With over 200 million German speakers worldwide and a rapidly expanding economy that stretches across the globe, German is becoming an increasingly relevant and important language to learn. This language opens many doors when it comes to career choices, as German speakers are very much sought after in the business world. 

Whether you’re a complete beginner, studied German in school or are planning a career change and need to brush up on your language skills, Babbel offers online courses for learning German suitable for all ages and levels and to help you achieve your language-learning goals.

Deciding Between Spanish And German

The two most common languages for English speakers on Babbel are Spanish and German, so there’s a chance you may be deciding between the two. Fortunately, there’s no wrong choice here, and it really should come down to which one makes more sense for you. If you need a little guidance, though, here’s how the two compare.

Ease Of Learning — The Spanish language shares many cognates with English, the pronunciation is very straightforward and the grammar is not wildly different. For that reason, we consider it one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. German may be slightly more challenging, but it too shares a lot of vocabulary with English, and the grammar is very systematic, so you just need to master the rules.

Job Opportunities — German, as already mentioned, is very in-demand, and there’s no doubt that skill in the language can help your career. Spanish is pretty useful too, especially because it’s so widely used in Europe, North and South America and more places around the world. It really depends what field you want to work in, and where you want to work.

Cultural Richness — There’s really no way to compare the two here. Spanish is the language of Cervantes, Frida Kahlo and Julio Iglesias, where German is the language of Goethe, Marlene Dietrich and Alexander von Hubmoldt. Both have rich, long histories, and you can really only choose based on where your personal interests lie. 

Learning German For Work And Travel

Many businesses across Europe and the United Kingdom are active in German-speaking markets, meaning German has become a crucial language for sectors such as business development, online marketing and sales. German speakers are in huge demand for many UK-based roles. If you are exploring new career options or planning your future career, language skills — German language skills — will make an incredibly valuable addition to your CV.

Whether you're visiting Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, some basic German language skills will come in handy when meeting people, ordering food, buying train tickets and shopping. Babbel makes learning German easy and accessible with exercises and tasks that reflect real-life scenarios. German is also spoken in Switzerland, Austria, parts of Belgium and Lichtenstein.

Our Best Tips To Learn German Quickly

  • Set Clear Goals — Define specific, achievable goals for your learning journey, such as mastering basic conversational skills or completing a certain number of lessons each week. The Babbel app can also help you set and keep track of these goals, keeping you motivated to keep learning.

  • Practice Daily — Consistency is key. Use Babbel daily, even if only for 10 or 15 minutes. Regular practice reinforces what you've learned and helps with retention. Also make sure to use the Babbel Review feature, which will bring back the vocab you’ve already learned to make sure it reaches your long-term memory.

  • Start Speaking Early On — When you’re studying on your own, it’s easy to skip the “speaking” part of language learning. Assuming your goal is to talk to other people, though, you’ll want to start mastering pronunciation and building confidence as soon as possible. Even just talking to yourself — or to Babbel’s AI voice recognition tool — can be helpful for working on your speaking skills. 

  • Immerse Yourself in the Language — Supplement your lessons with German media. Watch German films, listen to German music or follow German podcasts. This exposure will enhance your understanding of the language in real-life contexts.

  • Join a Language Exchange — Connect with native German speakers through language exchange platforms. Practising speaking with real people can boost your confidence and help you apply what you've learned in a conversational setting.

The Benefits Of Learning German Online

Choosing where to get started with German can be a challenge, with more learning options at your disposal than ever before. Is online really the right place for you? Here are a few reasons learning a language on the internet can be such a positive experience.

  1. Flexibility and Convenience: Online learning allows you to study German anytime and anywhere, fitting lessons into your schedule without the need for physical classes. You can use Babbel on your phone, tablet or laptop, so you’ll always pick up right from where you left off.

  2. Interactive Learning: Babbel offers engaging, interactive exercises that enhance retention and make learning more enjoyable compared to traditional methods.

  3. Personalised Learning Paths: In-person classes have plenty of advantages, but learning online gives you the ability to tailor your learning to your needs. If you’re trying to learn German for a vacation, you’ll probably be looking at a different set of vocab than someone going on a business trip. Babbel lets you pick courses that will get you to your goals.

  4. Immediate Feedback: Online platforms like Babbel provide instant feedback on exercises, helping you identify areas for improvement right away.

  5. Access to Resources: Learning German online gives you access to a wealth of resources, including grammar tips, vocabulary lists, and cultural insights, all in one place. If one method just isn’t working for you, you can switch to something else easily.

What You’ll Get Out Of German Lessons On Babbel

Not sure what makes Babbel stand out from your other choices? Here are just a few of the benefits of learning with the self-study app.

  • Babbel's lessons are broken down into bite-sized chapters that fit into everyday life and let you learn at your own pace. That way even if you only have a little time, you can make Babbel part of your everyday routine.

  • The lessons cover relevant, real-world topics, such as introducing oneself, ordering food and making travel arrangements. You can choose lessons based on which topics make the most sense for you to learn.

  • Babbel is specifically designed based on your native and target languages. A Spanish speaker learning German might need different advice than an English speaker, which is why each language combination was designed separately by experts.

  • The language lessons on the Babbel app are interactive and engaging, covering all aspects of language acquisition; listening, reading, writing, and speaking. 

  • If you’re not sure about your level, take a German placement test and Babbel will recommend the best level to start with.

Learn German With The Babbel App

Learning German with Babbel is like embarking on an exciting adventure. The platform transforms language learning into a fun and interactive experience, where every lesson can feel like a new discovery. With engaging exercises and lively conversations, you'll quickly find yourself picking up practical vocabulary and phrases that you can use in real-life situations. Plus, the flexibility of online learning means you can dive into your lessons whenever it suits you—whether you're sipping coffee at home or on a break at work.

But it’s not just about the language; Babbel immerses you in the vibrant culture of German-speaking countries, making each lesson a mini-exploration of traditions, music, and food. Imagine chatting with locals while travelling or impressing friends with your newfound skills. With Babbel, you’ll not only learn to speak German confidently, but you’ll also have a blast along the way. So why wait? You can get started right now by testing a free lesson, so you can see for yourself what sets Babbel apart.

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