The Ultimate German Learning Toolkit for Beginners
Starting your German language journey?
I've curated this list of effective, engaging resources to complement our lessons and accelerate your progress — no matter your learning style! Whether you're just starting or looking for ways to reinforce what you're learning with me, you'll find something helpful here.
🎧 LISTENING & IMMERSION
Before you can speak confidently, you need to hear how the language sounds in everyday use. These resources immerse you in spoken German, helping you build your ear and intuition for the language.
Coffee Break German
A fantastic podcast series perfect for beginners! Each episode introduces new vocabulary, grammar points, and cultural insights in a friendly, accessible way. Ideal for learning during walks, commutes or — you guessed it — coffee breaks! (15–20 minutes per episode; free with premium extras)
👉 coffeebreaklanguages.com/german
Nicos Weg (A1)
This engaging video series from Deutsche Welle follows Nico, a Spanish speaker navigating life in Germany. Each episode is short, easy to follow, and includes interactive exercises to reinforce what you've learned. A fun way to absorb grammar and vocabulary in context. (5–10 minutes per episode; free)
👉 learngerman.dw.com/en/nicos-weg
Easy German
A brilliant YouTube channel featuring authentic street interviews with German speakers, complete with dual-language subtitles. Great for hearing real-world German and becoming more comfortable with natural speech patterns. (10–15 minutes per video; free)
👉 youtube.com/@EasyGerman
🧱 STRUCTURED SELF-STUDY COURSES
Need a clear path to follow? These courses offer a well-organised way to progress step-by-step, complete with exercises and explanations.
VHS Lernportal (VHS Deutsch A1 App)
This free online platform from Germany's adult education centres offers well-structured courses for all levels. Get instant feedback on your exercises and track your progress systematically. There’s even a mobile app — just search for "VHS Deutsch A1" in your app store. (10–20 minutes daily recommended) 👉 vhs-lernportal.de
Deutsche Welle’s Online Courses
Comprehensive, free courses with audio, video, and interactive exercises. Their A1 content is especially well-designed for beginners, with plenty of cultural insights to deepen your understanding. (Flexible pace) 👉 learngerman.dw.com
🧠 VOCABULARY PRACTICE & FLASHCARDS
Vocabulary is your toolbox. These apps help you build it efficiently through repetition, games and quick daily routines.
Quizlet
A versatile flashcard app I often recommend. Practise vocabulary through games, quizzes and spaced repetition. Search for existing German A1 sets or create your own based on the vocabulary we cover in our lessons. (5–10 minutes daily; free with optional premium)
👉 quizlet.com
Memrise
Build vocabulary efficiently with this friendly app, using spaced repetition and short video clips of native speakers. The focus is on real, everyday language — ideal for conversational learners. (10 minutes daily; free with premium version)
👉 memrise.com
derdiedas App
Those tricky German articles (der, die, das) can be tough! This app by Deutsch.info is a great way to practise noun genders in short, focused sessions. Many of my students love it — they’ve told me it’s one of the most helpful tools for finally getting a handle on noun genders! (5 minutes a day; free)
👉 derdiedas.app
Anki
A powerful flashcard system based on memory science. It takes a bit more effort to set up than Quizlet or Memrise, but it's incredibly flexible and customisable — great for committed learners. (10–15 minutes daily; free)
👉 apps.ankiweb.net
🤖 SMART HELPERS
These tools use AI and advanced algorithms to support your learning — but remember, they’re best when used alongside human guidance and real conversation!
ChatGPT (AI Language Partner)
Your personal AI assistant! Here’s how you can use ChatGPT to boost your learning:
Ask for translations or explanations in simple German
Practise dialogues: “Pretend you're a German barista and I want to order coffee”
Get help drafting emails or messages
Ask grammar questions: “What’s the difference between 'seit' and 'für'?”
Create custom vocabulary sets or quizzes
ChatGPT is a fantastic support tool — just remember, it doesn’t replace real interaction and feedback. Use it to practise, and bring any tricky bits to our lessons! (Flexible use; free)
👉 chat.openai.com
DeepL Translator
Much more accurate than Google Translate, especially for German. DeepL is great for longer texts and understanding subtle language nuances. (Use as needed; free with optional premium)
👉 deepl.com
🟢 A WORD ABOUT DUOLINGO...
Duolingo can be a fun addition to your routine — I even use it myself from time to time! It’s great for building a daily habit and practising vocabulary in short, bite-sized sessions.
BUT: Duolingo alone won’t help you speak German. If your goal is real communication, you need to engage actively with the language — listening, speaking, and interacting in meaningful ways.
🔁 Pro tip: Use Duolingo for 5 minutes as a warm-up before moving on to one of the more immersive or structured tools above.
💡 PRO TIP: START SMALL!
Don’t feel you need to use everything at once! Choose one or two resources that suit your learning style:
✨ Visual learner? Try Nicos Weg or Easy German
🎧 Prefer audio? Start with Coffee Break German
📚 Need structure? Go with VHS Lernportal
We’ll weave these into our lessons in a way that supports your progress without overwhelming you. Consistent, focused practice always beats trying to do too much at once.
💬 YOUR TURN!
Which resource are you most excited to try first? Or what’s been your biggest challenge in learning German so far? Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
🗓 Ready to take the next step? Book a lesson with me here — and let’s put these tools into practice together!
Bis bald im Unterricht
Anna 😊
