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Maarten Wiersma

Welcome to the Complete A1 German Course, your one-stop solution to mastering the German A1 level with ease created by a native speaker and professional with over ten years of experience as a university lecturer and content creator.

Do you want to develop from zero knowledge to a confident speaker in German? Then this course is absolutely designed for you and I will guide you all the way to mastering the A1 level. What's included?

Read more

Welcome to the Complete A1 German Course, your one-stop solution to mastering the German A1 level with ease created by a native speaker and professional with over ten years of experience as a university lecturer and content creator.

Do you want to develop from zero knowledge to a confident speaker in German? Then this course is absolutely designed for you and I will guide you all the way to mastering the A1 level. What's included?

You will learn everything you need to pass an A1 exam. You will learn to understand basic spoken and written German and speak and write it yourself. This course contains 24 lessons with over 240 video lectures, exercises at the end of each section, real life examples, tips and tricks, traps to avoid and pronunciation tips. We will dive deep into ALL aspects essential to mastering the basics of German: vocab, grammar concepts, listening comprehension, pronunciation, reading and writing - all of which is taught through real-life scenarios. You will see your confidence sky-rocket so that you can finally reach your goals. How does this course work?

Each lesson starts with a text - mostly a dialog. You will listen to it first, read by professional speakers. Then, I will guide you through the text, explaining all new concepts in an easy-to-understand way. This will provide you with a clear understanding of what is being said. This will then be followed by several more video lectures where we will analyze all new grammar and vocab topics much deeper with lots of real-life examples. You will then have a much clearer understanding of how to actually use the new concepts. At the end of each lesson, it will be time to test your knowledge: you will get lots of interactive exercises in various formats to accelerate your progress and activate the new phrases and forms even more.Who is this course for?

Our course was created specifically for A1 learners, with the needs of absolute beginners in mind. It is also suitable for re-starters and those who have failed with other methods in the past.

Do you have a busy schedule? You can learn 100% at your own pace, as fast or as slowly as you like.

Do you need to pass the A1 exam? After finishing this course, you will be able to do so with ease. If you are serious about learning German and are looking for an intuitive, efficient and natural learning method, join me now, and let’s unlock your potential together. Start now.

So, if you’re ready to learn German and change your life, join me now, I will see you inside the course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • All you need to know to pass the a1 exam
  • All a1 grammar with detailed explanations
  • Learn skills to express yourself in basic real life dialogs
  • Learn how to read and write basic german.
  • Communicate more effectively thanks to real life example sentences
  • Succeed in everyday situations (meeting people, talking about hobbies, shopping, restaurant visits, phone calls etc.)

Syllabus

A new neighbor (Eine neue Nachbarin)
Welcome & thank you!

This lecture explains how to get the most out of the course.

In this video, we will provide you with some useful online resources, including dictionaries, a grammar tool and a translation tool. You will find the links below and in the PDF.

Dictionaries
Collins: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-german
Leo: https://dict.leo.org/german-english/
Pons: https://en.pons.com/translate/german-english Linguee: https://www.linguee.com


Grammar Verbformen:
https://www.verbformen.com

Translation Tool
DeepL: https://www.deepl.com/en/translator

Read more

This lecture provides a quick overview of the content of this section.

This lecture contains the dialog which this section is based on.

This lecture contains the dialog analysis with a lot of useful explanations and the English translations.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb kommen and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb heißen and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, we will talk about the question words wie (how) and woher (where...from).

In this lecture, you will learn the pronunciation of ei, ß and st.

In this lecture, you have the opportunity to practice what you have learned in this section.

This recap concludes the current section.

In this lecture, we will discuss how to use articles in combination with nouns in German.

In this lecture, you will learn how to formulate questions without a question word.

In this lecture, we will introduce the pronouns to you.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb gehen and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb sein and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, we will take a look at the pronunciation of ch.

In this lecture, you will learn the days of the week in German.

In this lecture, you will learn some basic formal and informal expressions to introduce yourself and to say goodbye.

In this lecture, we will take a closer look at Sie, which is the formal you in German.

In this lecture, we will take a look at some basic nouns to designate men and women.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb studieren and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn how to pronounce the German sounds eu and äu. The good news: they are pronounced identically! :)

In this lecture, you will learn the learn how to use the negative article kein.

This lecture contains the text which this section is based on.

This lecture contains the text analysis with a lot of useful explanations and the English translations.

In this lecture, you will learn the learn the question words was, wer and wo.

In this lecture, you will learn the German vocabulary for some common professions.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb wohnen and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb spielen and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb arbeiten and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn how to express "I like doing something" with the help of the adverb gern.

In this lecture, you will learn the position of auch in sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the sentence position of nicht, which is a negation word.

In this lecture, you will learn how to pronounce the German sounds ä, ö, ü. We call them Umlaute.

In this lecture, you will see a typical example of an irregular verb in German.

Thank you so much for leaving a review, this is really appreciated and helps a lot! :)

In this lecture, you will learn the indefinite articles in German (ein, eine, ein).

In this lecture, you will learn how to use the genitive s with names - which is similar to English.

In this lecture, you will learn some vocab for rooms in German.

In this lecture, you will learn some vocab for furniture in German.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb haben and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjunctions und & aber, which allow you to link two main clauses.

In this exercise lecture, you will practice translating from English to German.

In this exercise lecture, you will practice spotting mistakes.

In this exercise lecture, you will practice completing sentences.

In this exercise lecture, you will practice adapting sentences.

In this exercise lecture, you will practice writing sentences.

In this exercise lecture, you will practice your oral comprehension and spelling skills.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb schlafen and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb fahren and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb lesen and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn the basic idea about pronouns in German.

In this lecture, you will learn the numbers from 1 to 20.

In this lecture, you will learn the parts of the day in German.

In this lecture, you will learn how to state and write the time in German.

In this lecture, you will learn the definite and indefinite articles in the accusative case.

In this lecture, you will learn the conjugation of the verb können and we will take a look at some example sentences.

In this lecture, you will learn how use the conjuctions oder & denn.

In this lecture, you will learn the different ways how to translate the English pronoun you to German.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses real-life scenarios to teach vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension, pronunciation, reading, and writing, which are all essential for practical communication
Includes interactive exercises in various formats to accelerate progress and activate new phrases and forms, which reinforces learning
Provides useful online resources, including dictionaries, grammar tools, and translation tools, which can aid in language acquisition
Requires learners to use external websites and tools, which may require creating new accounts and agreeing to terms of service

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive a1 german for beginners

According to learners, this course is a highly effective starting point for German A1. Students particularly praise the clear explanations of grammar and the logical structure that builds from dialogues. The instructor is engaging and makes complex topics accessible. Many feel it provides a solid foundation and covers all essential A1 topics, including pronunciation and real-life examples, preparing them well, even for the A1 exam. Some students noted the pace can be uneven or that they needed to supplement the exercises for more practice, but overall, the feedback highlights a beginner-friendly and comprehensive method.
Method using dialogues and analysis is effective for learning.
"The structure, starting with dialogues and then breaking them down, is brilliant."
"I liked the structure of building from dialogues."
"Starts from zero and builds up logically."
"Best German course I've found for A1. The method really works for me."
Instructor clarifies grammar and concepts effectively.
"The instructor explains complex grammar points with such clarity."
"The instructor is very engaging."
"The instructor is clear and easy to understand."
"Covers all the necessary grammar and vocab. The instructor is knowledgeable."
Excellent for absolute beginners and comprehensive A1 coverage.
"Perfect for absolute beginners. Starts from zero and builds up logically."
"Excellent course for beginners. I had no prior German knowledge and this course made it approachable."
"It's a comprehensive A1 course."
"Covers all the necessary grammar and vocab."
Some learners found the pace uneven or too fast.
"Some lessons felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end of sections, but overall..."
"The pace felt inconsistent - sometimes too slow, sometimes too fast."
"I struggled a bit with some grammar explanations and had to rewatch."
Exercises are helpful but some desired more practice.
"The exercises are helpful, though I sometimes do extra practice elsewhere."
"The amount of exercises could be increased, or maybe more variety."
"More interactive exercises would be better."
"Sometimes the exercises felt a bit repetitive."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Complete German A1: Best Method for Beginners (A1.1, A1.2+) with these activities:
Review Basic German Grammar
Reviewing basic German grammar concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding the A1 level material covered in this course.
Browse courses on German Grammar
Show steps
  • Find a beginner's guide to German grammar online or in a library.
  • Review the cases (nominative, accusative) and basic verb conjugations.
  • Practice with simple exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Review 'German for Dummies'
Reading 'German for Dummies' will help reinforce the concepts taught in the course and provide alternative explanations for difficult topics.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'German for Dummies'.
  • Read the chapters covering basic grammar and vocabulary.
  • Complete the exercises in the book to test your understanding.
Practice Verb Conjugation Drills
Practicing verb conjugation drills will improve your fluency and accuracy in using German verbs, which is essential for effective communication.
Show steps
  • Find online resources or workbooks with verb conjugation exercises.
  • Focus on the verbs covered in the course (kommen, heißen, sein, haben, etc.).
  • Repeat the drills regularly to memorize the verb forms.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create Flashcards for Vocabulary
Creating flashcards will help you memorize new German vocabulary and improve your recall speed.
Show steps
  • Gather index cards or use a flashcard app.
  • Write the German word on one side and the English translation on the other.
  • Review the flashcards regularly, focusing on the words you find difficult.
Practice Speaking with a Language Partner
Practicing speaking with a language partner will improve your pronunciation, fluency, and confidence in using German in real-life conversations.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in your local community.
  • Schedule regular practice sessions.
  • Practice the dialogues and vocabulary from the course.
  • Give each other feedback on pronunciation and grammar.
Write Short German Dialogues
Writing short German dialogues will help you apply the grammar and vocabulary you've learned in a creative and practical way.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to the course material (e.g., introducing yourself, ordering food).
  • Write a short dialogue between two people using the vocabulary and grammar you've learned.
  • Practice reading the dialogue aloud with a language partner or record yourself.
Review 'Short Stories in German for Beginners'
Reading short stories in German will improve your reading comprehension and expand your vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Short Stories in German for Beginners'.
  • Read one story per week, focusing on understanding the main ideas and new vocabulary.
  • Use a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words.
  • Answer the comprehension questions at the end of each story.

Career center

Learners who complete Complete German A1: Best Method for Beginners (A1.1, A1.2+) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
German Teacher
A German Teacher instructs students in the German language and culture, requiring a deep understanding of the language and effective teaching methods. This course may be very helpful for German Teachers, especially those working with beginner students. The course is designed to master the A1 level, which provides a strong foundation for teaching basic German concepts. The included detailed explanations of all A1 grammar enhances their ability to explain grammatical concepts clearly to students. Teaching students how to read and write basic German can benefit learners in the long run.
Au Pair
An Au Pair lives with a host family in a foreign country, providing childcare and assisting with household tasks, requiring cultural sensitivity and language skills. This course can be very beneficial for Au Pairs planning to live with a German-speaking family. The course teaches essential skills to express oneself in basic real life dialogs and succeed in everyday situations, like talking about hobbies and family life. Understanding basic spoken German enables Au Pairs to communicate effectively with family members. Learning how to read and write basic German may contribute to integrating into the family and community.
Hotel Receptionist
A Hotel Receptionist greets guests, manages reservations, and provides information about the hotel and local area. This course can be very beneficial for Hotel Receptionists who want to improve their ability to assist German-speaking guests. The course emphasizes understanding basic spoken German and succeeding in everyday situations such as restaurant visits and phone calls. Learning to express yourself in basic real life dialogs is essential for handling guest inquiries and requests. The curriculum may help receptionists provide a higher level of service and enhance guest satisfaction.
Tour Guide
A Tour Guide leads groups of tourists, providing information and insights about destinations. This course can be very useful for Tour Guides who operate in German-speaking regions or who wish to cater to German-speaking tourists. The course teaches skills in communicating effectively, thanks to real-life example sentences, which can enhance interactions with tourists. The curriculum covers everyday situations like restaurant visits and phone calls, preparing guides for common scenarios. The ability to understand and speak basic German can significantly improve the tour experience for German-speaking visitors.
Immersive Journalist
An Immersive Journalist lives in or frequently visits a foreign country in order to write articles about aspects of that country. Mastering the German A1 level with this course can provide a foundational understanding of basic spoken and written German to Immersive Journalists working in German-speaking regions. Learning how to read and write basic German makes it easier to consume local media and interpret signage. These skills help the journalist to communicate effectively when interviewing locals. The curriculum covers everyday situations like restaurant visits which are likely in the course of journalistic duties.
Language Tutor
A Language Tutor provides personalized instruction to students learning a new language. Taking this course may be helpful for Language Tutors who want to improve their foundational German skills or gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by beginner learners. This course focuses on mastering the German A1 level, which is essential for tutoring beginners. By learning all A1 grammar with detailed explanations, tutors can effectively teach these concepts to their students. The course's emphasis on real-life example sentences enables tutors to give practical, relevant instruction, making the learning experience more engaging for students.
Translator
Translators convert written material from one language into another, requiring a strong understanding of both languages and cultural nuances. This course may be beneficial for Translators seeking to build a foundation in German. The course's focus on mastering the A1 level provides a solid base for understanding basic German texts. The ability to read and write basic German, combined with an understanding of A1 grammar, will enable Translators to tackle simpler translation tasks and build their language proficiency. It will familiarize learners with common sentence structures.
Call Center Agent
Call Center Agents handle customer inquiries and provide support over the phone, often needing to communicate clearly and efficiently. This course may be helpful for Call Center Agents who handle calls from German-speaking customers. The course focuses on skills to express oneself in basic real life dialogs and succeeding in everyday situations, like phone calls. The course helps agents to communicate more effectively thanks to real life example sentences. This course may enable agents to address customer issues more effectively and provide better service.
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative addresses customer inquiries, resolves issues, and provides support, often requiring effective communication skills. This course may be beneficial for Customer Service Representatives who interact with German-speaking clients or customers. The course emphasizes understanding basic spoken and written German, enabling representatives to communicate effectively with a broader customer base. Knowing how to express oneself in basic real life dialogs helps facilitate smoother and more positive interactions. This is particularly helpful in sectors with international clients.
International Sales Representative
An International Sales Representative manages sales and customer relationships in international markets, often needing to communicate in the local language. This course may be beneficial for International Sales Representatives who work with German-speaking clients. The course teaches you to succeed in everyday situations like shopping and restaurant visits, which are useful when building rapport with clients. Gaining the ability to express yourself in basic real life dialogs, will allow sales representatives to engage in initial conversations. It will become easier to build trust and understand client needs.
Telesales Representative
A Telesales Representative sells products or services over the phone, often needing to persuade and build rapport with customers. Taking this course may be helpful for Telesales Representatives who target German-speaking markets. The course teaches you to communicate more effectively, thanks to real-life example sentences. Gaining useful skills to express yourself in basic real life dialogs can enhance their ability to engage prospects. The emphasis on succeeding in everyday situations, like shopping, may help representatives to connect with customers. This course may improve sales performance.
Bilingual Secretary
A Bilingual Secretary provides administrative support in two languages, often handling correspondence and communication. This course may be useful for Bilingual Secretaries who need to support German-speaking colleagues or clients. The course teaches how to read and write basic German, enabling secretaries to handle written communication. Learning to express oneself in basic real life dialogs will allow secretaries to answer phone calls and schedule appointments. This may allow them to meet the needs of the office and communicate with others.
Immigration Officer
An Immigration Officer interviews and processes individuals entering a country, often needing to communicate in multiple languages. This course can be helpful for Immigration Officers who encounter German-speaking individuals. The course focuses on understanding basic spoken German and communicating effectively in everyday situations, such as meeting people and asking about their background. Learning to read and write basic German may allow officers to process forms and documents more efficiently. This course may equip officers with the skills to handle initial interactions and gather essential information.
Flight Attendant
Flight Attendants ensure passenger safety and comfort during flights, often interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. This course may be useful for Flight Attendants who want to improve their ability to communicate with German-speaking passengers. The course's focus on mastering the A1 level provides a foundation for understanding basic requests and announcements. Learning skills to express oneself in basic real life dialogs will enable flight attendants to address passenger needs. This skill set may enhance the overall travel experience for German-speaking travelers.
ESL Teacher
An English as a Second Language Teacher instructs students in the English language, often working with students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This course may be beneficial for ESL Teachers interacting with German-speaking students. The course provides a foundational understanding of the challenges faced by beginner language learners, which can inform their teaching approach. By learning the A1 grammar with detailed explanations, ESL teachers can better understand the linguistic challenges their German-speaking students face. This may help them tailor their instruction to address specific learning needs and enhance the learning experience.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Complete German A1: Best Method for Beginners (A1.1, A1.2+).
Offers a collection of engaging short stories designed for beginner German learners. Each story is written with simple vocabulary and grammar, making it accessible and enjoyable to read. The book includes vocabulary lists and comprehension questions to aid understanding. It's more valuable as additional reading to expand vocabulary and improve reading comprehension skills. This book is commonly used by students to improve their reading skills.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the German language, covering essential grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It's particularly useful for beginners as it breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand explanations. While not a substitute for the course, it serves as a valuable supplementary resource for reinforcing learning. It can be used as a reference tool throughout the course.

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