Independent Language Learning
Learning a language is a complex process and is not guaranteed simply by attending a language course.
It is about integrating the language and learning into your daily routine, keep going and developing learning routines. The following overview provides you with tips for your self-study and various links to multimedia resources.
Information – Interesting facts – Tips
A very basic tip for language learning is:
Choose topics that interest you to learn!
This way, you increase your commitment and are more likely to stay focused. Therefore, please understand that the following options for self-study are only suggestions and are by no means exhaustive. You want to improve your listening skills, but you don't want a podcast about traveling? Simply search for a better option with the provider of your choice – maybe you prefer to listen to scientific or sports content.
There are no limits to your self-study!
Similarly, you might be very interested in travel, but you learn better visually, through texts or videos. No problem, because with a little searching on the internet, you will find what you are looking for there too. Take the time to tailor your self-study to your needs!
Integrate language learning into your daily routine. For example, you could...
- read/listen to/watch the news in the foreign language over a cup of coffee or tea in the morning...
- try to engage in conversation with colleagues in the foreign language during your lunch break...
- complete a lesson on a language learning app on the train on your way home...
- switch your favorite TV series into the foreign language in the evening.
- before going to bed, internalise the “word of the day”.
- keep a vocabulary notebook
Create rituals that fit into your daily routine so that you don't see them as a burden, but rather as a pleasant habit that you slowly but surely develop. This way, you create continuity in your learning and can quickly expand your vocabulary and celebrate learning successes.
We have put together a list of websites where you can practise your English with reading and listening texts, videos and interactive exercises. Many websites also provide grammar exercises and vocabulary trainings.
Important: Please choose your internet browser carefully to ensure that the exercises run smoothly.
- The language course provider kmp offers a Keep-Fit-Quiz on current news from the economy, politics and much more, which is sent out monthly.
- Zeit Sprachen offers a range of exercises, including reading, listening and tips on how to learn. You can also test and proof your Business English.
Self-tests for language levels
- EF TEST: English level test get an accurate assessment for free.
- Business Englisch Test
To determine your language level in a business and work context.
- Online Vocabulary Trainer (you can choose whether to practice from German to English or vice versa).
On YouTube, you will find numerous providers for learning English, for example
- EasyEnglish: an authentic and fun way to learn English and get to know Great Britain, or
- BBC Learning English: learn to speak English with 6 minute English and 6 minute grammar, among other things
- English Addict with Mr Duncan: a little more fun and completely in English
- For further listening comprehension, you can watch TED Talks in English, including business and science topics.
- Business English Podcast: everything from meetings to negotiations to finance
- Overheard at National Geographic: audio clips on science topics, including transcripts
- With Spotify, you have the opportunity to listen to podcasts and the like to train your listening comprehension:
- The English we speak: Phrases and slang
- Learning English Meditation for more concentration when studying
- 6 Minute English: English for everyday situations from BBC
- Plain English: current events and topics spoken slowly
- Happy English: for fluent speaking and slang
- Today in Focus: Daily Podcast from The Guardian
- The Goethe-Institut offers a variety of ways to learn German on its 'Deutsch am Arbeitsplatz' (german at work) website:
- German in the office
- The modern and freshly designed „Step into German“ website
- German in the office
- The Deutsche Welle German course offers complete course concepts and exercises at various levels. They provide the DW German trainer and the „Nicos Weg“ video course to help you get started
Zeit Sprachen offers a variety of exercises, including reading, listening and vocabulary.
Self-tests for language levels
- Goethe Institut Placement Test
30 short questions for initial placement. The recommended tests (A1-C2) provide information about your language level (but you are not required to take them). - Learn German Placement Test
To determine whether you are at level A1, A2, or B1, or whether you should continue practising. This test is suitable if you already have some idea of your level.
- Easy German Podcast: twice a week, topics from Germany and around the world, new words and expressions (with explanations of words and grammar)
- The Volkshochschule (adult education centre) offers free onlince courses for self-learning on a variety of topics and at different levels.
- Nachrichtenleicht: The week's news stories, spoken slowly and in simple language.
- DW Slowly Spoken News: Daily news, spoken slowly with a text to follow along (B2 and higher)
- DW Deutsch lernen (learning German with Deutsche Welle)
- Online vocabulary trainer (you can choose whether you want to practice from German to English or vice versa)
- Download the vocabulary lists for Business German and Business English (tip: both lists are useful for both languages, as they are translated into the other language)
The library offers a variety of books to help you find your way around (technical) vocabulary or find exercises for self-study. You can ask for advice on further options in the library. You also can find specialist literature via the web catalog.
The UFZ offers comprehensive media packages for independent German language learning. These packages include a textbook with a license code for the interactive online learning platform allango from Klett-Verlag, as well as a supplementary workbook. The materials cover all proficiency levels from A1 to C1 and enable flexible, structured learning − at your own pace.
If you are interested in such a media package, please contact
stefanie.mueller@ufz.de
.