There are over 6,500 languages spoken in the world today, with German ranking as the 12th most prevalent since January 2023. Experts rank German as the fourth-easiest language to learn due to its simple grammar, pronunciation, and orthography.

When is the best time to start learning German as a second or third language?

Researchers found that 3-year-olds possess 50% of their learning capacity, while 8-year-olds have 30%. This implies that we are capable of acquiring vast amounts of knowledge right from an early age. Amazingly, research has demonstrated that it is far simpler for young people to pick up new languages faster and recreate unusual sounds and pronunciations.

Experts recommend that children start learning a new language at age six, as they can become fluent by age 10. Early childhood is the best time to introduce a second language and reap its benefits!

Our 14 years of experience have led us to believe that the best time to introduce your children to a second language is from the age of 3 to 6. The decision to let your children pursue their dreams is a subjective one. If they think they are ready, then that’s all that matters!

Why is starting German at a young age good for your child?

Better mental flexibility.

Studies have shown that bilingual children have better mental flexibility. They can adapt to new rules and situations quickly and are more creative.

Learning German is easy.

Earlier, we discussed how German is the fourth easiest language to learn. Some experts hold the opinion that young children should start out with German as their second language before they move on to more challenging languages since kids find difficult subjects easier than adults. For instance, while some adults find it difficult to use the new technologies in smartphones today, children have no trouble learning their way through these new technologies.

Develop cross-cultural understanding.

When children are exposed to a different language at such a young age, they will eventually learn to embrace the different cultures and lifestyles that come with it. This will, in turn, allow them to make new friends from different countries and broaden their cultural horizons.

Opens up new opportunities in the future.

When you put all of these benefits together, children will find themselves more confident in their skills and knowledge. And as we all know, mastering a different language opens up new opportunities in the future, such as studying or working in a foreign country.

How can parents help nurture the young ones to learn German?

Provide an exciting and immersive experience that will keep learners engaged and eager to learn more.

To generate interest from children, parents can start by exposing them to interactive learning materials such as movies, TV shows, or books that portray the joy of learning the German language and culture.

Set realistic goals.

To encourage children to continue learning, parents need to set realistic goals. Consider the learning pace of each child and be sure to keep track of their progress. The one thing that parents should avoid is overworking their children.

Be open to mistakes.

Parents need to show their children that mistakes are inevitable and encourage them to learn from their mistakes, instead of punishing them. When parents create a supportive learning environment, this will further encourage children to continue learning.

Practise the language.

One of the best ways to learn a new language is to practise it with other people. For instance, parents should encourage their children to converse in the German language when they are at home. Another option is to organise an exchange programme with a German-speaking child so that their children can experience conversing with a native speaker.

In conclusion, young children are natural language acquirers; they are self-motivated to pick up a language without conscious learning. And if there is a right time for your little ones to start learning a new language, it is now.

Start your child with German, To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

The post Learning German: Starting young is always a great idea and should not be overlooked! appeared first on Learn German.

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NimbleFins showed that Germany ranked highly across most of their categories. It snagged the third spot in ‘Economic Health’, having a GDP of $3,846 billion.

Why is Germany great for startups? Among the data collected from 31 countries overall, they were evaluated in 4 different categories. Company Climate, Business Costs, Economic Health and Quality of Labor gave a 1-31 score with 1 being best and 31 being weakest.  With such an incredible economy, business climate, and a GDP of almost 3.5 million Euros makes it the absolute best place for start-ups. Besides that, the relatively low corporate tax (almost 16%) is another good reason entrepreneurs consider setting up a business there.

 Reasons why Germany is a great place for startups

• Strong economy
• Political stability
• Country of immigration
• Plenty of professional support and funding
• Diverse society

However, opening up a business on your own or with a partner is a risk, and it should be a leap one should consider to be willing to make. In order to reap the fruits of your labour, you will have to work extremely hard and be innovative in the beginning. Considering all that, as long as you are motivated and know your ways around a business, you will be reaping the benefits in no time!

This is because both Singapore and Germany provide ease of doing business. Many successful startups have been formed and have been highly successful in both nations. However, Germany offers a work-life balance compared to Singapore, and Singaporeans are well known for their additional working hours. In Germany, they believe in a healthy work and life balance, which boosts productivity. Finally, the ease of travel. Germany is well prepared to welcome Singaporeans as the government follows a similar strategic approach in its fight against the virus. Hence people can feel safe and confident about their decisions to travel out of their safety bubble. 

If you are keen on starting a business in Germany, you should at least know basic German and be able to speak to your consumers. No worries, as Learn German has got you covered! If you are interested in German lessons or a crash course in German, reach out to Learn German, and talk with us at learngerman.com.sg. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

The post Germany Ranks First as the Best European Country for Startups appeared first on Learn German.

Wondering how to use music to your advantage in your life? The key lies in understanding the three different types of learners and how to use them to your advantage.

Auditory learner

If you are an auditory learner, you learn by hearing and listening. You understand and remember things you have heard out loud better than you do when you read in silence. You store information based on the way it sounds, and you have an easier time understanding spoken instructions than written ones. You often learn by reading aloud because you have to hear it or speak it to know it. As an auditory learner, you probably hum or talk to yourself or others if you become bored. People may think you are not paying attention, even though you hear and understand everything being said.

There are both strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning using this style. The strengths are:

• can easily recall spoken information
• Good speaking skills
• Strong listening skills
• Typically, they excel at oral exams.
• Good storytelling skills
• What benefits the most from reading aloud?

Disadvantages being: 

• More susceptible to distractions in the workplace, especially when there are excess noises in the environment.
• Shorter attention span, especially when the task involves reading or writing.
• More likely to cause disruptions in the work area, such as humming or singing to oneself or starting conversations with others while they are working.
• Decreased chance of retaining information if it is not expressed in an auditory form.

Hence, when an auditory learner relies on speaking and listening as their primary way of learning, they can use the same methods to learn a new language! Since they are typically good listeners and can easily remember information that has been spoken, retaining information when it is said or practised verbally will help them learn quicker and easier.

Visual learner

A visual learner learns best through visual means. They prefer looking at things to absorb information rather than listening to it (auditory) or using their hands (kinesthetic). For example, visual learners would learn to fix a car better if they watched an instructional video rather than listened to an expert explain the process.

A visual learner benefits from a typical classroom setting. Classrooms are usually filled with visuals, from whiteboards to overhead projections to posters on the walls. And usually, they have powerful organisation skills and the ability to memorise passages by their location within the text.

To learn a language, visual learners may use flashcards to present information visually, written notes, and colourful visuals to ease the language learning process.

Kinesthetic learner

Kinesthetic learning is the processing of information through touch and movement.

On-the-job training, building simulations, and performing experiments are all forms of kinesthetic learning. It is also referred to as tactile learning or physical learning.

Kinesthetic learners more effectively retain information when moving their bodies and interacting with their environments. They prefer to be active participants rather than passive observers. Typically, they work problems out through trial and error rather than accepting information presented to them. They often value practical input over theoretical concepts.

A kinesthetic learner may learn a new language using activities or projects that involve moving their body parts and interacting with the material and environment.

Every individual has a method of learning that works best for them. The learning styles you relate to can vary based on your preferences and abilities. While some can understand a topic by hearing about it, others need to interact with it physically. When you recognise the different learning styles, you can develop different approaches for conveying information based on others’ needs. Have you figured out which one you are?

If you are interested in German lessons or a crash course in German, reach out to Learn German, and talk with us at learngerman.com.sg. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

The post Is learning the type of learner key to learning a new language? appeared first on Learn German.

How does music help with language learning?

Synonymous to many cultures, music can have surprising benefits for acquiring language, improving memory, focusing attention, and developing physical coordination. Children who grow up listening to music develop music-related solid connections that strengthen their language skills. Music also plays a significant part in learning our native language and additional languages.  As children, we can imitate our mother tongue’s rhythm and musical structure long before we can say the words. Most of us can remember songs and nursery rhymes we learned as children. Music helps us retain words and expressions much more effectively. The rhythm of the music and the repetitive patterns within the song help us memorise words.  Polyglot children, in particular, can benefit from singing songs in their second language or third language. 

By enrolling children in music classes, they can have a better sense of grammar and a higher verbal IQ.

Parents now can begin their children’s music lessons earlier than they’ve imagined. If you think anything younger than a year is too early, you might be inaccurate. In fact, many tutors or teachers are even encouraging the use of music in classrooms to help students learn their lessons! If you’re wondering how would you go about this, start by studying the lyrics. Then try to peel the layers by understanding the choice of words, vocabulary, grammatical rules, etc. 

Exceptional musical ability is common among multilingual individuals. Likewise, musical people learn foreign languages more quickly due to their superior ability to perceive, process, and reproduce accents. When listening to music, following the lyrics, melody, rhythm and beat utilises both sides of the brain. Studying a new language can be fun as you can learn a new language by watching movies, reading comic books, and even listening to foreign music. The sky is your limit as long as you put your mind to it. 

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!

The post Can Music Help with Learning a Language? appeared first on Learn German.

Additionally, with Germany as your winter destination, you can have the best of both worlds! The best part is, it wouldn’t break your bank! Yes, you heard that right! We said cheaper because it is much cheaper and affordable to visit the tourist attractions when you consider Germany’s famous neighbours Austria and Switzerland.

It is definitely a good idea to know some important facts before you rush to book the tickets. First, it’s essential to learn the weather, temperature, and appropriate attire to wear during winter. Let’s begin with some crucial FAQs!

1) How cold is Germany during winter?

So winter lasts longer than actually people from the warmer parts of the world assume. It begins in early December and ends in March. The temperature from December to March usually goes down to -3°C and up to 4 °C. Sometimes you get to see heavy snowfall, and sometimes it’s just sleet, but you should be prepared with layers to bundle up.

2) What are the fun festivals/activities to enjoy throughout winter?

All across the country, Germans beat the winter chill with a series of unique festivals and fun activities. While Christmas markets in Germany are the star of the season, there is a world of fun and entertainment beyond Christmas markets waiting for you; from chocolate tasting to merry carnivals, spectacular fireworks to religious festivals. A list of the events you may bump into during your winter travels are as follows:

• ChocolART (Tübingen)
• Winter sports and skiing
• Nikolaustag
• Christmas markets
• New Year’s Eve/Berlin New Year’s party
• Karneval or Fasching
• Martinstag

3) What should you pack if you wish to travel to Germany during this cold season?

Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable and stay warm at the same time. If you dress in layers, you can enjoy winter travel in cold and snowy places. Be it in the great outdoors, visiting museums, shopping, taking in nightlife in various cities, trying the local cuisine, or enjoying a drive down winding roads with picturesque scenery of farms, fields, and forests. So what are the articles of clothing you’ll need?

• Sunglasses (Believe it or not, you will need this to shield your vision from stark white snow while driving)
• Beanies 
• Acrylic Scarfs
• Touchscreen Gloves
• Single/Double-Breasted Trench Coat 
• Turtleneck Pullover Sweater 
•  Pullover Hoodie sweatshirt 
• Waterproof Ski Jackets
• Hooded Warm Coat 
• Boots 
• Thermal Pants 
• Waterproof Coat 
• Long Sleeve Cardigan ( Men and Women)

With so many options to choose from, layering will never be an issue. Please remember, it is always better to go extra with the layers if in doubt, as giving yourself hypothermia might not be an enjoyable experience while travelling. If you feel too many layers do not suit you, wear thermal shirts and pants to reduce the coatings and keep the warmth. 

So, are you all packed and ready? You’re almost there! You will need to do one more thing to make your vacation the best one in Germany. It is to learn how to speak basic German! Of course, you wouldn’t need to know advanced German, but by knowing common greetings and phrases, you’d be able to converse with the locals and find your way around the block. You can search for the greetings and common phrases online, or you can make an appointment with the experts at Learn German Singapore to help you fix up a quick lesson! With an expert, you will be able to grasp the meanings and pronunciation of the words quicker than self-teaching. 

If you are interested in German lessons or a crash course in German, reach out to Learn German, and talk with us at learngerman.com.sg. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

The post Germany: Land of Festivals & Winter Wonderland appeared first on Learn German.

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!

The post Learn German using Cartoons & Comics appeared first on Learn German.

German is an excellent investment, not just from a linguistic point of view, but also in economic opportunity, networking potential, and cultural gain. Hence, Learn German Singapore has specifically designed a 4-week programme for 2021 post-PSLE students applying for a 2nd or 3rd language at the Ministry of Education Language Centre (MOELC) or at a Private Language School in 2022. As this is a Beginner’s Course, no prior German language knowledge is required to join the course. Doesn’t it sound appealing? Keep reading to learn about this 4-week programme and how it might benefit your child!

What will your children learn through this programme?

• Learning
  • Understand familiar words and simple phrases when they are spoken slowly and clearly.
• Speaking
  • Communicate in short, simple phrases. 
• Writing
  • Produce short and simple sentences. 

What are the Materials that are used for this programme? 

The course will introduce the German language referenced to German textbooks used by MOELC with Prima Plus A1.1 Textbook materials during our 4-week programme. Each session is designed to sharpen the intercultural perspective and train the hearing-sight-understanding aspect of the students. The learning sequences are structured to present the vocabulary and grammar in an easy-to-learn approach for beginners.

Classes: 

At the moment, we have Physical and Online sessions. The breakdown for each type of session is as follows: 

• Physical classes
  • 23 Nov 2021 to 14 Dec 2021
  • 4 sessions
  • Every Tuesday, 4-6 pm
  • Course Fees: $128
  • Early bird price before 31st Oct 2021: $120
  • Not included in course fees:
    • Materials: waived
    • Registration: waived
• Online classes
  • 25 Nov 2021 to 16 Dec 2021
  • 4 sessions
  • Every Thursday, 6 -8 pm
  • Course Fees: $128
  • Early bird price before 31st Oct 2021: $120
  • Included in course fees:
    • Materials: waived
    • Registration: waived

As mentioned,  this is a Beginner’s Course. Hence, there is no prior German language knowledge required to join the course. To get your Special Early Bird Promo Price, register before the 31st of Oct 2021! 

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!

The post Integrate German into your kids’ life with an Exclusive Holiday Programme appeared first on Learn German.

Germany’s vice-chancellor said his country could accommodate 500,000 migrants annually for the next several years and that $6.6 billion has been set aside for costs related to processing and accommodating them. Already, Germany has Europe’s largest population of migrants, just shy of 11.43 million in total.

Are you wondering why Germany is such a great place to live in? Well, for a fact, Germany is well known for its comprehensive welfare system. We have a list of things that might convince you to put Germany as your next career destination.

1. A great place for studies
2. Low crime rate
3. Good jobs and salaries & shorter working hours
4. Clean environment and good public transportations
5. Cultural attractions
6. Universal healthcare

Other than that, Germany also has an organised and fast immigration process, which makes the migration process easier and hassle-free for many people worldwide. The growing need for skilled workers also pushes Germany to make its immigration process easier and less complicated. In fact, the German economy will need 400,000 immigrants each year to remain competitive. Because since the 1970s, Germany’s birth rate has declined quite dramatically. At the same time, average life expectancy has been going up. Without immigration, the potential number of workers in Germany would decrease by 40% by 2060. With net immigration of about 400,000 people each year, they can keep this figure just about stable. Immigration is important for Germany because expats play an important role in social and economic development.

Germany has one of the world’s most organised and fastest immigration processes. People immigrate to Germany because of work, studies, business, or family reunions and many more. Are you interested in making your move? Here are a few things you need to have to make a move:

• • Proof of financial stability
  • Health insurance
  • German visa
  • Basic proficiency in German

Why is Basic Proficiency in German so essential, and what are the minimum requirements? Well, the minimum level of proficiency differs according to your goal actually. There are 3 levels of language proficiency in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) —A, B, and C. They are further divided into A1/A2 or basic proficiency, B1/B2 or proficient in the language and finally, C1/C2 or advanced language skills. In order to immigrate to Germany to pursue a professional career, you must have a level B1. If you want to get a permanent residence, you will need a higher, C1 or C2 level proficiency.

As we have stated before, Germany is a great place to be. But to move to Germany, you must at least have basic proficiency in the German language. When you study German with Learn German Singapore, we can assist you in your migration to Germany and help you pursue your dreams!

Interested in learning German before you pack your bags and travel to Germany? You can learn German at https://learngerman.com.sg/. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

References

1. B. (2021, August 30). Immigration to Germany – How to Move to Germany? Germany Visa. https://www.germany-visa.org/immigration-residence-permit/immigration-germany/
2. Germany Immigration from India | Migrate to Germany | Y-Axis ✅. (n.d.). Immigration and Visa Consultants, India | Y-Axis Overseas Careers. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.y-axis.com/migrate/germany/
3. Jackman, J. (2021, August 12). 21 Things to Know Before Moving to Germany from the US. MoveHub. https://www.movehub.com/us/international-moving/germany/
4. Modak, S., & Morton, C. (2020, April 17). The 10 Best Countries for Expats Right Now. Condé Nast Traveler. https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-10-best-countries-for-expats
5. Statista. (2021, April 22). Number of foreigners in Germany 2018–2020, by country of origin. https://www.statista.com/statistics/890277/foreigner-numbers-by-country-of-origin-germany/
6. Why do people move to Germany? (n.d.). RT Tax. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://rttax.com/articles/people-move-germany/

The post Germany: A Career Progression Destination appeared first on Learn German.

German classical music has enjoyed a reign of several hundred years, beginning in the 16th century and kept alive to the present day. Did you know that Germany is home to world-famous classical composers Wagner, Bach, Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms? Johann Sebastian Bach is best known for his contributions to Baroque, a style of music that features ornate compositions formed around strong tonal chord progressions. The Romantic era of Classical music also gave birth to a handful of famous Germans, most notably Ludwig van Beethoven, whose nine symphonies are considered by many to be his greatest works. Germans have been contributing to and changing music for centuries and so much so that they are dubbed as Europe’s Classical Music Powerhouse.

As such, Germany boasts itself as a mecca for classical music as there are plenty of well-known orchestras, theatres, and choirs in Germany. According to statistics from the German Orchestra Association, there were 129 orchestras across Germany in 2018. Impressive, isn’t it? Deutschland is also a world leader in musical theatre as the country has more than 80 permanent opera companies, almost as many as the rest of the world’s combined. They have a diverse scene of music festivals and attract visitors from all over the world. Music is a cultural heritage in Germany, and this can also be seen at their popular annual event Oktoberfest. Many people are, in fact, very passionate about their musical roots in the country.

As such, Germany is a famous destination for students who are serious about studying music. Around a quarter of students in the 24 state music colleges in Germany are from around the world. Germany might be a perfect choice for an art student because the universities offer practical and theoretical aspects of studying and are the best among the world’s top universities. They focus on developing your artistic style and provide a great deal of freedom to put your creativity into practice without immediately deciding on a particular subject area. Are you ready to become a part of the community that has created some of the best artists and composers of all time? Actually, you can even get employed in Germany upon completing your studies as they have numerous opera houses and theatres that provide opportunities for classical musicians. However, it can be difficult for you if you are not familiar with the German language. As a classical music powerhouse, the admission process is definitely strict, and their officials will thoroughly evaluate you.

On the plus side, by knowing the German language, you’d also be able to visit neighbouring countries such as Austria to pursue your musical dreams with ease. Vienna is a honeypot for those who consider themselves connoisseurs in concertos and masters of Mozart. Vienna is a wonderful place for well-established enthusiasts who will delight in the copious concerts available and those who are clueless about the genre who want to open their minds to opera and discover the joys of immersing themselves in a dramatic symphony.

If you are a professional musician serious about studying music in Germany, you must at least have a basic understanding of the German language. Learn German Singapore can assist you in the application process and recommend you to schools in Germany.  Let’s put your musical passions into reality by learning German with Learn German Singapore!

Interested in learning German before you pack your bags and travel to Germany? You can learn German at Learn German Singapore. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

References

1. Reucher, G. R. (2019, December 16). How Germany became a classical music mecca. Made for Minds. https://www.dw.com/en/how-germany-became-a-classical-music-mecca/a-51660889
2. Dundon, A. (2018, January 31). This Country is Being Dubbed Europe’s Classical Music Powerhouse. Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/country-dubbed-europes-classical-music-powerhouse/
3. G. (2020, October 29). Study Music at German Universities. Study in Germany for Free. https://www.studying-in-germany.org/study-music-at-german-universities/
4. Art and music. (n.d.). Www.Daad.De. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/plan-your-studies/main-subject-groups/art-and-music/
5. The appeal of studying music in Germany. (n.d.). DW.COM. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.dw.com/en/the-appeal-of-studying-music-in-germany/a-51263068

The post Germany – A Musical Destination of Your Dreams appeared first on Learn German.

In Germany, children may legally stay at home with their parents instead of going to an official nursery or ‘Kita’ (kindergarten) up until they reach six years of age. Although pre-school is also optional in Singapore, parents are encouraged to send their children to kindergarten due to the rigorous nature of education.

And did you know that while homeschooling is legal in Singapore, it’s not in Germany? Let’s have a look at the German education system.

The German education system

In 1990, the German government decided to revamp the education system to put more focus on combining both theoretical and practical applications within the vocational secondary and tertiary sectors. This decision has successfully powered Germany’s economic rise over the years as it prepares youths with the right skills and knowledge to enter the working field.

Germany follows the rules and regulations of the Basic Law “Grundgesetz”. And the Federal Ministries of Education, Cultural Affair and Science is the main authority to create education, science and arts policy guidelines and administrative regulations.

This world-renowned German education system is well-structured, rigorous, and highly accessible to all students—it has produced some of the most accomplished students in the world.

To ensure that education remains accessible to all students, compulsory education is made free for all. And whether or not a student is from a well-to-do family, they can continue their studies up to the university level.

In Germany, students from the age of six to 15 must attend school consistently. But students usually stay in school up until 18 years of age. This is because they are thoroughly evaluated at each stage of their schooling. If a student fails to pass the required grade in two or more subjects, they must repeat the whole year. This is to ensure that students meet the requirements to move up.

Students from the age of six to 10 will attend ‘Grundschule’ or primary school. However, some primary schools run for six years, meaning that the students will be 12 years old in the sixth year. After primary school, students will then go to secondary school. There are five types of secondary schools:

• Gymnasium – for “academic” students
• Realschule – for vocation-focused students
• Hauptschule – for “less academic” students
• Gesamtschule – a comprehensive school with different education types
• Integrated schools – Hauptschule and Realschule curricula are merged

Students who have completed secondary education, whether in Germany or abroad, may begin tertiary education. There are three types of higher education offered in Germany:

• Universitäten (Universities) – Offers a whole range of academic disciplines. Focuses on basic research with theoretical and research-oriented components.
• Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences) – Study programmes are focused on engineering, technical, business, social work and design, including supervised work assignments in industries and relevant institutions.
• Kunst- und Musikhochschulen (Universities of Art/Music) – Studies for artistic careers in fine arts, performing arts and music.

How different is studying in Germany and Singapore?

1) Primary education

Germany has four to six years of primary education (from age seven to nine or 12) while Singapore has six years of primary education (from age seven to 12).

2) After school activities

In Germany, after-school activities are not mandatory and are mostly done outside of school. Students may or may not choose to participate in these extra activities.

However, in Singapore, there are co-curricular activities (CCA) and extracurricular activities (ECA) that all students must participate in. These non-academic activities are responsible for the holistic growth of the students.

3) School Holiday

While the dates of school holidays are similar for all schools in Singapore, it is not in Germany. For example, students in Berlin public schools get to enjoy their summer break around June 20 until August 2 but students in Bavaria have their summer break around July 19 until September 9. These dates change every year.

4) Grading System

Germany follows a 6-mark grading system. The highest is 1 or ‘sehr gut’ (very good). And the average score is 2,6 to 3,5, or ‘befriedigend’, which is satisfactory. This is the German grading system:

1 – Very good
2 – Good
3 – Satisfactory
4 – Adequate
5 – Poor
6 – Very poor

However, in Singapore, “Achievements Band” are used for primary three to four with Band 1 as the highest score and Band 4 as the lowest. In primary five to six, grades A*, A, B, C, D, E, U are used with A* as the highest grade.

In Singapore, the majority of secondary schools follow the Singapore-Cambridge GCE “O” level examination grading system:

What you need to know if you wish to study in Germany

Germany has an array of different universities for you to choose from. If you wish to study in Germany, you need to see the requirements depending on your school-leaving certificate.

If you completed your A-levels, you need to pass a total of four independent general education subjects at the Advanced Level, including 3 subjects at H2-level and one subject at H1-level. If you have a Polytechnic Diploma, you cannot get direct admission to German universities. However, you can qualify for subject-restricted admission to universities of applied sciences. On the other hand, International Baccalaureate (IB) holders are required to fulfil certain subjects to apply for universities in Germany.

Interested in expanding your reach and studying overseas? If you’d like to study or work in Germany, you need to at least have a basic understanding of the German language. You can determine your German language proficiency by taking a language test, such as taking the Goethe Certificate C2, DSH, or the TestDaF. However, you are not required to learn the German language if you enrol in an international degree programme.

To learn German with us, you can visit our page at https://learngerman.com.sg/. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

References

Admission Requirements | DAAD Singapore. (n.d.). DAAD Singapore. Retrieved August 18, 2021, from
https://www.daad-singapore.org/en/study-research-in-germany/admission-requirements/

B. (2019, December 23). German Education System. Studying in Germany.
https://www.studying-in-germany.org/german-education-system/

German Education System. (n.d.). Expatrio.Com. Retrieved August 18, 2021, from 
https://www.expatrio.com/studying-germany/german-education-system

Grading System in Singapore, Student Assessment in Singapore. (n.d.). Singaporeeducation.Info. Retrieved August 18, 2021, from
https://www.singaporeeducation.info/education-system/grading-system.html

Higher education system in Germany – ECApedia. (2017, May 23). ECA. 
http://ecahe.eu/w/index.php/Higher_education_system_in_Germany

Jess and Seb. (2021, June 13). Growing up in Germany vs Singapore: Education Systems & School Life [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaK6iDJP0-k

Singapore. (2021, August 9). NCEE. https://ncee.org/country/singapore/

The post What is it like to study in Germany? appeared first on Learn German.

When the temperature is just about right and you see crowds heading to the nearest local wine festival, that’s when you know it’s Autumn in Germany.

The locals call these last warm days “Altweibersommer” as it signifies the few lovely days between summer and autumn. And the best part about this delightful season of golden trees and cosy weather is that it’s the perfect time for local festivals to be in full swing.

Autumn festivals in Germany

1) Pumpkin Festival, Ludwigsburg

We’ve shown you the largest sailing event and open-air music festival in our previous article. But have you ever heard of the largest pumpkin festival in the world?

Held on the grounds of the Residential Palace in Ludwigsburg, you can find pumpkins of different shapes, colours and sizes beautifully decorated into big colourful sculptures. Marvel at the sight of the largest pumpkin in the world, paddle a canoe made out of hollowed-out pumpkins and have all the pumpkin-flavoured food you can eat when you visit this festival.

2) Wurstmarkt Weinfest, Bad Dürkheim

With over 600 years of history, Dürkheim Wurstmarkt is the oldest and largest wine festival in the world. This traditional festival is usually held for two weeks in September and is frequented by over 600,000 people every year. Try all the hundreds of varieties of wine and eat some of the best food when you visit this fair.

3) Day of German Unity

The German Unity Day falls on October 3 every year. This is a national holiday to commemorate the reunification of East and West Germany. This day is celebrated with a three-day festival around Platz der Republik at the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate with parades, live performances, art showcases and more.

4) Festival of Lights, Berlin

Every autumn, more than 45 of Berlin’s iconic landmarks and historic buildings, including the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and Berlin TV Tower, will be illuminated at night. This festival is one of the most famous lights art festivals in the whole world and sees participation from local and international artists. Be amazed at the grand light shows and projections when you visit Berlin at this time.

5) Oktoberfest, Munich

When we talk about festivals in Germany, how can we not talk about the biggest one of the year, Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest takes place in Munich for about two weeks—from late September to early October. During this festival, expect fully-booked flights and fully-occupied hotel rooms because this festival attracts more than 6 million people every year. However, due to the pandemic, for the first time since World War II, this festival was cancelled last year.

You can see people dressing up in traditional garments drinking beer and eating roasted chicken when you visit this folk festival. And there are 14 main beer tents to choose from ranging from party tents to family-friendly tents.

Where can you celebrate Oktoberfest in Singapore?

Did you know that Oktoberfest is celebrated in Singapore too? This is thanks to the close relationship built between the two countries. To read more on Germans in Singapore, click here.

Before the pandemic, Singaporeans would usually celebrate Oktoberfest by partying in a city tent, celebrating at beach bars, watching German music performances, taking part in beer drinking competitions, feasting on German delicacies, and watching traditional German waltzes, polkas and marches.

Although Oktoberfest is cancelled this year and we can’t party in a tent like we used to, many establishments in Singapore still serve delicious German cuisines in times of Oktoberfest. Here are some of the places that you can visit if you wish to feast on giant pretzels, roasted chicken, grilled pork and chug on lots and lots of beer:

• Brotzeit 

• Crossroads at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel 

• Frieda at Capitol Kempinski 

• Paulaner Bräuhaus Singapore 

• Swiss Club

But hey, if eating out is not an option for you, you can also dine in and celebrate at home. Have your food delivered to you, crack open some beers and say “Prost!” as you raise your glasses!

So, what say you? Are you excited to celebrate Oktoberfest this year? Click on the links here if you haven’t read our articles on spring and summer festivals in Germany.

Interested in learning German before you pack your bags and travel to Germany? You can learn German at https://learngerman.com.sg/. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

References

Day of German Unity Celebrations. (2021, February 23). Berlin.De.
https://www.berlin.de/en/events/2716319-2842498-day-of-german-unity.en.html

Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt – Wine festival in Bad Dürkheim, September 2021. (2021, April 27). 
AllExciting. https://allexciting.com/durkheims-wurstmarkt/

Fang, J. (2020, September 16). Where to celebrate Oktoberfest 2020 in Singapore. SilverKris. 
https://www.silverkris.com/celebrate-oktoberfest-2020-singapore/

H. (2020, September 8). The Best Fall Festivals in Germany. Helene in Between.
https://heleneinbetween.com/2017/09/best-fall-festivals-germany.html

Kürbisausstellung – Pumpkin Festival Ludwigsburg. (2021, July 22). Moving to Stuttgart, 
Germany. https://movingtostuttgart.com/event/kurbisausstellung-pumpkin-festival-ludwigsburg/

Phneah, E. (2020, April 3). 5 Best Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest 2017 in Singapore. TripZilla. 
https://www.tripzilla.com/5-best-places-celebrate-oktoberfest-2017-singapore/68668

Porter, E. (2020a, September 17). Everything You Need to Know About Oktoberfest. TripSavvy. 
https://www.tripsavvy.com/everything-to-know-about-oktoberfest-1520075

Porter, E. (2020b, October 10). Autumn in Germany: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See. 
TripSavvy. https://www.tripsavvy.com/germany-in-fall-1520234

Tan, J. (2020, October 6). Where to celebrate Oktoberfest 2020 in Singapore. Lifestyle Asia 
Singapore. https://www.lifestyleasia.com/sg/food-drink/drinks/oktoberfest-singapore-2020/

The post Autumn is on its way! Explore Oktoberfest and many more appeared first on Learn German.

The idea behind DST was to make better use of natural daylight. But initially, it was mostly met with ridicule. That is until the Germans adopted the system in 1915, during World War I, as a fuel-saving measure. Today, some countries still apply this system throughout summer.

Summer, or ‘Sommer’ (zom-mer), is from June to August. And the weather is very hot throughout these months. But despite the heat, you can enjoy plenty of fun outdoor events ranging from music festivals to celebrations of cultures when you visit Germany during the summer.

Summer festivals in Germany

1) Bach Fest

Every year during summertime, many people visit the city of Leipzig to commemorate the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach, a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period. Artists from all over the world will be performing Bach’s masterpieces in historical venues. However, due to the pandemic, the festival will be postponed until 2022.

2) Christopher Street Day

Berlin’s Christopher Street Day is a day when people gather to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Although the highlight of this event can be quite risque, the parade is family-friendly and people of all ages are welcome. This event attracts some of the largest crowds on the continent with over 500,000 yearly visitors. Although the event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, it was successfully held this year!

3) Kiel Week Sailing Event

Another famous summer event in Germany is the ‘Kiel Week’ (Kieler Woche) annual sailing event. This event was said to be the largest sailing event in the world with 5,000 sailors, 2,000 ships, and more than three million visitors annually. During this event, you can expect to see diverse ship races, concerts, carnival rides, sporting activities and fireworks.

4) Rock am Ring

If you are a fan of rock music, you would love to visit Germany’s largest open-air music festival, Rock am Ring. Every summer, more than 150,000 rock music fans will fill the racetrack of the Nürburgring. For three days, fans will enjoy live concerts by international rock bands such as Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Volbeat. However, this year’s event is postponed to next year due to COVID-19.

5) Elbjazz Festival

During the international jazz festival ‘Elbjazz’, the second busiest port in Europe turns into a stage for more than 50 concerts. Visitors can dance and enjoy the music at the docks, cargo ships or in the harbour museum. During the festival, a free ferry shuttle that connects the different venues will be made available for people to enjoy the great view of Hamburg’s cityscape from the waterfront.

6) Carnival of Cultures

Before the pandemic, more than 1.5 million people visited Berlin every year to celebrate the carnival of cultures. During this four-day open-air festival, performers from 70 different countries come together to showcase their unique culture with colourful costumes, delicious food and wonderful music, dance, and performances. The streets of Berlin will be lively and colourful throughout the parade.

Just how fun is summer in Germany? If you are currently studying the German language, did you know that language and culture are intertwined?

When you understand the culture behind the language that you are learning, it gets easier for you to understand the context behind each word.

Here’s how understanding a culture benefit learning a language

1) Increases engagement in learning a new language

If you learn a new language just by reading textbooks, you will get bored in no time. But when you have context over the languages that you are learning, you can engage with the language at a different level. Meaning to say, when you know how the locals connect and communicate with each other, the learning process becomes easier because you will be more engaged with the language and culture.

2) Avoid misunderstandings

For every different language, there is a cultural context. For example, if you are not a native English speaker, you may not understand the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs”. When you understand the culture behind the language that you are learning, it prevents you from having misunderstandings when conversing with a local.

3) Makes it easier to learn a new language

Just because you know how to say apple in German doesn’t mean you can order an apple pie in a German restaurant. Cultural references greatly benefit us when learning a new language—it helps us determine the commonly used words by the locals and teaches us how to express ourselves when we speak in a foreign language.

4) Allows you to think in another language

When you have an understanding of the people you are talking to, you have a better chance of saying the right words at the right time. This is because understanding culture allows you to understand the larger context of each word, thus, allowing you to think in another language.

There are many ways to learn a new language. Besides reading books and writing essays, getting to know the culture of the language can greatly help. And what better way to understand German culture than to visit the country itself?

Have you read our previous article on spring festivals in Germany? If you haven’t, click here to start reading. Stick around for more articles about fall and winter festivals in Germany!

You can learn German at https://learngerman.com.sg/. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

References
Amondson, B. (2019, June 26). Germany’s Best Summer Festivals. TripSavvy. 
https://www.tripsavvy.com/germanys-best-festivals-in-summer-1519926
Learning About Culture is Essential to Learning a Language. (2017, November 21). Clear Words Translations.
http://clearwordstranslations.com/language/pt/learning-a-language/
The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (2021, March 2). Daylight Saving Time 2021: When Does the Time Change? Old Farmer’s Almanac.
https://www.almanac.com/content/when-daylight-saving-time#

The post In Germany, there’s no time like summertime appeared first on Learn German.

During this time, trees blossom and the weather turns warm after the long months of winter. Spring is often described as a time of awakening and rebirth. But it is also associated with a time of love, also known as “spring fever”, where people take long walks, have picnics and fall in love.

How’s spring in Germany?

Germany is very seasonal—summers are warm to hot and winter can be very cold. But the weather varies and is changeable, especially in spring, over the large nation.

In Germany, the locals say it as “April, April, er macht, was er will” which translates to “April, April, it does what it wants”.

If you wish to visit Germany, spring is one of the best times for you to visit as it’s less crowded from March to May. With winter gone, people get off their couch and go outdoors to admire the newly bloomed flowers, visit the easter markets galore and spend their time visiting theme parks.

Not to mention, there are plenty of wonderful open-air music festivals that happen during Spring or ‘Frühling’.

Let’s get to know more about spring festivals in Germany!

1) Easter

One of the most popular holidays in Germany, Easter is celebrated over a long weekend that includes Good Friday, Easter Monday, and school holidays. If you look through the windows of German households, you can see how every room is decorated with yellow daffodils, ‘Ostereierbaum’ (a small tree with hanging painted Easter eggs as ornaments), and clay bunnies.

One Easter tradition is to blow eggs and decorate them with multiple colours on Good Friday. The painted eggs will then be put in a basket for the ‘Osterhase’ (Easter bunny) to hide around the house before Easter Sunday. Seeing how eggs and bunnies are two of the oldest Easter symbols in Germany, you will find shops filled with chocolate eggs and bunnies.

2) Festival of Gothic Music and Culture in Leipzig

About 20,000 people have visited Leipzig every year since 1992 for the world’s largest goth festival, the ‘Wave-Gotik-Treffen’. This four-day festival has more than 100 bands and artists performing music of different styles ranging from darkwave, gothic, post-punk to classical music, medieval, folk, and more.

There is also a diverse range of cultural events that includes art exhibitions, live role-playing games, medieval markets selling dark fashion and accessories, and club parties.

This festival is held all over the city but the main location is in Agra that is 30 minutes away from Leipzig Central Station. Throughout this festival, public transportation is made free for those with a wristband. However, due to the pandemic, this festival was cancelled this year.

3) Walpurgis Night

According to German folklore, Walpurgis Night or ‘Walpurgisnacht’ is a night when witches fly to Mount Brocken in the Harz Mountains to celebrate the spring.

But of course, you don’t have to be a witch to be able to celebrate! Walpurgis Night is celebrated every year on April 30. People celebrate this night by lighting bonfires and dancing to the light of the flames. People usually use this celebration as an excuse to rebel at night-time parades and party at special club openings in cities such as Berlin.

4) Bonn’s Cherry Blossom Festival

Every spring, cherry blossoms will bloom and decorate the whole city of Bonn in hues of pink. When you visit Bonn in April, marvel at the beautiful tree tunnel that made its way into the list of the top ten most beautiful tree tunnels in the world. This is a time for visitors to take long walks while admiring the beauty of the cherry blossoms, have picnics, and capture plenty of photos.

5) Spring Fair

Another great spring festival to look forward to in Germany is its spring fair. In Frankfurt,  you can enjoy rides, roller coasters, and fireworks in their annual spring fest, ‘Dippemess’.

Spring fair in Stuttgart, or the ‘Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest’, features carnival rides, beers, and food stalls. During this festival, you can find over 50 local artisans setting up stalls to sell textiles, leather goods, spices, jewellery, art, and more. It is one of the biggest events in the southwest German town.

Spring fair is also widely celebrated in Munich, despite being famous for Oktoberfest. This two-week celebration brings people together for a city-wide party with local beers to celebrate the blossoming of flowers and the end of winter. However, all three spring fairs were cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

Although many of these spring festivals and celebrations were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing can stop the festive spirit of the Germans as they wait until the next festival opens its doors to visitors all around the world.

Germany, or as the locals call it, Deutschland, is a country of poets and thinkers. The language, traditions, cultures, and festivities are what make German culture so unique. This is why there is never a dull moment throughout all four seasons when you’re in Germany!

Stay tuned for more articles covering German festivities in summer, fall and winter!

To find out more about us or our classes, visit us at https://learngerman.com.sg/ or get in touch with us now!

References

Deutsche Welle. (2005, March 17). German Easter Traditions. DW.COM. 

https://www.dw.com/en/german-easter-traditions/a-1520904

German Months. (n.d.). Expatrio. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from 

https://www.expatrio.com/living-germany/learn-german/german-months

Leipzig Travel Team. (2020, May 9). Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2020: Leipzig Guide and Festival 

Guide. Leipzig.Travel/Blog. https://www.leipzig.travel/blog/en/wave-gotik-treffen-leipzig-guide/

Porter, E. (2021, August 4). Festivals in Germany in April. TripSavvy. 

https://www.tripsavvy.com/april-festivals-and-events-in-germany-1519940

VOA Learning English. (2019, March 16). Spring to Life! VOA. 

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/words-and-their-stories-spring-is-right-around-the-corner/3769262.html

The post Fall in love with spring festivals in Germany! appeared first on Learn German.

They are considered to be members of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family. So, if you look at how the two languages work, you can see how similar they are—both languages share the same alphabet, several German words are used in the English language and vice versa, they often follow the same grammatical rules, and many more.

Since they both stem from the same language family, and you are somewhat proficient in the English language, you might be surprised at the things you pick up when learning German!

The importance of mastering basic German phrases

1. Allow you to communicate in common situations

It’s not easy to master a language in a short time. Therefore, while you study the language, it’s important for you to at least know the basic phrases that you can use in everyday life. This is to ensure that you can communicate in common situations even if you haven’t mastered the language fully.  

2. Help you to build new vocabularies

We all need to start somewhere, right? Before you can mimic the different slangs spoken by the native speakers, you must first start from the basics. As you practise these common phrases, you get to build your vocabulary. The more you practise and learn, the more proficient you will get. 

3. Useful for when you travel to a foreign country

If you were to visit Germany or other German-speaking countries, you need to know how to converse, ask questions, and answer in German. If you don’t have basic knowledge of the language, then you might face difficulties in communicating with the locals. Mastering the basic phrases doesn’t mean you need to be fluent in the language. As long as the locals can understand what you’re saying, you’re good to go!

4. Help you to familiarise yourself with the sentence structure and grammar of the language

As mentioned before, German and English words often use the same grammatical rules. One similarity would be the way the verb changes based on its tense. For example, ‘to drink’ is changed to ‘drank’ or ‘drunk’ based on their tense, and similarly, the same word in German, ‘trinken’, is also changed to ‘trinkt’, ‘trank’ and ‘getrunken’. 

If you are familiar with the English language, you will have a good understanding of how the German verb patterns work. And if you practise common German phrases, you get to familiarise yourself with the sentence structure, verb conjugations, and grammar rules easily. 

10 Easy German phrases that beginners should know

Here are 10 of the basic phrases that you can practise if you want to learn the German language. Let’s have a look at the phrases and give them a try! 

So, how was it? If you are new to the language, these are some of the phrases that can help you as you learn! With plenty of practice and studies, you’ll be proficient in the language in no time. But we all need to start somewhere, so let’s start from these 10 phrases! Let’s go! Or as they say in Germany, ‘Los geht’s!’ 

Interested in learning German? Visit our website at https://learngerman.com.sg/. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

The post 10 German phrases and expressions every beginner should know appeared first on Learn German.

But don’t let this scare you! You’re never going to use this word in your everyday conversations. German is not as difficult as people make it out to be. But even as the fourth easiest language to learn, it does come with its set of challenges.

As you learn the German language, what are some of the common or silly mistakes that you have encountered? 

7 Common mistakes that you might be making and how to avoid them

1. Confused with the grammar endings

German grammar endings can be confusing. How do you determine the gender of a noun and decide between using ‘diese’, ‘dieses’, ‘dies’ or ‘dieser’?

Let us spare you the stress and confusion by telling you that you can use these two expressions instead. 

Solution: Use ‘das da’ (this thing here) or ‘das hier’ (that thing over there)

These expressions are independent of gender and can be applied to any singular word.

2. How to tell time? 

Germans tell the time in two different ways and they don’t use the am and pm system. In a formal setting, you will often hear them using the 24-hour system such as “Der Zug geht um 19 Uhr 45” (The train is leaving at nineteen hundred hours and forty-five) to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion. 

But the other way of telling time involves the words ‘viertel’ (quarter) and ‘halb’ (half). Although it may seem similar to the system used in the English language, when Germans say ‘halb’, they mean to say half an hour earlier because they think of it as half to the hour, not an hour and a half.

Solution: ‘Halb’ (half) means half an hour earlier. Eg:- “Half fünf” is actually half-past four.

3. When introducing your friend

When speaking in English, you can call your friend a friend. But this doesn’t quite apply in the German language because the word ‘Freund/in’ can mean both platonic and romantic relationships. So, when you say “mein/e Freund/in” (my friend), it means that you are referring to your partner.

To avoid this misunderstanding, simply use the indefinite article “ein Freund” or “eine Freundin” (a friend). Also, please note that ‘Freund/in’ begins with a capital letter, as it is a noun.

Solution: Use the indefinite article ‘ein Freund’ or ‘eine Freundin’ (a friend) to introduce your friend.

4. The usage of future tense

Although the German language does have a future tense, most German speakers don’t use it. So, instead of saying “Ich werde am Wochenende nach Koblenz fahren” (I will go to Koblenz at the weekend), just use the present tense as the weekend already tells that it will happen in the future. Most native speakers will say “Ich fahre am Wochenende nach Koblenz” to say the same thing.

Solution: Don’t overuse the future tense as most German speakers don’t use it.

5. Formalities when talking to strangers

Formality is taken very seriously in Germany. The English word ‘you’ can be translated in many different ways in German and it’s very important to know which one to use. 

Solution: 

• Use ‘du’ when you are talking to friends, children, or animals. 
• Use ‘Sie’ when you are talking to adult strangers. 
• Use ‘ihr’ when you are talking to a group of friends.

But not to worry as most Germans will gladly guide you in a conversation. Some will even offer the ‘du’ by saying “Wir können du sagen or du kannst du zu mir sagen?” (we can use du, you can call me du?).

6. Formalities when talking to strangers

When talking about the past, the most common way is to use the Perfekt, a tense similar to the English language’s past perfect. But the tricky part is to know when to use the verb ‘sein’ (to be) and the verb ‘haben’ (to have).

Solution: Use verb ‘sein’ (to be) for verbs of motion or transition.

For example, to walk is said as “gehen” and to become is said as “werden”, using the verb ‘sein’. For actions that are unrelated to motion or transition, you use the verb ‘haben’, an example would be saying “Ich habe gegessen” to say that you have eaten. 

7. Wrong pronunciation!

Although there is no similar sound to the German ‘ch’ (sounds a bit like a snore or when people clear their throat) in the English language, some people may confuse ‘ch’ with ‘ck’ when reading German words. But the truth is, the two are very different as ‘ck’ sounds similar to the English ‘-k’.

This mispronunciation happens when people say “Gute Nackt” (good naked) instead of “Gute Nacht” (good night) when they want to say good night.

Solution: Be careful not to replace the German ‘ch’ with a ‘-k’ sound when saying good night.

So, how many of these mistakes have you encountered? If you have been making these mistakes, don’t worry! Even native speakers are susceptible to making them. The best thing to do is to learn from them and practise the right way of conversing in German. After all, practice makes perfect! Or as the Germans say it, Übung macht den Meister!

Do you have more common mistakes you made when learning German to share with us? We’d love to hear from you!

To learn German, visit us at https://learngerman.com.sg/. Find out more about our classes and get in touch with us now!

The post 7 Mistakes that you might be doing when learning German appeared first on Learn German.

If you don’t think that sounds plausible, studies have shown that those who frequently watch foreign-language shows tend to be better at reading, listening and vocabulary. This rule applies to language learners of all ages, be it for primary school students or even adults who are just starting to learn a new language.

In 2015, Pearson English, an education publisher, made a survey and found that 58% of English learners made use of TV shows such as ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘House of Cards’ to improve their language skills. The European Commission also made a survey and found that subtitles help to improve the mastery of foreign languages as compared to dubbed languages.

And that’s not all. Did you know that language is easier to be memorised through rhythm and melodies? Studies have shown that music can also greatly improve students’ language skills as it produces several positive effects on the human brain. By listening to music, students can activate both the left and right brain, which in turn can maximise learning ability and improve memory.

So, if you don’t think watching foreign films can improve your language skills, think again.

How to properly learn a language when watching foreign films

• Turn on the subtitles for beginners

First things first, it’s hard to learn the language if you don’t know what it means. For beginners, watch a foreign film with subtitles. These texts will help you to understand the words that are used in the film. If you come across words that you have never encountered before, read the subtitles to find out what they mean. 

Once you have improved your language skills and are feeling more confident, you can proceed to watch without subtitles and only use subtitles when you don’t understand certain dialogues.

• Focus on the common words or phrases

When watching foreign films, try to identify the most common words or phrases used. If you would like to know the common phrases used in day-to-day conversations, then focus on the character’s conversations when watching the film. You can write down these repeated words or phrases and try to include them in your daily conversations.  

• Recap the scene 

If you’re somewhat fluent, try to watch the foreign film without subtitles by yourself or with a language partner. Then, pause on a particular scene and try to explain the scene to your language partner. This activity will test your level of understanding of the language and how well you can understand native speakers. 

• Match the speech to the context

Other than focusing on the common words or phrases, keep your eyes open to the common expressions made by the characters in the film. Ask yourself these questions, “What are they trying to convey with their body language and tone of voice?” and “How does the phrase match their expression?” 

When you try to match the speech to the context, you will have a clearer understanding of the meaning behind each word used. And you will also learn how to better express yourself in another language.

• Rewind scenes and listen carefully if you didn’t catch what they said

Last but not least, there is no shame in admitting that you don’t understand what you’re watching. If you find yourself still feeling confused about the words and phrases used despite having used the subtitles, feel free to rewind the scenes how many times you like to catch what was said.

When learning a new language, active listening is extremely important. Rather than just watching the show, you need to study them. Fully concentrate on the words used and try to understand the meaning behind those words. It might take you a long time to finish one film, but it will be an exciting learning experience.

5 Films and shows to watch for children and adults

All in all, there are plenty of ways for foreign language learners to improve their language skills. Watching shows and films on TV is just one of the many creative ways to try.

After 14 years of experience, our team at Learn German Singapore has discovered that it is better for students and those who wish to learn the German language to attend a beginner’s class before they proceed with this method of learning. 

Once they have at least have basic knowledge of the language, only then can they further refine their language skills through watching foreign films over the weekend or by listening to foreign music. After all, learning through watching and listening is not only fun but is also proven to be very effective. 

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

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As of 2019, there are more than 1,800 German companies that are based in Singapore, with German direct investments standing at €14.3 billion (S$21.5 billion). And you can find plenty of German eateries here too. The number of German residents is steadily increasing in Lion City, and what this means for many Singaporeans is that it can be really helpful to learn the language and use it in everyday life!

Why do German businesses choose Singapore?

Some of these companies generally see Singapore as a regional hub or headquarters as the country is, most of the time, principally responsible for the South-East Asia region. But what other reasons are there?

1) Emerging Asia

While the Eurozone economy sees an annual growth rate forecast of 2% for 2017-2020, Asia’s set to expand by an average of 6.2% for 2017-2021. Not to mention that South-East Asia, alone, is home to more than 600 million people who have just begun their attempt at consumerism. After taking these figures into perspective and discovering the country’s technological possibilities, many German companies have established a strong presence in Singapore.

2) Favourable geographical location

Singapore’s seaport, one of the largest worldwide, is linked to 600 global ports. And its airport is connected to 210 cities globally. In a week, the country sees more than 6,000 flights. What this means to German companies is that Singapore allows for easy access to large regional markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

3) The ideal environment for businesses

A survey has reported that Singapore has the world’s best infrastructure taking into account the country’s ample access to public transportation, healthcare services, universities and electricity supply. It is also noteworthy that the country has low crime rates, political stability and respects intellectual property rights, which is an important factor for innovation-driven companies.

4) Widespread use of English

Another reason why German companies build their presence in Singapore is because of the widespread use of English. The language has become the city’s most spoken language as it is widely used in schools and at work. The reason why Singaporeans use English for administrative purposes and business is that it makes it easier for global business operations.

5) Highly skilled labour force

In their efforts to localise the business to meet local demands, German companies can also utilise local talents in Singapore. And Singapore local talents are highly skilled. Last year, Singapore ranked ninth in the world talent ranking.

The emergence of German associations and companies in Singapore

Germany was among the first states to recognise Singapore’s independence in 1965. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were formalised within the same year. However, the relationship between Germany and Singapore has been much longer than just 56 years old.

Back in 1840, Germany’s oldest firm ever established in Singapore was Behn, Meyer & Co, a trading, shipping and insurance company. Siemens, a global company, has also been operating here since 1908. And probably the oldest German institution in Singapore, the German Association, was founded in 1856 as Teutonia Club.

Germany and Singapore have formed a close relationship over the years. In fact, Germany makes up a fifth of Singapore’s total trade with the European Union, making it Singapore’s largest EU trading partner.

And the partnership between the two is going on strongly today. The ties between Germany and Singapore started a long time ago and they will continue to grow as the two countries expect to see a brighter future in their diplomacy, business, culture and education.

Singapore is highly aware of the long-lasting relationship it has with Germany and has acknowledged the importance of the German language in the country. With an increasing number of German businesses and residents here in Singapore, the importance of learning the German language is becoming more and more prevalent.

In fact, there are 60 international schools in Singapore that teach different languages such as German, French and Japanese. For example, international schools such as the Swiss School in Singapore and German European School Singapore (GESS) offer German as the language of instruction.

Not forgetting that the Ministry of Education Language Centre (MOELC) recognises and included the German language as a third language in Singapore a year after its founding. There is also the Goethe-Institut Singapore, a worldwide-famous German cultural institute by the Federal Republic of Germany to encourage the learning of the German language and exchange of culture in Singapore.

We can see the importance of the German language in Singapore with more and more businesses and institutions being established in the country. This relationship between the two countries has surely opened new doors for many people to learn and love the German language and culture, as well as to create new opportunities of their own.

With that being said, if you are interested in getting your child started with learning German, you can talk with us at learngerman.com.sg. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

References

• ABC(DE) of business in Singapore. by Hawksford. (n.d.). https://www.guidemesingapore.com/why-singapore/germany/doing-business-in-singapore-for-german-companies.   
• About us. Goethe. (n.d.). https://www.goethe.de/ins/sg/en/ueb.html.  
• Amt, A. (n.d.). German institutions in Singapore. German institutions in Singapore – Federal Foreign Office. https://singapur.diplo.de/sg-en/themen/willkommen/-/1225598.  
• businesstimes.com.sg. (n.d.). https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-moves-up-a-notch-to-rank-ninth-in-world-talent-ranking.  
• Focus on Singapore. deutschland.de. (2014, December 19). https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/business/globalization-world-trade/focus-on-singapore.  
• List of every International School in Singapore teaching in German. (n.d.). https://www.international-schools-database.com/in/singapore?filter=on&language=German. 
• MOELC. (n.d.). https://www.moelc.moe.edu.sg/.  
• Wong, L. (2019, December 11). German companies contributed to Singapore’s development: President Halimah. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/german-companies-contributed-to-singapores-development-president-halimah.

The post Germans in Singapore appeared first on Learn German.

According to Collins Dictionary, native speakers are the people who speak a language as their first language or mother tongue, rather than speaking it as a second or third language. Non-native speakers, on the other hand, are people who learned a foreign language as a second or third language, either from a young age or as an adult.

Which one is better? Learning a new language from a native or a non-native teacher?

When it comes to learning a second language, you would probably want the best teacher to teach you. But in this case, which is the better option? Here are the pros and cons of learning from a native and non-native teacher.

So, to answer the question of which one is better, the native or non-native teacher, the answer is neither one of them—but both.

How can hybrid language learning benefit the students better?

As you can see from the table above, both native and non-native teachers present a number of benefits and challenges, which is why we believe that having both teachers in the same classroom is the best option for our students.

When Singapore was hit by Covid-19, it was a challenging period for us to recruit native-speaking teachers to come and teach in Singapore. So, we thought of a new and better solution—Hybrid Language Class (HLC).

Having both native and non-native-speaking teachers in one classroom will really help the students to grasp the German language. On one side, we have an experienced native-speaking teacher and on the other, we have a non-native-speaking teacher who understands the process of learning another language. This is what we call the best of both worlds.

Our native-speaking teachers will focus on teaching students conversational, cultural and topical matters while the non-native-speaking teachers will focus more on the students’ grammar and writing skills.

It is also noteworthy that the Ministry of Education Language Centre (MOELC) has chosen to go with the hybrid approach, but only by making native and non-native teachers located in the same centre. This is to encourage the colleagues to exchange their experience and learn from each other’s pedagogical approaches and didactics (language teaching methodology).

But at Learn German Singapore, we are going further—the language is taught by the two profiles in the same class of the same level. For instance, if the term lasts 12 sessions, each teacher will teach 6 sessions. They will alternate. Not only will this improve the two groups of teachers’ way of teaching, but this will also benefit the students. That way, students can ask the next teacher what they couldn’t understand in the previous session.

Overall, there will be a balance in the teaching process as both teachers will work together to identify problems and act as a guide for the students. We believe that by doing this hybrid approach, the two teachers will cover all aspects of the language and make the cross-cultural learning experience more exciting and authentic. This will, in turn, help students to acquire a more comprehensive language learning experience.

Following our decision to utilise both native and non-native-speaking teachers to teach our students, we have implemented an online HLC. This way, students can learn from the native-speaking teachers who are located in their home country. We believe that this online class will create more learning opportunities for our students.

To learn more about our Hybrid Language Class (HLC), a one-of-a-kind hybrid approach in Singapore, visit us at learngerman.com.sg. For more information about our classes, get in touch with us now!

The post Native, non-native or hybrid? Which one is the most ideal teacher for your child? appeared first on Learn German.

But just because the language was deemed easy by experts doesn’t mean that it’s easy for everyone. So, when it comes to learning German as a second or third language, when is the ideal time to start learning? Is it easy enough to start young?

According to researchers, 50% of our ability to learn is developed from as young as three years old and 30% when we reach eight years old. What this means is that we are capable of learning a lot at such a young age. And studies have also shown that the younger we are, the better we are at learning languages as it is easier for us to recreate new sounds and pronunciation at that age.

So if you’re wondering at what age you should send your child to learn a new language, experts say they can start at age six and achieve native fluency at age 10. Based on our 14 years of expertise, we believe that the best time to expose our children to a second language is from the age of 3 to 6 years old. Of course, this is fairly subjective, if your child is ready, they are ready!

Why is starting German young good for your child?

1) Better mental flexibility

Studies have shown that bilingual children have better mental flexibility. They can adapt to new rules and situations quickly and are more creative.

2) Learning German is easy

As mentioned before, the German language is the fourth easiest language to learn. Some researchers argue that young children find it easier to start with German as their second language before they embark on other languages because children tend to find difficult subjects easier. For instance, while some adults find it difficult to use new technologies in smartphones today, children have no trouble learning their way through these new technologies.

3) Develop cross-cultural understanding

When children are exposed to a different language from such a young age, they will eventually learn to embrace the different cultures and lifestyles that come with it. This will, in turn, allow them to make new friends from different countries and broaden their cultural horizons.

4) Opens up new opportunities in the future

When you put all of these benefits together, children will find themselves to be more confident in their skills and knowledge. And as we all know, mastering a different language opens up new opportunities in the future, such as studying or working in a foreign country.

How can parents help in nurturing the young ones to learn German?

1) Capture their interest with interactive learning materials

To generate interest from children, parents can start by exposing them to interactive learning materials such as movies, shows, or books that portray the joy of learning the German language and culture.

2) Set realistic goals

To encourage children to continue learning, parents need to set realistic goals. Consider the learning pace of each child and be sure to keep track of their progress. The one thing that parents should avoid is to overwork their children.

3) Be open to mistakes

Parents need to show their children that mistakes are inevitable and encourage them to learn from their mistakes, instead of punishing them. When parents create a supportive learning environment, this will further encourage children to continue learning.

4) Practise the language

One of the best ways to learn a new language is to practise the language with other people. For instance, parents should encourage their children to converse in the German language when they are at home. Another option is to organise an exchange programme with a German-speaking child so that their children can experience conversing with a native speaker.

In conclusion, young children are natural language acquirers; they are self-motivated to pick up a language without conscious learning. And if there is a right time for your little ones to start learning a new language—it is now.

Start your child with German at learngerman.com.sg. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

The post Learning German: Why it’s better to start young appeared first on Learn German.

“My son cannot have self-directed learning. He needs structure so that he can follow through.”

Many parents still hold on to this notion of needing “control” when it comes to education. And some even see self-direction as a trait that only a few children have. The truth is, self-direction is a quality that everyone possesses. Whether or not we work to develop that quality is up to us.

So if you are one of those parents who don’t believe that your child can thrive with self-directed learning, you will want to read this until the end.

What is self-directed learning?

Self-directed learning (SDL) is a method of learning where students are given the power to decide how they wish to learn. In simpler words, it’s when an individual chooses to take his or her own initiative to study—with or without the help of others.

How SDL works depends on the students. For instance, if the student requires a teacher’s guidance, then the teacher will only be guiding them and not controlling them. In this method of learning, students have control over how they wish to achieve their goals.

How does self-directed learning benefit students?

1) Build their self-confidence

In a setting where students are taught to follow, it is difficult for each child to showcase their unique traits or creativity. SDL encourages students to figure out their own way of doing things. And this means experimenting with different learning styles and figuring out which style they are most confident with. And once they achieve that, they will have the confidence to accomplish many things in life.

2) Gain better social skills

The traditional way of learning doesn’t leave much room for interactions between students. This is because when the teacher teaches, the students listen. However, in a self-directed class, students are encouraged to discuss with each other and learn from one another.

3) Become better decision-makers

In an SDL, students learn through observation and experimentation instead of following what the teachers or parents tell them to do. And because of this, these students will grow to become better decision-makers as they are used to applying critical thinking when making their own decisions.

4) Learn to truly enjoy learning

The best way to encourage learning is to ensure that the process is enjoyable. In an SDL setting, students can decide which topic to engage in and how long they would want to study a certain subject. This is completely different from the traditional method of forcing students to follow a set timetable. When given more freedom, students will look forward to their next lesson and find joy in learning.

5) Encourage them to take up responsibilities

When forced to complete a certain task, the task will become a chore. But if we, ourselves, decided to complete a certain task, we will see it as a goal for us to achieve. SDL encourages students to take up more responsibility and become more self-sufficient. As students learn to take control of their learning, they will also learn to take control of their life as they grow up.

How can parents help their children adapt to this style of learning?

• Whenever your child is playing with their toys, don’t tell them what to do. See how they react to new situations and allow them to play freely.
• Slowly allow them to make their own choices by making them choose their own clothes or let them decide which book to read first.
• Rather than separating playtime with study time, why not combine both together? For example, when playing with your child, try to include some fun facts to educate them. That way, your child will see learning as fun.
• In self-directed learning, mistakes are not seen as a failure. Instead, it is seen as an acknowledgement that your child has tried something new. Keep in mind to reward effort over success. This way, your child will always come up with ways to become better instead of feeling down whenever they make mistakes.
• Be patient. Waiting for your child to come up with their own solution may take time. This is when patience is highly required. If you see your child struggling to come up with a solution, you can choose to guide them through the process.

Here’s how self-directed learning can be enhanced through online learning

SDL is a learning method that allows students to make their own decisions. And what better way for them to do that than by having a platform where they can choose their own learning materials and study whenever they want? Here’s how online learning can further benefit SDL:

“If students aren’t learning the way we teach, then we need to teach them the way they learn.” – Dunn and Dunn

With our online classes, our students are encouraged to discover and find their own method of learning. We believe that this will further strengthen their auto-discipline and self-directed learning skills.

All in all, SDL is a great method to adopt, especially in this day and age where there are multiple online platforms available. And SDL will be proven beneficial for many years to come as self-directed students will also become better decision-makers in the future.

If you are interested in getting your child started with this self-directed method of learning, you can talk with us at learngerman.com.sg. To find out more about our classes, get in touch with us now!

The post 5 Ways to turn your child into a self-directed learner appeared first on Learn German.

We all know that sudden rush when a foreigner surprises us by speaking fluently in our native tongue. Of course, the benefits and applications go beyond just impressing colleagues or neighbours – speaking and writing multiple languages can significantly impact careers and create more opportunities for students.

Learning Languages in Singapore Schools

Naturally, the notion of learning multiple languages has become more prevalent in the Singapore education system. One such programme to encourage that notion is the Language Elective Programme (LEP) which allows secondary school students to deepen their interests in languages studies – a commendable effort by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

In selected secondary schools, LEP is available for Chinese, Tamil and Malay languages. Students on the two-year programme will study literature in their mother tongues and participate in local camps, overseas immersion trips, and school-based activities such as “literary lectures”. LEP is generally open to students who score higher in their Mother Tongue Language (MTL).

What about German?

While the LEP programme is a great way to deepen a child’s interest in his or her MTL, the languages available does not include German. The standard MTL programme in Singapore schools also does not offer German.

However, MOE does see the need for children whose mother tongues are different from what is generally offered and recognises the German Language as an approved MTL.

German as a third language

For students who are considering a third language in their academics, German is a great option. Unlike MTL, this option is also open to students who have no German origin or exposure. There are also added benefits when the student starts young.

How young? – you may ask. At learngerman.com.sg, the German programme starts from 3 years old and they actually have playgroups for the young ones. This approach helps children pick up German at a near-native level and have a strong command of the language as they progress. In turn, such students will also be the key beneficiaries of the various advanced language initiatives that MOE has put in place or planning to implement in the future.

We’ll cover more of this topic in future posts.

Want to know how to go about officially selecting German as your child’s MTL or 3rd language? You can have a chat with the kind folks at learngerman.com.sg. They have a flagship German programme called Germania.

Learn more about the German Language in lieu of MTL by getting in touch with us now!

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