Stichwörter (Keywords):
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- Category: German grammar
If you learned German in college, chances are you learned both “woher” and “wohin” at the same time. Do you ever drive in reverse and forwards at the same time? I didn't think so. Why so many US textbook authors think this is a good idea is beyond me. In drivers education, first you learn to drive forwards, you get a feel for the car, and then you learn to drive in reverse.
It's not that hard, textbook authors!
*Nicole facepalms and sighs with exasperation.*
That's a really good way to get permanently tripped up. Im Ernst jetzt!
Here’s how to fail miserably at learning these two question words (or anything else, for that matter):
Step 1: Learn them both at the same time.
Das ist alles. (That’s it.)
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- Details
- Category: German grammar
"Zu..." no. "Nach..."
Wait! Which one do I use? GAH!
Have you said that before? I bet you have, as I’ve heard it from every beginning German learner I’ve worked with. And a lot of intermediate level speakers, too.
The difference is: with “zu” and “nach,” size makes a difference. But not how you might think.
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- Category: German grammar
This is a source of frustration for so many German learners. "Wann" and "wenn" are too similar and as a result, lots of people mix them up.
They both mean when, however when you use them is completely different.
Are you ready to learn which word to use when?
Los geht’s!
Which “when” is “when”?
First you need to clearly differentiate the two words “wann” and “wenn.”
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- Category: Speaking German
"Alte Liebe rostet nicht" say the Germans.
Old love doesn't rust.
Neither does new love!
So how do you say you're in love in German?
There's the classic, direct way:
Ich liebe dich.
Yeah, that's a good one.
And it's a big one.
If you don't want to jump in at the deep end of the pool, here are a few suggestions for you to talk about it.
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- Category: German learning methods
This is an email that I received from a client this summer after she had her Swiss Citizenship Interview. In addition to practicing speaking in German, we spent several lessons discussing the Swiss governmental system and how to prepare mentally for such an exam. Our final lesson before her interview was a practice interview. Here’s what she had to say.
N.B. This email has been edited for privacy, clarity and formatting.
Hello Nicole!
I did make it through my German language test in Switzerland over the summer. I believe it went well. My tester was great in that she spoke high German, and went very slowly…so in the end, I believe I understood all of the questions, and managed a response for each. I even managed to joke a bit about knowing that my German is “nicht fantastich” but that I was absolutely continuing with my learning and understood the importance of that.
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