I've been learning German for a year now. I always wanted to learn it so I picked it up at college. I was really excited about it at first! My knowledge changed radically; from nothing to something. I didn't know anything about the language and all of the sudden I started bubbling some new sounds and everything looked so perfect. I was actually learning! I think the first stages of language learning are the best, most magical moments.
However, I now feel like I should be learning very rapidly yet I seem to be stucked? People ask me to take it easy but I'm supposed to be a languages teacher within some years so I guess I should be able to do better than this?! The more I study, the more discouraged I get. Same goes for French. I've been learning it for years, but I'm in a point where I don't know how to advance. So frustrating!! I'm on the way to fluency but progress is just too slow. I pick up a book and there's just so many things I can't understand -it's a terrible feeling. Taking German example back, I just feel there's an endless way to fluency, which is indeed my aim. I try to listen to music, watch films, read books (easyreaders, mostly) and talk to natives in those languages so that I can get my motivation back. I always remind myself to be patient but it's just too much stress. I am lacking motivation and I feel so hopeless!
What can I do about it? Have you guys experienced this? Is this just temporary? Any thoughts on this?
I understand you perfectly Gwen. I've spent the last three months day and night learning English (I wasn't a beginner) in order to fore it but, my progress seem very little. At the same time now I know it will be really hard but I know too that reward will be and all this time spent someday will pay. actually I understand much more than 3 months ago but I am not able to speak yet. The important thing in my opinion is Believe!
So go ahead with German and remember more time you put into learning a language more bigger your reward will be ;)
Talk to new people in German.Sometimes movies,books,Things gets monotonous and boring.
Different people are exciting and fun in thier own way.Every person contributes to a lesson in Life in their own flavor:) :)
Perhaps you need a boost, we all do. Some find a boost when they find a new friend from the country they are learning a language, others they need it for their job. Some go on a holiday or plan a holiday in that country. Others find a book they like or films to watch. But everyone has that time when they feel they cannot go forward. So, take on the other people's suggestions, find something that will get you interested again. The flavour has gone but you can get the taste back. Maybe you can find some German speakers here who have similar interests so you can connect on that level. Maybe in your local area there is a German Meetup.com group. Perhaps you can plan a virtual holiday to a country that speaks German? Perhaps you like cooking and can just look at recipes and videos in German on cooking, or some other interest you have.
I wish you well, and know you are not alone here, best wishes Gillian
6-7 years ago, I tried to learn German for my job. (I'm mechanical engineer). I was working while studying. I did some activities with my friends. So, I couldn't go to courses. I paid money for it but i failed at exam. And now, i don't know German. It's a shame and remose for me. If I have chance, i'd turn to back time. ( i hate articles, ein eine keine ! )
Firstly, Analyze reason to learn German. What's your goals ?
If you want to learn it for your careers, reads professional articles.
If you want to learn it for literature, read goethe (i love faust)
If you want to learn it for socialaze, use skype.
And you're european union citizen, you can go Germany very often.
(does anybody know any easy method for multiple if condition for English ? )
Good Luck and keep fighting.
I stay very motivated when I am studying English and I can understand what the teacher is saying and write, and I can answer the questions.
