Some Tips for Caregivers on Learning the German Language
It is not easy to advise on how to learn a foreign language, as each of us learns best in our own way, but if someone decides to learn a foreign language independently, they certainly have their specific reasons or motivation. There are many ways to learn German.
Online Courses
http://www.langmaster.com/lmcom/com/web/sk-sk/pages/kurz-nemciny-zadarmo.aspx
http://www.operka.sk/index.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnfUOvwMvzQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8mjwMPmA8w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A3HEBmyOPM
http://www.ako-sa-naucit-skor.com/stroj-na-jazyky.html
Books and Textbooks
Another option to start with the German language for caregivers is to purchase or borrow a book.
Even though we live in a technical age, no one should lack a classic dictionary in their basic equipment. I definitely do not recommend relying on quick translation dictionaries or the dictionary itself with pre-made phrases, or assuming that you will learn it immediately in the country.
You can find the websites of online bookstores yourself and also in your city. We include some:
http://www.martinus.sk/?uItem=53570
http://www.martinus.sk/?uMod=list&uTyp=search&uQ=Nemciona+polopate
http://www.martinus.sk/?uMod=list&uTyp=search&uQ=Worterbuch
If you dare, you can search on German forums for a German person who would be willing to write with you, or even talk with you, say via Skype. You will be surprised at how willing Germans are in this regard. Both of you will learn a lot and have a lot of fun correcting mistakes… ;)
here is an example http://www.deutsch-als-fremdsprache.de/austausch/forum/index.php
Now we will give you a few final tips:
- In the early phase of language learning, it is very important and essential to listen and gain a feel for the language. Since we do not study anything in this phase, we are not distracted by translation or grammatical rules, because this is the fun part that should introduce us to the language. The feeling itself is best acquired through practice in a German-speaking country. If we do not have such an opportunity, we can gain it through television, online videos, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks. You can listen to them in the car or while doing sports, especially suitable for employed people with a lack of free time. In this phase of learning, you should acquire the proper pronunciation and accent. And you should start to understand something, provided you have at least a basic vocabulary.
- In the second phase, you expand your vocabulary, and it is only you who memorizes those words. You learn to form sentences and try to conduct basic communication.
- In the third phase, you refine your grammar, in the fourth you create conversations and communicate.
What's next? I don't know, choose for yourself. By the end, you should have such an overview that you will realize what you actually (don't) want to do with German in the future. Mainly, give yourself time to experiment and find your area… In the end, we can only state that you truly master a language when you can say what you mean and are able to conduct a conversation.
In conclusion, we can only add that everything should go together and coherently, whether it is language training for caregivers or gaining experience in caregiving. If you want to try the first one, you can opt for online tests or try working as a caregiver abroad where you can test these skills in practice.