Learning a new language can seem daunting, especially for beginners. Fortunately, series and films offer a fun and effective way to learn the basics of German while having fun at the same time. Whether you’re an HLV student or simply passionate about the German language, here’s a guide to choosing the best series and films to help you progress.
Why use TV series and films to learn German?
Series and films are excellent learning tools for several reasons:
- Cultural immersion: They expose you to German culture, helping you to understand local customs and expressions.
- Hearing improvement: You become familiar with the pronunciation, accents and rhythm of the German language.
- Contextual learning: dialogues in TV series and films help you learn vocabulary and phrases in context, making them easier to memorize.
Recommended series for beginners
- “Deutsch – Warum Nicht?”
This educational series, produced by Deutsche Welle, is specially designed for beginners. It follows the adventures of a journalist traveling around Germany. With short episodes and simple dialogues, it’s an excellent starting point. - “Tatort”
Although this detective series may contain more complex dialogue, it’s ideal for getting used to the German accent and intonations. The episodes are generally self-contained, making it easy to follow along even if you don’t understand everything from the start. - “Löwenzahn”
Aimed at children, this series is perfect for beginners. With educational episodes and simple language, it helps children learn German while discovering aspects of nature and everyday life in Germany.
Recommended films for beginners
- “Oh Boy, That’s Germany!”
This humorous film follows the adventures of a young man in Berlin. The language used is everyday, and the dialogues are often accompanied by German subtitles, making them easy to understand. - “Good Bye Lenin!”
This film deals with the fall of the Berlin Wall through the eyes of a young man. Although the theme is more complex, the language is accessible and the dialogues are clear, which is useful for beginners. - “Heidi”
Based on the famous children’s novel, this film is perfect for beginners thanks to its simple language and clear situations. It also offers a German-language immersion in Swiss landscapes and culture.
Tips for Maximizing Learning
- Use Subtitles: Start with French subtitles, then switch to German when you feel more comfortable.
- Take Notes: Write down unfamiliar words and phrases and look up their meaning.
- Train your Ear: Listen carefully to the dialogues and repeat them to improve your pronunciation.
Conclusion
Incorporating series and films into your German learning routine can transform your experience. Not only will you progress faster, but you’ll also enjoy the process. At HLV, we encourage you to use these tools to complement your courses and accelerate your mastery of German. For more information about our courses and services, including our study trips to Germany, please contact us.
