How to start learning German? Pick a CEFR target level first (most beginners aim for A1, then A2), learn the core vocabulary and verb conjugations, practise all four skills daily in short sessions, and book a Goethe-Zertifikat exam when you are ready for proof. It is a good moment to begin: German is gaining ground in schools around the world, from an Indian state adding it to government classrooms to a European country where German enrolment has jumped by more than half.

Why German Is Having a Moment in Schools

Two education stories made the news this week, on two different continents, and both point the same way.

In Haryana, India, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the state is preparing to introduce foreign languages in government schools in a phased manner. French is already taught in government schools, an agreement has been signed for German, and Japanese and Korean are being prepared for phased implementation. The stated aim is to equip students for global opportunities in education and employment. Alongside this, Haryana runs a Foreign Language Training Scheme for residents aged 18 to 45, reimbursing training fees up to ₹10,000 and certification exam fees up to ₹20,000 for languages including German, Japanese, French, Spanish and Italian. Read the details at Drishti IAS.

In Lithuania, the shift is already measured in enrolment numbers. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, the number of school students learning Russian has fallen by more than 40 percent, from over 110,000 in the 2021-2022 academic year to 65,700 now. German, meanwhile, remains the second most popular foreign language and has grown from about 25,000 learners to roughly 39,000, a rise of more than 50 percent. Lithuania’s education minister said the ministry is paying special attention to developing German teaching, partly because German brigade personnel and their families are now based in the country. Full figures are reported by BNS via news.inbox.lv.

The takeaway is simple: schools and governments are treating German as a language worth investing in. If you have been waiting for a sign to start, this is a decent one.

How to Start Learning German: A 5-Step Beginner Path

You do not need a course on day one. You need a routine that survives contact with a busy week.

1. Set your target on the CEFR scale

German learning is measured on the same A1 to C2 scale as every European language. A1 means handling everyday basics; B1 means independence in work, study and travel situations. Our CEFR levels guide explains what each level really demands so you can pick a realistic first target. Most self-learners aim for A1 in three to four months of steady practice.

2. Master the 100 most useful words and the present tense

Early German is mostly greetings, numbers, food, time, and the verbs you use fifty times a day: sein, haben, gehen, machen, sprechen. Nail present-tense conjugation of regular verbs plus the common irregulars, and you can already hold simple conversations. Our free German verb conjugator gives you the full present-tense table for any verb in one click, with the meaning and an example sentence.

3. Practise all four skills, even in tiny doses

Exams test listening, reading, writing and speaking, so your practice should touch all four. Twenty focused minutes a day beats a three-hour session once a month: listen to a slow German podcast on the commute, read one short article aloud, write three sentences in a notebook, and repeat new words out loud. Consistency is the whole method.

4. Add German to your media diet

Switch one podcast, one YouTube channel, or one series to German with subtitles. The Goethe-Institut publishes free practice materials for every level, which double as excellent exam preparation. Immersion does not require moving to Berlin; it requires changing defaults.

5. Book a level test or exam date early

A date on the calendar converts vague ambition into a study plan. Take a free online placement test to find your real level, then consider booking a Goethe-Zertifikat exam at your target level a few months out. Working backwards from a date is the fastest cure for drifting.

The Exam Path: Goethe-Zertifikat A1 to C2

The Goethe-Institut’s German exams are the most widely recognised proof of German skills, with certificates accepted internationally at levels A1 through C2. Each exam tests four modules: listening, reading, writing and speaking. A few landmarks:

• A1 (Start Deutsch 1): basic everyday language skills. The natural first certificate.
• A2: understanding sentences and expressions about immediate surroundings.
• B1: discussing work, school and leisure in standard German. Often the minimum for study and work purposes.
• B2: upper-intermediate; the level many German universities expect from international students.
• C1 and C2: advanced to near-native, for academic and professional environments.

The Goethe-Institut recommends these exams from age 16, and it offers free exam training materials for each level, so preparation does not have to be expensive.

Where German Can Take You

A language is an investment, and German pays out in several directions. Germany’s public universities charge little or no tuition even for international students, and a B2 certificate is commonly the language gate for degree programmes. German is the most spoken native language in Europe, which makes it a genuine asset for engineering, science, healthcare and international business careers. And on a purely personal level, reading Kafka or watching Tatort without subtitles is its own reward.

If study abroad is the goal, language and funding go together: our guide to study abroad scholarships covers how students actually finance international education. Germany’s own DAAD scholarship programme is one of the best-known funding routes for international students there.

Quick Answers for New German Learners

Is German hard to learn for English speakers?

German shares a lot of vocabulary with English (Haus, Wasser, Buch), which makes the start gentle. Grammar gets more structured later: cases and word order take practice, but the spelling is very regular, so reading aloud is easier than in English.

How long does it take to reach A1?

With daily practice of 20 to 30 minutes, most learners reach A1 in about three to four months. A2 typically follows in a similar timeframe.

Do I need a certificate to study in Germany?

Most German-taught degree programmes require proof of German at B2 or C1 level. The Goethe-Zertifikat is the standard proof, though universities also accept alternatives such as TestDaF and telc.

Can I learn German for free?

Yes. The Goethe-Institut offers free exam training materials, and there are quality free courses, podcasts and apps. A certificate exam costs money, but the learning itself does not have to.