German has a reputation for being hard: endless words, three genders and grammatical cases. Is it really that bad? The short answer: some parts take effort, others are surprisingly easy, and with a good method you can learn it like any other language. Here is what to expect, how long it takes and how to get started in Valencia.
Easier than it looks
- Pronunciation is very regular. German is almost always read the way it is written: once you know the rules, you can read any word out loud.
- The same alphabet, with just four new letters: ä, ö, ü and ß.
- English speakers recognise a lot of vocabulary: Haus (house), Wasser (water), Buch (book), Hand (hand).
- Long words are building blocks. Handschuh (glove) is Hand + Schuh: hand + shoe. Once you know the pieces, you understand the word.
What takes the most work
- Three genders: der, die, das. They are often not logical: das Mädchen (the girl) is neuter. That’s why it pays to learn every noun with its article.
- Four cases (nominative, accusative, dative and genitive), which change articles and endings depending on a word’s role in the sentence.
- Word order. In subordinate clauses the conjugated verb goes to the end: Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Berlin arbeiten möchte.
- Separable verbs, like anrufen (to call): Ich rufe dich morgen an.
You don’t need to master all four cases to start speaking: you pick them up step by step, level by level.
How long does it take to learn German?
According to the Goethe-Institut, level A1 can be completed with one intensive course of about 80 teaching units of 45 minutes, and A2 with two more courses of the same length. From B1 onwards each level takes longer, as grammar and vocabulary become more complex. These are rough class hours per level:
| Level | What you can do | Class hours per level (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Introduce yourself, order in a restaurant, use basic phrases | 80–200 |
| A2 | Talk about your routine, your job and your plans | 80–200 |
| B1 | Get by when travelling and in everyday life | 150–300 |
| B2 | Study or work in German | 150–300 |
On top of that comes study at home. With about 3 hours of class a week, count on six months to a little over a year per level, depending on your pace and how much you practise outside class.
How to start learning German from scratch
- Learn every noun with its article: der Tisch, die Lampe, das Buch. A tip: use a different colour for each gender on your flashcards.
- Get the pronunciation right in the first weeks. Because it is regular, it gives you a lot of confidence.
- Speak from the start with useful phrases: introducing yourself, ordering, asking questions.
- Listen to German every day. Deutsche Welle offers free courses and news in easy German, such as its Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten (slowly spoken news).
- Set a goal: a trip, a job in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, or an official exam.
Why learn German?
German is the most widely spoken mother tongue in the European Union. It is spoken in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and parts of Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg. It is a real plus in fields like engineering, industry, tourism and research, and it opens the door to studying at German universities. Wondering whether a course is right for you? Read Learning German in Valencia: who is a German course right for?.
German lessons in Mislata
At our German school in Valencia you learn with experienced teachers who adapt the lessons to your pace, starting with a free level test. Your teacher will be Andrea, who teaches German, Spanish and English. We also prepare the official Goethe exams; find out more in Goethe-Zertifikat: levels, exam and how to prepare in Valencia.
Frequently asked questions
Is German harder than French for an English speaker?
German grammar usually takes more work because of the genders and cases, but its pronunciation is far more regular than French. Both share a lot of vocabulary with English.
Can I learn German if I don’t speak Spanish?
Yes. Our lessons are adapted to the group, and we start from A1.
How long does it take to get A1 in German?
According to the Goethe-Institut, one intensive course of about 80 teaching units covers A1. With classes a couple of times a week, count on several months.
Want to try before you decide? Come and see the school: your first trial class is free and without obligation.
