You know what they say: where there’s a will, there’s a way. And for every language that you would like to learn or brush up on, there’s definitely a podcast to suit your everyday needs.
The beauty of today’s technology is that you can take your learning with you, wherever you go, whatever you’re up to. So here are 10 podcasts designed to improve your German, regardless of what level you are.
via Radio Lingua
This podcast claims it can “spice up” your learning of the German language. It introduces you to various German idioms from a native speaker’s point of view.
via iTunes
“A little German can go a long way” is what German Survival Phrases claims. This podcast equips you with the basics for your next trip to Germany.
What’s so great about it: German Survival Phrasesis that tiny yet essential toiletries kit you can’t go anywhere without. If you are a beginner who wants to “travel light” or learn only what you need to know, this is the podcast for you.
Level: Beginner
Duration: 1-8 minutes per episode
Price: Free, PDF guides for Lessons 1-3 available for free download on their website
Where you can find it: (Other than their website) App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App
via iTunes
It’s safe to say that Dr Brians has got plans for you when it comes to learning German. His podcast and website contain an array of helpful resources for you to be able to hear, understand and speak German more fluently.
What’s so great about it: Dr Brians’s podcast can be used alongside other resources that focus more on reading and writing. Although the course is mostly technical, it also covers typical travel vocabulary.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Duration: 1-6 minutes per episode
Price: Free
Where you can find it: App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App, transcripts of the podcasts also available on Dr Brians’s website
via Podbay
GermanPod101 is a fun podcast that claims to be a breath of fresh air from your “dry, out of date textbook story lines”. It is a lively and enjoyable approach to learning German.
What’s so great about it: GermanPod101 updates its library with new lessons on a weekly basis.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Duration: 5-15 minutes per episode
Price: Free, paid subscription options available on their website
Where you can find it: App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App
via iTunes
Learn German by Podcast is the go-to podcast if you are a beginner but would like to level-up your fluency. Twenty episodes are available for you to challenge yourself with.
What’s so great about it: Learn German by Podcast is a comprehensive approach to learning that can be used by both learners and teachers of German.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Duration: Around 10 minutes per episode
Price: Free, lesson guides available for $30
Where you can find it: App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App, LGBP website
via iTunes
As part of an Open University course, Motive for learners of upper intermediate German is a one-off resource that exposes you to authentic material from native German speakers.
What’s so great about it: Although it is a one-off session, there’s no substitute for listening to material that touches on more advanced themes such as Germany’s demographics and social patterns. This podcast allows you to gauge how well you would do in a German classroom.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced, also for those who are preparing for education in Germany
Duration: 10 minutes
Price: Free
Where you can find it: App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App
via iTunes
Here’s one that is a major league player when it comes to German podcasts. The best part? To listen and learn from News in Slow German you don’t have to be fluent or have a huge vocabulary range.All you need is a curious ear and and a teachable heart.
What’s so great about it: It covers all aspects of language learning –from listening to pronunciation. Each session is spoken in super slow but realistic language and will definitely boost your understanding of everyday German phrases.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Duration: Around 8 minutes per session
Price: Free, paid subscription available on the Linguistica 360 website
Where you can find it: App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App, Linguistica 360 website
via iTunes
Food and drink lovers rejoice! There is a podcast tailor-made for German language learners who know what they want and want what they know.
What’s so great about it: Rundblick is another podcast created as part of an Open University course. It aims to increase your confidence when it comes to speaking and listening to German, drawing onthe theme of food and drinks. Seriously, what’s not to love about this podcast?
Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 minute per session
Price: Free
Where you can find it: App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App, Open University website
9. Slow German
via Podbean
Annik Rubens from Munich will slowly but surely guide you through the technicalities of the German language in this informal podcast.
What’s so great about it: Annik does not claim to be a teacher, but reviews have praised her relaxing voice and demeanor, claiming that the podcast has done wonders for their listening skills.
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 3-10 minutes each episode
Price: Free
Where you can find it: App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App
10. Wieso Nicht?
via iTunes
Last but perhaps most entertaining of all is Weiso Nicht, a podcast for advanced learners of German. This podcast cuts to the chase and takes you on a journey straight to the heart of Germany.
What’s so great about it: There is never a dull moment with Weiso Nicht, as the topics range from dentist trips to relationship crises.
Level: Advanced
Duration: Around 10 minutes per episode
Price: Free
Where you can find it: App Store, iTunes, Google Play Podcast App
There you have it. Ten podcasts, custom-madeto meet your daily needs. You don’t even have to pay full attention to what’s going on – sometimes just keeping it in the background does wonders for your listening skills. From beginner to advanced, there’s no reason for you not to hit “subscribe” and learn German while on the go.