I’m a math/CS major who hopes to go in cryptography. I also have an interest in foreign languages (especially Romance languages) and am intrigued by linguistics.
I have to fulfill a 4-semester foreign language requirement at my university but don’t really have room to take a course. I am a heritage speaker for German and I placed into 4th semester German at my University, however, I don’t think I could pass the course if I took it since my German spelling, reading, and grammar are horrible. The person that administered the test said I could probably pass out of German if I learned the grammar on my own, but I am finding difficulty in doing so. I have particular issues with verb conjugations and determining gender of nouns, which is limiting my progress.
I’m currently using Duolingo to learn German and I don’t like the way its designed for German (which is odd, since I haven’t had a problem with it for French and Italian). Are there any sources or online courses you guys recommend that are really great for learning German? I’d prefer if they were free but I’d consider low cost courses too. I think I need something structured in order to succeed at this.
Thanks for any advice you have.
Note: I posted this in the foreign language forum originally, but that forum doesn’t appear to be very active.
I’ve used them in the past and they require some self-motivation. There’s multiple programs available for each language, so if one’s not fit for you, you may try another. I like the FSI courses because many of the languages available have FAST or Headstart courses where someone actually talks and explains the material to you. The books are also available and it’s expected that you read through it while listening to the tapes.
@mommdc Thank you! This will be good practice and help in improving my skills!
Unfortunately, I can’t due study abroad in Germany, since this summer I plan on doing an internship and next summer I’ll be doing summer research. Also because I’m a double major, double minor, if I study abroad during the school year, I won’t graduate on time. Although I’ve had several of my relatives in Germany offer to host me.
I decided to take the fourth semester german course next semester after speaking to the professor (had to wiggle around my four-year plan a little). She thinks it’ll be difficult at first but that I’ll be able to do it. I’m going to have to study hard over winter break though and my mother will be helping me.
The Goethe Institut is the official German educational provider of Germany that operates around the world and online. While not free, it has materials and methods proven to prepare students to pass the various official proficiency exams offered by Germany that are recognized everywhere. Here is a link to their online programs: http://www.goethe.de/lrn/prj/fer/enindex.htm?wt_sc=distancelearning
