Learn German

Berliner Dom

Whether you're looking to pick up a few useful phrases before you go on holiday or want to become more than just another tourist. To get more out of your travel it helps to know a few phrases.

But doesn't everyone speaks English?

No! Especailly if you're going off the beaten track. A winning smile and hand gestures will usually get you by, but if you were never very good at charades it always helps to be prepared.

Rocket Languages

Rocket German offers a free six day trial introducting you to basic German. We've tried it, and particularly like this program because it has been designed to be effective and easy-to-follow. It's interactive and useful for complete beginners and those who want to improve their existing skills. It's completely free, all you need to do is register your email address! You won't get spammed or have your details passed on to third parties. If you find that the Rocket German free trial has worked for you and want to learn more, then you can always upgrade to the complete course.

Go to Rocket German

Rocket German

"I have been traveling around Europe and have been practicing my German extensively while I have been in Germany and Switzerland. Rocket German has certainly helped me I have found that I am ordering food and coffee with no problem at all. One of the best things is that the locals want to talk to me and find out what I am up to so I am finding a whole bunch of new experiences and great people!! Finding my way round the post office and ordering wine (everyone leaves me to do it!) have made me the person other travelers turn to for getting stuff!"

Gavin Prendergast WASHINGTON, U.S.A.

Vacation Essentials

Hello Gutten tag Goodbye auf Wiedersehen Please Bitte Thank you Danke Where Wo My name is... Ich heiße ... Excuse me entschuldigung How much Was kostet ...? Yes Ja No Nine Leave me alone Dejame solo Do you speak English? Sprechen sie Englisch? I don't understand

Ich verstehe Sie nicht (you)

Ich verstehe das nicht (this)

Rosetta Stone

A well-known name in the the world of language learning. The main difference with this product is that it immerses you in the language, no explanations and no definitions. We found jumping at the deep end a little disconcerting but got used to the style after a few tries.

This is not a quick vacation fix, and should probably be for someone who is serious about spending both time and money onlearning a language. This is reflected in the very expensive price tag. Go to Rosetta Stone

Michel Thomas

We also like Michel Thomas for his unconventional teaching style, no books or homework and hypnotic voice. Listen to him teaching other people and pick it up from there. Michel Thomas believes "there's no such thing as a bad student--just a bad teacher".

It's a little on the pricey side and there's no free trial to see if this type of learning style suits you. He does however, have cheaper introductory courses, but if you want to go any further you're going to have to shell out. Go to Michel Thomas at Amazon.com