Gifts for Language Students: German

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Gifts for Language Learners: German

Do you know someone who would like to learn German or who is studying German? Perhaps a family member, friend, business partner or colleague? Maybe someone you know needs to learn German for business purposes or because they are planning on traveling to Europe. In addition to being spoken in Germany, German is also spoken in Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. It is also spoken in parts of northern Italy, France, Hungary and Belgium. Without a doubt, German is a very useful language to know for anyone who is planning on traveling to Europe. Maybe you'd like to learn some German yourself and are looking for some good self-study resources.

I have featured various German self-study courses, workbooks, and dictionaries, some of which I have used myself. Books, CDs, and DVDs for children have also been included. Whether you are looking for a gift for a friend, colleague, or family member, or have been considering studying German yourself for business or travel purposes, these gift ideas will definitely facilitate the language-learning process.

(Interested in viewing Total German - Michel Thomas Method? View it here: Total German with the Michel Thomas Method (Michel Thomas Series)
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German for Beginners - Michel Thomas Method

German Course for Beginners

I highly recommend "German for Beginners - Michel Thomas Method". I have gone through this program and was very pleased with the approach that was used and the results.

Total German with the Michel Thomas Method (Michel Thomas Series)

Amazon Price: $71.81 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

The Michel Thomas Method uses an informal, interactive approach to teach adult learners German vocabulary, grammatical concepts and verbs. No memorization is required and you will soon be formulating sentences in German. This program will help you to feel at ease using German to communicate with native German speakers.

German - Self-Study Programs

Self-study German Tools

There are several Michel Thomas Method programs available for students/adults who would like to learn German or who would like to improve their German. In addition, there are a few very good programs in the "Learn in Your Car - German" series, which I have also used.

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Language-Learning Tips

Tips for Learning a New Language

BavariaMotivation is key to learning a new language - if you are an adult who would like to learn German, your success will very much depend on your interest and determination. You may not learn to speak it fluently, but it is possible to learn enough German to enrich your travel experiences, increase your business opportunities, and to be able to enjoy some conversation with native speakers. Of course, immersion is the best way to learn a new language; however, since that isn't always possible, these tips will help you improve your German comprehension and conversation skills.

  • Consider signing up for an online course or for a German class in your community. Use self-study programs and tools to complement your course materials.

  • Take advantage of opportunities to speak with native German speakers.

  • Take advantage of self-study programs, such as the ones provided by Michel Thomas.

  • Listen to German songs - try to follow along with the lyrics. Try to imitate the words you are hearing.

  • If possible, listen to German radio (news or programs).

  • Read German newspapers - many are available online.

  • Try to read short stories or magazine articles. When you come across new words, look them up in an English/German dictionary.

  • Watch German movies and/or television programs.


  • Remember - it is possible to reach your goals. Keep working at learning new German vocabulary, studying German verbs and grammar, and you'll get there.
    {Photo taken in Bavaria, in southern Germany. Photo copyright Heidi Brault}

    German Verb Drills

    German Verb Families and Conjugations

    I personally recommend "German Verb Drills" to anyone who would like to understand German verb conjugations. I completed many of the exercises in this book prior to traveling to Austria and Germany, and still have it on hand as a reference.

    German Verb Drills, Fourth Edition (Drills Series)

    Amazon Price: $6.82 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

    Understanding German verbs is the key to improving your ability to converse in German. This workbook includes examples of verb conjugations as well as the correct use of verb tenses, exercises and an answer key. Exampes are provided in both English and German.

    German Verbs

    German Verb Books and Workbooks

    Select a book on German verb conjugations and/or verb tenses.

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    Switzerland - Official Languages

    German in Switzerland

    Germany

    Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch. I used both German and Italian during our day trips to Switzerland.
    {Photo taken in Lucerne, Switzerland. Photo copyright Heidi Brault}

    Mastering German Vocabulary

    Self-study Tool for Learning More German Vocabulary

    I highly recommend "Mastering German Vocabulary", which uses a topic-based approach to help students improve their German vocabulary.

    Mastering German Vocabulary: A Thematic Approach (Mastering Vocabulary)

    Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

    This book introduces new German vocabulary by using a theme-based approach. Students can choose to learn vocabulary pertaining to just a few topics or to numerous topics. Students can focus on the themes they are most interested in learning. "Mastering German Vocabulary" is a great study tool, but it is also an excellent reference book.

    German Vocabulary

    German Vocabulary Self-Study Tools

    Select a German vocabulary self-study tool.

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    Basic German Workbook

    German Grammar

    I highly recommend this "Basic German Workbook" for beginners. Students are introduced to grammatical concepts and theme-based vocabulary. It's great as a beginner workbook and for anyone who needs to review basic German grammar and vocabulary.

    Berlitz Basic German Workbook (Berlitz Language)

    Amazon Price: $7.85 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

    This is a great introduction to German grammar. It includes exercises, activities, an answer key, reference tables, and a glossary.

    German Grammar Workbooks

    German Grammar Practice Books

    Select a German grammar workbook.

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    German Dictionaries

    English-German Dictionaries - Books and E-Books

    Select an English/German dictionary in either book or e-book format).

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    German - Language Resources

    These educational resources are useful German-language study tools.

    Independent Travel in Europe: Languages
    Travel phrases and vocabulary in German, Spanish, French, Italian and Romanian.
    English-German Dictionary
    Online English/German dictionary provided by Look Way Up.
    German/English - English/German Dictionary
    English/German dictionary provided by4U Online.
    Germany - Newspapers
    Online newspapers from Germany.
    Austria - Newspapers
    Austrian newspapers online.
    European Radio Stations - German
    German radio stations streaming live on the Internet.
    German TV - BBC
    German television stations on BBC.

    Share These German Language Gifts

    Bookmark These German Language Resources

    Share these gift ideas with your friends and family.

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    Learning German - Poll

    German-Language Poll

    Germany

    {Photo taken in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany. Photo copyright Heidi Brault}

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    Munich, Germany

    Munich (Munchen) - Travel Poster

    View of Munich, Germany.

    Munich Cityscape zazzle_print
    Munich Cityscape by AdventureTravelArt
    Large format poster printing from zazzle

    "Bringing Europe to You" - Germany

    More gift ideas for German-language enthusiasts.



    Black Forest, Germany - Mousepad

    Black Forest, Germany - Mousepad

    Oberammergau, Germany - Mug

    Oberammergau, Germany - Mug

    Konigsee - Bavaria Greeting Cards

    Konigsee - Bavaria Greeting Cards

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    More Gifts for Travelers

    Additional gift ideas for students or adults who would like to learn French, Spanish or Italian. Language students also often enjoy traveling.

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    Your Turn

    Did you enjoy these German language gifts and resources?

    My guestbook is open for comments from visitors and Squidoo members. Let me know you've dropped by!

    • scarlettohairy Mar 5, 2012 @ 3:08 pm | delete
      Lovely photos to inspire someone to visit Germany and learn some of the language.
    • hlkljgk Feb 13, 2012 @ 12:47 pm | delete
      great idea and suggestions.
    • Ramkitten Feb 12, 2012 @ 2:33 pm | delete
      I'd love to GO to Germany, but as far as learning the language, I'd want to learn just some basics to help get around. Me, I'm more focused on re-learning all the Spanish I've lost since I studied it for five years. All of your tips for learning language apply, though. I just wish I'd never let myself get so rusty.
    • traveller27 Feb 12, 2012 @ 2:36 pm | delete
      I know what you mean..hard to maintain a language sometimes. I find that travelling motivates me to review.
    • Waxing-Lyrical Feb 12, 2012 @ 10:46 am | delete
      I tried to learn German at an early age, but had trouble with it, so opted for French instead. Great resource though :)
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