"I need to improve my speaking!", "I want to speak more German!", "I want to speak more fluently!"

Do you recognize these sentences? You are not alone! Most German learners find speaking the most difficult part, because speaking is the biggest challenge in any foreign language.

So what can you do to speak more and better German?

Two important (uncomfortable) things first:

1. Ask yourself: What am I currently doing to improve my speaking? Become aware of your study habits. That's the first step.

   
   

2. You learn to speak by speaking! Sounds redundant, but it's true. If you don't speak much, you won't notice any improvement.

And now for the 6 tips on how to speak more and better German:

1. Find a tandem partner.

A tandem partner is a person who wants to learn your native language and help you learn German. You meet for coffee and practice speaking. This is also possible online. There are tandem partner websites where you can find suitable people.

I highly recommend this method! I've often had tandem partners to help me speak Spanish or Italian better. It helped me every time to improve.

But you should remember one thing: a tandem partner is not a teacher. You can practice speaking with them, but they may not be able to explain grammar to you.

2. Find a language group.

In many (usually larger) cities, there are language get-togethers. A group meets in a bar or café and speaks to each other in a foreign language. Not only can you speak German there, but you can also meet new people.

During my studies, I often attended regular meetings. It is a great way to practice a foreign language in a relaxed atmosphere and make new friends.

3. Take every opportunity to speak German.

If you live in a German-speaking country, take advantage of it! You will be in contact with locals a lot. Even if it is sometimes easier, avoid using English and try to speak to people in German as often as possible.

You will see that you will soon make progress and people will definitely appreciate your efforts.

4. Support speaking through listening.

Listening to a lot of German (podcasts, videos, series) will give you a better feel for sentence structure, vocabulary, and speech flow.

I noticed this myself with my English skills when I started watching shows and movies in English (that is, shows or movies whose original language is English). I have been doing this for a few years now, and I must say that my passive English has improved (passive because active speaking is still something different). It has helped me learn a lot of new expressions that I can use when I speak.

5. Set a goal.

Ask yourself: What is your motivation? What is your concrete goal? Why would you like to speak German better?

Do you have a presentation in three months and want to be confident? Or maybe you want to be able to express yourself better during coffee breaks with your colleagues?

Whatever your goal, make it as specific as possible! This will help you stay motivated.

6. Get support from a teacher.

Despite all the free resources available, sometimes you want to be guided by an expert. Would you like to be corrected when you speak and have new vocabulary explained to you? Then a conversation course is for you!

In my conversation course "DeutschCafé" we practice exactly what is neglected in many language courses: speaking freely! In a relaxed atmosphere, we talk about exciting questions from life - without any pressure.

The goal is for you to lose your fear of speaking and making mistakes (because they are part of the process). You will soon feel more confident when speaking to your colleagues in German or giving a presentation.

Would you like to try out the conversation course first? Then send me a message, and I'll give you 10% off your first course package! 🎁