Course Content
Introduction to German Language and Culture
This module introduces the basics of the German language, including the alphabet, pronunciation, and common greetings. It also provides an overview of German-speaking countries and cultural norms to help students understand the language's context.
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German Alphabet and Pronunciation
00:00
Basic Greetings and Farewells
00:00
Introduction to German-speaking Countries and Culture
00:00
Basic Vocabulary and Expressions
Students learn essential vocabulary, including numbers, colors, family terms, and professions. Basic expressions for introducing oneself and asking personal questions are also covered, laying the groundwork for simple interactions.
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Numbers, Days, and Time
00:00
Basic Vocabulary – Colors, Family, and Professions
00:00
Personal Information
00:00
Grammar Fundamentals
This module covers foundational grammar concepts, such as nouns and articles, pronouns, and verb conjugations in the present tense. Students learn how to form simple sentences and questions, which are essential for creating meaningful communication.
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Nouns and Articles
00:00
Pronouns (Personal and Possessive)
00:00
Verbs: Present Tense and Conjugation
00:00
Basic Sentence Structure
00:00
Everyday Conversations
Here, students learn practical language skills for daily life, such as introducing oneself, discussing hobbies, ordering food, and asking for directions. The focus is on conversational phrases that are immediately useful for beginners.
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Introducing Yourself and Others
00:00
Talking about Hobbies and Interests
Shopping and Ordering Food
Asking for Directions and Getting Around
Listening and Reading Comprehension
This module focuses on developing comprehension skills through listening to simple dialogues and reading short texts. Students gain confidence in understanding spoken and written German in everyday contexts.
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Listening Practice – Simple Dialogues
Reading Practice – Short Texts
Review and Practice
In this final module, students review all vocabulary and grammar concepts covered in the course. Practice exercises, a final assessment, and conversational applications reinforce what they've learned and prepare them for real-world usage.
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Review Grammar and Vocabulary
Final Exam and Practical Applications
German A1 Course (Free)
About Lesson

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the German alphabet, special characters, and basic pronunciation rules. This foundation will help students feel confident reading and pronouncing German words.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  1. Recognize and pronounce each letter in the German alphabet.
  2. Understand the sounds of unique German characters, including Umlauts (ä, ö, ü) and the Eszett (ß).
  3. Apply basic pronunciation rules to read simple German words accurately.

Lesson Content

1. Introduction to the German Alphabet

The German alphabet has 26 letters, just like English. However, it includes additional sounds through special characters:

Letter Pronunciation Example Similar English Sound
A ah “a” in “father”
B beh “b” in “bat”
C tseh “ts” in “cats” (when used in “ch” sound)
D deh “d” in “dog”
E eh “e” in “bed”
F eff “f” in “fun”
G geh “g” in “go”
H hah “h” in “hat”
I ee “ee” in “see”
J yot “y” in “yes”
K kah “k” in “kite”
L ell “l” in “love”
M emm “m” in “man”
N enn “n” in “no”
O oh “o” in “go”
P peh “p” in “pen”
Q koo “q” in “quick”
R air Rolled or throaty “r”
S ess “s” in “sun”
T teh “t” in “top”
U oo “oo” in “boot”
V fow “f” in “find”
W veh “v” in “vase”
X iks “ks” in “fox”
Y üpsilon Similar to “ü” sound
Z tset “ts” in “cats”

2. Special Characters and Umlauts

  • Umlauts are specific to German and change the sound of the vowels. Umlauts include:
    • ä – pronounced like “e” in “bed”
    • ö – similar to the “ir” in “bird” (rounded sound)
    • ü – similar to the French “u” or “ue” in “blue” with lips rounded
  • Eszett (ß)
    • Pronounced like a sharp “s” (like in “hiss”). Commonly found in words like Straße (street).

3. Basic Pronunciation Rules

  • Vowels
    • Vowels in German are pronounced clearly and distinctly, without the gliding sound found in English vowels.
    • Examples:
      • A is “ah” (e.g., Auto)
      • E is “eh” (e.g., Essen)
      • I is “ee” (e.g., Igel)
  • Consonant Rules
    • ch – a soft, breathy “h” sound after vowels, as in ich (I) or a harder sound after “a,” “o,” and “u” as in Bach.
    • sch – pronounced like “sh” in “ship” (e.g., Schule).
    • sp and st – pronounced as “shp” and “sht” when at the start of words (e.g., Sport, Straße).
  • Consonants at the End of Words
    • Some consonants, such as d, g, and b, are softened at the end of words, sounding more like t, k, and p respectively (e.g., Abend is pronounced like “Abent”).

4. Practice Exercises

  • Exercise 1: Alphabet Pronunciation
    • Practice saying each letter aloud. Listen to audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing the German alphabet.
  • Exercise 2: Identify Sounds
    • Listen to words containing Umlauts (e.g., Mädchen, Bücher) and try to imitate the sounds.
  • Exercise 3: Pronunciation Practice
    • Practice reading short German words focusing on pronunciation rules (e.g., Auto, Haus, Straße, schön, ich).

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Pronouncing “V” as in English
    • In German, V is pronounced like an English “f” (e.g., Vater is “Fah-ter”).
  • Skipping the Throaty “R” Sound
    • German “R” sounds are often in the back of the throat, unlike the English “r.”

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learned the German alphabet, unique characters, and fundamental pronunciation rules. Through practice exercises, students can begin speaking German words with correct pronunciation, setting a solid foundation for further lessons.

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