Did you know that reading books is the best way to learn German? Thankfully, there are many books to learn German in the market today.
Picture this: you want to move to Germany or plan to visit for some time. Learning the local language is one of the best ways to connect with the people and their culture.
German grammar is in a league of its own. So buying some books is wise if you want to understand the nitty-gritty. Books teach vocabulary and take you on a journey of discovery.
You can learn about the language and its origins which can help you master it. So, to help you learn this interesting language, I have prepared this list of the best books to learn German just for you.
This way, you can enjoy more than just the German attractions during your tour. You can now appreciate the culture and history on a deeper level.
Best Books to Learn German
1. Practice Makes Perfect: Complete German Grammar Book
Features
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
- Edition: 2nd edition
- No. of Pages: 288 on paperback
- Weight: 1.27 pounds
Description
Now that you want to learn German, one of the best books to start with is ‘Practice Makes Perfect.’ It’s a complete German grammar guide that can help you master the language in the easiest possible way.
The book is available in paperback form. Paperback gives you the option of making notes on the paper. However, you can also purchase the Kindle version.
Once you have the book, start at the beginning and work your way to the end. From the first page, the progression rate is slow to help you understand as much as possible. You won’t get too deep too soon.
For this reason, kids above ten years and adults can use it as one of the best books to learn German at home.
Additionally, inside are lots of different exercises that help you test your progress after each level. The policy is to repeat each as much as possible until you master it. Only then can you move ahead?
The good news is all the answers for each exercise are available at the back. It’s one of the top books to learn German and covers all the essentials you need.
See Related: Funny German Jokes
2. German Grammar for Beginners:
Features
- Publisher: Independently published
- Edition: 1st Edition
- No. of Pages: 247
- Weight: 1.29 pounds
Description
What if you want to travel to Germany and spend some time there? It would help if you had a deeper understanding of the local language. But travel guides only cover the basics. That means you need to get more books to learn German for beginners.
This is an independently published book that helps you go step by step. The author details out every step exceptionally well, which makes it easy for you to grasp. It also comes with audio that you can download to help you with pronunciation.
Take the initiative to buy it as one of the books to learn German for the whole family. The author uses easy language for you and your kids to understand. The audio also has numerous stories that are quite captivating.
Additionally, it comes with a workbook section to try out what you have learned. You can get it in paperback or Kindle, plus a free app.
See Related: Best German Travel Phrases to Know
3. The Everything Learning German Book
Features
- Publisher: Everything
- Author: Edward Swick
- Edition: 2nd edition
- No. of Pages: 305
- Weight: 1.04 pounds
Description
‘The book covers all you need to know as a first-time student. It’s a 2nd edition that’s 305 pages long. And the author is a distinguished Master’s holder in three languages: English, German, and Russian.
At the start, you can notice a logical order that all the chapters in the book follow. The easy flow ranks it among the best German-language books to buy. Each theory is well-outlined and concise, giving you a deeper understanding.
One point to note is you don’t have to follow a chronological order when using this book to learn German. There’s little referral to previous chapters to create your study pattern. The first three chapters are simple and help you learn the basics.
All in all, it covers a broader part of the language. However, it does equip you with what you need to know as a beginner. It outlines all grammar rules plus how to construct a proper sentence. Also, it comes with an audio CD.
4. Learn German with Stories: Cafe in Berlin
Features
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- Author: Andre Klein
- Edition: Bilingual Edition
- No. of Pages: 97
- Weight: 3.67 ounces
Description
When searching for books to learn German, be sure to add some storybooks to your collection. The ‘Learn German with Stories’ bilingual edition is a perfect example. Andre Klein, the author, speaks six languages and has taught languages for 15 years.
Right at the beginning, you can understand the stories since they’re easy and well-written. All stories are interesting and keep you engaged while learning German. If you are looking for German children’s books to help you learn German, this might fit in that category as it’s suitable even for kids.
Interestingly, the stories aren’t too short. The length is enough to help you understand as much of the language as possible as a beginner. You can get the paperback and audio versions. A combination works best to help you master German.
All the stories follow a first-person narration and are in the present tense. You can learn all you need to know as a foreigner in the German capital, Berlin. Bouts of humor help you keep reading and not get bored midway.
See Related: Best European Cities to Visit
5. Speak German in 90 Days: A Self Study Guide to Becoming Fluent
Features
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- Author: Kevin Marx
- Edition: 2nd edition
- No. of Pages: 164
- Weight: 12 ounces
Description
Though the title says you can learn in 90 days, prepare for a longer period. Still, this is one of the best books to learn German over time. You can use it to create and build your language skills using simple lessons.
The German grammar rules are known to be tough. But this book helps you cover them in a less complex way. Using it, you can master how to ask German questions and structure sentences. For instance, you can learn where adjectives go in the sentence.
In this book, you find the basic information necessary to get by in a German conversation. It has a straightforward layout, which you can find on paperback and audio.
6. German Short Stories for Beginners:
Features
- Publisher: Independently Published
- Author: Lingo Mastery
- Edition: 1st Edition
- No. of Pages: 166
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
Description
Continue mastering the German language by reading short stories. This book has a collection of 20 well-written stories that teach you all the basics of the German language. The story edition can be part of books that help you learn German in just 166 pages.
Inside, you can get a German and an English summary of each story. All vocabulary has appropriate translations to help you master the language better. And at the end of each story, there are five questions that you need to answer in German. The answers are at the back of the book.
In addition to the paperback, you can download a free app or audio. These work together to help you build your ability to speak and write in German. You can re-read each story as many times as possible before answering the questions at the end.
See Related: Best German Christmas Markets to Visit
7. German All-in-One for Dummies
Features
- Publisher: For Dummies
- Author: Wendy Foster
- Edition: 1st Edition
- No. of Pages: 720
- Weight: 2.12 pounds
Description
Moving away from the basics, you can buy ‘German All-in-One for Dummies’ when you want to delve deeper into the language. It’s 720 pages long and has an audio CD to help you understand proper word pronunciation.
Apart from the complexities of German grammar, you can learn more common phrases people use in Germany. Moreover, the book covers how to combine verbs with nouns and pronouns in German. Also, you learn how to ask questions correctly.
Another section of interest in this book is the 2-part verbs. It teaches a beginner how to use them properly. Furthermore, there are verb tables inside that cover numerous conjugating verbs in the German language.
The CD has a collection of more than 25 audio and works hand-in-hand with the book. The book covers a lot of information and requires a planner. It covers a deeper dimension that can help you communicate in different industries in German.
See Related: Different Types of German Sausage
8. German in 10 Minutes a Day
Features
- Publisher: Bilingual Books
- Author: Kristin K. Kershul
- Edition: 7th edition
- No. of Pages: 132
- Weight: 14.5 ounces
Description
Kristin K. Kershul has years of experience as a language scholar and teacher. In her 132 pages long 7th edition book, she covers the general rules of the language. It’s a good book to get among other books to learn German as a beginner.
The order of the content is simplistic. You can follow the rule of taking 10 minutes a day to learn each step. That way, you leave enough time to practice and not strain. There are exercise pages in the book, plus stickers you can tack on the different items you learn.
Learning German using this book works for both adults and kids. The language is simple enough for kids to understand, plus there are cue cards that help make learning easier.
9. Basic German: A Grammar and Workbook
Features
- Publisher: Routledge
- Author: Heiner Schenke, Anna Miell, and Karen Seago
- Edition: 2nd edition
- No. of Pages: 222
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
Description
Studying German gets better with the ‘Basic German Workbook.’ It’s the second edition and comes in paperback with 222 pages. Inside, you get clear and concise information to help you learn German in a book.
Every level covers some main points. The authors detail these points in a way a beginner can understand. The solid format makes it work as a reference book when studying the language in school.
There are extensive answer keys and small blurbs to help you re-clarify. That makes it easy to weave through the complex grammar rules. More so, inside are numerous exercises to help learners practice.
10. Complete German: A Teach Yourself Program
Features
- Publisher: McGraw Hill Education
- Author: Heiner Schenke and Paul Coggle
- Edition: 1st Edition
- No. of Pages: 416
- Weight: 1.06 pounds
Description
From the start, you notice the structure consists of dialogues. These dialogues help you master conversing in German while covering all the grammar rules. The structure of the book flows from one chapter to the other. However, you can start anywhere since the chapters aren’t interconnected.
It’s among the best books to learn German and comes with audio. The audio follows the dialogues to help learners know how to pronounce German words. Additionally, it teaches how to construct proper sentences.
It’s the 1st edition and covers 426 pages. As a self-study book, you are at liberty to plan your course. The audio has good quality, plus exercises keep you engaged all over the book.
See related: Must-See Castles in Germany
11. 501 German Verbs
Features
- Publisher: Barrons Educational Series
- Author: Henry Strutz
- Edition: 5th edition
- No. of Pages: 704
- Weight: 2.09 pounds
Description
Verbs are at the tip of every language. Here is a book that covers 501 German verbs. As a learner, you can add it to your collection of German-language books. The book details all the crucial German verbs you can use.
It works as a reference book but also can help you learn to write in German. It’s the 5th edition of Barrons Educational Series and is 704 pages long. All the verbs come with every conjugation you can use in a sentence.
The description is accurate since you get more than 501 verbs inside. You can get it on paperback or Kindle to upgrade your language skills. The simple layout is easy to follow though it lacks a table of content.
FAQs
What is the best way to learn German on your own?
The best way to learn German independently is through a combination of language-learning resources such as textbooks, online courses, language exchange programs, and apps like Babbel. It’s important to establish a consistent study routine and practice regularly to build proficiency in the language. Additionally, immersing oneself in German culture through media such as movies, TV shows, and music can help with language acquisition.
Which books are best for learning German?
The best books for learning German provide a comprehensive introduction to the language and are designed for beginners. These books should cover essential grammar rules, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It’s also important to choose books with exercises and activities to reinforce learning and provide practice opportunities. Some popular options include “German for Dummies” and “German Frequency Directory.”
Is one year enough to learn German?
Learning German in 1 year is possible, but the proficiency level will depend on various factors such as the learner’s dedication, learning style, and previous language experience.
It is important to have realistic expectations and set achievable goals when learning a new language. Consistent practice, immersion, and taking advantage of resources such as language classes or tutors can significantly improve language skills within a year.