Learning German

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Many people find it challenging to attend group classes regularly. Blended Learning in an individual setting offers the flexibility to meet the needs of each student. Below are some highly recommended tools and resources that fit this approach:

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Audible

While the availability of German audiobooks in the U.S. can be limited, Audible provides a wide variety of German language audiobooks that are perfect for practicing your listening skills. Audiobooks on Audible are available for Kindle, so you can read and listen at the same time. Start a free trial and explore German material, such as the Ingrid Noll crime stories, which we recommend for their engaging content. You can also check out our curated list of Amazon links below for additional German-language recommendations.
Tip: Use our JacobiTeacher booking code for 10% off your Audible purchase: [YTV10JCBTCHR].

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YOUTV

YOUTV is an online service offering access to German television channels, which is ideal for immersion learning. Since 2009, YOUTV has been providing a comprehensive selection of German TV channels. Although some channels have regional restrictions, this platform remains one of the best ways to integrate real-time German language exposure. Available on various devices, such as Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google TV, and smartphones.
Tip: Use our JacobiTeacher booking code to save 10% on your subscription: [YTV10JCBTCHR].

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Duolingo

Duolingo is a fantastic tool for building vocabulary and reinforcing basic language skills. Many of our students have started their German learning journey with Duolingo and have progressed rapidly with regular use. Duolingo rewards consistency by providing points, icons, and badges, making it a highly motivating platform. However, we recommend caution: for some learners, Duolingo can become frustrating if they are forced to repeat chapters. For a more flexible learning experience, Memrise may be a better alternative.

(Note: Duolingo is most beneficial when combined with more immersive tools, like the ones we offer at Learn German America.)

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Memrise

Memrise is a more flexible and personalized tool, offering a wider variety of learning paths compared to Duolingo. While Duolingo works well for beginners, Memrise gives learners more freedom and variety. Many of our students have transitioned from Duolingo to Memrise once they feel ready to dive deeper into the language.
We are excited to announce our JacobiTeacher Memrise courses coming soon! Stay tuned for updates.

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Grammar and Course Books

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Traditional grammar books can be helpful for group settings, but for individual learning, they can sometimes feel rigid and unengaging. At Learn German America, we focus on blending practical language usage with solid grammar foundations, without relying too heavily on conventional textbooks. Below are some materials that work well for learners looking for flexibility:

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McGraw Hill’s Practical German Program

This program is highly recommended for individuals who want to practice German in real-world contexts. It blends grammar exercises with conversational practice, and it's a great choice for independent learners. You can also explore more of their resources for targeted language improvement.

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Hueber and Westermann Textbooks

Though we don't recommend traditional textbooks for individual learning, the resources from Hueber and Westermann can be great for deep-diving into specific aspects of the language, especially for those transitioning into intermediate levels.

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At Learn German America, we integrate a variety of resources into our classes to ensure a well-rounded learning experience. Below are the key Hueber and Westermann books we regularly use for our students, sorted by age group:

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Young Learners (Children and Teens)

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• Hueber – Paul, Lisa und Co
  This series is especially popular with young learners. It emphasizes interactive learning through fun activities, engaging illustrations, and a conversational approach to help students build confidence in speaking and understanding German.

• Hueber – Planet Plus
  Designed for young learners, this series integrates audio materials and exercises to help students become familiar with German in a fun and engaging way.

• Hueber – Dabei!
  While suitable for all learners, this series is particularly effective for young learners, offering interactive exercises, vocabulary, and real-world dialogues.

 

Teens and Adults

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• **Westermann – P.A.U.L.D.
  A great option for learners of various ages, the P.A.U.L.D. series offers a blend of grammar and real-world application, helping students strengthen their language skills.

• Hueber – Beste Freunde
  This series focuses on building communication skills, vocabulary, and grammar, making it perfect for teens and adults looking to improve their German in an interactive and engaging way.

• Westermann – Geschichte
  This series is ideal for those looking to combine language learning with a deeper understanding of German history and culture.

 

All Ages (Various Interests)

• Westermann – Diercke Geographie
  For students of all ages interested in geography, this series provides an exploration of German-speaking countries and regions, offering a combination of language learning and cultural understanding.

• Hueber – Akademie Deutsch
  A versatile resource suitable for learners of various ages, this digital coursebook includes interactive audio files and exercises to help learners master key concepts in German.