Modal particles are flavoring words that add a deeper element to language. In German, these could be words that soften the harshness of a comment, add a persuasive or suggestive element to a request or otherwise add subtle meaning to a sentence without changing the grammatical context. Most of the time, particles are only used in spoken … [Read more...]
Overcoming the Hardest Part of Learning German
What’s the hardest part of learning German? For English speakers, it is most probably German word order. It’s one of the many obstacles that need to be overcome for German learners. It might seem confusing and bizarre at first, but in time it will eventually begin to click. Learn the rules of German word order and practice them so that you can you … [Read more...]
Speak German like a Native
Using these words will definitely make you sound like a true German! 1. “Krass”, “Hammer”, “Wahnsinnig” and “Geil” Do you have strong feelings about anything and everything? “Krass” can be used whenever you have an extreme emotional reaction towards something. If you love it, it’s krass. If you hate it, it’s krass. If it makes you roll around on … [Read more...]
12 Food-Related German Idioms
These expressions will have your mouth watering! It's impossible in one article to discuss all the idioms in German that refer to food. But we can look at some of the most common ones with the literal translation and the meaning. 1. Er glaubt, er bekommt eine Extrawurst Literally: He thinks he gets an extra sausage. Does he think he’s … [Read more...]
30 German Phrases to Maintain the Conversation
People are often a little afraid of getting into awkward situations where they have no clue how to express what they want to say. So, by learning how to express things such as your language level or how to ask for clarification and help with understanding or explaining, you can keep the conversation flowing and you open yourself up to a whole new … [Read more...]
German Adjectives in Pictures – Part 3
An easy, fun way to learn German adjectives! A series of pictures by Delia Tello is so self-explanatory, no translations are needed. … [Read more...]
German Adjectives in Pictures – Part 2
An easy, fun way to learn German adjectives! A series of pictures by Delia Tello is so self-explanatory, no translations are needed. … [Read more...]
German Adjectives in Pictures – Part 1
An easy, fun way to learn German adjectives! A series of pictures by Delia Tello is so self-explanatory, no translations are needed. … [Read more...]
The Unique Illnesses You can Only Come Down With in German
Known for its precision and clarity of expression, German seems perfect for describing some of the conditions other nations may also be experiencing but couldn't quite put a finger on it enough to give it a specific name. 1. Fernweh "Wanderlust". Fernweh is the opposite of homesickness. It is the longing for travel or the cabin fever, the desire to … [Read more...]
Common German Acronyms in Texting
Everyone is certainly familiar with short informal words that sprang up relatively recently across the English-speaking web, like LOL ("laugh out loud"), brb ("be right back"), idk ("I don't know"), etc. German-speaking segment has lots of similar acronyms too: 8tung Achtung – watch out ads alles deine Schuld – all your fault akla? alles … [Read more...]