Better German Podcast

Summary In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel continues her mini-series on cases in the German language. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cases, while also acknowledging the challenges they may pose to beginners. Susi breaks down the four cases in German - nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative - providing a brief explanation of each and offering insights into their usage. She also hints at a cheat sheet for a clearer understanding of cases and invites listeners to sign up for the newsletter to stay updated. In the next episode, she promises to delve into how specific prepositions in German correspond to different cases. If you're struggling with German cases, this episode is a must-listen! Key Points Primary Topic: Introduction to Cases - Importance of understanding cases in learning German - Recognition of challenges for beginners when encountering cases - Overview of different types of cases in the German language Primary Topic: The 4 Cases in German   - Nominative case (basic form, naming the subject)   - Genitive case (possession, something belonging to or with someone)   - Dative case (used when an action goes over to something, after the verb)   - Accusative case (used for the object of the sentence) Primary Topic: Learning Sequence of Cases   - Suggested learning sequence for cases in German language   - Discussion of learning priorities for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students Primary Topic: Determining the Case to be Used   - Understanding what determines which case is used   - Emphasis on the accusative case as the most frequently used case Primary Topic: Verbs and Cases   - Relation between verbs and cases    - Focus on how most verbs use the accusative case Primary Topic: Prepositions and Cases   - Discussion of how each preposition requires a specific case   - Explanation of the relationship between prepositions and cases Primary Topic: Introduction to German Beginners Course   - Reference to a German beginners course as an alternative approach to learning the German language   - Emphasis on simplified language learning approach without extensive use of grammar rules The podcast episode provides a detailed overview of cases in the German language, including the identification of each case, the learning sequence, determining the case to be used, the relationship between verbs and cases, as well as the impact of prepositions on cases. Additionally, it presents an alternative approach to learning German through a specific beginners course. Links Podcast Episode 5 - Introduction to German Articles [https://podcast.bettergerman.info/episode/better-german-podcast-episode-5-introduction-to-articles] Podcast Episode 27 - Introduction to Parts of Speech in German (Worarten) [https://podcast.bettergerman.info/episode/episode-27-introduction-to-parts-of-speech-for-learning-german]Appointment for free consultation and placement [https://bettergerman.trafft.com/] Online Beginner German Course (A1.1) [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] Here you can get early access to the upcoming A1.1 (total beginner) German course. [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast. I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter [https://bettergerman.info/newsletter]. Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered! And watch out for the next episode - I publish a new one every Thursday.

Summary In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel introduces the concept of German cases, known as "Fälle" in German. She explains that cases are different forms that certain words (articles, adjectives, nouns, and pronouns) take based on their function in a sentence. Using examples, she illustrates how cases affect sentence structure and meaning in comparison to languages without cases. Susi emphasizes that this is the first part of a short series on German cases and suggests listening to previous episodes for foundational knowledge. She concludes by mentioning that the next episode will delve into the different cases and invites listeners to explore the Better German Academy for additional language-learning resources. Tune in for a clear and straightforward introduction to German cases, designed to help learners understand and navigate this essential aspect of the German language. Key Topics and Bullet Points Primary Topic: Introduction to German Cases - Explanation of what cases are and why they are needed - Decision to make the episode into a short series due to complexity - Advice for complete beginners to put a pin on it and come back later - Suggestions to listen to specific episodes before diving into cases - Introduction to Articles and Parts of Speech episodes recommended for further understanding - Explanation of how cases work in German and other languages - Explanation of the words affected by cases: articles, adjectives, nouns, and pronouns - Summary of cases as different forms that words take based on their function in a sentence - Comparison of word order in languages without cases to the use of cases in German - Conclusion of the episode and announcement of the next episode covering different cases - Promotion of the Better German Academy as an alternative way to learn German with less focus on grammar and more practice Links Podcast Episode 5 - Introduction to German Articles [https://podcast.bettergerman.info/episode/better-german-podcast-episode-5-introduction-to-articles] Podcast Episode 27 - Introduction to Parts of Speech in German (Worarten) [https://podcast.bettergerman.info/episode/episode-27-introduction-to-parts-of-speech-for-learning-german]Appointment for free consultation and placement [https://bettergerman.trafft.com/] Online Beginner German Course (A1.1) [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] Here you can get early access to the upcoming A1.1 (total beginner) German course. [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast. I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter [https://bettergerman.info/newsletter]. Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered! And watch out for the next episode - I publish a new one every Thursday.

Summary In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel covers essential German words for travelers in German-speaking countries, some of them particularly valid for Austria and Vienna. She discusses words related to accommodation, supermarkets, transportation, shopping, emergency services, and leisure activities. Susi emphasizes the importance of understanding differences in travel culture, such as hotel pricing and opening hours of shops. She also offers insights into the local food experience at Gasthaus, and she briefly mentions the availability of English movies in Viennese cinemas. Additionally, Susie previews her upcoming German for Traveling course, offering listeners a sneak peek at the content in this future course. Key Topics and Bullet Points Primary Topic: Introduction - Host introduces the episode on traveling to German-speaking countries - Emphasizes the importance of learning specific words for traveling to Austria or Vienna Primary Topic: Accommodation - Defines "Zimmer zu vermieten" as "rooms to rent" in rural areas of Austria - Explains the meaning of "hotel" and "Pension" - Details pricing structure for hotels and Pensionen in Austria and Germany - Mentions inclusion of breakfast in hotel and Pensionen prices - Defines "Einzelzimmer" and explains additional costs for single occupancy - Describes "Doppelzimmer" as a double room in hotels Primary Topic: Supermarkets and Shopping - Explains the presence of supermarkets in Austria and provides names of some supermarkets - Clarifies the different opening times for supermarkets and shops in Austria - Discusses the names of supermarkets and drug stores in Austria - Defines "Apotheke" as "pharmacy," describing their opening times and emergency options Primary Topic: Public Transport - Highlights the quality and affordability of public transport in Austria, with a focus on Vienna - Provides vocabulary for different modes of public transport including "Straßenbahn," "Zug," and "Bahnhof" - Introduces the words "Lift" for elevator and "Rolltreppe" for escalator Primary Topic: Leisure and Entertainment - Mentions the availability of English movies in Vienna's cinemas - Describes the amusement park "Prater" in Vienna - Provides vocabulary related to driving such as "Flughafen" for airport, "Parkplatz" for parking place, and "Mietwagen" for rental car - Covers vocabulary for outdoor swimming areas and opening times in Vienna Primary Topic: Food and Dining - Details the meaning of "Gasthaus" as a guest house where local food is served, emphasizing the availability of 2-course meals - Introduces "Speisekarte" as the menu and "Mittagsmenü" as the lunch special - Includes vocabulary related to food delivery such as "Lieferservice" Primary Topic: Conclusion and Invitation - Host highlights the importance of addressing specific words for traveling - Encourages the audience to provide feedback and expresses willingness to cover more topics in the future Links - PDF with the words covered in the episode [https://bettergerman.info/words-for-tourists-travelling-in-germany-and-austria/] - Appointment for free consultation and placement [https://bettergerman.trafft.com/] - Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level. [https://bettergerman.info/interactive-movie-guide/] - YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German] - Here you can find all episode published so far [https://podcast.bettergerman.info/index] - Subscribe to the Newsletter [https://bettergerman.info/newsletter] - Listen to the Podcast [applewebdata://BA5CADC4-AFCB-491F-9D13-C434B9C3A093/podcast.bettergerman.info] - Online Beginner German Course (A1.1) [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] Here you can get early access to the upcoming A1.1 (total beginner) German course. [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast. I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter [https://bettergerman.info/newsletter]. Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered! And watch out for the next episode - I publish a new one every Thursday.

Summary This episode of the Better German Podcast introduces the topic of formal and informal communication in German, explaining the differences in usage when addressing different individuals. It provides examples of how the forms change based on the level of formality and emphasizes the importance of understanding these variations in communication. The episode also offers translations and comparisons between informal and formal phrases in German. Topics and Bullet Points Primary Topic: Introduction to formal and informal communication in German - Different forms of communication in German - Informal communication with friends, family, and like-minded individuals in casual settings - Formal communication in business or professional settings - Usage of formal and informal forms becoming normal in various contexts Primary Topic: Forms of communication in German - Comparison to the forms for "to be" in English - Discussion of different forms of addressing "you" in German - Implications for native English speakers learning German Primary Topic: Usage of informal and formal forms - Informal form usage with friends, peers, and family members - Personal preference for informal forms in communication - Philosophy and considerations around choosing informal forms - Similarity of formal "you" to the plural form in German Primary Topic: Examples of informal and formal communication in German - Examples of informal and formal phrases and questions - Translation and usage of informal and formal language in various contexts Primary Topic: Understanding formal communication in German - Discussion and examples of formal communication using "Sie" for "you" - Translation of sentences from informal to formal communication - Usage of formal forms with singular and plural persons - Contextual understanding and implications of formal communication Primary Topic: Summary and conclusion - Recap of formal and informal forms of communication in German - Encouragement to share the episode with others - Invitation to join an online German course Primary Topic: Podcast outro - Thanking the listeners for their time - Encouragement to share the podcast - Invitation to join the online German course - Farewell to the listeners Links                               - Episode 30 "to be" in German [https://bettergerman.info/30] - Appointment for free consultation and placement [https://bettergerman.trafft.com/] - Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level. [https://bettergerman.info/interactive-movie-guide/] - YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German] - Here you can find all episode published so far [https://podcast.bettergerman.info/index] - Subscribe to the Newsletter [https://bettergerman.info/newsletter] - Listen to the Podcast [applewebdata://89E2819E-C927-4D19-908B-3339FDB72FC8/podcast.bettergerman.info] - Online Beginner German Course (A1.1) [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] Here you can get early access to the upcoming A1.1 (total beginner) German course. [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast. I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter [https://bettergerman.info/newsletter]. Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered! And watch out for the next episode - I publish a new one every Thursday.

Summary In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel takes you on a journey through some typical German words that you might not find in a textbook. These words are often used in spoken German and carry unique meanings that don't have direct translations. Susi goes into the nuances of words like "eh," "gell" and "na," shedding light on their various uses and regional distinctions, such as in Austrian dialects. She also provides a glimpse into the upcoming Better German Academy, where listeners can explore specialized courses, including those focused on small but impactful words like the ones discussed in this episode. Susi's passion for teaching German and her commitment to providing valuable learning resources shine through in this engaging and informative episode. So, join us as we uncover the richness of the German language and discover new words to add to your linguistic repertoire. Key Topics and Bullet Points Primary Topic: Introduction to Typical German Words - Host explains the purpose of the episode: to teach listeners about typical German words that are commonly used in spoken German but may not be found in textbooks - Explains that these words do not have easy literal translations and are used in various contexts Primary Topic: Word "eh" - Host provides examples of how "eh" is used in German - Explains different meanings and usage of the word "eh" in various contexts Primary Topic: Word "jö" - Host discusses the usage and meaning of "jö" in spoken German - Provides examples of when to use "jö" in conversations and its significance Primary Topic: Word "gell" - Host explains the meaning and usage of "gell" in spoken German - Discusses how "gell" is added to sentences to emphasize or seek verification - Mentions its colloquial usage in the southern region Primary Topic: Word "na" & "naja" - Host explores the multiple meanings of "na" and its usage in different contexts - Elaborates on how "naja" conveys agreement, skepticism, and hesitation - Mentions its colloquial usage in expressing dissatisfaction Primary Topic: Word "gerne" - Host discusses the usage and meaning of "gerne" in German - Provides examples of how "gerne" is used to express preferences and desires and is how you say that you       like to do something. Primary Topic: Better German Academy - Host introduces the Better German Academy as a resource for German language learning - Describes the various courses, materials, and resources available in the academy - Explains the development of the academy and its purpose in providing comprehensive learning materials for German learners Primary Topic: Conclusion - Host wraps up the episode and encourages feedback from listeners - Expresses willingness to cover more episodes on similar topics based on audience interests Links - Appointment for free consultation and placement [https://bettergerman.trafft.com/] - Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level. [https://bettergerman.info/interactive-movie-guide/] - YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German] - Here you can find all episode published so far [https://podcast.bettergerman.info/index] - Subscribe to the Newsletter [https://bettergerman.info/newsletter] - Listen to the Podcast [applewebdata://4189483B-EEC6-4AF2-B971-235F4E2C6E2F/podcast.bettergerman.info] - Online Beginner German Course (A1.1) [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] Here you can get early access to the upcoming A1.1 (total beginner) German course. [https://better-german.onlinecoursehost.com/courses/a1-1] I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast. I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter [https://bettergerman.info/newsletter]. Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered! And watch out for the next episode - I publish a new one every Thursday.