursula Hirschfeld - Intensive pronunciation exercises with audio.

Speaking-Focused Textbooks

  • Mittelpunkt Deutsch series - Communicative approach with strong speaking components.
  • Menschen series - Modern textbook series emphasizing communication.
  • Studio [21] - Contemporary German with conversation practice.
  • DaF kompakt - Intensive course with speaking activities.
  • Netzwerk - Network-based learning with communication focus.
  • Begegnungen - Encounter-based learning emphasizing dialogue.

Conversation Guides

  • German Conversation Demystified by Ed Swick - Practical conversation skills.
  • Berlitz German Phrase Book & Dictionary - Essential phrases for travelers.
  • 501 German Verbs by Henry Strutz - Verb conjugations with pronunciation guides.
  • German: How to Speak and Write It by Joseph Rosenberg - Comprehensive speaking guide.
  • Sprechen Hören Sprechen by Theo Scherling - Listening and speaking exercises.

Cultural and Idiomatic Guides

  • A Frequency Dictionary of German by Randall Jones - Core vocabulary with usage patterns.
  • German Slang by Mike Müller - Modern colloquial expressions.
  • Speak German Like a Native - Idiomatic expressions and natural speech patterns.
  • Straßendeutsch - Street German and informal language.

Graded Readers with Audio

  • Café in Berlin by André Klein - Beginner stories with audio.
  • Learn German with Stories series - Dino lernt Deutsch stories with pronunciation practice.
  • German Short Stories for Beginners - Graded reading with audio support.
  • Kurzgeschichten aus Deutschland - Authentic short stories for learners.

Audio Resources

Audio Courses

  • Pimsleur German - 30-minute daily audio lessons focusing on speaking.
  • Michel Thomas German - No-memorization audio method.
  • Assimil German - Intuitive assimilation method with audio.
  • Living Language German - Comprehensive audio program.
  • Behind the Wheel German - Audio lessons for commute learning.

Audiobooks

  • Harry Potter auf Deutsch - Popular series in German audio.
  • Audible.de - German audiobook platform with thousands of titles.
  • LibriVox German - Free public domain German audiobooks.
  • Deutsche Märchen - German fairy tales in audio format.
  • Hörbücher für Deutschlerner - Audiobooks specifically for learners.

Radio and Audio Streams

  • Deutschlandfunk - German public radio with clear speech.
  • Bayern 2 - Bavarian public radio with cultural programming.
  • SWR2 - Southwest German radio with quality content.
  • NDR Kultur - North German cultural radio.
  • Deutsche Welle Radio - International German radio with learner-friendly content.

Shadowing and Imitation Methods

Shadowing Techniques

  • What is Shadowing? - Technique of repeating speech immediately after hearing it, proven to improve fluency and pronunciation.
  • Shadowing Practice with Easy German - Use Easy German videos for structured shadowing practice.
  • Podcast Shadowing - Shadow German podcasts at various speeds.
  • Movie Dialogue Shadowing - Repeat dialogue from German films.
  • Music Shadowing - Shadow German songs to improve rhythm and intonation.

Imitation Resources

  • Speechling Imitation Exercises - Native speaker models to imitate.
  • FluentU German - Video-based imitation practice.
  • LingQ Audio Lessons - Content for imitation practice.
  • Yabla German - Interactive videos for shadowing and imitation.

Structured Practice Programs

  • 30-Day Shadowing Challenge - Structured daily shadowing routine.
  • Accent Imitation Drills - Focused practice on specific accent features.
  • Prosody Training - Imitating German stress patterns and intonation.

Accent Reduction

Accent Analysis

  • Recording and Self-Analysis - Tools for recording and comparing your speech to native speakers.
  • Speech Accent Archive - Database of different accents speaking German.
  • Phonetic Transcription Practice - Learning to analyze your own pronunciation phonetically.

Targeted Training

  • Accent Reduction Courses - Specialized courses for reducing foreign accent.
  • Speech Therapy Techniques - Professional methods adapted for language learning.
  • Muscle Memory Training - Physical exercises for German articulation.
  • Intonation Practice - Mastering German sentence melody and stress patterns.

Professional Coaching

  • Private Accent Coaches - One-on-one work with accent reduction specialists.
  • University Speech Clinics - Academic programs offering accent modification.
  • Online Accent Programs - Structured online accent reduction courses.

Regional Dialects and Variations

Standard German (Hochdeutsch)

  • Bühnendeutsch - Stage German, the clearest standard pronunciation.
  • Tagesschau Deutsch - The clear German used in news broadcasts.
  • Standard Pronunciation Resources - Focus on standard German before dialects.

Northern German

  • Plattdeutsch (Low German) - Northern German dialect resources.
  • Hamburg German - Characteristics of Hamburg accent.
  • Berlin German - Berlinerisch dialect and pronunciation.

Southern German

  • Bavarian German - Resources for understanding Bavarian dialect.
  • Austrian German - Austrian pronunciation and vocabulary differences.
  • Swabian German - Schwäbisch dialect characteristics.
  • Swiss German - Understanding Schweizerdeutsch variations.

Regional Pronunciation Guides

  • Atlas zur Aussprache - Pronunciation atlas showing regional variations.
  • Dialektatlas - Dialect atlas of German-speaking regions.
  • Regional Radio Stations - Exposure to different regional accents.

Speaking Exercises and Drills

Daily Practice Routines

  • 5-Minute Speaking Drills - Quick daily pronunciation practice.
  • Morning German Routine - Start your day speaking German.
  • Sentence Building Exercises - Progressive speaking drills.
  • Question-Answer Practice - Common conversation patterns.

Specific Skill Drills

  • Minimal Pair Drills - Practice distinguishing similar sounds.
  • Consonant Cluster Practice - Drilling difficult sound combinations.
  • Vowel Length Exercises - Mastering short and long vowels.
  • Stress Pattern Drills - Practicing German word and sentence stress.

Fluency Building

  • 4-3-2 Technique - Tell the same story in decreasing time to build fluency.
  • Word Association Games - Rapid German word production.
  • Storytelling Practice - Developing narrative fluency.
  • Presentation Preparation - Preparing and delivering German presentations.

Spontaneous Speaking

  • Impromptu Speaking Topics - Practice speaking without preparation.
  • Picture Description - Describing images spontaneously in German.
  • Opinion Expression - Giving immediate reactions and opinions.
  • Timed Speaking Challenges - Speaking on topics for set durations.

Speech Recognition Tools

AI-Powered Tools

  • Google Speech Recognition - Free speech recognition for German practice.
  • Amazon Alexa auf Deutsch - Practice German with Alexa voice assistant.
  • Siri auf Deutsch - Use Siri in German for pronunciation practice.
  • Microsoft Speech Recognition - Windows speech recognition in German.

Learning-Specific Tools

  • Speechling AI - Feedback on pronunciation from AI and coaches.
  • ELSA Speak - AI pronunciation coach for German.
  • Pronunciation Coach in Microsoft Edge - Real-time pronunciation feedback.
  • Rosetta Stone TruAccent - Proprietary speech recognition technology.

Evaluation Tools

  • Speech Analyzer Software - Analyze your speech patterns technically.
  • Praat Software - Phonetics research software for pronunciation analysis.
  • Pitch Tracking Tools - Visualize your intonation patterns.

Immersion Techniques

Virtual Immersion

  • Change Device Language - Set phone, computer to German.
  • German Social Media - Follow German-language accounts exclusively.
  • German News Apps - Read and listen to German news daily.
  • German YouTube Algorithm - Train YouTube to recommend German content.
  • German Spotify Playlists - Listen to German music and podcasts.

Home Immersion

  • Self-Talk in German - Narrate your daily activities in German.
  • Think in German - Practice internal monologue in German.
  • German Labels at Home - Label household items in German.
  • German Cooking Shows - Watch and cook along in German.
  • German Gaming - Play video games with German language settings.

Community Immersion

  • German Cultural Centers - Participate in local German cultural activities.
  • German Film Festivals - Attend German film screenings.
  • German Restaurants - Practice ordering in German.
  • German Churches/Communities - Join German-speaking communities.
  • German Sports Clubs - Participate in German-language sports activities.

Travel and Study Abroad

  • Language Travel Programs - Intensive language courses in German-speaking countries.
  • Au Pair Programs - Live with German families as an au pair.
  • Work and Travel - Working holiday programs in Germany, Austria, Switzerland.
  • University Exchange - Study semester abroad at German universities.
  • Homestay Programs - Live with German host families.

Professional Speaking Training

Business German

  • Wirtschaftsdeutsch - Business German courses and resources.
  • Business Meeting Skills - Participating in German business meetings.
  • Presentation Skills - Delivering professional presentations in German.
  • Negotiation Training - Negotiating in German professionally.
  • Telephone German - Professional phone communication skills.

Academic German

  • Academic Presentations - Presenting research in German.
  • Conference Participation - Speaking at German academic conferences.
  • Thesis Defense Preparation - Preparing oral thesis defense in German.
  • Seminar Discussion Skills - Participating in German academic seminars.

Medical German

  • Medical Terminology - German medical vocabulary with pronunciation.
  • Patient Communication - Speaking with German-speaking patients.
  • Medical Case Presentations - Presenting cases in German.

Technical German

  • Engineering German - Technical communication in German.
  • IT German - Technology and software terminology.
  • Scientific German - Scientific presentation and discussion.

Community Resources

Online Communities

  • r/German Subreddit - Active community for German learners.
  • German Discord Servers - Real-time chat and voice practice.
  • WordReference Forums - Language learning discussion forums.
  • German StackExchange - Q&A for German language questions.
  • Facebook German Learning Groups - Various German learning communities.

Local Resources

  • Goethe-Institut Locations - German cultural centers worldwide.
  • German-American Societies - Local German cultural organizations.
  • University German Clubs - German language clubs at universities.
  • VHS (Volkshochschule) - Adult education centers in German-speaking countries.

Speaking Clubs

  • Deutsch Stammtisch - Regular German conversation tables.
  • Language Cafes - Multilingual cafes with German tables.
  • Polyglot Gatherings - Events for language enthusiasts.

Exam Preparation

Speaking Exam Resources

  • Goethe-Zertifikat Speaking - Preparation for Goethe Institute exams (A1-C2).
  • TestDaF Speaking - Preparation for Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache.
  • DSH Speaking - Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang speaking section.
  • telc Deutsch Speaking - Speaking preparation for telc certificates.
  • ÖSD Speaking - Austrian German language diplomas speaking section.

Practice Materials

  • Sample Speaking Tests - Practice tests for all major German exams.
  • Speaking Exam Strategies - Test-taking strategies for oral exams.
  • Mock Interviews - Practice speaking exams with tutors.
  • Scoring Rubrics - Understanding how speaking is evaluated.

Children's Resources

Kids' Programs

  • Deutsche Welle - Deutsch für Kinder - German courses for children.
  • KiKA - German children's television with clear pronunciation.
  • Die Sendung mit der Maus - Educational children's program.
  • Sesamstraße - German Sesame Street for language learning.

Songs and Rhymes

  • German Children's Songs - Traditional and modern German songs for kids.
  • Kinderreime - German nursery rhymes for pronunciation practice.
  • Sing mit mir - Sing-along videos in German.

Interactive Learning

  • Duolingo for Kids - Child-friendly German learning.
  • Goethe-Institut Kinderuni - Children's university in German.
  • German Story Apps - Interactive storytelling apps for children.

Advanced Speaking Topics

Debate and Discussion

  • German Debate Clubs - Formal debate in German.
  • Diskussionsrunden - Discussion circles on complex topics.
  • Political Discourse - Discussing politics in German.
  • Philosophical Conversations - Deep discussions in German.

Specialized Vocabulary

  • Legal German - Legal terminology and speaking.
  • Literary German - Discussing literature in German.
  • Artistic Expression - Art criticism and discussion in German.
  • Environmental Topics - Sustainability discussions in German.

Nuanced Communication

  • Subtext and Implication - Understanding what's unsaid in German.
  • Humor in German - German humor and wordplay.
  • Sarcasm and Irony - Recognizing and using irony in German.
  • Emotional Expression - Expressing feelings naturally in German.

Tools and Software

Recording and Analysis

  • Audacity - Free audio recording and editing software.
  • Voice Recorder Apps - Simple recording for pronunciation practice.
  • Praat - Professional phonetics analysis software.
  • Speech Analyzer - Visual feedback for pronunciation.

Flashcard and SRS Systems

  • Anki - Spaced repetition system with audio cards.
  • Quizlet - Digital flashcards with pronunciation.
  • Memrise - Video-based flashcard system.

Language Exchange Platforms

  • Tandem App - Mobile language exchange.
  • HelloTalk - Social language learning app.
  • Speaky - Browser-based language exchange.

Writing and Grammar Tools

  • LanguageTool - German grammar and style checker.
  • DeepL - High-quality German translation with pronunciation.
  • Google Translate - Translation with audio pronunciation.

Linguistic Resources

Phonetics References

  • IPA Chart for German - Complete phonetic inventory of German.
  • Duden Aussprachewörterbuch - Authoritative German pronunciation dictionary.
  • DWDS - Digital dictionary of German language with pronunciation.

Grammar References

  • Hammer's German Grammar - Comprehensive grammar reference.
  • Duden Grammar - Authoritative German grammar guide.
  • Deutsche Grammatik 2.0 - Modern German grammar resource.

Corpus Resources

  • DWDS Corpus - German language corpus for authentic examples.
  • Leipzig Corpora - Sentence examples from real German texts.
  • Sketch Engine - Advanced corpus tools for German.

Cultural Context

Understanding German Culture

  • German Social Norms - Communication styles and social expectations.
  • Formality Levels - Sie vs. Du and appropriate usage.
  • Regional Differences - Cultural variations across German-speaking regions.
  • Business Etiquette - Professional communication norms.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • German Idioms - Common idiomatic expressions and their usage.
  • Sprichwörter - German proverbs and sayings.
  • Redewendungen - Everyday German expressions.

Media and Current Events

  • Tagesschau - Daily news program for current events discussion.
  • Der Spiegel - News magazine for discussion topics.
  • Zeit Online - Quality journalism for advanced learners.

Tips and Best Practices

Effective Practice Strategies

  • Consistency Over Intensity - Practice speaking daily, even if briefly.
  • Record Yourself - Regular recording helps track progress and identify issues.
  • Focus on Communication - Prioritize being understood over perfection.
  • Embrace Mistakes - Errors are essential for learning; don't fear them.
  • Active Listening - Pay attention to how natives speak, not just what they say.
  • Imitate Native Speakers - Copy pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation patterns.
  • Use It or Lose It - Regularly practice all speaking skills you've learned.

Building Confidence

  • Start Small - Begin with simple conversations and gradually increase complexity.
  • Prepare Key Phrases - Have go-to expressions ready for common situations.
  • Positive Self-Talk - Maintain confidence; many Germans appreciate learning efforts.
  • Find Supportive Partners - Practice with patient, encouraging language partners.
  • Celebrate Progress - Acknowledge improvements, no matter how small.

Pronunciation Mastery

  • Learn the Sounds First - Master individual sounds before words and sentences.
  • Understand Phonetic Rules - German pronunciation is largely regular and rule-based.
  • Practice Problem Sounds - Identify and drill your specific pronunciation challenges.
  • Mouth Position Awareness - Pay attention to tongue and lip positions.
  • Rhythm and Intonation - German has distinctive stress and melody patterns.

Conversation Skills

  • Learn Filler Words - Natural pause fillers (also, na ja, hmm, etc.).
  • Practice Turn-Taking - Know how to enter and exit conversations smoothly.
  • Ask Questions - Keep conversations going by showing interest.
  • Paraphrase When Stuck - Describe what you mean if you don't know the exact word.
  • Request Clarification - Don't be afraid to ask people to repeat or explain.

Overcoming Plateaus

  • Change Your Method - Try different resources when progress stalls.
  • Increase Challenge - Move to more difficult content when ready.
  • Focus on Weak Areas - Identify and specifically target problem areas.
  • Take Breaks - Sometimes stepping back helps you move forward.
  • Set Specific Goals - Define clear, measurable speaking objectives.

Long-Term Development

  • Make German Part of Life - Integrate German into daily routines.
  • Develop Relationships - Build genuine friendships with German speakers.
  • Consume Native Content - Gradually shift from learner to native materials.
  • Maintain Exposure - Consistent exposure prevents skill degradation.
  • Keep Learning Forever - Even natives continue developing language skills.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Don't Neglect Listening - Speaking and listening develop together.
  • Avoid Over-Translation - Think in German, don't translate from English.
  • Don't Fear Sounding Silly - Accept that you'll make mistakes.
  • Avoid Perfectionism - Communication is more important than perfection.
  • Don't Skip the Basics - Master fundamentals before advanced topics.
  • Avoid Only Written Study - Speaking requires actual speaking practice.

Maximizing Learning Efficiency

  • Spaced Repetition - Review at increasing intervals for better retention.
  • Contextual Learning - Learn words and phrases in meaningful contexts.
  • Multi-Modal Learning - Combine reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
  • Personalized Content - Study topics that interest you personally.
  • Regular Assessment - Test yourself to identify areas needing work.

Technology Integration

  • Language Learning Apps - Supplement traditional study with modern tools.
  • Speech Recognition - Use AI feedback for pronunciation practice.
  • Online Communities - Connect with learners and natives worldwide.
  • Digital Resources - Leverage podcasts, videos, and online courses.
  • Smart Assistants - Practice with Alexa, Siri, or Google in German.

Immersion Strategies

  • Create German Environment - Surround yourself with German as much as possible.
  • Think in German - Practice internal monologue in German.
  • Dream in German - A sign of deep language integration.
  • Emotional Connection - Engage emotionally with German content.
  • Cultural Participation - Engage with German culture, not just language.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Feel free to submit pull requests to add resources, correct information, or suggest improvements. When contributing, please:

  • Ensure resources are relevant to German speaking, pronunciation, and conversation
  • Check that links are working and lead to quality content
  • Maintain the existing formatting and structure
  • Add new resources in the appropriate section

Community and Support

For questions, discussions, and support:

  • Open an issue in this repository
  • Join German learning communities linked above
  • Share your experiences and help other learners

Note: This is a living document. Language learning resources evolve, and new tools emerge regularly. Check back for updates and feel free to contribute new resources you discover.

Disclaimer: Some linked resources are commercial services. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement. Evaluate resources based on your needs, learning style, and budget.

Detailed Pronunciation Guide

The German Vowel System

Short Vowels

German short vowels are one of the most challenging aspects for English speakers. Unlike English, German vowel length is phonemic - it changes meaning.

  • a [a] - Like 'a' in "father" but shorter: Mann (man), kann (can), ab (off)
  • e [ɛ] - Like 'e' in "bed": Bett (bed), Brett (board), elf (eleven)
  • i [ɪ] - Like 'i' in "bit": bitte (please), Kind (child), ist (is)
  • o [ɔ] - Like 'o' in "hot" (British): oft (often), Gott (god), Koch (cook)
  • u [ʊ] - Like 'u' in "put": Mutter (mother), Butter (butter), und (and)

Long Vowels

Long vowels in German are held approximately twice as long as short vowels. This distinction is crucial:

  • a [aː] - Extended 'a' in "father": Bahn (train), Staat (state), Saal (hall)
  • e [eː] - Like 'ay' in "bay" without the glide: Beet (bed/garden), geben (give), wen (whom)
  • i [iː] - Like 'ee' in "see": bieten (offer), Kiel (keel), ihm (him)
  • o [oː] - Like 'o' in "hope" without the glide: Ofen (oven), Boot (boat), Lob (praise)
  • u [uː] - Like 'oo' in "boot": Mut (courage), Blut (blood), Schuh (shoe)

Umlauts

The umlaut vowels are unique to German and require specific mouth positions:

ä [ɛ] / [ɛː]

  • Short: Like 'e' in "bed": Bäcker (baker), Hände (hands)
  • Long: Like 'ai' in "fair": Käse (cheese), spät (late)

ö [ø] / [øː]

  • Start with 'e' mouth position, round your lips: können (can), schön (beautiful)
  • Practice transition: "eee-öö-eee-öö"
  • Example words: Löffel (spoon), Öl (oil), böse (evil)

ü [y] / [yː]

  • Start with 'ee' mouth position, round your lips tightly: Müller (miller), Tür (door)
  • Practice: "eee-üü-eee-üü"
  • Example words: grün (green), Glück (luck), Süden (south)

Diphthongs

German has three main diphthongs (two-vowel sounds):

  • ei/ai [aɪ] - Like 'i' in "bike": Ei (egg), mein (my), Kaiser (emperor)
  • au [aʊ] - Like 'ou' in "house": Haus (house), Frau (woman), blau (blue)
  • eu/äu [ɔʏ] - Like 'oy' in "boy": Freund (friend), heute (today), Häuser (houses)

The German Consonant System

The German R

The German 'r' is perhaps the most discussed sound in German pronunciation. There are several acceptable variations:

Uvular R [ʁ] - Standard German R

  • Produced in the back of the throat, similar to French 'r'
  • Practice: Gargle water, then try the same position without water
  • Say "ach" and voice it: "ach → agh → rrr"
  • Words: Rot (red), Brot (bread), Frau (woman)

Vocalic R [ɐ]

  • At the end of syllables, 'r' becomes a vowel-like sound
  • Similar to the 'a' in British "father"
  • Words: Tür [tyːɐ], mir [miːɐ], Vater [faːtɐ]

Rolled R [r]

  • Used in Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
  • Tongue tip vibrates against alveolar ridge
  • Also acceptable in Standard German

The CH Sound

German has two distinct 'ch' sounds, depending on context:

Ich-Laut [ç] - Front CH

  • After front vowels (i, e, ä, ö, ü) and consonants
  • Like 'h' in "huge" but stronger
  • Tongue position near hard palate
  • Words: ich (I), nicht (not), Licht (light), durch (through), Milch (milk)

Ach-Laut [x] - Back CH

  • After back vowels (a, o, u, au)
  • Like Spanish 'j' or Scottish "loch"
  • Produced in the back of the throat
  • Words: ach (oh), Buch (book), auch (also), Dach (roof), noch (still)

Practice minimal pairs:

  • Kuchen [kuːxn̩] vs. Kuhchen [kuːçn̩]
  • tauchen [taʊxn̩] vs. Tauchen [taʊxn̩]

The SCH Sound

sch [ʃ]

  • Like 'sh' in "shoe"
  • Lips must be rounded and protruded
  • More intense lip rounding than English 'sh'
  • Words: Schule (school), Fisch (fish), schnell (fast)

sp-/st- at word beginning

  • Pronounced [ʃp] and [ʃt]
  • sprechen [ʃprɛçn̩] (speak), Straße [ʃtraːsə] (street)
  • But: Pastor [pastor] (pastor) - 'sp/st' in middle of word stay [sp]/[st]

The German Z and S

z [ts]

  • Always like 'ts' in "cats", never like English 'z'
  • Words: Zeit (time), Katze (cat), Herz (heart)
  • Practice: Say "cats" repeatedly, then just the 'ts' sound

s [z]/[s]

  • Voiced [z] before vowels: Sonne (sun), lesen (read)
  • Voiceless [s] at end: Haus (house), das (the)
  • ss or ß always voiceless [s]: Wasser (water), groß (big)

The German W and V

w [v]

  • Always like English 'v': Wasser (water), wo (where), Welt (world)

v [f]/[v]

  • Usually like English 'f': Vater (father), viel (much)
  • Like 'v' in foreign words: Vase (vase), November

The German J

j [j]

  • Like English 'y' in "yes"
  • Never like English 'j' in "jump"
  • Words: ja (yes), Jahr (year), jung (young)

The German L

l [l]

  • Always "light" or "clear" L, tongue tip on alveolar ridge
  • Never "dark" L like English "milk" or "wall"
  • Tongue tip stays high throughout the sound
  • Words: Licht (light), Ball (ball), viel (much)

The Glottal Stop [ʔ]

  • Used before initial vowels in stressed syllables
  • Brief catch in the throat, like middle of "uh-oh"
  • Prevents words from running together
  • Words: 'Apfel (apple), be'antworten (answer), Ge'ografie (geography)

Stress Patterns in German

Word Stress

Native German Words

  • Usually stressed on the first syllable (root)
  • 'Haus (house), 'spre-chen (speak), 'Leh-rer (teacher)

Compound Words

  • First element receives primary stress
  • Second element may have secondary stress
  • 'Haus-,tür (front door), 'Bahn-,hof (train station)

Words with Prefixes

Separable prefixes (stressed):

  • 'auf-ma-chen (open), 'an-kom-men (arrive), 'mit-brin-gen (bring along)

Inseparable prefixes (unstressed):

  • be-'kom-men (receive), ver-'ste-hen (understand), er-'klä-ren (explain)

Loan Words

  • Often stressed on the last or penultimate syllable
  • Stu-'dent (student), Re-li-gi-'on (religion), in-ter-es-'sant (interesting)

Sentence Stress and Rhythm

Stress-Timed Language

  • German is stress-timed like English
  • Stressed syllables occur at regular intervals
  • Unstressed syllables compress between stressed ones

Focus Stress

  • New information receives stress
  • "Ich komme 'morgen" (I'm coming tomorrow) - when you come
  • "Ich 'komme morgen" (I am coming tomorrow) - emphasizing you will indeed come

Rhythm Patterns

  • Strong-weak pattern dominant: 'tra-la 'la-la
  • Practice: 'Ber-lin, 'Mün-chen, 'Deutsch-land

Intonation Patterns

Statement Intonation

  • Falling intonation at the end
  • "Ich wohne in Berlin ↘"
  • Pitch falls on the last stressed syllable

Question Intonation

Yes/No Questions

  • Rising intonation
  • "Kommst du morgen? ↗"
  • Pitch rises at the end

W-Questions

  • Falling intonation (like statements)
  • "Wo wohnst du? ↘"
  • Question words: wer, was, wo, wann, warum, wie

Enumeration

  • Rising on items in list, falling on last
  • "Ich habe Äpfel ↗, Birnen ↗, und Kirschen ↘"

Emotional Intonation

  • Surprise: High rising intonation
  • Disappointment: Low falling
  • Enthusiasm: Wide pitch range

Speaking Learning Pathways

Beginner Pathway (A1-A2)

Month 1-2: Foundation

  • Learn the alphabet and basic sounds
  • Master simple greetings and introductions
  • Practice numbers, days, colors
  • Focus on present tense common verbs
  • Start with 5 minutes daily pronunciation drill

Month 3-4: Building Blocks

  • Expand to simple conversations
  • Practice ordering food, shopping dialogues
  • Learn to ask and answer basic questions
  • Begin using language exchange apps
  • Increase to 15 minutes daily practice

Month 5-6: Early Fluency

  • Participate in first live conversation
  • Start shadowing easy podcasts
  • Practice describing daily routines
  • Learn past tense narration
  • Join beginner conversation groups

Resources for Beginners:

  • Duolingo or Babbel for daily practice
  • Easy German YouTube for authentic input
  • Pimsleur Audio for speaking foundation
  • Language exchange with patient partners

Intermediate Pathway (B1-B2)

Months 7-9: Expansion

  • Engage in longer conversations (10+ minutes)
  • Discuss familiar topics in detail
  • Start expressing opinions and preferences
  • Practice telling stories and anecdotes
  • Shadow intermediate-level podcasts

Months 10-12: Consolidation

  • Participate in group discussions
  • Present on prepared topics
  • Handle most everyday situations
  • Improve pronunciation nuances
  • Reduce accent systematically

Months 13-18: Refinement

  • Discuss abstract topics
  • Debate and argue positions
  • Use more complex grammatical structures
  • Develop fluent, natural speech
  • Master most pronunciation challenges

Resources for Intermediate:

  • Coffee Break German Seasons 2-3
  • iTalki sessions 2-3 times weekly
  • German film and TV with subtitles
  • Book clubs and discussion groups
  • Pronunciation coaching for problem sounds

Advanced Pathway (C1-C2)

Advanced Skills Development

  • Nuanced expression of ideas
  • Cultural and idiomatic fluency
  • Professional and academic discourse
  • Near-native pronunciation
  • Dialect comprehension
  • Subtle emotional expression

Specialization Options:

  • Business German proficiency
  • Academic presentation skills
  • Literary discussion
  • Technical terminology
  • Regional dialect learning

Resources for Advanced:

  • Native content (news, podcasts, literature)
  • Professional tutoring for refinement
  • Toastmasters or debate clubs in German
  • Advanced conversation partners
  • Accent coaching for final polish

Troubleshooting Common Problems

"I Understand But Can't Speak"

Causes:

  • Passive vocabulary larger than active
  • Insufficient speaking practice
  • Fear of making mistakes
  • No practice converting thoughts to German

Solutions:

  • Force output: Set speaking time limits
  • Think aloud in German daily
  • Use language exchange regularly
  • Accept imperfection, focus on communication
  • Practice translating your thoughts immediately

"People Don't Understand My Pronunciation"

Causes:

  • Critical sound errors
  • Wrong stress patterns
  • Poor intonation
  • Speaking too fast
  • Transferring native language sounds

Solutions:

  • Record and compare with native speakers
  • Work with pronunciation coach
  • Slow down deliberately
  • Master problem sounds individually
  • Use speech recognition for feedback

"I Freeze Up in Conversations"

Causes:

  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Trying to construct perfect sentences
  • Lack of automatic phrases
  • Insufficient practice
  • Fear of judgment

Solutions:

  • Practice high-frequency phrases until automatic
  • Use fillers while thinking (also, ähm, na ja)
  • Start with scripted dialogues
  • Build confidence with sympathetic partners
  • Expose yourself gradually to more challenging conversations

"I Can't Roll My R's"

Solutions:

  • Try uvular R instead (easier for most)
  • Practice gargling
  • Try "ach" sound, then voice it
  • Work with speech therapist if needed
  • Know that vocalic R and approximant R are acceptable

"I Sound Like a Textbook"

Causes:

  • Learning only from formal materials
  • Lacking exposure to casual speech
  • No native speaker interaction
  • Not learning colloquialisms

Solutions:

  • Watch German YouTubers and vlogs
  • Listen to informal podcasts
  • Learn filler words and discourse markers
  • Practice with native speakers informally
  • Study actual conversations, not just dialogues

"My Accent is Too Strong"

Solutions:

  • Identify your specific accent features
  • Work with accent reduction specialist
  • Practice problematic sounds daily
  • Record yourself regularly
  • Focus on prosody and rhythm, not just sounds
  • Shadow native speakers extensively

"I Forget Words Mid-Conversation"

Solutions:

  • Learn words in context, not isolation
  • Use spaced repetition systems
  • Practice active recall
  • Learn circumlocution strategies
  • Keep vocabulary journal
  • Review and use new words immediately

"German Speakers Switch to English"

Solutions:

  • Politely insist on German practice
  • Explain you're learning and need practice
  • Find patient conversation partners
  • Join learner conversation groups
  • Take classes where German is required
  • Practice in environments where English isn't option

Motivation and Mindset

Setting Realistic Goals

SMART Goals for Speaking:

  • Specific: "Have 15-minute conversation about hobbies"
  • Measurable: "Learn 20 new spoken phrases per week"
  • Achievable: Based on time available and current level
  • Relevant: Aligned with why you're learning German
  • Time-bound: "By end of month"

Example Goals by Level:

  • A1: "Order food in German restaurant without English"
  • A2: "Have 10-minute conversation about daily life"
  • B1: "Participate in German book club discussion"
  • B2: "Give 10-minute presentation on familiar topic"
  • C1: "Debate complex issues comfortably"
  • C2: "Pass for native speaker in casual conversation"

Maintaining Motivation

Track Progress:

  • Record yourself monthly
  • Keep speaking journal
  • Note milestones achieved
  • Compare old and new recordings

Celebrate Wins:

  • First conversation completed
  • First time someone understood you perfectly
  • First time you forgot you were speaking another language
  • First time you helped someone else learn

Find Your Why:

  • Career opportunities
  • Connect with heritage
  • Travel and immersion
  • Intellectual challenge
  • Cultural appreciation
  • Personal relationships

Overcoming Frustration

Remember:

  • Everyone makes mistakes, including natives
  • Progress isn't always linear
  • Plateaus are normal
  • Accent is part of your identity
  • Communication > perfection

When Frustrated:

  • Take a short break
  • Review how far you've come
  • Mix up your learning methods
  • Focus on what you enjoy
  • Connect with other learners
  • Remind yourself why you started

Growth Mindset for Language Learning

Fixed Mindset (Avoid):

  • "I'm just not good at languages"
  • "I'll never sound native"
  • "Some people have a gift; I don't"

Growth Mindset (Embrace):

  • "I'm improving with practice"
  • "Mistakes help me learn"
  • "I can develop any skill with effort"
  • "Challenges make me stronger"

Special Topics in German Speaking

Formal vs. Informal Speech

Sie vs. Du

Use Sie (formal):

  • Strangers, especially older adults
  • Professional contexts
  • Service interactions (until invited to use du)
  • Academic settings with professors
  • First meetings in formal situations

Use Du (informal):

  • Family and friends
  • Children and teenagers
  • Peer relationships
  • Many modern workplaces
  • After someone offers "du"

Transitioning:

  • Usually older/higher status person offers
  • Common phrase: "Sollen wir uns duzen?"
  • In Austria and Switzerland, Sie is used more broadly
  • When in doubt, use Sie

Register Differences

Formal Register:

  • Complete sentences
  • Standard grammar
  • Polite forms (würden, könnten)
  • Careful pronunciation
  • Elevated vocabulary

Informal Register:

  • Contractions and ellipsis
  • Dialect features possible
  • Casual pronunciation
  • Slang and colloquialisms
  • More direct expression

Gendered Speech Patterns

Politeness Strategies:

  • Women statistically use more hedges and politeness markers
  • Men may use more direct statements
  • Both styles accepted, but awareness helps comprehension

Gender-Neutral Language:

  • Growing importance in modern German
  • "Studierende" instead of "Studenten"
  • Generic feminine sometimes used: "die Lehrperson"

Age-Appropriate Speech

Speaking with Children:

  • Slower, clearer pronunciation
  • Simple vocabulary and grammar
  • More repetition
  • Enthusiastic intonation

Speaking with Elderly:

  • Respectful Sie (unless invited otherwise)
  • Clear articulation
  • Patience with hearing difficulties
  • Often more formal register

Peer Communication:

  • Current slang and idioms
  • Cultural references
  • Informal register
  • Code-switching possible

Professional Communication

Meetings and Presentations

Opening a Presentation:

  • "Guten Tag, meine Damen und Herren"
  • "Herzlich willkommen zu..."
  • "Ich freue mich, heute über... zu sprechen"

Structuring:

  • "Erstens... Zweitens... Drittens..."
  • "Einerseits... Andererseits..."
  • "Zusammenfassend..."

Handling Questions:

  • "Das ist eine gute Frage"
  • "Wenn ich Sie richtig verstehe..."
  • "Lassen Sie mich das präzisieren"

Phone Etiquette

Answering:

  • Give name and/or company
  • "[Name], guten Tag"
  • "[Company], [Name] am Apparat"

Making Calls:

  • Identify yourself immediately
  • State purpose clearly
  • "Hier spricht [Name]"
  • "Ich rufe an wegen..."

Email vs. Speaking

Differences:

  • Speaking allows clarification in real-time
  • Pronunciation shows emotion and emphasis
  • Informal speech differs more from writing than formal
  • Speaking uses more filler words and discourse markers

Regional Variations in Speaking

Northern German Features

Pronunciation:

  • Clearer consonants
  • Less regional variation in formal speech
  • Standard German closer to written form

Vocabulary:

  • Plattdeutsch influence in informal speech
  • "Moin" as greeting
  • Different everyday vocabulary

Southern German Features

Bavarian Influences:

  • Rolled 'r'
  • Different vowel qualities
  • "Grüß Gott" greeting
  • Diminutive -erl suffix

Swabian Features:

  • Distinctive intonation
  • Diphthongization patterns
  • Vocabulary differences

Austrian German

Pronunciation:

  • Rolled 'r' common
  • Different vowel qualities
  • Clearer separation of syllables

Vocabulary:

  • Unique terms: Paradeiser (tomato), Obers (cream)
  • More formal Sie usage
  • "Servus" greeting

Grammar:

  • Sein + past participle for some verbs
  • Different preposition usage

Swiss German

High German vs. Swiss German:

  • Schwyzerdütsch is very different from Standard German
  • Swiss often use Standard German in formal contexts
  • Many dialects within Switzerland

Features:

  • Distinctive intonation
  • Different pronunciation of 'k'
  • Unique vocabulary
  • No ß (use ss instead)

Technical and Academic Speaking

Scientific Presentations

Structure:

  • Introduction: "Ich möchte heute über... berichten"
  • Methods: "Die Methodik umfasst..."
  • Results: "Die Ergebnisse zeigen..."
  • Discussion: "Diese Befunde deuten darauf hin..."

Technical Vocabulary:

  • Learn field-specific terminology
  • Practice pronunciation of technical terms
  • Understand Latin/Greek roots
  • Know English cognates

Mathematical Discourse

Reading Equations:

    • : plus
    • : minus
  • × : mal
  • ÷ : geteilt durch
  • = : gleich
  • ² : hoch zwei, Quadrat

Legal Language

Characteristics:

  • Very formal register
  • Specific legal terminology
  • Passive voice common
  • Long, complex sentences

Practice:

  • Read legal texts aloud
  • Learn legal phrases
  • Understand formal structures

Emotional Expression in German

Expressing Feelings

Joy:

  • "Ich freue mich!" (I'm happy!)
  • "Das ist toll!" (That's great!)
  • "Wunderbar!" (Wonderful!)

Sadness:

  • "Das tut mir leid" (I'm sorry)
  • "Ich bin traurig" (I'm sad)
  • "Schade" (Too bad)

Anger:

  • "Das ärgert mich" (That annoys me)
  • "Das geht zu weit" (That's too much)
  • "Jetzt reicht's!" (That's enough!)

Surprise:

  • "Wirklich?" (Really?)
  • "Das gibt's doch nicht!" (No way!)
  • "Echt?" (Really? - informal)

Empathy and Support

Showing Understanding:

  • "Ich verstehe" (I understand)
  • "Das kann ich nachvollziehen" (I can relate)
  • "Ich weiß, wie du dich fühlst" (I know how you feel)

Offering Comfort:

  • "Alles wird gut" (Everything will be okay)
  • "Kopf hoch!" (Chin up!)
  • "Das schaffst du!" (You can do it!)

Humor and Wordplay in German

German Humor Characteristics

Types:

  • Wordplay (Wortspiele)
  • Irony (Ironie)
  • Sarcasm (Sarkasmus)
  • Self-deprecation (Selbstironie)

Cultural Notes:

  • German humor often more subtle than American
  • Wordplay highly valued
  • Regional humor variations
  • Political cabaret tradition

Common Wordplay

Compound Word Humor:

  • Playing with compound meanings
  • "Brötchen" interpretations
  • Unexpected combinations

Homophones:

  • Words that sound alike
  • Puns based on similar sounds

Understanding Sarcasm

Markers:

  • Tone of voice crucial
  • Context important
  • Exaggeration
  • Contradiction between words and meaning

Practice:

  • Watch German comedy
  • Listen for ironic tone
  • Learn common sarcastic phrases

Technology and German Speaking

Speech Recognition Setup

Device Configuration

Smartphones:

  • iOS: Settings → General → Keyboard → Add German
  • Android: Settings → Language & Input → Add German
  • Enable voice typing in German
  • Practice dictating messages

Computers:

  • Windows: Settings → Time & Language → Speech
  • Mac: System Preferences → Keyboard → Dictation
  • Install German language pack
  • Practice dictation in word processors

Smart Speakers:

  • Amazon Echo: Change language to German
  • Google Home: Add German as language
  • Apple HomePod: Change Siri to German
  • Practice commands and queries

Using Speech Recognition for Practice

Daily Activities:

  • Dictate messages and emails in German
  • Use voice commands in German
  • Ask questions to smart assistants
  • Create reminders and lists verbally

Deliberate Practice:

  • Read texts aloud for recognition
  • Check if pronunciation is understood
  • Identify patterns in recognition errors
  • Focus on commonly misunderstood words

Language Learning Technology

AI Language Tutors

Available Systems:

  • ChatGPT for conversation practice
  • Replika in German
  • Andy English Bot (has German)
  • Duolingo chatbots

Best Practices:

  • Use for low-pressure practice
  • Request corrections
  • Ask for explanations
  • Practice specific scenarios

Virtual Reality

VR Language Apps:

  • Mondly VR for German
  • ImmerseMe German scenarios
  • VR chat in German rooms

Benefits:

  • Immersive scenarios
  • Real-world practice simulations
  • Reduced speaking anxiety
  • Engaging and memorable

Speech Analysis Apps

Praat:

  • Professional phonetics tool
  • Visualize pitch, intensity, formants
  • Compare your speech to natives
  • Free and powerful

Spectrogram Apps:

  • See sound patterns visually
  • Identify pronunciation issues
  • Track improvement over time

Online Communities for Speakers

Forums and Message Boards

Active Communities:

  • Reddit r/German (650k+ members)
  • WordReference German forum
  • German StackExchange
  • How-to-Learn-any-Language forum

Best Practices:

  • Ask specific questions
  • Share your learning journey
  • Help other learners
  • Be respectful and patient

Social Media

Facebook Groups:

  • German Language Learning
  • Deutsch lernen / Learn German
  • German Grammar Questions
  • Regional German learner groups

Instagram:

  • Follow German learning accounts
  • Practice with stories and reels
  • Comment in German
  • Join German learning challenges

TikTok:

  • German language learning content
  • Short pronunciation tips
  • Cultural insights
  • Trending German phrases

Voice Chat Communities

Discord Servers:

  • German Learning servers with voice channels
  • Native speaker-learner exchange servers
  • Gaming communities in German
  • Topic-specific German discussion servers

Clubhouse/Twitter Spaces:

  • German conversation rooms
  • Language exchange sessions
  • Expert discussions in German

Podcast Learning Strategies

Active Listening Techniques

First Listen:

  • Don't use transcript
  • Try to understand main ideas
  • Note unknown words

Second Listen:

  • Follow along with transcript
  • Understand details
  • Look up unknown words

Third Listen:

  • No transcript
  • Check comprehension
  • Notice improvement

Shadowing with Podcasts

Method:

  • Play podcast at normal speed
  • Repeat immediately what you hear
  • Match pronunciation and rhythm
  • Don't worry about understanding initially

Progression:

  • Start with slow, clear podcasts
  • Gradually increase speed and complexity
  • Shadow entire episodes
  • Record yourself shadowing

Benefits:

  • Improves pronunciation automatically
  • Builds speaking rhythm
  • Increases processing speed
  • Develops natural intonation

Real-World Speaking Scenarios

Travel Situations

At the Airport

Check-In:

  • "Ich möchte einchecken, bitte"
  • "Haben Sie Gepäck aufzugeben?"
  • "Einen Fensterplatz, bitte"

Security:

  • "Bitte legen Sie... in die Wanne"
  • "Haben Sie Flüssigkeiten dabei?"

Boarding:

  • "Boarding für Flug... beginnt jetzt"
  • "Bitte zeigen Sie Ihre Bordkarte"

At the Hotel

Check-In:

  • "Ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen..."
  • "Für wie viele Nächte?"
  • "Frühstück ist von... bis..."

Requests:

  • "Könnten Sie mich um... Uhr wecken?"
  • "Wo ist der Frühstücksraum?"
  • "Ich brauche zusätzliche Handtücher"

Check-Out:

  • "Ich möchte auschecken"
  • "War alles zu Ihrer Zufriedenheit?"
  • "Die Minibar habe ich nicht benutzt"

At Restaurants

Arriving:

  • "Einen Tisch für zwei Personen, bitte"
  • "Haben Sie reserviert?"
  • "Raucher oder Nichtraucher?" (increasingly rare)

Ordering:

  • "Ich hätte gern..." / "Ich nehme..."
  • "Was können Sie empfehlen?"
  • "Ist das vegetarisch/vegan?"
  • "Gibt es das auch ohne...?"

During Meal:

  • "Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?"
  • "Noch einen Wunsch?"
  • "Könnte ich bitte... haben?"

Paying:

  • "Die Rechnung, bitte" / "Zahlen, bitte"
  • "Zusammen oder getrennt?"
  • "Stimmt so" (keep the change)
  • "Mit Karte oder bar?"

Daily Life Interactions

Shopping

In Stores:

  • "Kann ich Ihnen helfen?"
  • "Ich schaue nur" (just looking)
  • "Haben Sie das in Größe...?"
  • "Kann ich das anprobieren?"
  • "Wo sind die Umkleidekabinen?"

At Checkout:

  • "Das macht zusammen..."
  • "Haben Sie eine Kundenkarte?"
  • "Möchten Sie eine Tüte?" (bag)
  • "Brauchen Sie den Kassenbon?" (receipt)

Returns:

  • "Ich möchte das umtauschen"
  • "Haben Sie den Kassenzettel?"
  • "Das ist defekt / passt nicht"

Public Transportation

Buying Tickets:

  • "Eine Tageskarte, bitte"
  • "Einmal Zone AB und zurück"
  • "Wo kann ich das entwerten?" (validate)

Asking for Directions:

  • "Welche Linie fährt nach...?"
  • "Wo muss ich umsteigen?"
  • "Wie viele Stationen sind es?"
  • "Ist das die richtige Richtung?"

In Vehicles:

  • "Ist hier noch frei?"
  • "Kommst du bei der nächsten Haltestelle raus?"

Healthcare

Making Appointments:

  • "Ich hätte gern einen Termin"
  • "Sind Sie schon Patient bei uns?"
  • "Wann passt es Ihnen?"

At Doctor's:

  • "Was fehlt Ihnen?" (What's wrong?)
  • "Wo tut es weh?" (Where does it hurt?)
  • "Seit wann haben Sie die Beschwerden?"
  • "Nehmen Sie regelmäßig Medikamente?"

At Pharmacy:

  • "Ich brauche etwas gegen..." (headache, cold, etc.)
  • "Ist das rezeptpflichtig?"
  • "Wie oft soll ich das nehmen?"

Professional Scenarios

Job Interviews

Introduction:

  • "Vielen Dank für die Einladung"
  • "Erzählen Sie uns etwas über sich"
  • "Was sind Ihre Stärken?"

Discussing Experience:

  • "Ich habe... Jahre Erfahrung in..."
  • "In meiner letzten Position war ich für... verantwortlich"
  • "Ich habe erfolgreich... durchgeführt"

Questions:

  • "Wie ist die Arbeitsatmosphäre?"
  • "Gibt es Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten?"
  • "Wann kann ich mit einer Antwort rechnen?"

Business Meetings

Opening:

  • "Sollen wir anfangen?"
  • "Ist jeder da?"
  • "Hat jemand noch Punkte für die Agenda?"

Contributing:

  • "Darf ich etwas dazu sagen?"
  • "Meiner Meinung nach..."
  • "Ich stimme zu/nicht zu, weil..."

Closing:

  • "Fassen wir zusammen..."
  • "Die nächsten Schritte sind..."
  • "Wer übernimmt was?"

Networking

Introduction:

  • "Darf ich mich vorstellen? Ich bin..."
  • "Ich arbeite bei... als..."
  • "Womit beschäftigen Sie sich?"

Small Talk:

  • "Wie sind Sie zu... gekommen?" (career/topic)
  • "Was halten Sie von...?" (event, presentation, etc.)
  • "Bleiben Sie in Kontakt!" (Keep in touch!)

Exchanging Contact:

  • "Darf ich Ihnen meine Karte geben?"
  • "Sind Sie auf LinkedIn?"
  • "Wie kann ich Sie erreichen?"

Social Situations

Meeting New People

Greetings:

  • "Hallo, ich heiße..."
  • "Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen"
  • "Wie geht es Ihnen?"

Getting to Know Someone:

  • "Woher kommst du?"
  • "Was machst du beruflich?"
  • "Was sind deine Hobbys?"
  • "Wie lange wohnst du schon hier?"

Closing:

  • "Es war nett, dich kennenzulernen"
  • "Wir sollten in Kontakt bleiben"
  • "Bis bald!"

At Parties/Social Events

Arriving:

  • "Danke für die Einladung!"
  • "Das sieht toll aus!"
  • "Kann ich etwas helfen?"

Mingling:

  • "Wie kennst du den Gastgeber?"
  • "Bist du öfter hier?"
  • "Was trinkst du?"

Leaving:

  • "Ich muss leider los"
  • "Danke für den schönen Abend"
  • "Komm gut nach Hause!"

Making Plans

Suggesting:

  • "Hast du Lust auf...?"
  • "Wollen wir... gehen?"
  • "Wie wäre es mit...?"

Agreeing:

  • "Gerne! / Klar!"
  • "Das passt mir gut"
  • "Wann und wo?"

Declining:

  • "Leider habe ich keine Zeit"
  • "Das klappt bei mir nicht"
  • "Können wir es verschieben?"

Emergency Situations

Medical Emergencies

Calling for Help:

  • "Ich brauche einen Krankenwagen!"
  • "Es ist ein Notfall!"
  • "Bitte schnell!"

Describing:

  • "Jemand ist verletzt / bewusstlos"
  • "Es gab einen Unfall"
  • "Die Person atmet nicht"

Police Situations

Reporting:

  • "Ich möchte eine Anzeige erstatten"
  • "Mir wurde... gestohlen"
  • "Es gab einen Einbruch"

Describing:

  • "Es war ungefähr..."
  • "Die Person sah so aus..."
  • "Es ist vor... Minuten passiert"

Other Emergencies

Fire:

  • "Es brennt!"
  • "Rufen Sie die Feuerwehr!"
  • "Alle raus!"

Lost Items:

  • "Ich habe... verloren"
  • "Wo ist das Fundbüro?"
  • "Kann ich eine Verlustanzeige aufgeben?"

Comprehensive Resource Lists

Essential German Speaking Books

Pronunciation:

  1. "Aussprachetraining" - Ursula Hirschfeld
  2. "Phonothek intensiv" - Ursula Hirschfeld
  3. "Phonetik, Intonation, Phonologie" - Dieling/Hirschfeld
  4. "44 Sprechspiele für Deutsch als Fremdsprache" - Dreke/Lind
  5. "Das Aussprachebuch" - Eva-Maria Krech
  6. "Deutsche Phonetik" - Wilhelm Vieregge
  7. "Sprechen Hören Sprechen" - Theo Scherling
  8. "Phonetik" - Hans-Heinrich Wängler

Conversation:

  1. "Kommunikation in sozialen und medizinischen Berufen" - Becker/Eßer
  2. "Alltag, Beruf & Co." - Becker/Braunert
  3. "Deutsch im Beruf" - Dr. Lütke
  4. "Sage und Schreibe" - Rug/Tomaszewski
  5. "Im Beruf NEU" - Mautsch/Krämer/Körner
  6. "Deutsch für das Berufsleben" - Gloria Bosch
  7. "German Conversation Demystified" - Ed Swick
  8. "Speak German Like a Native" - Daniel Krasa

Culture & Context:

  1. "Zur Orientierung" - Buchwald/Giersberg
  2. "Aspekte neu" series
  3. "Mit uns leben" - Schmidt/Lüdemann
  4. "Landeskunde aktiv" - Heiner Schenke
  5. "Typisch deutsch?" - Luscher/Thiele
  6. "Deutschland: Porträt eines Landes" - Statistisches Bundesamt
  7. "Die 101 wichtigsten Fragen: Deutsche Sprache" - Faulstich

Complete Podcast Directory

Absolute Beginners (A1):

  • Coffee Break German (Season 1)
  • GermanPod101 (Absolute Beginner)
  • Learn German Podcast
  • Slow German mit Annik Rubens
  • Easy German Podcast (Super Easy Episodes)

Elementary (A2):

  • Coffee Break German (Season 2)
  • GermanPod101 (Beginner)
  • Warum Nicht? (Deutsche Welle)
  • News in Slow German (Beginner)
  • German Stories Podcast

Intermediate (B1-B2):

  • Coffee Break German (Season 3)
  • Easy German Podcast (Regular Episodes)
  • Deutsch - Warum Nicht? (DW)
  • News in Slow German (Intermediate)
  • Lass uns reden (Goethe-Institut)
  • Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten (DW)
  • B2/C1 Podcast by Andrea

Advanced (C1-C2):

  • Zeit Online Podcasts
  • SWR2 Wissen
  • Fest & Flauschig
  • Lanz & Precht
  • Deutschlandfunk Podcasts
  • NDR Info Podcasts
  • WDR 5 Das philosophische Radio
  • Apokalypse & Filterkaffee

Topic-Specific:

  • Das Coronavirus-Update (Science)
  • Betreutes Fühlen (Comedy)
  • Gemischtes Hack (Comedy)
  • Verbrechen (True Crime)
  • Eine Stunde History (History)
  • Forschungsquartett (Research)
  • Steingarts Morning Briefing (Politics/Business)
  • Alles gesagt? (Long-form interviews)

YouTube Channel Complete List

Pure Teaching:

  • Easy German
  • Learn German with Anja
  • Get Germanized
  • German with Jenny
  • Your German Teacher
  • Deutsch für Euch
  • Learn German with Herr Antrim
  • YourGermanTeacher
  • German Pod 101
  • SuperEasyGerman

Native Content - Educational:

  • Dinge Erklärt - Kurzgesagt
  • MrWissen2go
  • Terra X
  • Simplicissimus
  • ARTE
  • maiLab
  • Galileo
  • Quarks
  • 100 Sekunden Physik
  • Breaking Lab

Entertainment & Vlogs:

  • LeFloid
  • Kelly MissesVlog
  • Die Aussenseiter
  • Freshtorge
  • Julien Bam
  • Rezo
  • Flying Uwe
  • ThatsBekir
  • Inscopeツ
  • ApeCrime

News & Current Affairs:

  • Tagesschau
  • heute-show
  • extra 3
  • ZDF heute journal
  • DW Deutsch
  • ARD
  • SPIEGEL TV

Learning-Focused:

  • Deutsche Welle - Deutsch lernen
  • Easy Languages (German section)
  • Learn German with Herr Antrim
  • Authentic German Learning
  • EasyDeutsch
  • German Skills
  • IFU Sprachschule

Online Course Platforms Detailed

Comprehensive Platforms:

  • Coursera (German courses from universities)
  • Udemy (Various German speaking courses)
  • edX (University German courses)
  • FutureLearn (German language courses)
  • Skillshare (Conversation-focused courses)

Specialized Language Platforms:

  • Lingoda (Live classes)
  • iTalki (1-on-1 tutoring)
  • Verbling (Professional teachers)
  • Preply (Individual tutors)
  • Babadum (Visual/audio learning)

University Online Programs:

  • MIT OpenCourseWare - German
  • Open University - German
  • Deutsch Interaktiv (DW)
  • Deutsch Plus (BBC)
  • Goethe-Institut Online Courses

Self-Paced Courses:

  • Babbel
  • Rosetta Stone
  • Rocket German
  • GermanPod101 Premium
  • Mondly
  • Busuu Premium
  • LingQ

Mobile App Comprehensive List

Flashcards/Vocabulary:

  • Anki
  • Quizlet
  • Memrise
  • Drops
  • Brainscape
  • Cram
  • FlashAcademy

Speaking Practice:

  • Tandem
  • HelloTalk
  • Speaky
  • Bilingua
  • Slowly (for writing, leads to speaking)
  • LINGBE

Comprehensive Learning:

  • Duolingo
  • Babbel
  • Rosetta Stone
  • Busuu
  • Mondly
  • LingoDeer
  • Beelinguapp

Pronunciation:

  • ELSA Speak
  • Speechling
  • Rosetta Stone (TruAccent)
  • Forvo

Dictionary/Reference:

  • Leo
  • Linguee
  • Reverso
  • Dict.cc
  • PONS
  • Google Translate
  • DeepL
  • Wörterbuch

News & Reading:

  • Readlang
  • LingQ
  • Beelinguapp
  • News in Slow German App
  • Deutsche Welle App
  • Tagesschau App

Professional German Resources

Business German:

  • Wirtschaftsdeutsch.de
  • IHK German courses
  • Business Deutsch für Anfänger
  • Markt - DW Business German

Academic German:

  • TestDaF-Institut resources
  • DSH preparation materials
  • Academic word lists
  • University-specific resources

Technical German:

  • VDI Nachrichten (engineering)
  • c't Magazine (IT)
  • Technical glossaries
  • Industry-specific resources

Medical German:

  • Medizinische Fachsprache
  • Ärztliches Gespräch
  • Medical terminology lists
  • Healthcare conversation guides

Speech Recognition Resources

Software:

  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking (German)
  • Windows Speech Recognition
  • macOS Dictation
  • Google Voice Typing
  • Apple Dictation

Analysis Tools:

  • Praat
  • WaveSurfer
  • Speech Analyzer
  • Audacity with plugins

Practice Tools:

  • Google Assistant (German)
  • Amazon Alexa (German)
  • Apple Siri (German)
  • Microsoft Cortana (German)

This awesome list provides a comprehensive foundation for anyone serious about mastering spoken German. Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced learner, these resources offer paths to fluency through structured learning, practice, and immersion in the German language and culture.

About

Resources and methods to improve spoken German, pronunciation, and real-life conversation skills.

github.com/awesome-german/speaking

Topics

pronunciation speech-recognition public-speaking intonation fluency language-exchange shadowing online-lessons listening-practice confidence-building accent-training conversation-partners speech-drills dialogue-scripts speaking-apps language-coaching everyday-german phrase-mastery vocabulary-in-use tone-patterns

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