So you want to learn German but aren't sure where to start? There are so many big companies and learning blogs who all say they are the fastest way to effectively learn a language, but a lost of them are run by language experts who have already learned the language themselves and can't offer much in the way of helping beginners. That's where Golden German comes in to! Golden German was created for language learners, by a language learner! I (the author) am currently teaching myself German and as I learn, I share what I found helpful on this website!
Golden German was created as a Gold Scout Gold Award. My job, as the author and creator, is to research these organizations and blogs and share which ones are helpful and I create some of my own materials to fill in the gaps. This way, you are exposed to a handful of sources all in one place.
Viel Glück!
I think the best place to start when learning a language is with the alphabet. Not only does the alphabet help you learn what letters to expect to see and use while writing, but memorizing the German alphabet song is really crucial to being able to pronounce words properly by sounding them out. When I come across a long, complicated German word (the German language is known for its long, complicated words), it really helps me a lot to know how each letter is properly pronounced and then to slowly sound out the word until you get it right! Use the Google Slideshow of the German alphabet and a YouTube video of the German alphabet song to gain this skill.
After you have memorized the German alphabet song, you can use the rest of the website at whatever pace you need. I would start reviewing vocab decks to start a foundation of what sounds and words you will see, then start grammar lessons to start using some of those words in proper sentences. The culture section can be accessed at any point in your language learning as it does not rely heavily on speaking and writing German.
Golden German's articles on the German Language and culture are divided into three sections found by clicking on the three horizontal bars found in the upper left corner of your screen. The three sections contain the following:
Vocabulary: The Vocabulary section contains flashcards for various categories of Vocabulary words. I use Quizlet to make my decks and the username is golden_german if you want to look at vocab directly from there. Each deck of cards is a different topic of Vocabulary and includes nouns and unconjugated verbs.
Grammar: The Grammar section contains verb conjugations, sentence structure, and other elements needed in properly reading and writing a language. With most sections of Grammar learning, I have included a short quiz to test your application of the points made in the article (I have made each of the Google Forms quizzes but don't worry, I can't see your email).
Culture: The Culture section is a very broad section containing German recipes, traditions in each German speaking country, German holidays, and parts of their vernacular language such as idioms and slang.
If you have a Duolingo account, I encourage you to join my Duolingo Classroom! The Classroom will track your progress as you complete German lessons and you can compete with other users of this website to see who can study the most!
Follow these instructions to join:
The Link: https://www.duolingo.com/o/bfwkhw
The Code: B F W K H W
Also: take a look at this Google Slideshow for more helpful apps!
Here is an article about helpful things to avoid when beginning to learn German!
I really hope some part of my website helped you! Just a reminder that all the activities on here are completed anonymously. That means that even if you are signed into a program I will not be able to see your name so please take advantage of all the activities I have included!
Good luck continuing your German education!