Do you remember Cartoon Network and Disney Channel, and how amazing were the shows a decade ago? We used to get so excited to head back home from school and sit in front of the TV to catch our favourite cartoons and animations. Remember hanging out after-school at the bookstore nearby your school to get comic books? Many will remember heading to school with excitement and bragging to your friends that you’ve read the latest version of the comic. Those were the days… 

But did you know all these cartoon and comic obsessions will improve our language acquisition? In the modern world, it is common to see children watching cartoons on various media platforms. Through entertainment cartoons, children are consciously or unconsciously exposed to a certain language. The consistent hearing of correct usage on the part of the cartoon characters is part of the source input of the child language learning and acquisition. If your little one loves watching cartoons and reading comic books, it might be time to introduce them to German comic books and cartoons to help with language learning! Now, you too can learn German through cartoons, animations and comics!

Why are cartoons and animations great for language learning?

Children enjoy watching cartoons over and over again. It is a great way to familiarise yourself with a new language. Cartoons are ideal multimedia platforms where children learn language through verbal communication, word order, and gestures because cartoons usually use everyday phrases and expressions. They also teach children turn-taking, which is an essential component for communication.  In this digital life, cartoons have become part of children’s social life, and they significantly affect a child’s stages and processes of language learning and acquisition.

Comic books are a great way to ease into reading in German and other languages. The images will help you understand what’s happening, making graphic novels accessible for learners even when traditional books are too challenging. That said, learners of all levels can benefit from reading comics. They can introduce you to plenty of new vocabulary and phrases in context, which will help you better understand and remember the language. Since keywords and phrases will be repeated throughout the comic, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for a dictionary less and less as you progress through the comic. It is truly a fun way to learn a new language altogether. 

We even have hybrid recommendations for you to learn the German language! Some of our recommendations exist in both cartoon/animation and comic books. Check out our personal favourites below!

• Asterix and Obelix 
• The Adventures of Tintin 
• Biene Maja

What is the best way to learn German through animations and comics?

Now you know what you need to do with it when it comes to learning the German language. But how do you go about it? How would you naturally incorporate them into your life? It’s as easy as eins zwei drei (1, 2, 3)!

• Pick a comic/show you like
• Look up how the words are pronounced and Understand the context
• Take notes of new words or phrases ( Find definitions online or ask your tutor at Learn German Singapore)
• Watch/read it again

There are plenty of ways to improve your German, and studying with comics and animations can add fun and variety to your language studies. Plus, there’s something for everyone, no matter your tastes and language level. However, it’s also important to know that watching cartoons and reading comics merely help to improve language learning on a beginner level. To better grasp German, it’s recommended to attend a class and learn from the experts at Learn German Singapore! 

If you are interested in getting your child started in Learn German, you can talk with us at learngerman.com.sg. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!