In recent years, the demand for learning German in Vietnam has increased strongly, especially for those who have orientations for vocational study abroad, nursing or wish to go to Germany to work and settle long-term. The question most people care about is whether learning German is difficult, many students start their learning journey by learning A1 German vocabulary, choosing a German center or registering to learn German online to optimize time.
However, is German harder than English and how long does it take to prepare for the German B1 exam – the level required for most vocational study programs in Germany.
Is learning German difficult?
German is difficult in grammar but easy in pronunciation
German belongs to the language group Germanic so there will be many similarities with English, but its grammar system is significantly more complex. Many of you often feel pressured because of the noun declensions according to gender (der – die – das) or the 4 cases Nominativ – Akkusativ – Dativ – Genitiv. However, if approached correctly, German is very easy to pronounce and has a fairly clear system of rules, with fewer exceptions than English.
Compound German vocabulary makes it easy to guess meanings
An interesting point of German is the ability to compound words to create new words. That is, just by firmly learning A1 German vocabulary, you will easily deduce and understand meanings at higher levels.
Hard or easy depends on the method
To put it simply: German is only difficult for those who are not persistent, but very easy for those with a method. When you are guided from the A1 stage in a methodical way, the mechanism of moving up to A2 or preparing for the German B1 exam becomes very natural.
Why do Vietnamese people feel German is harder than English?
Lack of listening – speaking environment
Vietnamese people have little daily exposure to German, so it feels “strange”, completely different from English learned since childhood. However, this is not a big barrier because just by having listening materials and speaking practice habits, skills will improve quickly.
German does not require a perfect accent
A big advantage is that German pronunciation is read as it is written, each sound is clear, so native speakers can understand very easily. This helps students feel more confident right from the first stage.
German learning roadmap from A1 to German B1 exam preparation
A1 – building foundation of vocabulary and pronunciation
At A1 level, the most important goal is not to communicate a lot but to build a foundation of grammar, standard pronunciation and absorb a wide enough range of A1 German vocabulary. The more firmly you learn A1, the more time you save at higher levels.
A2 – expanding description and writing skills
From A1 to A2, you start expanding vocabulary and grammar according to life topics. In this stage, you need to start describing yourself, family, work and knowing how to write basic emails.
B1 exam preparation – the most important stage
Upon reaching B1, learners must develop listening – speaking – reading – writing equally. This is the level that requires reflex skills, listening comprehension of real conversations and expressing thoughts in full sentences. If your goal is B1, you should start reviewing early from A1.
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Learning at a German center or learning German online?
Advantages of German centers
Learning directly at a German center is suitable for those who want to have their pronunciation corrected by teachers, practice speaking a lot and have a communication environment.
Learning German online is convenient but requires discipline
Learning online helps save time and costs, suitable for working people or those far away. However, this form requires high self-discipline and is easy to be distracted when self-studying at home.
Combining both online and offline will be most effective
The most optimal way of learning is to learn theory online and practice speaking directly, especially when entering the German B1 exam preparation stage.
How to memorize A1 German vocabulary for a long time?
Learn by topics instead of learning sporadically
Dividing vocabulary by topics such as family, profession, school, places... helps the brain remember faster and easier to use in communication.
Learning words must go with making sentences
It is necessary to create reflexes with short sentences, for example when learning the word “Schule”, you say right away “Ich gehe zur Schule”. That way you not only remember the word but also remember how to use it.
Learn with images and sounds
Combining images and standard pronunciation helps create a solid A1 foundation to transition to A2 and prepare for the German B1 exam smoothly.
How long does it take to reach German B1 level?
If learning continuously
Usually students can reach B1 in about 8 to 12 months if there is teacher guidance, a speaking environment and a regular study schedule.
If learning slower
If mainly self-studying or learning German online, the time usually lasts about a year to more than a year and a half.
Conclusion – Is learning German difficult?
If you have the right foundation from the start, German is absolutely not difficult. The important thing is to learn A1 German vocabulary firmly, choose a suitable form such as a German center or learning German online and start preparing for the German B1 exam early. The successful person is the persistent one, not the fastest learner.
If you are wondering where to start, or need a clear roadmap from A1 to B1, you can refer to the standard learning method at PDT International Education – a place specializing in German training according to European standard roadmaps and committed output suitable for the goals of studying and working in Germany.
>>> See other topics: Vocational Study in Germany Costs: A Golden Opportunity?
