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- 1). Make a commitment. In order to become fluent in a second language you will need to practice and study every day. Even consistently dedicating 15 minutes to practicing each day will help your brain reinforce the connection to the language.
- 2
Use every opportunity to practice the language.Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
Put your electronic devices to work. There are a number of learning methods that can be used to build your proficiency in the language. Take advantage of software programs, applications and online tools to help you become familiar with the vocabulary. If you own an MP3 device, swap time listening to music with time listening to German translation and vocabulary-building podcasts. - 3). Set fluency goals. If you are working with German language study aids, set a goal for how many lessons you plan to complete every week. Do all you can to stick to your goal and reward yourself when you have met your goal. If you are enrolled in a German language course, combine your class work with additional practice. Go above and beyond what is required in the course syllabus.
- 4). Take the baby approach. Even if your pronunciation is off and verb conjugation is driving you nuts, speak as much as you can. It may seem like you are babbling, but with time your words will come together and your pronunciation will improve. When speaking to or watching native German speakers watch their gestures and mimic their pronunciations.
- 5). Expose yourself to the language and culture every chance you get. Find movies and music in German. Even movies with subtitles in English will help train your ear to become accustomed to the sounds and inflections of the language.
- 6). Write it down. After engaging in conversations or learning new words, jot down what you remembered hearing but did not understand. Refer to your German-English dictionary and look up the words. Make an attempt to put the conversation back together in your mind and apply what you have learned. Your list of words can double as a handy reference guide.
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