Storytelling can be a powerful way to learn a new language. You easily pick up new words from context, get a natural feel for the rhythm and most importantly, it’s a lot of fun. For a couple of years now, I’ve been experimenting with taking this simple but powerful method my books are based on and adapting it into more interactive and shorter formats. The first iteration of this idea was the Schlaflose Sarah story which is told in a chat-like format where learners can unfold the story one message at a time, get helpful translation and pronunciation along the way. The overall response fro ..read more

Good news everyone! There’s a new TalkingBook edition for Walzer in Wien, episode 7 of the Dino lernt Deutsch series, with completely remastered audio narration. As usual I’ve also added this TalkingBook to the Walzer in Wien ebook and audio bundle, and the Dino Complete Series Bundle, so if you purchased either of these bundles from our store in the past you get automatic access. What Is A TalkingBook? Learning a language is a process with many moving parts. There’s speaking practice, reading practice, writing practice, grammar practice, etc. Studies have shown that learners p ..read more

Introduction “Die Küchenuhr” (The Kitchen Clock), first published in 1947, is a popular short story by the renowned German writer Wolfgang Borchert (1921-1947), known for his powerful works that capture the profound impact of war on individuals and society. Borchert himself was deeply affected by his experiences as a soldier in World War II and used his writing to express the disillusionment and suffering of his times. This short story is perhaps one of the most famous examples of the Trümmerliteratur (rubble literature) movement, a literary trend that emerged in Germany in the years followin ..read more

I know many of you have been waiting for this, so I’m very happy to announce that the audiobook for Dino lernt Deutsch, episode 12: Sturm auf Sylt is finally here! Get Audiobook Like all Dino lernt Deutsch audiobooks, this one comes in high quality MP3* format, to enjoy on any device or app you prefer, without limitations, walled gardens and other shenanigans. (Apple Books and Audible editions will follow soon.) (If you don’t have the ebook yet, there’s also a bunch of new bundle offers.) – *Did you know that the MP3 format was invented in Germany? The post New Release: Sturm ..read more

Reading German novels or short stories can be a great way to increase your vocabulary and see grammatical structures in action. There’s no pressure to parse things quickly. You can take your time with each sentence or paragraph until you feel confident you’ve understood everything. But is reading foreign language “comprehensible input” only helpful for improving your passive (comprehension) skills, or can it actually improve your active (production) skills? While there are good studies [1] [2] on the effectiveness of the former, it seems that the impact of extensive reading on productive skil ..read more

Proverbs and sayings play a significant role in German culture, reflecting the wisdom, humor (yes, it exists), and values of the culture. These concise and often poetic expressions provide insights into German customs, beliefs, and everyday life. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious about German culture, this quiz will put your knowledge to the test. So, if you’re ready to embark on a linguistic and cultural journey through the German-speaking world, get ready to match the proverbs with their meanings, decipher their hidden messages, and discover the fascinating ..read more

German word order can be confusing for beginners, but once you wrap your head around key principles, understanding the flexibility of German sentence structure becomes a lot easier. After having written a detailed beginner’s guide to German word order, today I’d like to share a quick cheat sheet with you that lists some of the principles discussed in this guide. If you’re new to this topic or need detailed examples and exercises please refer to the original guide. You can also download a high-resolution PDF for handy reference and/or printing, and you can find an embed code below to share this ..read more

Have you ever marveled at how certain German music terms like “Leitmotif” have seamlessly integrated themselves into everyday English? The influence of German music terminology on the larger linguistic and cultural landscape is both fascinating and pervasive. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most fascinating and inspiring terms and concepts that show how the German language has influenced and enriched music, from regional folklore to modern cinema and electronic music. While English and German share many musical terms (via Latin) like Oratorium (oratorio), Operette (Operetta ..read more

Learning a new language can be challenging, but also rewarding and fun. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to improve your German skills is to read stories in your target language. Stories can help you expand your vocabulary by learning words in context (instead of isolation), improve your grammar awareness, boost your immersion (a bit like virtual reality, but without batteries), and widen your cultural horizons (whether it’s becoming an adept in the arcane arts of Laugengebäck or offhandedly quoting Goethe). Plus, our brains just seem hardwired to enjoy good storytelling! “Good st ..read more

Learning common German nouns is essential for building a strong foundation in the language. In this article, we will explore 200 frequently used German nouns across various categories. By familiarizing yourself with these nouns, you’ll be better equipped to express yourself and engage in meaningful conversations in German. Keep in mind to always memorize nouns with their correct gender and plural form, since these can be somewhat random. You can also download this list as PDF for easy reference. I. People and Relationships A. Family Members Family plays a vital role in our lives, and knowing ..read more