"No turn is a wrong turn"
Bill Hickox
BHICKOX3@aol.com
Learning to speak German (or other languages)
Until recently, I was relying on my first semester (6 weeks) college freshman basic German, and picking up more
words and phrases as we went. That was a long time ago! Last fall, Suzie and I decided to enroll in a basic conversational
German course in a nearby college.
This was fun for the both of us, and the class was small and varied. Some spoke fluently from family backgrounds,
some like us were basic beginners, and others were elsewhere in between.
Here’s a synopsis - as well as some very helpful hints - for all to learn German (or any other language), involve
the family or friends, and have fun… without ever having to leave your home. Don’t quit reading ‘till you reach
the end. The best advice is found later in this note.
Our college “conversational” German course used the Barron’s Learn German - Deutsch - The Fast And Fun Way. We
even bought the book that included the tapes. While the book and tapes are well organized, this book reminds me
more of 8th grade English (verb transitive or intransitive??? and diagramming sentences) than an actual easy conversational
learning approach. Basically, as a beginner, I want to learn to speak properly, without having to learn all the
various grammatical variations.
Downside? The course was one day a week, from 6:00 PM (1800) until 9:30 PM (2130). After a hard days work, we’d
rush to the course, often without eating. We were tired, usually brain-dead by 8:00 PM and at one day per week,
did not get the “best method” of daily verbal practice and learned-words reinforcement required for best teaching
results.
Learning method? I wanted it more like parents teaching their children on a daily basis, how to speak properly,
use proper phrases, and proper grammar, without the technical reasons for doing so. In other words, I don’t want
a book that will “learn me them words” but I do want a book that will “teach me those words,” how to speak properly,
and challenge me in my daily routine morning, noon, and night.
So, I checked out other available books and methods, and here’s what I found that works well for us.
For two or more people living together and wanting to learn together, we like the book GERMAN in 10 minutes a day,
- $17.95 - published by Bilingual Books, Inc. - found at your local book store or on the web at
This simple book and method is great. First
of all, it emphasizes words and phrases basic to conversation, with the proper use and sentence structure, so when
you speak your new language, you’re more likely to do it properly (whether you know the grammatical reason or not!).
This book has a great method of keeping before you throughout the day the German words for so many common items
(telephone, mirror, keys, etc). It does this by providing little stickers (easily removable) to place on these
items. A few examples include die Gabel (fork), das Weinglas (wine glass), die Blume (flower), der Kaffee (coffee)
and others. This is great in that family members can light-heartedly use these new German words in their every
day conversations, and all learn together… day in, day out. The book covers well almost all the conversational
needs you’ll use during your travels, including seeking emergency help.
Also the book gives you some small “flash cards” with the German words or phrases on the front and the English
translation on the back. It also includes a “cut out, fold and carry” clear plastic covered quick reference guide
to carry in your travels.
10 Minutes a day, with a month of daily practice, will surprise you with its results!
For a very quick “one person” private learning method, my favorite by far is Michael Thomas course that uses no
book, and is verbal teaching method only. It only comes in CD’s. The Michael Thomas course, German with Michael
Thomas, can be found at your local major book stores, and it’s a bit pricey at $79.95. The program contains eight
hours of recordings on eight compact disks, and it put out by the NTC Publishing Group, 4255 W. Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood
(chicago) IL 60712. Telephone 800.323.4900 if you can’t find it in your bookstore. No website given.
Mr. Thomas’ teaching method is “one-on-one” and for years was in-person only. He’s a high priced teacher to major
corporate execs and big name folks with lots of money! However, for this recorded CD course, he has two students,
neither of whom know German, but both wanting to learn. The stage is set to include you, the listener, as the third
student… right there in the room with Mr. Thomas and his other two students.
For best results, this course should be taken in a “highly intense, highly focused” manner, with no distractions
as you learn. Sure, you can use it as a “drive to work learning course” but the driving distractions really interfere
with the program (or your learning intensity will cause a wreck!).
Mr. Thomas teaches, with proper grammar and explanations, words, phrases, sentences, etc extremely well! His method
is outstanding for those who can commit to giving it the time and focus required. Yes, you can stop his CD to rest
your brain, or to go back and repeat.
Most of all, you have one of the best teachers in your home, private, and fitting into your personal schedule.
Me? I’m an early riser, and Mr. Thomas is ready to start teaching me at 5:00 AM (0500) just after I pour my first
cup of coffee. Ahhhh…just poured my coffee, and it’s time to put on the CD. Ich verstehe Deutsch… Sie lernen Deutsch?
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