Even if you don’t understand a single word of German, you’ll be able to probably scan and understand the following German text. Did you recognize that English and German descended from the same language? (Proto-Germanic) Many words in both languages are the identical or similar.

A link to the current story’s translation will be provided at the end of this article.

* GERMAN STORY *

Guten Tag! Mein Name ist Monika. Ich bin Autorin. Ich habe einen Bruder namens Bob. Bob ist auch Autor. Ich bin Bobs Literaturagentin. Er schreibt interessante Artikel und Bücher. Er schreibt im Moment ein neues Buch. Der Titel ist: «Das Telefon klingelt für Dich.» Letztes Jahr hatte er 2 Bücher auf der Bestsellerliste.

Bob lebt in Kanada – in Montreal. Er ist 30 Jahre alt, mit blondem Haar und blauen Augen. Er hat ein altes Auto. Freitags fährt er mit dem Auto zum Supermarkt.

Im Supermarkt findet er Kaffee, Tee, Mineralwasser, Milch, Zucker, Butter usw. für Mutter. Er findet auch Frucht wie Bananen, Äpfel, Orangen usw. Dann geht er zur Bank und wartet eine Weile auf Mutter. Er fährt danach mit Mutter nach Hause und parkt sein Auto.

Das Haus ist weiß und blau. Es hat einen Garten mit wundervollen Blumen und luxuriösem grünem Gras.

Im Haus sitzt Bob auf dem Sofa und trinkt oft ein Glas Bier oder Wein und hört Radio (laut). Mutter sagt: «Bob! Das Radio ist zu laut!» Bob lacht und geht in den Garten.

Im Sommer, wenn die Sonne scheint, sitzt Bob im Garten. Wenn Mutter can, mäht Bob das Gras.

Im Winter schaufelt er den Schnee oder sitzt im Haus beim Feuer.

Meine Mutter hat eine Katze namens Löwe. Löwe ist braun, grau und orange. Sie miaut, wenn sie Bob sieht, springt auf Bobs Knie und schnurrt laut. Mutter hat auch einen Hund – namens Bär. Bär ist ein Dachshund.

Ach! es ist spät – Mitternacht. Ich muss zu Bett gehen. Gute Nacht! Ich schreibe mehr morgen früh.

* MORE EXAMPLES *

Winter kommt im November.

Sommer kommt im Juni.

Die Toilette ist beige.

Das Papier ist weiß.

Meine Hand hat zehn Finger.

Mein Arm ist gebrochen.

Wir haben eine Party!

Bring den Salat hier!

Der Mann tanzt und singt.

Der Wind ist eisig.

Die Tomate ist reif.

Das kostet 5 Dollar.

Komm hier!

Er hat Hunger und Durst.

Der Film beginnt um 8.

Sie fotografiert die Familie.

* HOW DID IT GO? *

Maybe you didn’t understand the German text completely. Browse it a second – and then a third time.

If you’re observant, you will notice a few details:

*German sometimes uses a ‘K’ instead of a arduous ‘C’: Canada=Kanada, Monica=Monika.

*The English ‘ph’ typically becomes ‘f’: telephone=Telefon.

*Nouns are capitalized: fruit=Frucht, milk=Milch, butter=Butter, sugar=Zucker.

*Possessives are not formed with an apostrophe + s: brother’s=Bruders.

*The English ‘sh’ becomes ‘sch’: shines=scheint, shovels=schaufelt.

*Many words are specifically the same: Winter, November, Finger, Party, Wind, Hunger, Film.

Currently that you have got some hints, you can probably scan the German text again and perceive even more. Assume of the words in context, and allow your mind to fill within the blanks.

Related words, like those above, with common ancestral roots are referred to as ‘cognates’. There are a number of, many a lot of than those presented here.

Over the years, but, many words that used to mean the identical factor in both languages have evolved and have acquired different connotations. For instance, the old German word for ‘wife’ – ‘Weib’ is these days typically applied in a very deprecating manner. It might be utilized in a phrase meaning ‘you crazy girl!’ or in instances where an English person would say ‘broad’ or ‘dame’.

The German word ‘Gift’ will not mean ‘gift’ – it suggests that ‘poison’.

The purpose that is being made here, however, is that you must actively search for similarities. Over time you may discover the exceptions. You will feel comfortable with the similarities and kind a foundation on that you’ll build. The learning task then becomes less daunting – and even enjoyable.

Over the centuries the planet has become a melting pot of cultures and languages. Several words and phrases have crossed borders. Globalization – spurred by newspapers, radio, TV, the web, and jet travel – has accelerated the process. We have a tendency to usually use foreign-derived words while not even realizing – angst, soup du jour, restaurant au lait, poltergeist, bona fide, carte blanche, nom de plume, savoir-faire . . .

Every time you come to a replacement text passage, scan it to search out what you already understand (or will guess) for a general sense of what it means. Then tackle the unknown parts.

Your learning can progress more quickly as a result.

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The German language is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe; as well as millions of other people who speak German globally. German is a second language taught in most educational institutions worldwide and is one of the twenty three official languages. English and French are the other two widely spoken languages. Now let’s look at how do most people learn German.

Besides learning German as your second language at schools and other institutions, there are numerous very good courses available; on CD and DVD, as well as books. These methods are the most common when learning German.

There are many private teachers offering classes after working hours; and in my opinion this is an excellent way to learn because you are interacting in direct German conversation with your colleagues as well as your teacher.

If you browse online you will find many interactive German courses available. Beginners; intermediate and advanced courses are offered. There are sites that you can log into and actually have conversations with German speaking people; who assist you with conversation and grammar.

There are complete courses which come with CD’s and books to help you pronounce the words correctly. If you are fortunate in speaking Dutch or Afrikaans then learning the German language

is far easier than if you were Spanish speaking. Besides learning online you can order many of the courses offered and the companies will deliver or ship the courses to you.

Many people learn German using interactive audio courses; which illustrate step by step grammar from beginners to an advanced stage. No matter if you are new to the language and have never spoken German, most of these courses will have you speaking some German within a week.

The younger generations are volunteering to stay with German families and learn the language by interacting daily with the family, who don’t speak the student’s mother tongue. This is probably one of the best and quickest methods of learning any foreign language. And this is how many people learn to speak German. Next: Follow the links below to read more about learning German.