Looking for podcasts to learn German?
The internet has brought us many new language learning tools, among which the podcast.
For those who have been living under a rock, a podcast is like a radio show, without the musical interruptions, and you decide when you listen to it.
Since the invention of podcasts, it has become a great favorite of both language instructors and language learners. Here’s why.
Why should I use podcasts to learn German?
• It’s made for language learners
Anyone can start a podcast, which means these days you have endless options when it comes to picking one out.
Besides picking one that is close to your interests, there are many podcasts out there that are made for language learners. This means they will focus on stories that will be interesting for foreigners, share a little bit of cultural information, and help you learn your target language.
Even within the category of language learning podcasts, you will find many different types focussing on different aspects of language learning, as well as different levels of language skills.
Whatever it is you are looking for, you’ll sure find one that matches your needs.
• Learn at your own speed
Literally.
The great thing about podcasts is being able to adjust the playback speed to be slower or faster than the regular speed. If things are going too fast, play it at 0.75x, but if a podcast is making a deliberate effort to speak clearly and you think you can handle a bit more speed, change it to 1.25x and really train your listening skills.
• Improve your pronunciation
The great thing about radio, audiobooks and podcasts is that because you are only listening, it really trains your ear to focus on the pronunciation.
Many times, a foreign accent is a result of your brain thinking certain letters that are written down should be pronounced a certain way. This can be because of your native language, or because the pronunciation of a word doesn’t always make sense with phonetic rules.
By solely focusing on the listening you are training your ears to hear past the written form of words, and simply hear the way native speakers are pronouncing them.
• You can do it anywhere, anytime
As long as you have your phone with you (and let’s be honest, that is pretty much always), you can put on a podcast and start the language learning.
Whether you are brushing your teeth, commuting to work or taking a deliberate moment to practice your language skills, your favorite podcasts are always available and ready.
• It’s free
Language learning isn’t just for those who can afford fancy language schools.
Podcasts are freely available across many platforms like Apple podcasts, Soundcloud or Spotify.
How can I use podcasts to learn German?
Okay, so we’ve gone over the why, but how exactly do you learn German with a podcast?
• Use lost time
One of my favorite things about podcasts is that because you are only listening, you can do it while doing something else.
Of course, to really take something in you need to pay some attention, but I used to listen to podcasts on my way to class, while walking the dog or even when I was cooking and cleaning.
It’s a great way to practice your language skills while doing something else, and taking advantage of the time you are already spending on another mindless activity.
This way, you don’t need extra hours in the day, you can simply use the ones you already have to squeeze in a little extra language learning.
• Create a habit
Building on the previous point:
If you have a daily commute, walk, or time dedicated for language learning – make it a daily or at least weekly habit.
Nothing will help your language skills unless you do it on a regular basis.
If you have a daily habit that you can use to listen to podcasts, you can easily create a new habit without having to change your current lifestyle. After all, habits are easier to keep up when integrated into your already existing routine.
• Listening practice
Listening is one of the most daunting aspects of language learning because it happens in real time.
Where an online chat conversation leaves time to think, or a quick Google Translate consultation, actual conversations happen in real-time, and if you have difficulty understanding spoken language, it can be a real struggle to have a conversation with a native speaker.
Podcasts offer you a safe space to practice your listening skills without having to answer back immediately. Unlike movies, you don’t have the visuals to help you understand context and meaning, but it is precisely the pure audio based learning that will help you master the skills of listening to an actual conversation.
• Cultural Context
Language and culture are two things that can not be separated. That is why many podcasts try to teach a language while talking about culture.
This is great, because it allows you to practice your skills, learn vocabulary that will be relevant when speaking to native speakers, and allows you to better understand the language as something beyond the rules of grammar.
Though it is great to be able to have a regular conversation about what your name is, how old you are and what your favorite color is, it is even better when you are able to reference a national holiday, or talk about music.
• Find something that matches your skills
There is no fun in listening to something you don’t understand because it’s way too complicated, or something that is too easy.
Not all language learning podcasts are alike, and neither are podcast listeners, so make sure you find one that matches your language skills as well as your interests.
• Write a review
Many podcasts are available for free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help the creators. Let them know what you think, and show off your language skills by writing a review in your target language.
• Focus on the pronunciation
Because it is purely audio-based, podcasts are a great way of improving your pronunciation.
Repeat a certain fragment and try to speak along.
Instead of listening for words, try listening for syllables. This will make it a lot easier to break down sounds and really get that native-like pronunciation.
Write down a phrase or paragraph, then record yourself saying it and compare it to the podcast recording. Comparing directly can help you pin-point and improve the areas you are struggling with the most.
• Look at the transcripts
Many podcasts these days offer a transcript of what is said. This allows you to read along, or refer back after you’re done listening to an episode.
This way you can easily see the spelling of new words, and look them up if you are unsure what they mean.
15 Spotify Podcasts for Learning German
1. Coffee Break German
Level: Beginner
The Coffee Break podcast is great for beginners and gradually progresses as you go. The hosts discuss lessons in English so you are not just thrown entirely off the deep end.
2. Learn German on Spotify
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Simple language learning tips for every episode that will surely help you learn German if you focus so well.
3. News in Slow German
Level: Intermediate
News in Slow German is one of the most effective resources for studying German.
The majority of the episodes are focused on current events, which are discussed in German at a slower pace. They also teach grammar and expressions by first using them in discussions naturally then explain them later on.
4. Slow German
Level: Intermediate
Just like News in Slow German, Slow German also teaches you by speaking at a slower pace so it is easy for you to follow along the lessons.
Start with the introductory lessons so you can easily learn basic words and work your way up to intermediate and more advanced episodes that include German history and culture as well.
5. Authentic German Learning Radio
Level: Intermediate
The Authentic German Learning Radio station brings you short, inspiring messages and nice German songs every morning to make it easier for you to learn German.
6. Marktplatz
Level: Intermediate
Marktplatz is a series which is intended for B2 learners and covers topics related to business and finance. If you are planning to work in a corporate position in Germany, this is a great podcast for you as it teaches useful words and cultural attitudes around work.
7. Weisst Du’s Schon?
Level: Intermediate
This podcast is meant to be for German-speaking children, but it is also very useful for language learners. These short episodes teach children about animals through riddles.
8. SBS German
Level: Advanced
Learn German through Spotify with this podcast that has news with over 120 episodes. This is great if you want to improve your listening skills while also learning about books your current events.
9. Elementarfragen
Level: Advanced
Episodes on Elementarfragen run between one and two hours.
The guests on this podcast talk about elementary questions in life, talking about topics related to science and politics.
This is an amazing podcast to learn German through Spotify and it is for those who intend to speak German in a professional or academic setting.
10. Methodisch Inkorrekt
Level: Advanced
Listen to two scientists who review and explain various scientific papers in a very understandable way. This is a great podcast to learn German if you are interested science and academics
11. Zeitsprung
Level: Intermediate
A history podcast where one of the two hosts tell a short story about history to the other host. It has a conversational feel since the other host has never heard of the story before, so he will be asking questions which keeps the conversation loose and very interesting.
12. Fest und Flauschig
Level: Advanced
This is one of the most popular podcasts on Spotify. They have new episodes every week filled with humor, current affairs, and relaxed conversation.
13. Das sagt man so!
Level: Intermediate
This podcast has over 50 episodes available, each one focussing on language learning through expressions and stories.
14. Schmutzige Geschäfte
Level: Advanced
Podcast about white collar crime stories. This is a translation of an English show, Swindled, which is actually good if you are looking for something to practice German on.
15. Die blaue Stunde
Level: Advanced
Die blaue Stunde is an amazing podcast hosted by a guy who does monologues about random stuff which are entertaining and relaxing.