Learn Survival German: My Top 3 Tips for Americans PCSing to Germany
Quick story: I was stationed in Japan as a young Air Force officer.
After living there for 2yrs, I got frustrated at myself for not learning the language.
My older self said, "If I ever get the chance to live in another country, I will be fluent!"
Fast forward to 2014. We had a 2yr assignment to Germany, so here was my opportunity!
I studied the colors, numbers, and basic phrases the very first night we landed in Germany.
I got a private tutor, took online classes, took (many) face to face classes, and I even took a job as a bar tender at a local restaurant to pick up conversation.
Needless to say, we've been here since 2014, and I expected to be fluent by now.
I'm not.
But this is what I learned...Depending on your status (AD or Civilian), you have anywhere from 3 - 5 yrs in Germany.
So… Don't expect to be fluent within this time, LEARN THE BASICS: https://dtv-daniel-television.sellfy....
**Skip Ahead:
Learn Survival German 0:00
Learn the basics 0:35
Colors, Numbers, Days of the week 0:43
Post it notes 0:52
Subtitles 1:47
Take a German class 2:31
Survival German with Nadja 2:54
Other Tips 3:49
I'm pretty confident in speaking German these days, but I'm definitely not fluent, so here's 3 things that worked for me:
1) Learn the Basics
Numbers, colors, common phrases, days of the week, months, foods, etc. This picture book really helped me out: https://amzn.to/45MzvTI
I'm a visual learner, so I wrote German words on sticky notes and placed them ALL OVER THE HOUSE (my wife was "thrilled"). Kitchenware, bedroom stuff, bathroom items, etc. It forces your brain to read, even when you're not trying to study.
For example, even though I've yet to use this in a real life situation, I will NEVER forget the German word "die Waage" (the scale), because I looked at this every time I walked into my bathroom.
2) Watching TV & Subtitles
To this day, I still have German subtitles playing while I watch TV. We all watch TV, so why not just put up subtitles to keep your brain busy.
I would also watch movies I'm super familiar with (such as Disney) all in German with English subtitles, and then vice versa.
For bonus points, try to make some German friends and go to a "Stammtisch." This is where regulars meet at a bar or restaurant to hang out (weekly/monthly). Don't be shy to practice in front of friends that can help you!
3) Take a Class
Taking a class (online, private, or group) is the best way to learn. You may be able to find FREE classes on the base through ACS or the USO.
You can also use FREE tools such as "Mango" (similar to Duolingo) at the MWR Library, but if you want to get started right away, I recommend taking a course.
I took the "Survival German with Nadja" online course. This helped tremendously with pronunciation, vocabulary, brain exercises, and an all in one crash course for getting started.
You need to get the fundamentals down before you can start spitting out sentences.
Survival German Basics: https://www.survivalgermanbasics.com/
*Use the coupon code "MilitaryDTV" for 10% OFF!
Take a peek at her Facebook page to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
If you're excited about learning German while (or before) you're here, then keep these expectations in mind and follow my 3 steps!
Das ist alles für heute. Bis bald!
Survival German with Nadja: https://www.dtvdanieltelevision.com/2...
Neuschwanstein Castle: • What to expect? Neuschwanstein Disney Cas...
FREE Mango Language Course for Military:
https://support.mangolanguages.com/hc...
30 Things you MUST KNOW before PCSing to Germany with the US military: https://www.dtvdanieltelevision.com/2...
“30 Things” Free Download: https://dtv-daniel-television.sellfy....
Free “30 Things” Webinar: • FREE Webinar: 30 Things you MUST know befo...
FREE PCS to Germany Checklist: https://dtv-daniel-television.sellfy....
Ultimate PCS Checklist Binder: https://dtv-daniel-television.sellfy....
Where I get my gear 🎥 • First Look: Brenner Camera & Video Store i...
Website: http://dtvdanieltelevision.com/
FB: / dtvdanieltelevision
IG: / dtv_danieltelevision
TikTok: / dtvdanieltelevision