How to Learn German Using Social Media
One of the reasons that learning a new language is difficult is that we treat it like a class instead of a practical skill. All languages are tools that are used to communicate. They aren't like math, history, or science, even if you do have to learn everything from the beginning.
From pronounciation and the alphabet to articles and adverbs, there is a lot of components. However, the quickest way to learn is by using German to communicate. Social media is a tool that can really boost the practical side of the langauge - reminding you that it is a communication turn. In turn, you are more likely to stop being self-conscious about speaking in German.
There is nothing like having the assistance of a native speaker to learn how best to speak or write in a new language.
Since most of us carry a mobile device everywhere we go, it is easy to access media in German from anywhere. You can view videos, read posts, and respond to native speakers. You can also connect with other German language learners.
Social Media Options
Since social media actively encourages discussion, you have a wealth of options to use your new language. You even have several options in terms of what kinds of social media you want to use.
Regular social media sites are sites you probably have accounts to use. Things like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are sites you probably already use. You are familiar with the platforms. This makes them easy to use so that you can get started easily.
Familiarity doesn’t mean it will be easy to find language partners though. There are several social media sites that you can use to partner up with native speakers or with other new learners. This gives you a way to practice German over the course of the day. It is much easier to make time to respond to someone (as well as being more enjoyable) than to spend that time studying.
Regular Social Media Sites
Easily the biggest benefit from established social media sites is that they have millions of users. There is bound to be a community you can join.
If you already have accounts on these sites, you won’t have to learn how to use them. This means you can dive right into using the sites.
The biggest downside is that it can be hard to know where to start. You also have to be very careful since these sites really don’t have any kind of security to ensure that a person is who they say they are. Always exercise caution when talking to people on these sites.
The great thing about Twitter is that it gives you bite sized information. If you follow a couple of native German speakers, you can get a quick exercise in the use of the language every day. It is incredibly easy to work German into your day and the content is always changing.
German Blogs
It going to take you a bit longer to find the right blogs that help. Obviously, you can use this blog site for information, tips, and tricks, but you should have several blogs bookmarked to ensure that you are getting a well-rounded take on German.
By the time you are an intermediate German speaker, you should have a couple of blogs in German bookmarked for weekly reading. These help you to practice what you learn and push you further in your education. You also get to learn a bit more slang, which is always a great bonus.
This is an app that is popular around the world. Many people, both in Europe and Asia, use this app – it isn’t used just in North America. Setting up an account is easy and gives you a way to chat with native German speakers. This can help you better understand the many different accents, and learn German slang used around the world.
YouTube
Easily the best social media site to passively learn German, YouTube offers a lot of channels for you to hear native speakers while you go about your day. Tailor the channels you follow to your current level of expertise. You have a wealth of options to choose from.
Langauge Learning Social Media
Diving right into learning a new language is intimidating. There are a number of social media sites designed to help beginners learn more about their target language.
Whether you want to spend more time reading or speaking, these options keep you learning German based on your current level. This doesn’t mean you won’t be pushed a bit out of your comfort zone. Just that you can tailor your challenges, which is important in the early days.
You need to avoid being overwhelmed. These social media sites and apps make it easier to keep the challenges within your current level and understanding.
Speechling
From blogs to teachers to speaking, Speechling lets you customize your experience. They even have free language coaches to help you with specific problems you are having.
Regular social media sites have a bit of inherent risk because you don’t know who you are talking to. With Speechling, you know that you are getting the right help for your current level.
HiNative
This is a fantastic platform for anyone learning virtually any language. There are a large number of German speakers who connect to the site. If you have a question about German, there is bound to be someone who can help you. Whether it is an explanation or a quick lesson, this is a great way to get answers to questions as you come up with those questions.
You can also get information on how to pronounce words, which is incredibly helpful to learning how to say things correctly the first time.
As you get more experience, you can start to answer questions on the site
too. It is good to see just how far you have come. Having a community like HiNative can help you see German much more clearly.
Speaky
This is a free language platform that you can carry it around in your pocket. This eliminates any excuse that you don’t have time because you can literally use it anywhere that you get a signal.
Choose German from their options. Speaky will help you find people who have similar interests so that you have something to discuss. You get to decide who you want to connect with to start conversations.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk is an app that helps to pair you up with native speakers. People who speak your target language are trying to learn English.
Set a timer and spend half the time speaking in English. The other half of the time should be spent talking in your target language. German speakers will probably be more comfortable speaking English than you are speaking German – it’s one of the downsides of speaking a language that is spoken in so many places around the world.
Keep in mind the only way to make progress is by actually taking the time to talk. Yes, you will be self-conscious in the beginning. Over time, you will get over it. The more you speak, the more you will learn. More importantly, you will start to get comfortable speaking and thinking in German.
Social media makes it possible to learn German no matter where you live. It has never been quite so easy to get a more immersive experience without having to travel.