Learning German is easy or difficult?
A definitive guide to learning the German language for MBBS Doctors who aspire to do their PG Medical Training in Germany
Why learn the German Language
Though there are many reasons people often learn other languages; the main reason is to earn a living in a place where the language is different. In general learning a new language is always worthwhile and especially learning a foreign language is definitely rewarding in the long term. It opens new doors of possibilities and gives access to a new world and a new culture.
In most of countries you don’t need any other language other than English. If you are good at speaking in English you are good to go. Nowadays students prefer to study abroad especially in countries like Germany. But when you plan to study in Germany you must know German at least intermediate level which is B1-B2 even to survive your academic life in Germany. Often learning the German language can be really overwhelming.
Learning German offers numerous benefits beyond just surviving academically in Germany. Mastering the language can open up a wealth of opportunities, from accessing world-class literature and philosophical texts in their original form to enhancing your career prospects in a country known for its strong economy and innovation. Additionally, being able to communicate effectively with locals will enrich your cultural experience and help you integrate more fully into German society. To ease the process and make the journey more manageable, you can start learning German with a variety of online courses, language apps, and immersive practices that cater to different learning styles.
“It is believed that out of all languages in the world German language is the hardest. But it is a big myth!”
Many have mistakenly believed that learning the German language is very difficult especially if you are beginner level students. However, there is a very good reason for this. In the German language, every word can be joined with other words to form a completely new word. Also, German grammar is very difficult to comprehend. This infinite mix of words and confusing forms nouns and their uses is enough to scare off anyone who wants to learn the German language.
However, in reality, learning German actually is not as hard as one might think. Surprisingly there is not much difference between German and English language. They both come from the same language group which is known as Germanic.
The German language can be learned by either for hobby purposes or for professional reasons. It can be learned for general academic, Engineering or any technical education. But learning it for Post Graduate Medical Training in Germany is completely different. Like learning any other language; to learn German you need regular practice with determination and most important a good reason and real passion for it. Nothing can quick fix in learning the German language, but a consistent effort can.
In this article, we share a definitive guide on learning the German language and how to make it easy on your journey.
First, learning it by Self
When learning the German language by self; there is neither a fixed module nor a set syllabus. To be honest, you don’t need any of them. If you are good at speaking English and you are good at learning things by self then you are good to go. Here are some of the resources and things to consider which can help you in your journey.
o Online audio and video resources
o Language and grammar books
o Online Interactive games for language
o Mobile apps to learn languages
o TV shows and movies in the German language
o Books, periodicals, and newspapers in German
o Immerse and involve yourself with the culture
o Connect and converse with a German-speaking friend.
Most of the resources are often free and rarely need a payment to access the information. Getting a good learning resource is not good enough. You might also need to immerse yourself in German culture to better understand the German language in context.
- Learn by imitating – Listen and repeat
You can learn the German language much faster this way. At first start with the German alphabet. Simply observe the basic differences between English and German language. Listen carefully to each letter or set of words and its combination to see how they sound. Pay attention to the nuances of German language like an umlaut which is the two little dots above any letter. The umlaut changes the way any letter is pronounced and the way any word can sound differently.
- Collect everyday phrases and some simple frameworks or words
Once you have mastered alphabets and basic words; you can start to learn the framework of words. Collect the list of words without which you cannot communicate in English. Now make the same list in the German language. You can start with a simple and common set of words or phrases to form the collection of your vocabulary.
- Collect more vocabulary with Nouns, Adjectives, Verbs, and Adverbs
After an initial collection of your vocabulary go further with more nouns, adjectives verbs, and adverbs. Make it a daily habit.
- Now put words and phrases together to form a set of meaningful sentences.
By this time you will be quite comfortable with the German language with sufficient vocabulary and diction in your command. Start using them for a meaningful conversation.
- Make a long list of reusable everyday sentences.
This one hack can help you learn the German language faster. At least you can be confident in spoken German language.
- Listen to the podcast; watch TV Programs and Movies in German.
Podcast are an interesting way to help in you develops your pronunciation. When watching TV programs or movies first start with a dubbed one and then try in the original. Once you are able to understand, increase your efforts and be more creative in your approach. By this stage, you will feel like you are already getting a good grasp of the German language.
- Read familiar books and news in German
Reading a familiar book or a newspaper in German is a time tested technique to improve your reading skills. Pay attention to reading comprehension skills. Make a note of words that do not understand and look for them later.
- Connect with German Speakers or Learners
After all this, you have learned German on your own. Now find a forum or a website to find people like you who might as well want to learn the German language. It is always helpful to connect with native German speakers to enhance your spoken skills.
Learning with Professional Mentor Assistance
Learning the German language for professional competence is a serious thing and it is much structured compared to learning for hobby purposes. You would need to clear various exams to pass 3 Main levels and 2 sub-levels in each. Let’s understand the structure and modules in detail to achieve German language proficiency.
A Level: Beginner Level
A1: Beginners.
Time Duration: 80 Lessons and 4 Weeks
In this level, you become familiar with the German language and begin to understand everyday expressions phrases. You will be comfortable with everyday simple interactions like introducing yourself with others, ask a basic personal question and answer them as well.
A2: Basic German Knowledge
Time Duration: 160 Lessons and 8 Weeks
At this level will be good at understanding regular sentences and regularly used everyday expressions in almost every area of your significance. You can easily express yourself and exchange various direct information on most of your everyday familiar matters.
B Level: Intermediate Level
B1: Pre-Intermediate
Time Duration: 160 Lessons and 8 Weeks
At this level, you will be good at understanding a good level of the German language. You will be able to deal with situations that arise while traveling in Germany. At this level, you will be able to communicate in context. You can easily describe your experience, your dreams, etc., and will be comfortable in giving give brief opinions, reasons and even explanations in context. At this level, you will be confident and ready to prepare and apply for the Zertifikat Deutsch exam.
B2: Intermediate
Time Duration: 160 Lessons and 8 Weeks
At this level, you will be really good at understanding the main ideas around the complex texts. You will be comfortable with a topic such as any concrete or abstract and even technical discussions of your specialization. At this level, you will be able to interact with anyone comfortably, fluently and spontaneously just like any native German speakers without any strain on you or on another person. Now you are completely ready for the Zertifikat Deutsch exam.
C Level: Expert Level
C1: Upper-Intermediate
Time Duration: 160 Lessons and 8 Weeks
At this level, you are a Pro in the German language. This means you can use the German language effectively for every social or academic or even professional purpose. You can express yourself with absolute fluency without searching for any expressions. You can create a well-structured and detailed text on any complex subjects showcasing your control of the German language. You will be quite comfortably passing Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung – ZMP Exam without much trouble.
C2: Advanced
Time Duration: 160 Lessons and 8 Weeks
By this level, you can understand everything you ever hear or anything you read in the German language. You can easily summarize any information from any source to reconstruct your argument to form a logical presentation of ideas.
Completing till the C1-C2 level in the German language requires hard work with a lot of determination. Not everyone will be willing to or even able to reach to this point. Reaching this stage is a milestone in itself.
Learning the German language for Medical Training
Medical Training requires more than just German language proficiency. You need good command over German language, understanding of cultural differences, good communication skills, technical knowledge and more importantly medical terms in the German language.
To help you excel in this you need an experienced, professional and reliable partner who can help you in your journey. We are the specialists who can make your aspiration of PG Medical Training in Germany possible.
What we do.
We can help you in many ways.
- Evaluate your profile and provide free counseling for your Post Graduate Medical Specialist Training in Germany.
- Provide Offline, Online and On-Site Training with our Post Graduate Mentoring program (PGMP) to help you prepare to obtain PG Training of your choice and facilitate work permit in Germany.
- Provide training C1 Level German language and an in-depth cultural immersion.
- We provide an intensive and advance German language course with periodic public health activities to develop an intercultural perspective and integration to the German Healthcare System.
- We conduct workshops for small group medical language training with mock exams.
- Prepare for equivalency exams in medical knowledge with intensive workshops with senior specialists in Germany to enhance your preparation.
Know More Call Us Today.