Hello everyone! I’m learning German and I’m trying to make sure my language learning habits are the best they can be. I was using Duolingo and Busuu, but that was taking a lot of time away from immersion/fun and what I learned in one app I often learned in the other, so it felt redundant. So now I just use Busuu for grammar learning.

Any new German words I come across I then enter into Anki for memorization, which I practice once or twice a day.

After these two activities, I try to fill my day as much as possible with German media; this includes German podcasts, music, games translated into German, and YouTube videos.

I want to know… Is this an effective method? I’m always a bit of a perfectionist, so I’m looking for feedback or constructive criticism. Alternatively, you could just share your own language learning methods!

I’d also love to know if there are any great instances for people learning languages! I tried looking, but none of them seemed active :(

  • WehImOarsch@feddit.de
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    I just started [email protected], come join us :)

    And for your other question, input has worked for me at least. Learning German this last year, I’ve almost become a full believer in the input hypothesis. I think as long as you just consume a shit ton of content, at the right level, you will get better.

    In my experience, hunkering down to just read books (on my level!) has helped my fluency way more than outputting has. Reading is awesome, because it is simply the fastest way to consume content, reading is faster than listening after all.

  • Whar@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    I started learning Korean as a hobby during the lockdown. I was able to get a TOPIK 2 but the jump from lower-intermediate to medium-upper intermediate is rough with adult (😅) life coming in the way.

    Still, I’m doing it just because I enjoy watching K-Shows and found that Korean was fun to learn!

    Plus, you never stop learning a language and even if I already achieved a C1 in English, I’m still discovering new words and grammar forms every day.

    PS: I’d like to be informed if a language-learning community is created or discovered!

    • marin♡ @beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      1 year ago

      I’d also love to join a language learning community! I’m also currently studying Korean (for around 3 months now) but I haven’t made significant progress regarding vocabulary and grammar :c

      May I know which resources helped you with getting to TOPIK 2 level? I’ve only been consuming basic TTMIK content and a bunch of Kdramas

  • nachtigall@feddit.de
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Sounds good overall. You should definitely also compose some more texts, I think this will teach much more than consumption. Maybe join some communities and discussions over here at feddit.de ;-)

  • AbelianGrape@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    Ive been learning French for about two years now. Consuming media in the target language is good but… there is no substitute, none, for actively having conversations in the target language every day. Seek out a conversation partner! Personally, I moved (coincidentally, lol) to a Canadian French city about a year after I started learning the language. I regularly speak French with people I’ve met there.

    I’ve seen many polyglots practice speaking languages on ome(dot)tv, though I can’t personally say whether it’s effective.

  • Liam@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Sounds like you’re doing great! I majored in German in college, it’s such a fun language to learn. Others have already mentioned these points, but they’re definitely the next step for you, if you’re looking to expand your current practice. Language accusation has 4 major components. Reading comprehension and listening comprehension (passive) and writing and speaking (active). Having a practice buddy that can speak with you on a regular basis will move you forward in leaps and bounds. Same for actually immersing yourself in an environment where the language is spoken can also move you sooo far forward. But if you keep on as you are, you’ll definitely still learn a lot :)

  • SindriDeLaMancha@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    maybe try to find graphics novels, or manga translated into German. as a early french learner I’ve found the format to be easier to digest rather than reading full blown novels.

    • neamhsplach@beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      You also get more visual context which aids learning!

      Do you watch any French shows? Call My Agent is very good, and very funny. Even if you’re a beginner you can watch with English subs so you can get a feel for the pronunciation.