Zoe's German Learning Journey

Introduction

• Zoe: Language enthusiast, speaker of seven languages, bi-national PhD in sociology (France & Germany), based in Frankfurt
• Focus on studying German with various resources and methods

Learning Journey

• Self-study: A1 on own
• Goethe Institute (Egypt): A2 class
• Self-study: Continued to B1
• University Intensive Courses: Reached intermediate level
• Current: Studying C1 on own

Learning Resources & Methods

General Resources

• Language Schools: Goethe (reliable, but fixed schedule)
• Online Courses: Lingoda (flexibility, native teachers, practical topics)
• Platforms: Nico's Weg by Deutsche Welle (main resource up to B1)
• Apps: Anki (vocabulary) & Reverso (conjugation dictionary with spaced repetition)
• Other: Conversation with tandem partners, podcasts, YouTube, books

A1 Level

• Focus on 1-2 resources to avoid overwhelm
• Suggestion: Goethe Institute or Lingoda
• Pros & Cons: Flexibility (Lingoda), Intensive schedules (Goethe)
• Study Plan: Use main resource (Nico's Weg or Lingoda); Anki Goethe Deck; Conjugation exercises (Reverso)

A2 Level

• Introduce variety of resources for robust learning
• Main Resource: Nico's Weg or Lingoda
• Additional Exercises: Grammatik Aktiv A1-B1; Narichtenleicht (slow German news)
• Listening Practice: Songs, podcasts, Easy German YouTube channel
• Study Plan: Combination of main resource lessons and supplementary grammar/vocab/pronunciation practice

B1 Level

• Similar structure but more challenging resources
• Additional Resources: News in slow German, Deutsche Welle podcasts, audio books
• Practice: Listening to Easy German podcast and German vlogs with subtitles
• Study Plan: Increase immersion, diversify topics, introduce more complex materials

B2-C1 Level

• Common Challenges: Breaking the plateau, immersion strategies
• Resources Split: Everyday life vs. Academic/professional life
  • Everyday: German movies/series, advanced podcasts (e.g., Lanz und Precht), documentaries
  • Academic/Professional: News channels (ZDF, Tagesschau), specialized podcasts, academic papers
• Note: Less note-taking, focus on immersion, practical application
• Study Plan: Increasing study session intensity, varied resources

Tips for Advanced Learners

• Engage with content that genuinely interests you (movies, podcasts, etc.)
• Use comprehensive resources regularly (news updates, Instagram, reading papers)
• Stay consistent with daily routines and practice for progress

Final Thoughts

• Motivation and persistence: Practice makes perfect, daily routines build proficiency
• Encouragement: Consistent efforts lead to improvement over time
• Interaction: Write comments/questions, subscribe, stay connected for more tips