Learning a language has become both a need and an area of interest for many in recent times. As much interest as one can have, it is also a tedious job to learn a new language. The boredom, laziness and wrong habits often lead to a misconception that learning a foreign language is difficult and not fun. Whereas it’s just about avoiding mistakes and getting on the right track. Here are some common mistakes done by German language learners and pretty much any foreign language learner.

German Language Mistakes & Easy Fixes

1. Not focusing on Pronunciations: The way a language sounds can be completely different than how other sounds. The beauty of the language lies in the intonation, sounds and symbols. As learners, this is mostly the neglected part. You must mold the mud when it’s tender only then you can shape it. Similarly your pronunciations need your attention right from the first level.

2. Comparing it with English: for many English speakers it is very difficult to cope up with the way most of the European languages function. The learners try to find commonalities in German and English to create a common ground but they fail to do so as these two are poles apart. Hence literally the language leads you nowhere.

3. Nagging about the genders: specifically talking about German, there won’t be a single learner who hasn’t nagged about the genders in the language. Every single noun has a gender, which then has an article. If you actually follow certain tips, it’s not that a big deal.

4. Considering it easy to learn: German is one of the most learnt languages and hence considered easier than other languages like French, Japanese, Spanish or Mandarin. It’s later after the first level people realise, it’s not that easy and start taking it seriously.

5. The grammar labyrinth: no matter who trains you or you are learning it yourself. There is always a sequence in the topics that you learn. As the learning curve stretches upwards towards grammar, people start fearing it,rather than focusing on the concept. This can happen due to lack of revision and practice. 

6. The Procrastination pill: this is pretty much a universal problem and every person happens to pop up this pill quite often, but this can be notably damaging for your language. It can’t be learnt overnight or in a week. It’s a long process, which requires you to actively and regularly work on the concept. 

7. Always beginning from the beginning: time and again the students are given a reality check by their teachers, which awakens their sleepy motivation to start studying. I have often observed starting something, often beginning from number one. Nowhere in between. That is the problem, because the motivation fades away and you end up learning the first chapter all the time.

8. Using translators instead of dictionaries: as grown ups we try to relate the language with a language we already know, in this process we often try to literally translate the language we are learning. Better is that we stick to the rules and try to enhance our vocabulary instead of using translator apps or softwares for help.

I have made these mistakes and it didn’t do any good to me. I hope listing them out helps you realise them and avoid doing them.