How logical is it to learn German after English?
Learning a language has a wide range of benefits, from improved cultural understanding to widening career prospects. As well as being the most widely learned second language worldwide, English is often used as a starting point for those new to language learning. But how logical is it to learn German as a second language, given your knowledge of English?
When learning a language, most people usually take into account various factors related to the learning process itself before considering which language to learn. The language learning process can often be time-consuming and challenging, but the choice of language you decide to learn can make it easier or more difficult. This blog post looks at the advantages, challenges and strategies for learning German as an English speaker.
Article Summary
In this article, we look at the advantages, challenges and strategies for learning German as an English speaker. We look at the similarities between English and German, how knowledge of English can contribute to learning German, the potential advantages of learning German, the resources available to you and the potential challenges you may face. Our aim is to provide you with the information you need to start your German learning journey. Click here to start learning German now.
Similarities between English and German
There are many similarities between English and German, which can be a great advantage for those thinking of trying to learn English and German. Both languages are part of the Germanic family of languages, so they have common origins and grammar.
Similar Words in German and English
Those switching from English to German may quickly realize that many words are similar. For example, the word ‘book’ in English is ‘Buch’ in German and ‘house’ in English is ‘Haus’ in German, both of these words are quite close in pronunciation and meaning.
| English | German |
| House | Haus |
| Garden | Garten |
| Book | Buch |
| Door | Tür |
| Sun | Sonne |
| Moon | Mond |
| Man | Mann |
| Water | Wasser |
| Fire | Feuer |
| Earth | Erde |
| Drink | Trinken |
| Cat | Katze |
Similarities in grammar rules in German and English
Similarities between language structures also make it easier to learn German. As in English, sentences in German are usually constructed with a subject, verb and object arrangement. Therefore, an English speaker can quickly become familiar with German language structure.
- Sentence Structure: The typical sentence structure in both languages is usually a subject, verb and object arrangement.
- Verb Conjugations: Both English and German have verb conjugations. These conjugations are often used to determine tenses and modals.
- Negative Structures: Both languages use similar structures to make sentences negative.
These similarities can make learning German easier and more accessible for an English speaker. Taking this information into account, we can say that learning German after English can definitely make sense.
The Contribution of English Knowledge to German Learning
When a person with knowledge of the English language decides to learn German, this knowledge can be of great help. Since English and German both belong to the family of Germanic languages, knowledge of one language is an advantage when learning the other.
First of all, most of the vocabulary and grammar rules in English are used in a similar way in German. This enables a person with a good command of the English language to understand and learn German more quickly. Also, most of the words and expressions in English have equivalents in German.
Second, there are similarities between English and German in terms of pronunciation and pronunciation. This means that many of the sounds and pronunciation rules of the English language can be directly transferred to German. This can make pronunciation easier, especially in one of the most challenging areas when learning a new language.
Finally, having knowledge of the English language can help overcome the psychological barriers often encountered when learning a new language. Being familiar with the language learning process enables the learner to understand and apply language learning strategies.
For these reasons, we can say that a person with knowledge of English has a significant advantage when learning German.
Advantages of Learning German After English
For an English-speaking person, learning German can offer numerous advantages in personal and professional life. First of all, a German speaker has access to work and study opportunities in many countries, including Germany, one of the largest economies in the world.
The importance of German in the global job market is undeniable. German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and the mother tongue for many important businesses and industries globally. Furthermore, higher education in Germany opens the doors to many globally recognized and respected universities.
Knowing German is also useful for traveling. German-speaking countries are known for their rich history and cultural heritage. When visiting these countries, the ability to speak German makes for a more authentic and rewarding experience.
Considering the advantages of learning German after English, this step is definitely worthwhile.
Resources and Strategies for Learning German
There are many resources and strategies available for those who want to learn German, such as Deutsch Wunder. Thanks to various language learning apps, online courses, language exchange programs and more, learning German effectively has become easier today.
Learning apps include popular options such as Duolingo, Babbel and Rosetta Stone. These apps allow you to progress at your own pace and provide flexibility when learning a language. They also provide learning materials suitable for various language levels and learning styles.
Online courses are another option for those who want to learn German. Platforms such as Coursera and Udemy offer German courses at various levels. In addition, organizations such as the Goethe-Institut offer online courses to learn German directly from the source.
Language exchange programs can make the learning process more interactive and fun. These programs allow you to practice the language with a local person and often improve language skills quickly.
When it comes to learning strategies, everyone’s learning style is different. However, regular practice is key when learning a language. You can also use various types of media such as movies, music and books to make the language learning process more fun.
Potential Challenges of Learning German After English
Just as every language has its challenges, German can present certain difficulties in the learning process. However, for an English speaker, some features of German may seem more complex, but with the right strategies and attitude, it is possible to overcome these challenges.
Differences in language structures and grammar are a major challenge for English speakers when learning German. For example, German has gendered nouns, four cases and complex verb conjugations. However, by accepting that language structure and grammar are different and having an open attitude to learning these differences, you can overcome these difficulties.
Potential Challenges of German for English speakers
| Difficulty | Description | Coping Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Language structure and grammar | Gendered nouns, four cases and complex verb conjugations. | Accept new grammar rules and be open to learning them. |
| Sound system and pronunciation | Certain sounds and pronunciation features of German can be difficult for English speakers. | Practice regularly and familiarize yourself with the sounds of the language. |
| Vocabulary | Having a wide and complex vocabulary. | Do repeated reading and vocabulary practice. |
Another potential challenge when learning German after English is getting used to a new sound system and pronunciation rules. Certain sounds and pronunciation features of German can be difficult for English speakers. However, regular practice and familiarization with the sounds of the language can improve pronunciation skills.
Challenges in Learning German and Tips for Overcoming Them
- Language structure and grammar: German has different grammatical rules, such as gendered nouns, four cases and complex conjugations. You can overcome these difficulties by accepting these differences and having an open attitude to learning.
- Sound system and pronunciation: Certain sounds and pronunciation features of German can be difficult for English speakers. However, with regular practice and familiarization with the sounds of the language, these difficulties can be overcome.
- Vocabulary German requires a large and complex vocabulary. However, through repeated reading and word study, this challenge can be overcome.
Finally, the challenge of having a large and complex vocabulary is another obstacle to learning German. German contains many long and compound words, but repeated reading and word study can help overcome this challenge.
Conclusion: Overall assessment of learning German after English and encouraging readers to learn German
While every language learning process is not without its challenges, learning a language is also a unique opportunity for personal development. As an English speaker, learning German means not only learning a new language, but also increasing cultural understanding, expanding communication skills and perhaps opening up career opportunities.
Throughout this article, we have highlighted the advantages of learning German after English, the resources and strategies that can be used to learn German, and the potential challenges that can be encountered along the way. I hope this information will help you in your German learning process and encourage you to discover the benefits of learning the language.
If you decide to start learning German, be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Every new word, every grammar rule understood and every sentence successfully pronounced is a reward for improving your language skills and expressing yourself in a new language. Remember that the language learning journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to achieve success, but it is worth it in the end.
If you are ready to learn German, Deutsch Wunder is the platform for you. With detailed lectures covering all levels from A1 to C2, tests under each topic and rich article content about learning German, Deutsch Wunder is with you on your German journey. Join Deutsch Wunder now to discover the excitement and happiness of learning German!