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German for beginners: get ready to study in Germany

written by
Natasha Machado
10/7/2025
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5 min
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Are you thinking about studying in Germany but don't even know where to start with the language? Learning German can seem like an intimidating challenge, but with the right strategy and dedication, you can master the fundamentals necessary for your academic adventure. Germany offers high-quality education, exceptional professional opportunities, and the chance to live in one of the most prosperous economies in Europe.

The first step to realizing your dream of study and work in Germany is to build a solid foundation in the German language. With over 400,000 professional vacancies available and Brazilians among the highest paid in the country, there's never been a better time to prepare for this journey.

Why learning German is essential

While many German universities offer courses in English, mastering German significantly expands your opportunities. Language is not just a communication tool, but a bridge to German culture, traditions, and mentality. In addition, for many academic programs and professional opportunities, especially at public universities, proficiency in German is mandatory.

Understand How can learning German guarantee your place at universities in Germany it is essential for those seeking quality international training.

Advantages of speaking German in Germany:

  • Access to more academic and professional opportunities
  • Better social and cultural integration
  • Possibility to work in local companies
  • Easier to deal with everyday bureaucracies
  • Demonstration of commitment to the country and culture

First steps for beginners

Understand the structure of the language

German may seem complex at first, but it has clear and consistent rules. Unlike Portuguese, German has three genders (masculine, feminine, and neutral) and four grammatical cases that determine word endings. Don't worry — with practice, these rules become natural.

Key features:

  • Nouns always written with a capital letter
  • Compound words form new meanings
  • Different word order from Portuguese
  • More regular pronunciation than English

Start with the basics

Focus initially on essential vocabulary for everyday situations. Learn greetings, numbers, days of the week, colors, and words related to food, transportation, and housing. These bases will facilitate your initial adaptation in Germany.

Essential vocabulary to get started:

  • Compliments: Hallo (hello), Guten Tag (good afternoon), Auf Wiedersehen (bye)
  • Courtesy: Bitte (please), Danke (thank you), Entschuldigung (sorry)
  • Numbers: eins (one), zwei (two), drei (three)
  • Family: Familie (family), Mutter (mother), Vater (father)

Developing the four skills

Hearing comprehension

Start by listening to simple content in German, such as children's songs, podcasts for beginners, or educational videos. Gradually add German movies with German subtitles and newscasts. Constant exposure to spoken language naturally develops your understanding.

Oral expression

Practice from day one, even if it's just repeating words yourself. Use voice-recognition apps, join online conversation groups, or find language exchange partners. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - mistakes are a natural part of learning.

reading

Start with simple texts such as newspaper headlines, social media posts, or children's books. As you progress, move on to journal articles and literature. Reading expands vocabulary and familiarizes you with grammatical structures.

Written

Start by writing simple sentences about your day, then evolve to more complex paragraphs and texts. Keep a diary in German or write summaries of the content you consume. The practice of writing consolidates learning and reveals areas that need more attention.

Effective resources for learning German

Digital apps and platforms

Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Busuu offer structured courses that are perfect for beginners. They gamify learning and allow you to practice a few minutes daily. Use them as a complement, not as a sole source of study.

Audiovisual content

YouTube has excellent channels for learning German, such as “Deutsch für Euch” and “Learn German with Jenny”. Classic German films such as “Das Leben der Anderen” or contemporary series such as “Dark” provide cultural immersion along with linguistic learning.

Books and teaching materials

“Menschen” and “Netzwerk” are popular textbook series that follow the Common European Framework of Reference. They structure learning progressively and include practical exercises.

The importance of virtual immersion

As you prepare to travel, create an immersive environment at home. Set up your cell phone and computer in German, follow German profiles on social networks, and listen to German music. This constant exposure significantly accelerates learning.

Virtual immersion strategies:

  • Watch German news during breakfast
  • Listen to German podcasts during exercise
  • Read German news sites
  • Join German online communities about your hobbies

Specific preparation for academic studies

If you plan to study at a University abroad, familiarize yourself with specific academic vocabulary. Terms like “Vorlesung” (master class), “Seminar” (seminar) and “Prüfung” (test) will be part of your daily life. Research about best universities to study in Germany in 2025 will help you define specific objectives for your learning.

Essential academic vocabulary:

  • Universität - university
  • Student/Studentin - student (male/female)
  • Professor - teacher
  • Bibliothek - library
  • Stundenplan - class schedule

Certifications and proficiency levels

German follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), with levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). To study in Germany, a B2 or C1 level is usually required, depending on the course. Prepare for exams such as TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat.

Realistic learning schedule:

  • A1 (3-4 months): Basic everyday communication
  • A2 (6-8 months): Simple conversations about familiar topics
  • B1 (10-12 months): Communication about personal interests
  • B2 (15-18 months): Complex discussions and technical texts

Overcoming Common Challenges

The famous German cases

The four cases (Nominativ, Akkusativ, Dativ, Genitiv) scare many beginners. Learn them gradually through complete sentences, not as isolated rules. Over time, intuition develops naturally.

Long compound words

German allows you to create extremely long compound words. Learn how to break these words down into smaller components to understand their meaning. For example, “Krankenversicherung” = Kranken (illness) + Versicherung (insurance) = health insurance.

Pronunciation of ß and umlauts

Practice unique German sounds like ß (eszett) and umlauts (ä, ö, ü). These sounds don't exist in Portuguese, so taking specific time to practice them is essential.

Accelerate your learning with professional methodology

For those looking for faster and more consistent results, structured programs make all the difference. The traditional methodology of face-to-face courses is not always feasible for those who have a routine, running or specific objectives, such as immigrate to Germany.

Specialized online programs with native teachers and live classes can accelerate your progress up to 8 times compared to conventional methods. With 20-25 hours per week of structured study and immersion in international groups, it is possible to reach intermediate levels in just a few months. This intensive approach is especially effective for those who need certification for academic or professional processes in Germany.

Planning your academic journey

As you develop your language skills, start researching universities and programs that meet your interests. Germany offers everything from technical courses (Ausbildung) to doctoral programs at world-renowned institutions.

Popular areas of study among Brazilians:

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Medicine and health sciences
  • Business and administration
  • Social sciences and humanities

Visa preparation and documentation

As your German improves, begin to familiarize yourself with the requirements for student visa for Germany. The process may seem complex, but with proper preparation and appropriate language level, it becomes simpler.

Integrating culture into learning

Learning German goes beyond grammar and vocabulary - it's about discovering a new cultural perspective. Familiarize yourself with German traditions such as Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, and the importance of punctuality. This cultural understanding will facilitate your social integration.

Important cultural aspects:

  • Punctuality is valued above all else
  • Direct and frank communication
  • Respect for rules and procedures
  • Valuation of education and professional qualification
  • Work-life balance

Be Easy

Mastering German is essential to take advantage of all the opportunities that Germany offers, from free education to competitive salaries in the European market. A Be Easy not only guides your German educational journey, but also offers access to intensive online German programs with proven methodology, preparing you for the country's linguistic and cultural challenges. Get in touch with us! Our specialized team is ready to connect you to the best preparation options and fulfill your dream of studying in Germany with total security and personalized support.

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy