Ep 69 Why is German So Difficult - or is it?

Ep 69 Why is German So Difficult - or is it?

🎧 Episode 69: Why is German so difficult – or is it? In this episode, Better German Podcast, Susi takes a closer look at one of the most common beliefs about learning German: that it’s “very difficult.” But is that actually true—or just something many learners have come to believe? You’ll explore what makes German objectively more challenging than some languages (especially for English speakers), but also why it’s far from the hardest language out there. More importantly, this episode focuses on what really creates difficulty when learning—and how you can change that. 🎧 Better German Podcast+ — Exclusive Podcast & Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] 🌏 Get early access to exclusive episodes, all podcast resources in one place, and the chance to ask questions and more!👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] There’s also a free version if you just want to get started.  🎓Interested in Taking a Course? - Free Placement Exam: [https://bluemel.formaloo.me/15stiz]Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program, and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials, and combine self-study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test]  🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode * Why German is considered “medium difficulty” for English speakers * The real reason German feels harder than languages like Spanish or Italian * How cases (der, die, das) and flexible word order work * Why pronunciation in German is actually more consistent than in English * A surprising advantage: German has fewer tenses in everyday speech * Why some languages are objectively harder than German * The difference between objective difficulty and your personal experience * The two main reasons why learning can feel “too hard” * How to recognize when your learning method isn’t working * Why missing steps—not lack of talent—cause frustration * How step-by-step learning makes German manageable (and even easy) 💡 Key idea from this episode If something feels very difficult, it usually doesn’t mean you can’t learn it. It means: * either the method isn’t right * or a step is missing When learning is structured correctly, every step should feel doable. 🔗 Links & Resources * Foreign Service Institute Levels of Difficulty https://www.touristsecrets.com/travel-tips/foreign-service-institute-language-difficulty-rankings/ [https://www.touristsecrets.com/travel-tips/foreign-service-institute-language-difficulty-rankings/] * 🚀 Get Talking German (Course): https://bettergerman.info/course [https://bettergerman.info/course] * 🧪 Placement Test: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test] * 👥 Better German Community (free & premium): https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] * 🎧 Related Episode: https://bettergerman.info/4 [https://bettergerman.info/4] Episode 4 – How to Actually Learn German 📌 You may also like * How to Actually Learn German (Ep 4) * German Cases Explained (Podcast series) * Pronunciation-focused episodes with repeat-after-me practice ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? If this episode helped you rethink how difficult German really is, leaving a review is a great way to support the podcast and help more learners find it. 🎧 Better German Podcast+ - Exclusive Podcast and Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] Early access exclusive PLUS content via your own private feed, all podcast resources in one place, ask questions and more. Free version is available if you just want to get started. 👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] 🧭 Want to Take a Course? – Free Placement Exam [https://bettergerman.info/test] Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials and combine self study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉 Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test] 🎓 Free Live Workshop | https://bettergerman.info/workshop [https://bettergerman.info/workshop] 🌐 Website | https://bettergerman.info [https://bettergerman.info] ▶️ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/ [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 🎵 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@susibettergerman [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 📌 Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman [https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman] ✉️ Contact | podcast@bettergerman.info [podcast@bettergerman.info] 🎙 Start from Episode 1 | https://bettergerman.info/1 [https://bettergerman.info/1] ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? A quick review or share helps more people find the podcast.

68 Entertainment Activities in German

What would you do for fun in a German-speaking country?   In this episode, you’ll learn the most useful German words for entertainment — from concerts and opera to cafés, markets, and more — so you can understand what’s happening around you and actually take part in it.  Whether you’re visiting, living there, or planning to move, these are the words you’ll see everywhere.  🎧 Better German Podcast+ — Exclusive Podcast & Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] 🌏 Get early access to exclusive episodes, all podcast resources in one place, and the chance to ask questions and more!👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] There’s also a free version if you just want to get started.  🎓Interested in Taking a Course? - Free Placement Exam: [https://bluemel.formaloo.me/15stiz]Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program, and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials, and combine self-study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test]  🔑 What You'll Learn in this Episode  * How to say common entertainment activities in German * The difference between opera (Oper), operetta (Operette), and musicals (Musical) * How German and Austrian cities structure their entertainment culture * What to expect when attending events like opera or musicals (including subtitles) * The difference between everyday places (cinema, café, market) and cultural venues (theater, opera) * How to recognize and talk about local spots like markets, coffee houses, and parks * Subtle cultural tips (like when to avoid tourist-heavy cafés and what locals actually do) 🎧 Better German Podcast+ - Exclusive Podcast and Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] Early access exclusive PLUS content via your own private feed, all podcast resources in one place, ask questions and more. Free version is available if you just want to get started. 👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] 🧭 Want to Take a Course? – Free Placement Exam [https://bettergerman.info/test] Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials and combine self study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉 Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test] 🎓 Free Live Workshop | https://bettergerman.info/workshop [https://bettergerman.info/workshop] 🌐 Website | https://bettergerman.info [https://bettergerman.info] ▶️ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/ [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 🎵 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@susibettergerman [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 📌 Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman [https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman] ✉️ Contact | podcast@bettergerman.info [podcast@bettergerman.info] 🎙 Start from Episode 1 | https://bettergerman.info/1 [https://bettergerman.info/1] ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? A quick review or share helps more people find the podcast.

67 How to Say "Would like" in German

How would you say, "would like..." in German?🤔 If you want to say things like "I would like a coffee," or "I would like to go swimming," in German, then this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to use one of the most useful verbs in everyday German: möchten - English, "would like."  This is a key building block for speaking naturally, whether you’re ordering food, making plans, or saying what you want. It’s a strong foundation to improve your spoken German.  🌍 Join the Better German Podcast + Exclusive Podcast and Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] Get access to extra resources, ask questions, and go deeper with your German:  👉 https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community]  Free community version available if you just want to get started. 🎓Interested in Taking a Course? - Free Placement Exam: [https://bluemel.formaloo.me/15stiz]Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program, and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials, and combine self-study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test]  🔑 What You'll Learn in this Episode * How to use möchten to say what you want  * How to say “I would like…” with things and actions * How to ask questions like “Would you like…?” * How to say “I don’t want…” using kein and nicht * The difference between kein / keine / keinen (made simple)  🎧Mentioned in this episode * Learn about der, die, das (Articles) in Episode 5 👉 https://bettergerman.info/5 [https://bettergerman.info/5] * Start from the beginning (Episode 1- Recommended for beginners)👉 https://bettergerman.info/1 [https://bettergerman.info/1] 🎧 Better German Podcast+ - Exclusive Podcast and Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] Early access exclusive PLUS content via your own private feed, all podcast resources in one place, ask questions and more. Free version is available if you just want to get started. 👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] 🧭 Want to Take a Course? – Free Placement Exam [https://bettergerman.info/test] Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials and combine self study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉 Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test] 🎓 Free Live Workshop | https://bettergerman.info/workshop [https://bettergerman.info/workshop] 🌐 Website | https://bettergerman.info [https://bettergerman.info] ▶️ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/ [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 🎵 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@susibettergerman [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 📌 Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman [https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman] ✉️ Contact | podcast@bettergerman.info [podcast@bettergerman.info] 🎙 Start from Episode 1 | https://bettergerman.info/1 [https://bettergerman.info/1] ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? A quick review or share helps more people find the podcast.

66 Why People Study German Many Years Without Success

Why People Study German for Years Without Success Have you been learning German for a long time—but still don’t feel confident speaking? In this episode, we look at why this happens and what most learners don’t realize about how German is usually taught. Whether you’ve already struggled or you’re just getting started, this will help you see things differently. 🎧 Better German Podcast+ - Exclusive Podcast and Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] Early access exclusive PLUS content via your own private feed, all podcast resources in one place, ask questions and more. Free version is available if you just want to get started. 👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] 🧭 Want to Take a Course? – Free Placement Exam [https://bettergerman.info/test] Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials and combine self study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉 Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test] What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why some learners study German for years without real results * What’s missing in most German courses * A common mistake that prevents people from speaking * Why traditional learning approaches often fail * What actually needs to happen to make progress You May Also Like these Episodes How to Actually Learn German 👉 https://bettergerman.info/4 [https://bettergerman.info/4] German Levels Made Simple 👉 https://bettergerman.info/39 [https://bettergerman.info/39] How Long Does It Take to Learn German? 👉 https://bettergerman.info/29 [https://bettergerman.info/29] Stop Forgetting German Words 👉 https://bettergerman.info/48 [https://bettergerman.info/48] Good Habits to Learn German 👉 https://bettergerman.info/54 [https://bettergerman.info/54] How Not to Get Discouraged When Learning German (Part 1 & 2) 👉 https://bettergerman.info/55 [https://bettergerman.info/55] 👉 https://bettergerman.info/56 [https://bettergerman.info/55] If this episode helped you, share it with someone who is learning German. 🎧 Better German Podcast+ - Exclusive Podcast and Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] Early access exclusive PLUS content via your own private feed, all podcast resources in one place, ask questions and more. Free version is available if you just want to get started. 👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] 🧭 Want to Take a Course? – Free Placement Exam [https://bettergerman.info/test] Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials and combine self study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉 Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test] 🎓 Free Live Workshop | https://bettergerman.info/workshop [https://bettergerman.info/workshop] 🌐 Website | https://bettergerman.info [https://bettergerman.info] ▶️ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/ [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 🎵 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@susibettergerman [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 📌 Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman [https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman] ✉️ Contact | podcast@bettergerman.info [podcast@bettergerman.info] 🎙 Start from Episode 1 | https://bettergerman.info/1 [https://bettergerman.info/1] ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? A quick review or share helps more people find the podcast.

65 German Weather Words for Everyday Use

🌤️ German Weather Words You’ll Actually Use Talking about the weather is one of the easiest ways to start speaking German — and in this episode, you’ll learn the core words and simple sentence patterns to do exactly that. From “the sun is shining” to “it’s raining right now”, I break it down step by step so you can start forming your own sentences immediately. 🎧 Better German Podcast+ [https://community.besser-lernen.at/] (referred to as "VIP") in the episode Get early access to new episodes and exclusive PLUS content you won’t hear in the public podcast — delivered directly to your podcast app via your own private feed, plus you have a community environment! Inside the Podcast+ Community [https://community.besser-lernen.at/], you also get all podcast resources in one place and a space to ask questions and actually use what you’re learning. A free version is available if you just want to get started. 👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://community.besser-lernen.at/] 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode * The most essential German weather words (sun, rain, wind, clouds, and more) * Key descriptive words like hot, cold, wet, dry * Simple sentence patterns you can use with the weather words instantly * Workable word and sentence practice tips * How to say “there is / there are” in German (e.g., “Es gibt viel Wind” = “there is a lot of wind” and “Es gibt viele Wolken” = “there are many clouds”) * How to say what’s happening right now in German — without “-ing” (e.g., “It rains” instead of “It’s raining”) 🎧Mentioned in this episode ➝ Episode 64 — How to Actually Practice Words [https://bettergerman.info/64] If you want to remember and use the words from this episode, go back and listen to Episode 64. It shows you how to turn vocabulary into real speaking. 🔗 Full Transcript & Episode Page 👉 bettergerman.info/65 [https://bettergerman.info/65] 🎧 Better German Podcast+ - Exclusive Podcast and Community [https://bettergerman.info/community] Early access exclusive PLUS content via your own private feed, all podcast resources in one place, ask questions and more. Free version is available if you just want to get started. 👉 Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community [https://bettergerman.info/community] 🧭 Want to Take a Course? – Free Placement Exam [https://bettergerman.info/test] Free Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials and combine self study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. 👉 Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test [https://bettergerman.info/test] 🎓 Free Live Workshop | https://bettergerman.info/workshop [https://bettergerman.info/workshop] 🌐 Website | https://bettergerman.info [https://bettergerman.info] ▶️ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/ [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 🎵 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@susibettergerman [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/] 📌 Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman [https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman] ✉️ Contact | podcast@bettergerman.info [podcast@bettergerman.info] 🎙 Start from Episode 1 | https://bettergerman.info/1 [https://bettergerman.info/1] ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? A quick review or share helps more people find the podcast.