Shows
Better German PodcastEpisode 39 - Restart and ConversationIf traditional courses left you confused or frustrated, you’ll love our approach. The Better German Community is all about understanding, not just memorizing—and it’s made for real learners like you.Thinking about learning German with support?📚🤓Book a free first session to get your personalized program and a feel for the method. No pressure—just a clear path based on where you’re at.IntroductionWelcome back to the Better German podcast! In this episode, Susi Blümel returns after a short break to share exciting news about the launch of the Better German Community—...2024-11-2120 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 38 - German Word List Family MembersYou can also connect, practice, and learn together—join the Better German Community. Are You Also Interested in Taking a Course?📚🤓Start by booking a free appointment. You’ll fill out a short questionnaire, get a personalized learning plan, and we’ll do your first lesson together.IntroductionWhen you meet new people and talk to them, family could be a subject discussed soon. So our word list of 25 German words (father, mother, brother...) will come in handy! Learn by repetition - and don't forget to download your word list and illustration here or by joining t...2024-06-1615 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 37 - Introducation to German CasesIf you’ve felt lost trying to learn German, you’re not alone. In the Better German Community, we skip the unnecessary rules and help you truly get the language—step by step, no stress.Want a learning plan that actually fits you?📚🔎Start with a free appointment. I’ll take a look at your goals and level, and we’ll walk through your first personalized lesson together.SummaryWelcome to the third and final part of our series on German cases! In this episode, we delved deep into how prepositions determine German cases and covered spec...2024-05-3014 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 36 - Introduction to German Cases Part 2Want to learn German without worrying about cases? Come learn with us inside the Better German Community.Want a learning plan that actually fits you?🤓Start with a free appointment. I’ll take a look at your goals and level, and we’ll walk through your first personalized lesson together.SummaryIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel continues her mini-series on cases in the German language. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cases, while also acknowledging the challenges they may pose to beginners. Susi breaks down the four cases in German - nominative, genitiv...2024-05-1513 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 35 - Introduction to German Cases Part 1If traditional courses left you confused or frustrated, you’ll love our approach. The Better German Community is all about understanding, not just memorizing—and it’s made for real learners like you.Want to know what course fits you best?📚You can book a free appointment, fill out a short survey, and I’ll guide you through a plan that makes sense for your level and goals.SummaryIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel introduces the concept of German cases, known as "Fälle" in German. She explains that cases are different fo...2024-05-0910 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 34 -Words for Travelling in Germany or AustriaBetter yet, you can join the Better German Community for this and other episodes' PDF worksheets with wordlists you can use for practice!Interested in taking a course?Start by booking a free appointment. You’ll fill out a short questionnaire, get a personalized learning plan, and we’ll do your first lesson together.SummaryIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel covers essential German words for travelers in German-speaking countries, some of them particularly valid for Austria and Vienna. She discusses words related to accommodation, supermarkets, transportation, shopping, emergency services, and leisure acti...2024-05-0224 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 33 - Introduction to Informal and Formal Communication in GermanEnjoyed this episode? Take the next step and join the Better German Community for live lessons, resources, and friendly help! Also, want to know what course fits you best?📚You can book a free appointment, fill out a short survey, and I’ll guide you through a plan that makes sense for your level and goals.SummaryThis episode of the Better German Podcast introduces the topic of formal and informal communication in German, explaining the differences in usage when addressing different individuals. It provides examples of how the forms change based on the level...2024-04-2508 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 32 Uncommon German Vocabulary: gerne, gell etc.Have more questions or want to practice your German? Hop into the Better German Community and connect with others! Plus, you get access to our PDF worksheets and wordlist, which you can use for practice!And if you are Curious about coursesBook a short, free appointment, and Susi will create a personalized plan for you. We’ll also go through your first lesson so you can see how the method works.SummaryIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel takes you on a journey through some typical German words that you mi...2024-04-1817 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 31 - The Sound of MusicIf you want more than just podcast tips? Join the Better German Community for live classes, Q&As, and more! You'll also get access to PDF worksheets and wordlists from previous episodes, which you can use to practice!Thinking about learning German with support?📚Book a Free First Session to get your personalized program and a feel for the method. No pressure—just a clear path based on where you’re at.SummaryIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel shares her perspective as an Austrian on the iconic movie "The Sound of Music."...2024-04-1110 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 30 - To Be in GermanThe good news is that you don’t need to memorize thousands of words or master endless grammar rules. In the Better German Community, we teach German in a clear, simple way—so it actually works. Want to take a step further and have a learning plan that actually fits you?🤔Start with a free appointment. I’ll take a look at your goals and level, and we’ll walk through your first personalized lesson together.SummaryWelcome to the Better German podcast! In this 30th episode, we delve into the forms of the English wor...2024-04-0422 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 29 - How Long Does it Take to Learn GermanIf you enjoyed this episode? Take the next step and join the Better German Community.Want a learning plan that actually fits you?🤔Start with a free appointment. I’ll take a look at your goals and level, and we’ll walk through your first personalized lesson together.SummaryIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel dives into the intriguing question of how long it takes to learn German. Drawing from her own experiences and insights, she provides a detailed breakdown of the hours required for beginners to progress from basic conversational skills to more...2024-03-2811 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 28 - How Much Practice do We Need when Learning GermanHave questions or want to practice your German? Hop into the Better German Community and connect with others! You also get access to our PDF worksheets and wordlist you can use for practice.🤓Thinking about learning German with support?🤓Book a free first session to get your personalized program and a feel for the method. No pressure—just a clear path based on where you’re at.SummaryIn this episode of the Better German Podcast, Susi Blumel discusses the importance of practice in learning the German language. She emphasizes the need for a balance between theory and...2024-03-2012 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 27 - Introduction to Parts of Speech for Learning GermanSummaryIn this episode of the Better German podcast, host Susi Blumel covers the most important parts of speech in the German language. She explains the functions and usage of nouns, articles, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections, offering examples in both English and German. Susi emphasizes the practical approach to learning German and the importance of understanding these parts of speech in order to navigate the language effectively. She also hints at upcoming German courses for different levels of learners.Key Topics and Bullet PointsPrimary topic: Introduction to Parts of Speech...2024-03-1327 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 26 - I, you, he, she, it... in GermanSummaryIn this episode of the Better German podcast, host Susie Blumel explains how to use personal pronouns in German. She covers the direct translations of "I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they" in German and explains the importance of matching pronouns to the gender of nouns in German. Additionally, she touches on the use of different pronouns based on formal or familiar relationships in the language.Key Topics Explored🔎Primary Topic: Personal Pronouns in GermanIntroduction to personal pronounsDefinition of personal pronounsUse of personal pronouns in reference to per...2024-03-0711 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 25 - Guide to Learn German NounsSummaryIn this episode of the Better German Podcast, host Susie Blumel provides a beginner's guide to learning German nouns. She explains the importance of focusing on nouns when starting to learn a language and outlines the essential information that should be learned for each noun. Susie emphasizes the significance of understanding and using the articles that go with nouns, as well as the importance of practicing using the words in sentences to truly retain them. Listeners will gain practical tips and strategies for effectively learning and retaining German nouns, setting a strong foundation for their language learning journey.2024-02-2919 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 24 - Tips to Learn to Speak GermanSummaryIn this episode of Better German, Susi Blumel addresses the common issue many language learners face: being able to understand a language but struggling to speak it. She dives into the traditional approach to language teaching and the importance of speaking in order to truly learn a language. Susi shares practical tips on how to start speaking German early in your learning journey, emphasizing the significance of communication over grammar perfection. Using real-life examples and her own teaching approach, she encourages listeners to prioritize speaking and provides guidance on how to practice speaking from the beginning. Tune in...2024-02-1516 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 23 - Practice German Plural with Learned WordsSummary:Welcome to the Better German podcast. In this episode, Susi Blumel continues the discussion on forming plurals in German. She provides a brief overview of the previous episode's content and suggests listening to relevant past episodes for more context. Additionally, she announces the availability of a beginner's course for sale and encourages listeners to watch the video version of this episode for added learning. Susi then guides the audience through practicing plural forms of words related to technology and everyday items. Finally, she shares where to find the podcast and additional materials. Join us as we improve our...2024-02-0813 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 22 - Introduction to the German PluralSummary:In this episode of the Better German Podcast, Susi Blumel introduces you to the concept of German plural nouns. She explains that in German, the formation of plurals is more varied than in English, with no single rule to follow. Susi demonstrates some of the different ways plurals are formed and provides examples using words from previous episodes. She reassures listeners that while learning plural forms may seem daunting, there are only a few common ways to form them. Coming up in the next episode, Suse will provide practice in forming plural nouns. Finally, she teases an upcoming...2024-02-0119 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 21 - Introduction to the Differences of Austrian and German GermanIn this episode of the Better German Podcast, we give you an overview of the regional variations of the German language, specifically the differences between Austrian German and German German. We are looking at differences between spoken and written German, drawing parallels to the differences between British English and American English. You will get recommendations on how to deal with regional versions vs standard German and how that affects your learning. Be prepared for some personal experiences and tune in to gain valuable insights into understanding and mastering the diverse linguistic landscape of the German language.Key Topics...2024-01-2517 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 20 - Easy Sentences in German - What is that? That is a _______.IntroductionIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel presents a useful sentence pattern that will come in handy for German learners: "What is that? That is a...." She suggests that beginners should start with earlier episodes if they are new to the German language (see links below). Susi breaks down the sentence pattern, offering clear pronunciation and translations for listeners to learn and repeat. Susi encourages listeners to master the sentence pattern before progressing to new material.Susi also shares practical tips for immersive learning, highlighting the benefits of practicing with a partner and...2024-01-1826 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 19 - Introduction to German Levels and ExamsIn this episode of Better German, Susi Blumel explains the levels of proficiency (skill in understanding and using the language) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which is used by most schools and official places for language courses and exams. She discusses A1 to C2 levels and clarifies what each level means in terms of communication abilities. Susi emphasizes the importance of truly learning German, rather than just passing exams, and shares insights based on her teaching experience. She also provides information about exams necessary for visas and citizenship in Austria. Key Topics and Bullet...2024-01-1123 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 18 - Introduction to the German AlphabetSummaryIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel introduces the German alphabet, guiding listeners through the pronunciation of each letter and emphasizing the importance of practice. She explains additional letters, vowel sounds, and specific letter combinations in German, providing examples and encouragement for language learners. Susi highlights the value of articulating words correctly and reveals a second part focusing on vowels and pronunciation. She invites listeners to download a free PDF with further materials which they can get by simply joining the Better German Community.Timestamps00:00 Download the alphabet worksheet or PDF from bettergerman.info.2024-01-0436 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 17 - Why Pay for a German CourseSummaryIn this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel addresses an important question: "Why pay for a German course when there are free resources available, such as YouTube?" Susi shares her insights on the value of paid courses, like the expertise and infrastructure they offer, but also points out when a free offer is just right for you. We are looking at how to accelerate your progress in learning German.Understanding the Benefits of Paid Language Courses and Free Content: A Better German Podcast EpisodeKey Points Explored🔎Key Points that paid courses offerAdvantages of free material on YouT...2023-12-2809 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 16 - Festivals and Holidays in Austria in Winter Part 2Austrian Winter Festivals: Christmas Markets, Snowy Days, and New Year's CelebrationsIn this episode of the Better German podcast, Susi Blümel explores the varied festivals and holidays celebrated in Austria, specifically Vienna, from autumn through to New Year. She paints a vivid picture of the beloved Christmas markets in Vienna, filled with arts, traditional items, and a variety of food and drinks. Susi provides insight into the weather during this time, from the rarity of snow to the typical temperatures experienced, as well as sharing a personal experience of a romantic snowy day at a renowned Christmas market. Sh...2023-12-1428 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 15 - Introduction to Capitalization (big letters) in GermanBasic Rules for Capitalization in German: What Words to Write with Big LettersIn this episode, Susi covers the basic rules of capitalization in the German language. She explains which words are written with a big letter at the beginning and provides examples to help you understand the concept. If you've ever been puzzled by when to capitalize words in German, this episode is just what you need! Stay tuned for future episodes where Susie will delve into holidays, the German alphabet, and more. Primary Topic: Introduction to Better German PodcastSusie Blumel introduces the Better German podcast...2023-12-0711 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 14 - Introduction to Watching Movies to Learn GermanKey Topics Explored🔎Primary Topic: Watching German Movies and TV Shows with Subtitles to Help Learn GermanImportance of Watching Movies and Shows with Subtitles for Learning GermanRecommendations for Watching German Movies and TV Shows with SubtitlesAmazon Prime RecommendationsNetflix RecommendationsDisney Plus RecommendationsYouTube RecommendationsSuggestions and Tips for Watching German Movies and TV Shows with SubtitlesFreebies and Additional Resources for Finding German Movies and TV Shows with SubtitlesAccess to an Interactive German Movie GuideAdvice on When to Start Watching Movies and Shows with Subtitles Based on German Proficiency LevelPrimary Topic: Detailed Recommendations for German Content on Various Streaming PlatformsGerman Content on Amazon Pri...2023-11-3021 min
Better German PodcastEpisode 13 - Festivals in Autumn and Winter in Austria and GermanySummary:In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel speaks about the festivals and holidays in the autumn and winter seasons. She discusses the public holidays in Austria, including the unique traditions of Allerheiligen (All Saints’ Day) and Matinstag (St. Martin’s Day). The episode also explores the interesting customs of Lantern-making, the colourful Carnival season, and the extravagant Ball season in Vienna. Blumel also shines a spotlight on Halloween and the emergence of Christmas markets. Additionally, she teases the upcoming episodes focused on watching movies to learn German. The episode is filled with culture and personal experiences, making it an...2023-11-2335 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 12 - Learn German Words about an Office or ClassroomSummaryIn this episode, Susi Blumel provides an audio version of a lesson from her beginner German course, covering a word list of objects commonly found in classrooms or offices. The purpose of the episode is to help listeners learn and practice the pronunciation of these words. Key Points Covered in the Episode: Introduction to the word list of objects found in a classroom or office. Explanation of the upcoming Total Beginner German Course "A1.1" and its beta access. Practical instructions for using the lesson well and taking small steps to practice each word. Providing insights into the differences betwee...2023-11-1618 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 11 - My 7 Favourite Tips to Learn GermanSummaryIn this episode, Susi Blumel shares her 7 favourite tips for learning German. Whether you're following a German course or learning German through her podcast, these tips will enhance your learning experience and help you improve your German language skills. From finding a language partner to focusing on learning new words and practising them, to watching German movies with subtitles, Susi provides practical advice to make your language learning journey more effective and enjoyable!Curious about courses? 🤔Book a short, free appointment and I’ll create a personalized plan for you. We’ll also go through your fi...2023-11-0913 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 10 - Greeting and Introduction Part 2SummaryIn this episode of the Better German podcast, host Susi Blümel teaches German phrases around the themes of greeting and introducing. This episode, being the second part, does not dive into individual word meanings but provides translations and extra information on usage and context. Certain uniquely Austrian sayings are discussed, and the host encourages repetition for practice. Thinking about learning German with support?🤓Book a free first session to get your personalized program and a feel for the method. No pressure—just a clear path based on where you’re at.Key Topics Explored...2023-11-0215 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 9 - Greeting and Introducing Yourself in GermanLooking for a learning plan that actually fits you?Start with a free appointment. I’ll take a look at your goals and level, and we’ll walk through your first personalized lesson together!Also, check out our introductory course- Online Beginner German Course (A1.1) - Introductory PriceSummaryIn this episode of the Better German podcast, host Susi Blumel focuses on greetings and introducing oneself in German. She provides listeners with essential phrases and vocabulary to confidently say hello and introduce themselves. Susi also discusses the informal and formal forms of address in Germ...2023-10-2616 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 8 - How Much Grammar Do We Need?Thinking about learning German with support?Book a free first session to get your personalized program and a feel for the method. No pressure—just a clear path based on where you’re at.Key Points ExploredComparison of language learning experiences in German-speaking and English-speaking areasImportance of learning words and suggested number of words for day-to-day languageFocus on sentence patterns for quick generation of correct sentencesSeeking help from native speakers to improve language skillsEmphasizing communication over perfect grammarLearning German without being a geniusImportance of correct approach, course, and methodEncouragement for those finding it difficultNegative impact of too much gram...2023-10-1211 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 7 - Your First Sentences in German!Want to know what course fits you best?You can Book a Free Appointment, fill out a short survey, and I’ll guide you through a plan that makes sense for your level and goals. You can also;Check out our Online Beginner German Course (A1.1) straight away!And, don't forget to jump into the Better German Community and grab this and other episodes' PDF worksheets!Key Episode TopicsPrimary Topic: Sentence PatternsIntroducing the concept of sentence patterns in GermanDefinition of sentence patterns and their importance in learning grammarTeaching grammar through sentence pa...2023-10-0523 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 6 Wordlist Body PartsSummary In this episode, Susi Blümel introduces a basic German vocabulary list focused on body parts, emphasizing correct pronunciation and article usage ("der", "die", "das") for each noun. She guides learners through repetition exercises, encouraging active participation by speaking out loud, ideally with a partner. Susi also explains subtle pronunciation tips (like the softening of "r") and clarifies how to use the accompanying word list, which is available for free via her website. The episode sets the stage for the next one, where listeners will learn how to form sentences using the vocabulary they've just practiced. W...2023-09-2818 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 5 Introduction to ArticlesSummaryIn this episode, Susi Blumel introduces the concept of articles in the German language. She explains the importance of understanding articles, particularly for nouns, and emphasizes the need to learn the gendered articles "der", "die", and "das" along with the nouns they accompany. She stresses the significance of this understanding in forming correct sentences in German and offers insights on how to learn and practice using articles effectively. Susi also mentions upcoming episodes that will provide further examples and tips on learning articles and nouns in the German language.Thinking about learning German with support?...2023-09-2112 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 4 Introduction to Learning GermanSummaryWelcome to Episode 4 of the Better German podcast! In today's episode, titled "Intro Lesson," our host Susi Blümel will dive into her unique approach to teaching German and why it's different from traditional methods. Originally created as a video lesson, this episode is a summary of Susi's teaching style, providing you with valuable insights on how to effectively learn German or any language. Susi emphasizes the importance of speaking practice, the flaws in traditional language classes, and the power of learning through repetition and sentence patterns. Get ready to discover a new perspective on learning German and g...2023-09-1412 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 2 Reasons to Learn GermanSummary: In this episode of the Better German podcast, host Susi discusses the reasons why learning German is beneficial. She emphasizes that while living in a German-speaking country may seem like an obvious reason, there are other factors to consider. Speaking German enables deeper communication with locals, enhances cultural experiences, and improves job prospects, especially in Austria, where bilingual positions are available. Additionally, learning German opens up opportunities for travel and studying in Austria. Susi highlights the importance of language proficiency for navigating official matters and advises starting language learning early for university studies. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights i...2023-09-1421 minBetter German PodcastEpisode 3 Key Words about Learning GermanSummaryIn this episode, Susi Blumel discusses key terms related to learning German. She emphasizes the importance of finding a course that suits your language needs and provides essential German vocabulary for beginners, including course-related terms, placement exams, curriculum and language levels. She also introduces key aspects of German grammar, such as parts of speech like Nomen (noun), Artikel (article), Adjektiv (adjective), and Geschlecht (gender).Interested in taking a course?Start by booking a free appointment. You’ll fill out a short questionnaire, get a personalized learning plan, and we’ll do your first lesson together.Bull...2023-09-1424 min
Better German PodcastBetter German Episode 1Summary:In this episode of the Better German podcast, host Susi discusses the reasons why learning German is beneficial. She emphasizes that while living in a German-speaking country may seem like an obvious reason, there are other factors to consider. Speaking German enables deeper communication with locals, enhances cultural experiences, and improves job prospects, especially in Austria, where bilingual positions are available. Additionally, learning German opens up opportunities for travel and studying in Austria. Susi highlights the importance of language proficiency for navigating official matters and advises starting language learning early for university studies. Overall, this episode provides...2023-09-0709 min