I'm interested in learning German. I know English and Spanish, but I can't figure out where to start. Self-learning books? Internet courses? Personal Tutor? Any recommendations? Thanks!
Whenever I want to learn a new language, I take the beginner course at the local community college, then once you know the basics get one of those "Learn German in Your Car" CD's. That's how I learned Spanish . German is a tough one, so it would probably be hard to learn the correct pronunciations from a book. Gutes Glück!
VS is right German is a tough on (I should know) it is about pronouncation and the biggest problem is we have the verb at the very last. So as a beginner you have to start remembring the whole sentence before you can make sense out of it. The best way to learn any language is to do what VS said but than try to move into the country for a while. Best of luck M
Immersion is definately the key. Although I don't know how cost effective it would be to move to a country just to learn the language , but if you can afford it...right on!! Another idea would be to convince someone else to learn German with you, then you can speak it to each other.
If you like "metal" then you could listen to "Rammstein" - get a lyric translation off the net and see the weird looks you get singing along in the car, although I wouldn't advise reading and driving
The most effective method is to get a native speaking boyfriend. Don't know whether this is an appropriate method for you... Otherwise, you may read my website for a start. Viel Erfolg!
Im with ViciousSummer.... (ahem) Look out for Pimsleur's series for learning languages If you know english and spanish, some words will be familiar
Speaking English, Dutch and Frisian fluently, and German to a decent standard, (all Germanic languages or at least partly) plus French too, and having studied ancient Latin and Greek; I can only advise you to surround yourself with people speaking the language you want to learn. That way you pick up the quickest on pronounciation and new words. One on one and group talks just can not be beaten by CD's, internet and tape courses (got my Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency English certificates that way though). Reading (Goethe is a great German author) and watching telly (boring speech-synchronized German films will keep you busy) in that language help a lot too. You might not understand most of it but you'll be surprised what will stick! Good luck!
Do what I did - move to germany and go to a german school not speaking a word of the language. Since then (about 8 years ago) I've learned to speak perfect german, english, and some other languages that I had to take through school.
Check out 'pimsleurs' or other audio books. I found audio books handy and useful when i tried to learn spanish. But the best way for sure is to move to german speaking place for a while (alone!)