18 May, 2024

Learning German in Germany as an adult (part 1)

Welcome to the first post in a series that will explore the challenge of learning German as an adult in Germany. In this series, I'll discuss the shortcomings of the current system of language training programs before exploring strategies you can adopt to learn a basic command of German more effectively.

To learn a new language quickly, you need to focus on two areas: passive language and active language. Passive language skills are like the part of an iceberg beneath the water, while active language skills are the visible tip of the iceberg above the water.

Passive language skills involve understanding the language without actively using it. This includes listening and reading comprehension. For example, recognizing vocabulary, understanding grammar rules, and processing spoken and written texts are all passive skills. These skills form the foundation of language learning, providing the necessary input that helps learners understand the language structure and usage.

On the other hand, active language skills involve the actual use of the language in speaking and writing. These skills are essential for communication and involve constructing sentences, expressing thoughts, and engaging in conversations. Active skills require practice and interaction, which helps reinforce and solidify passive language knowledge.

The way most language schools teach German as a second language is often unsuccessful. These schools focus on teaching students how to speak German "properly," much like the traditional methods used in schools for learning foreign languages. They believe that to learn a language, you have to expand that area under the water as much as possible before attempting to develop your speaking skills.
 
Unfortunately, the language training programs are generally only four months long, which is not enough time to build strong passive language skills, especially if there is little focus or opportunity for developing active language skills. The training programs are four months long, five days a week and usually five hours daily. The teachers work through one textbook after another throughout this time, focusing on getting the students to pass their next language exam.

Most language lessons follow an outdated formula. In a typical 45-minute lesson, 30‑35 minutes are spent listening to the teacher work through the exercises with the students. This leaves only 10-15 minutes for the students to participate in role-play exercises or practice general conversation. This means that each student might only get a chance to speak for 1-2 minutes per lesson or 5-10 minutes a day.

Language schools are required to teach German this way due to constraints placed on them by agencies paying them to teach immigrants German (e.g., the unemployment agency). The school focuses on gaining recognition and proper compensation from the agencies. They employ trained teachers, use standard textbooks, and follow set learning plans that comply with industry standards. They are concerned with doing what everyone is doing and not whether the students leave the program being able to speak German.
 
They need to prepare their students to pass exams because the success of the programs lies in their students' passing rates. The students fear the exams because they often need them for resident and work visas. So, they attend the classes, acutely aware that their spoken German is not improving and in a steady state of frustration on how slow they are in understanding German grammar rules. While the language school methods are not inherently bad, they are not the most effective or efficient for most adults wanting to understand and speak German in day-to-day situations.
 
If the schools were allocated more time or resources, they could adopt a blended approach. They could assign more preparation and homework to students, allowing classroom time to focus on active learning through group exercises and role-playing games.

By understanding how you can balance your efforts between acquiring passive and active language skills, you can begin to explore more effective ways to learn German as an adult in Germany. Future posts will delve into these strategies, helping you navigate the journey of mastering a new language. 

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