German language app?

[Deleted User]

In an attempt to learn a little German, I've installed the Duolingo App.

It's not bad, but it seems to be mostly the written word, whereas I want to learn to speak it, rather than write it.

Can someone recommend a free app, that teaches more speaking, and less reading?

Fightsback

Give memrise a go.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.memrise.android.memrisecompanion&hl=en_GB

[Deleted User]

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

Molillie

Hi, Bob, I use Duolingo, and watch Easy German on Youtube. Short interviews on a range of topics, with subtitles in German and English. I also like Tatort, the very long running police series, particularly the Muenster ones, which are a kind of comedy, there are lots of these on Youtube. BBC courses are also good, although they are archived now, as the department seems to have been cut completely. Have a look on their site for the best level for you. In our area the age limit for U3A has been dropped, and German is taught by native speakers. The group I go to has some younger shift-workers who come as often as they can. (Courses are always in the daytime) Hope this helps.

[Deleted User]

Excuse the ignorance, but what's U3A?

hans_2

University of the Third Age

Molillie

Hi, Bob, sorry, I should have explained the U3A reference, check it for your area if you do have any free time during the day. The classes don't compete with Adult Education, and vary between areas, if you do find a suitable group, you'll need to join the organisation, usually a fee for the year, in this area around £40.00. For that I get three German classes, two with native speakers. They local groups can be very different in what they are able to offer, a mix of local supply and demand. We are going on our second short trip to Germany as a group in May, which is great as a way of really using the language.

[Deleted User]

Molillie wrote: »

check it for your area if you do have any free time during the day.

Unfortunately, I don't have any free time during the day, on weekdays.

My only free time is in the evenings, Monday to Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday.

forestwn6

U3A £10 pa up in the N West

Molillie

Hello Forest, £10 is a bargain, serves me right for moving to the south coast. Not complaining, though, as still an amazing organisation at the local price.

Bob, I should have mentioned meetup dot com if you search for it in your area there may be language groups meeting. We have a local Spanish one which meets fortnightly in a pub. People wanting to improve their conversational language skills. I haven't checked for German ones, and it would depend on your own area. That costs what you spend in the pub. I have friends who have arranged language exchanges via Gumtree, too. Obviously much easier in an area where there are a lot of speakers of the language you want, and better when you get more advanced, basically arranging to meet and chat, helping with English in exchange for their help. One friend meets a German engineer who wishes to sound a bit less "stiff" If you don't get on, or life gets busy, this can fizzle out, but everything helps.