Better German Podcast

Introduction
Welcome back to the Better German podcast! In this episode, Susi Blümel returns after a short break to share exciting news about the launch of the Better German Community—a place where learners can connect, practice, and improve their German skills together. The main focus of this episode is on the art of conversation in learning German. Susi shares practical insights to help beginners and intermediate learners build confidence and integrate conversation practice into their language routine.
Key Topics

• The Better German Community: What it is and how it helps learners.
• Why conversation is essential for learning German.
• How to get started with conversation practice as a beginner.
• The benefits of practicing with a study partner.
• Tips to keep early conversations correction-free to build confidence.
• An invitation to join free Zoom conversation classes.
• Sneak peek at the next episode on German pronunciation.
Links
• Join the Better German Community: bettergerman.info/communitySpecial Offer for Podcast Listeners: Use the promo codes below to get an additional month free!
• Promo Code for First Tier: Podcast24 • Promo code for Premium Tier (including the German Beginner Course): Podcast24Premium
• Free Zoom conversation classes: bettergerman.info/conversation • Listen to past podcast episodes: podcast.bettergerman.info
• Follow Susi on social media for updates and tips • Instagram: @bettergerman• Facebook: Better German

Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to add or tweak!
Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Introduction
When you meet new people and talk to them, family could be a subject discussed soon. So our word list of 25 German words (father, mother, brother...) will come in handy! Learn by repetition - and don't forget to download your word list and illustration here.

Key Topics and Bullets
Primary topic: Introduction and Course Announcement
- Change in frequency of the podcast
- Announcement of the new German beginner course in the Better German academy
- Overview of the course content and structure
- Emphasis on the benefits for total beginners and those struggling with speaking German
Primary topic: Word List on Family Members
- Introduction of the word list on family members in German
- The PDF with word list and illustrations
- Explanation of each family member word in German and English
- Details about special considerations for certain words
- Pronunciation practice and invitation for the audience to repeat after the host

Links
- PDF for this episode - Word List with German words about family plus illustration.
- German Case Essentials - Free Guide about Cases
- Appointment for free consultation and placement- Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level.- YouTube Channel- Here you can find all episode published so far- Subscribe to the Newsletter- Online Beginner German Course


Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Summary
Welcome to the third and final part of our series on German cases! In this episode, we delved deep into how prepositions determine German cases and covered special prepositions that ask for specific cases in different situations. We also discussed the importance of not getting too caught up in perfection and focused on the ultimate goal of effective communication in German. If you're new to German cases, be sure to grab the cheat sheet at bettergerman.info/cases for a summary of today's episode. And remember, at Better German, we prioritize practice over theory for effective language learning.

Key Topics and Bullet Points
Primary Topic: Introduction to German Cases
- Understanding the concept of cases in German
- The purpose of cases and their function in the German language
- Comparison of cases in German and English
- The relationship between verbs and cases
- The significance of prepositions in determining cases
- Overview of common prepositions and the cases they require
- Introduction to specific prepositions that ask for either the dative or accusative case
- The number of prepositions used in German and their specific case requirements
Primary Topic: Learning and Applying German Cases
- Advice for new learners on how to approach the learning of cases
- Use of cheat sheets and examples to aid in understanding and practice
- The role of making one's own examples in grasping the correct usage of cases
- Emphasizing the importance of communication over perfect grammar in language learning
- Integration of correct sentence patterns for language practice
- Encouragement to not be overly concerned about making mistakes while learning cases
Primary Topic: Summary and Additional Resources
- Recap of the primary determinants of cases in German sentences
- Importance of understanding the basic forms of nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive cases
- The availability of a free PDF "German Case Essentials" for further reference and practice
- Reference to the Better German Academy for alternative approaches to learning German without extensive grammar focus
- Recommendations for further learning and engagement with the German language
This comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the podcast will serve as a useful guide for individuals seeking to understand and apply the fundamental principles of German cases.

Links mentioned or providing further information
- German Case Essentials - Free Guide about Cases
- Podcast Episode 35 - Part 1 of Introduction to German Cases
- Podcast Episode 36 - Part 2 of Introduction to German Cases
- Appointment for free consultation and placement- Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level.- YouTube Channel- Here you can find all episode published so far- Subscribe to the Newsletter- Online Beginner German Course
Join us for more language insights in the next episode. Do you like the Podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes!
Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Summary
In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel continues her mini-series on cases in the German language. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cases, while also acknowledging the challenges they may pose to beginners. Susi breaks down the four cases in German - nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative - providing a brief explanation of each and offering insights into their usage. She also hints at a cheat sheet for a clearer understanding of cases and invites listeners to sign up for the newsletter to stay updated. In the next episode, she promises to delve into how specific prepositions in German correspond to different cases. If you're struggling with German cases, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Points
Primary Topic: Introduction to Cases
- Importance of understanding cases in learning German
- Recognition of challenges for beginners when encountering cases
- Overview of different types of cases in the German language
Primary Topic: The 4 Cases in German
  - Nominative case (basic form, naming the subject)
  - Genitive case (possession, something belonging to or with someone)
  - Dative case (used when an action goes over to something, after the verb)
  - Accusative case (used for the object of the sentence)
Primary Topic: Learning Sequence of Cases
  - Suggested learning sequence for cases in German language
  - Discussion of learning priorities for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students
Primary Topic: Determining the Case to be Used
  - Understanding what determines which case is used
  - Emphasis on the accusative case as the most frequently used case
Primary Topic: Verbs and Cases
  - Relation between verbs and cases 
  - Focus on how most verbs use the accusative case
Primary Topic: Prepositions and Cases
  - Discussion of how each preposition requires a specific case
  - Explanation of the relationship between prepositions and cases
Primary Topic: Introduction to German Beginners Course
  - Reference to a German beginners course as an alternative approach to learning the German language
  - Emphasis on simplified language learning approach without extensive use of grammar rules
The podcast episode provides a detailed overview of cases in the German language, including the identification of each case, the learning sequence, determining the case to be used, the relationship between verbs and cases, as well as the impact of prepositions on cases. Additionally, it presents an alternative approach to learning German through a specific beginners course.

Links
Podcast Episode 5 - Introduction to German Articles
Podcast Episode 27 - Introduction to Parts of Speech in German (Worarten)
Appointment for free consultation and placement
Online Beginner German Course (A1.1)
Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Summary
In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel introduces the concept of German cases, known as "Fälle" in German. She explains that cases are different forms that certain words (articles, adjectives, nouns, and pronouns) take based on their function in a sentence. Using examples, she illustrates how cases affect sentence structure and meaning in comparison to languages without cases. Susi emphasizes that this is the first part of a short series on German cases and suggests listening to previous episodes for foundational knowledge. She concludes by mentioning that the next episode will delve into the different cases and invites listeners to explore the Better German Academy for additional language-learning resources. Tune in for a clear and straightforward introduction to German cases, designed to help learners understand and navigate this essential aspect of the German language.

Key Topics and Bullet Points
Primary Topic: Introduction to German Cases- Explanation of what cases are and why they are needed- Decision to make the episode into a short series due to complexity- Advice for complete beginners to put a pin on it and come back later- Suggestions to listen to specific episodes before diving into cases- Introduction to Articles and Parts of Speech episodes recommended for further understanding- Explanation of how cases work in German and other languages- Explanation of the words affected by cases: articles, adjectives, nouns, and pronouns- Summary of cases as different forms that words take based on their function in a sentence- Comparison of word order in languages without cases to the use of cases in German- Conclusion of the episode and announcement of the next episode covering different cases- Promotion of the Better German Academy as an alternative way to learn German with less focus on grammar and more practice

Links
Podcast Episode 5 - Introduction to German Articles
Podcast Episode 27 - Introduction to Parts of Speech in German (Worarten)
Appointment for free consultation and placement
Online Beginner German Course (A1.1)



Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Summary
In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel covers essential German words for travelers in German-speaking countries, some of them particularly valid for Austria and Vienna. She discusses words related to accommodation, supermarkets, transportation, shopping, emergency services, and leisure activities. Susi emphasizes the importance of understanding differences in travel culture, such as hotel pricing and opening hours of shops. She also offers insights into the local food experience at Gasthaus, and she briefly mentions the availability of English movies in Viennese cinemas. Additionally, Susie previews her upcoming German for Traveling course, offering listeners a sneak peek at the content in this future course.

Key Topics and Bullet Points
Primary Topic: Introduction
- Host introduces the episode on traveling to German-speaking countries
- Emphasizes the importance of learning specific words for traveling to Austria or Vienna
Primary Topic: Accommodation
- Defines "Zimmer zu vermieten" as "rooms to rent" in rural areas of Austria
- Explains the meaning of "hotel" and "Pension"
- Details pricing structure for hotels and Pensionen in Austria and Germany
- Mentions inclusion of breakfast in hotel and Pensionen prices
- Defines "Einzelzimmer" and explains additional costs for single occupancy
- Describes "Doppelzimmer" as a double room in hotels
Primary Topic: Supermarkets and Shopping
- Explains the presence of supermarkets in Austria and provides names of some supermarkets
- Clarifies the different opening times for supermarkets and shops in Austria
- Discusses the names of supermarkets and drug stores in Austria
- Defines "Apotheke" as "pharmacy," describing their opening times and emergency options
Primary Topic: Public Transport
- Highlights the quality and affordability of public transport in Austria, with a focus on Vienna
- Provides vocabulary for different modes of public transport including "Straßenbahn," "Zug," and "Bahnhof"
- Introduces the words "Lift" for elevator and "Rolltreppe" for escalator
Primary Topic: Leisure and Entertainment
- Mentions the availability of English movies in Vienna's cinemas
- Describes the amusement park "Prater" in Vienna
- Provides vocabulary related to driving such as "Flughafen" for airport, "Parkplatz" for parking place, and "Mietwagen" for rental car
- Covers vocabulary for outdoor swimming areas and opening times in Vienna
Primary Topic: Food and Dining
- Details the meaning of "Gasthaus" as a guest house where local food is served, emphasizing the availability of 2-course meals
- Introduces "Speisekarte" as the menu and "Mittagsmenü" as the lunch special
- Includes vocabulary related to food delivery such as "Lieferservice"
Primary Topic: Conclusion and Invitation
- Host highlights the importance of addressing specific words for traveling
- Encourages the audience to provide feedback and expresses willingness to cover more topics in the future

Links
- PDF with the words covered in the episode
- Appointment for free consultation and placement- Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level.- YouTube Channel- Here you can find all episode published so far- Subscribe to the Newsletter- Listen to the Podcast- Online Beginner German Course (A1.1)

Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Summary
This episode of the Better German Podcast introduces the topic of formal and informal communication in German, explaining the differences in usage when addressing different individuals. It provides examples of how the forms change based on the level of formality and emphasizes the importance of understanding these variations in communication. The episode also offers translations and comparisons between informal and formal phrases in German.

Topics and Bullet Points
Primary Topic: Introduction to formal and informal communication in German
- Different forms of communication in German
- Informal communication with friends, family, and like-minded individuals in casual settings
- Formal communication in business or professional settings
- Usage of formal and informal forms becoming normal in various contexts
Primary Topic: Forms of communication in German
- Comparison to the forms for "to be" in English
- Discussion of different forms of addressing "you" in German
- Implications for native English speakers learning German
Primary Topic: Usage of informal and formal forms
- Informal form usage with friends, peers, and family members
- Personal preference for informal forms in communication
- Philosophy and considerations around choosing informal forms
- Similarity of formal "you" to the plural form in German
Primary Topic: Examples of informal and formal communication in German
- Examples of informal and formal phrases and questions
- Translation and usage of informal and formal language in various contexts
Primary Topic: Understanding formal communication in German
- Discussion and examples of formal communication using "Sie" for "you"
- Translation of sentences from informal to formal communication
- Usage of formal forms with singular and plural persons
- Contextual understanding and implications of formal communication
Primary Topic: Summary and conclusion
- Recap of formal and informal forms of communication in German
- Encouragement to share the episode with others
- Invitation to join an online German course
Primary Topic: Podcast outro
- Thanking the listeners for their time
- Encouragement to share the podcast
- Invitation to join the online German course
- Farewell to the listeners

Links
                             - Episode 30 "to be" in German
- Appointment for free consultation and placement- Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level.- YouTube Channel- Here you can find all episode published so far- Subscribe to the Newsletter- Listen to the Podcast- Online Beginner German Course (A1.1)
Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Summary
In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel takes you on a journey through some typical German words that you might not find in a textbook. These words are often used in spoken German and carry unique meanings that don't have direct translations. Susi goes into the nuances of words like "eh," "gell" and "na," shedding light on their various uses and regional distinctions, such as in Austrian dialects. She also provides a glimpse into the upcoming Better German Academy, where listeners can explore specialized courses, including those focused on small but impactful words like the ones discussed in this episode. Susi's passion for teaching German and her commitment to providing valuable learning resources shine through in this engaging and informative episode. So, join us as we uncover the richness of the German language and discover new words to add to your linguistic repertoire.

Key Topics and Bullet Points
Primary Topic: Introduction to Typical German Words
- Host explains the purpose of the episode: to teach listeners about typical German words that are commonly used in spoken German but may not be found in textbooks
- Explains that these words do not have easy literal translations and are used in various contexts
Primary Topic: Word "eh"
- Host provides examples of how "eh" is used in German
- Explains different meanings and usage of the word "eh" in various contexts
Primary Topic: Word "jö"
- Host discusses the usage and meaning of "jö" in spoken German
- Provides examples of when to use "jö" in conversations and its significance
Primary Topic: Word "gell"
- Host explains the meaning and usage of "gell" in spoken German
- Discusses how "gell" is added to sentences to emphasize or seek verification
- Mentions its colloquial usage in the southern region
Primary Topic: Word "na" & "naja"
- Host explores the multiple meanings of "na" and its usage in different contexts
- Elaborates on how "naja" conveys agreement, skepticism, and hesitation
- Mentions its colloquial usage in expressing dissatisfaction
Primary Topic: Word "gerne"
- Host discusses the usage and meaning of "gerne" in German
- Provides examples of how "gerne" is used to express preferences and desires and is how you say that you       like to do something.
Primary Topic: Better German Academy
- Host introduces the Better German Academy as a resource for German language learning
- Describes the various courses, materials, and resources available in the academy
- Explains the development of the academy and its purpose in providing comprehensive learning materials for German learners
Primary Topic: Conclusion
- Host wraps up the episode and encourages feedback from listeners
- Expresses willingness to cover more episodes on similar topics based on audience interests

Links
- Appointment for free consultation and placement- Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level.- YouTube Channel- Here you can find all episode published so far- Subscribe to the Newsletter- Listen to the Podcast- Online Beginner German Course (A1.1)



Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Summary
In this episode of Better German, host Susi Blumel shares her perspective as an Austrian on the iconic movie "The Sound of Music." She discusses the historical context of the film, its reception in Austria, and whether it accurately reflects Austrian culture. Susi also extends her offer to help those interested in learning German through private lessons, online courses, and group courses available.

Bullet Point
Primary Topic: Introduction to The Sound of Music
- Number of viewers and global popularity
- Personal perspective as an Austrian
- Recommendation to watch the movie
Primary Topic: The Story of The Sound of Music
- Setting and historical context
- Reaction to the movie in Austria and Germany
- Influence of director Robert Wise
- The sensitive subject of the Nazis in the movie
Primary Topic: Is Austria Really Like The Sound of Music?
- Authenticity of the movie's scenery and traditions
- Modernization of Austria
- Traditional clothing and continued cultural practices
Primary Topic: Learning German and German Courses
- The host's role as a German teacher
- Available options for learning German, including private lessons and online courses
- Encouragement to visit the website for more information

Links                         - Appointment for free consultation and placement- Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level.- YouTube Channel- Here you can find all episode published so far- All Freebies for the Podcast- Subscribe to the Newsletter- Listen to the Podcast- Online Beginner German Course (A1.1) - Introductory Price
- Episode 30, "To Be" in German




Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!

Summary
Welcome to the Better German podcast! In this 30th episode, we delve into the forms of the English word "to be" in German, covering "I am, you are," and more. Host Susi Blumel (Susi Schilk-Blümel) underscores the importance of providing accessible German learning materials and the joy of making the language easier to learn. With an ongoing commitment to creating a range of resources, including the upcoming Better German Academy, Susi encourages new listeners to start from the beginning and engage with the downloadable PDFs on bettergerman.info/freebies. Her energetic teaching style shines through as she walks through key German expressions and explores the nuances of gender-specific nouns. Join us on this enlightening journey to master German with ease, and be sure to stay tuned for additional learning resources and episodes. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support our mission of making German learning enjoyable for everyone!

Key Topics and Bullet Points
Primary Topic: Introduction
- Purpose of the podcast and the Better German Academy
- Suggestion for new listeners to start from the beginning
Primary Topic: Forms of "to be" in German
- Introduction to the basic forms of "to be" in German
- Explanation of gender importance in German language
- Importance of learning genders for nouns
- Demonstrative practice of different forms of "to be" with examples
- Explanation of the importance of accompanying articles or gender pronouns
Primary Topic: Vocabulary practice with "to be" in German
- Practice German to be (sein) with easy German words (that are all translated)
- Practice sentences with translation and repetition
- Explanation of the difficulty of demonstrating practice in a podcast format
Primary Topic: Related Episodes and Resources
- Recommendations for other relevant podcast episodes
- Accessibility to podcast episodes on different platforms
- Shortcuts to find specific episodes on the Better German website
- Encouragement to continue learning through various resources
- Call to action to leave reviews and spread the word about the podcast and its content

Links- Interactive Movie Guide to help you find German movies with subtitles on your level.- YouTube Channel- Here you can find all episode published so far- All Freebies for the Podcast- Subscribe to the Newsletter- Listen to the Podcast- Early Admission Beginner German Course starting in March 2024- Episode 5 - Introduction to German Articles- Episode 26 German Pronouns he, she, it, we ...


Looking for a place where you get support, can ask all the questions about German and get actual answers, find other learners and get weekly live German lessons? Then the Better German Community is for you. Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe and share the podcast.
I would love to stay in touch, so for news, new courses and books, subscribe to my newsletter.
Do let me know, which subjects you would like covered!
And watch out for the next episode!