André Klein's Blog, page 2

German Word Order Cheat Sheet (PDF)

German word order can be confusing for beginners, but once you wrap your head around key principles, understanding the flexibility of German sentence structure becomes a lot easier.

After having written a detailed beginner’s guide to German word order, today I’d like to share a quick cheat sheet with you that lists some of the principles discussed in this guide. If you’re new to this topic or need detailed examples and exercises please refer to the original guide.

You can also download a high-re...

4 Benefits Of Learning German With Stories [INFOGRAPHIC]

Learning a new language can be challenging, but also rewarding and fun. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to improve your German skills is to read stories in your target language.

Stories can help you expand your vocabulary by learning words in context (instead of isolation), improve your grammar awareness, boost your immersion (a bit like virtual reality, but without batteries), and widen your cultural horizons (whether it’s becoming an adept in the arcane arts of Laugengebäck or off...

5 Mental Health Benefits Of Learning Languages

Learning a new language can open new career opportunities and act as a gateway to other cultures, but did you know that there also many mental health benefits of learning a new language?

It can boost your self confidence, enhance empathy and cultural awareness, spur creative thinking and even alleviate symptoms of depression.

Before we delve into the mental health benefits in more detail, let’s have a brief look how learning a new language physically affects the brain and cognitive function.

Co...

German Nouns: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide

Welcome to the wonderfully bewildering world of German nouns, where things are not always quite as they seem.

Understanding the basics of these linguistic elements will quickly unlock the door to more complex grammar topics. We’re here to make sure this doesn’t turn into a Pandora’s box kind of deal!

So, let’s break it down step by step:

What are German nouns?

German nouns, like their English counterparts, are words that represent people, places, things, feelings or ideas. However, there’s more...

The Subtle Art Of German Modal Particles

Imagine German conversation as an intricate dance, where words and phrases gracefully intertwine to create a harmonious flow.

Amidst this dance, there’s a group of tiny elements that subtly change the vibe, adding color and nuance. These are the German modal particles, inconspicuous little words that have the power to lightly shift or completely transform what’s being said.

These delicate, seemingly inconsequential words imbue the conversation with emotion and fluidity, elevating German dialogu...

Mastering German Word Order: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever felt like putting German words together is a bit like trying to assemble furniture without the instruction manual? You’re not alone!

The topic of German word order may seem daunting at first, but once you understand core mechanics and principles, it gets a lot easier.

The trick is to know what to focus on first. How can we reduce complexity without oversimplifying the process? Is there even a way to explain this without making one’s head hurt? Well, you’ve come to right place!

“If...

The Ultimate Guide to German Prepositions For Beginners

Introduction

Learning German can be challenging, especially when it comes to grammar topics like prepositions. These little words can change the meaning of a sentence drastically, and in my experience as a German teacher, after declension and word order it’s one of the main topics beginners are struggling with.

In this article, we will dive deep into the world of German prepositions, learning their types, their usage, and tips for mastering them. So let’s begin! (I’ve also included two interact...

The Ultimate Guide to German Prepositions: Usage and Examples

Introduction

Learning German can be challenging, especially when it comes to grammar topics like prepositions. These little words can change the meaning of a sentence drastically, and in my experience as a German teacher, after declension and word order it’s one of the main topics beginners are struggling with.

In this article, we will dive deep into the world of German prepositions, learning their types, their usage, and tips for mastering them. So let’s begin! (I’ve also included two interact...

A Graphical German Grammar

Scaling the craggy cliffs of Mount Grammar is a lifelong challenge for most German learners. And unfortunately there are no easy shortcuts. (Believe me, if there were, we’d have found them by now!)

Many paths lead over this often frustratingly complex terrain. Which one to take? Where to start?

Well, it all depends on your goals and personal learning style.

Some people will take the route of systematic textbooks and worksheets, step by step. Others may prefer immersing themselves in books, movi...

Learn German with Aesop’s Fables: Belling The Cat

Einmal hielten die Mäuse eine Versammlung ab. Sie suchten nach einem Plan, um sie endgültig von ihrem Feind, der Katze, zu befreien.

Zumindest wollten sie wissen, wann sie kam, damit sie Zeit hatten wegzulaufen. Es musste wirklich etwas getan werden, denn sie lebten in solch ständiger Angst vor ihren Klauen, dass sie kaum noch wagten, sich tagsüber oder nachts aus ihren Höhlen zu bewegen.

Viele Pläne wurden besprochen, aber keine Idee war gut genug. Schließlich stand eine sehr junge Ma...