Discover the German Language

Deutsch lernen ist kein Zuckerschlecken!

Learning German is no piece of cake!

About the German Language

German isn’t just spoken—it’s lived. With roots stretching deeper than Europe’s history and a spirit that unites diversity, German is unique, versatile, and vibrant.

Spoken in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond, German carries the soul of people who’ve preserved their language through centuries. Standard German, colloquial slang, and dialects like Bavarian and Swabian—one language, many voices.

Its alphabet boasts 26 letters plus umlauts (Ä, Ö, Ü) and the ß. Its words resonate with history. And in every greeting, there’s Herzlichkeit—the warmth that connects us.

German unites. German inspires. German welcomes.

Why Learn German?

Learning German opens doors to a vibrant culture steeped in history, music, and tradition. Here’s why it’s worth your time:

• Connect with People: Saying Hallo or Servus builds instant bonds with Germans, known for their hospitality and warmth.
• Explore Heritage: From Goethe’s poetry to modern literature, German unlocks a rich tapestry of stories and traditions.
• Travel with Ease: Navigate Bavaria’s Alps or Berlin’s streets confidently, using phrases like Wie geht’s? to spark conversations.
• Unique Challenge: With umlauts (Ä, Ö, Ü) and dialects like Bavarian or Swabian, German offers a rewarding puzzle for language enthusiasts.
• Global Community: Join a worldwide community speaking German across Europe and beyond, sharing Herzlichkeit through language.

Whether you’re drawn to the rhythm of German folk songs or the chance to greet someone with Guten Tag, learning German is a journey of connection and discovery.

The German Alphabet

A

/aː/

Apfel /ˈap.fəl/ (apple)

Like "father" in English

Ä

/ɛː/

Ärger /ˈɛʁ.ɡɐ/ (anger)

Like "care" in English

B

/b/

Buch /buːx/ (book)

Like "boy" in English

C

/ts/

Cello /ˈtʃɛ.lo/ (cello)

Like "cats" in English

D

/d/

Dach /dax/ (roof)

Like "dog" in English

E

/eː/

Esel /ˈeː.zəl/ (donkey)

Like "say" in English

F

/f/

Fisch /fɪʃ/ (fish)

Like "fish" in English

G

/ɡ/

Gans /ɡans/ (goose)

Like "go" in English

H

/h/

Haus /haʊs/ (house)

Like "hat" in English

I

/iː/

Igel /ˈiː.ɡəl/ (hedgehog)

Like "see" in English

J

/j/

Ja /jaː/ (yes)

Like "yes" in English

K

/k/

Katz /kats/ (cat)

Like "cat" in English

L

/l/

Lampe /ˈlam.pə/ (lamp)

Like "love" in English

M

/m/

Maus /maʊs/ (mouse)

Like "man" in English

N

/n/

Nase /ˈnaː.zə/ (nose)

Like "no" in English

O

/oː/

Ofen /ˈoː.fən/ (oven)

Like "core" in English

Ö

/øː/

Öl /øːl/ (oil)

Like French "peu"

P

/p/

Pferd /pfɛʁt/ (horse)

Like "pen" in English

Q

/k/

Quelle /ˈkʋɛ.lə/ (source)

Like "quick" in English

R

/ʁ/

Rose /ˈʁoː.zə/ (rose)

Like guttural "r" in French

S

/s/

Sonne /ˈzɔ.nə/ (sun)

Like "sun" in English

ß

/s/

Fuß /fuːs/ (foot)

Like "ss" in "hiss"

T

/t/

Tisch /tɪʃ/ (table)

Like "top" in English

U

/uː/

Uhr /uːʁ/ (clock)

Like "moon" in English

Ü

/yː/

Über /ˈyː.bɐ/ (over)

Like French "tu"

V

/f/

Vogel /ˈfoː.ɡəl/ (bird)

Like "fish" in English

W

/v/

Wasser /ˈva.sɐ/ (water)

Like "voice" in English

X

/ks/

Xylophon /ksyː.loˈfoːn/ (xylophone)

Like "box" in English

Y

/yː/

Yoga /ˈjoː.ɡa/ (yoga)

Like "see" in English

Z

/ts/

Zebra /ˈtseː.bʁa/ (zebra)

Like "cats" in English

Explore German culture and language with curiosity and joy!

Learn German: A Dialectal Journey

Learning Units

Unit 1: Hello! Unit 2: Introductions and Small Talk Unit 3: At the Market Unit 4: At the Café Unit 5: Travel and Directions Unit 6: Family and Relationships Unit 7: Work and Professions Unit 8: Hobbies and Leisure Unit 9: At Home Unit 10: Health and Wellness Unit 11: Talking About Time and Seasons Unit 12: Festivals and Celebrations Unit 13: Advanced Conversations Unit 14: German Idioms