amandak

The most efficient way to learn vocabulary is to read everything you can. It is especially helpful to read things that interest you so that you can stay motivated and attentive. Every time you come across a new word you don't know, look it up and keep track of it. There are plenty of ways to learn vocabulary, but they can be pretty boring. Reading can keep you interested and it's pretty easy.

I find a good mix of simple and complex words is best. I don't like to use all short, simple words for fear of sounding slow or unintelligent. Then again, too many complex words can come off sounding pompous or like you're trying too hard. Therefore, an even mix sounds intelligent but accessible. And with an even mix, even if someone doesn't understand one of the words you use, if it's the only complex word in the sentence, they can probably figure out what you're saying from the other words, saving you the time of having to explain yourself. So overall, don't avoid using big words just to stay simple, you will sound much more intelligent and professional, even when not specifically trying to.

I find that reading is the most efficient and least boring way to build your vocabulary. Read anything you can get your hands on- newspapers, novels, comic strips, magazines, lyrics to songs. You can make it more interesting by picking readings that mean something to you or that you can relate to, like lyrics from your favorite artist or articles about topics you are passionate about. Whenever you come across a new word, look it up and, if you want to go to the next level, keep track of all the new words you learn, their definitions, and the sentences you found them in. It will eventually become you're own personal dictionary of new words. The easiest way to do that would be electronically so that you can easily organize it. There are plenty of study-like ways to learn new words but reading is the most enjoyable one.

I think field trips where students are immersed with native speakers is crucial in language learning. I had about 2 years of German lessons before I did a 3 week exchange program in Germany, and I can guarantee that I learned more in those three weeks than I did in classes. By being immersed in the culture and language, you're forced to speak it and listen to it, there's no cheating like in class, and it forces you to use what you know and more in situations that require you to speak.

I began in 8th grade, where you could choose either Spanish or German (in America). It was required of every student to pass 2 years of a language. Eventually, French was added to the options. Most students did the minimum 2 years and then quit but a few of us got to level 5 (5 years). I really wish America would take the lead of many European countries and start students on a second language in elementary school.

There are so many instances of onomatopoeia other than animals sounds, too! Some are words that explain sounds: Boom! Splat! Pow! Wam! Others are nouns or verb named after the sound they make: Clap, slap, burp, crack

Along the lines of centre, theatre has the same issue. Also, favourite vs favorite and colour vs color. Otherwise, the most common misspellings I see are: definitely, restaurant, and separate.

I've always thought the work 'phenomenal' was very beautiful. I also love the word 'eloquent', it just sounds so sophisticated and proper. Lastly, I love 'grandeur' which is more French, but we still use it in English.

I don't think a writer should locate every small word in their writing and search for a longer synonym. It complicates the writing and sometimes makes it unintelligible, especially if the synonym they chose has an every so slight difference in meaning. On the other hand, though, I think it is a very good idea to change certain words to something that is more descriptive of the situation, and most of the times this will be a longer, more eloquent word. For example, basic adjectives and verbs can be changed. Fantastic, instead of good. Terrible, instead of bad. Meandered, instead of walked. Basic words such as these are easily altered and they will give the writing much more flair and sophistication.

Jam: a fruit spread, to violently hit, to rock out Roll: to overturn, a form of bread Bear: to show or display, a large mammal that lives in the woods.

As a theater major, I'd have to say "break a leg" is my favorite. I must hear it a dozen times per show.

Entschuldigung: excuse me (used to get through a crowd, if you bumped into someone, etc) Es tut mir leid: I'm sorry (used for more serious circumstances, a family member has dies, etc) Alles gute: good wishes, I hope all is well

It is definitely more harsh sounding that most languages, but I also find that it depends on the region in Germany. Some areas say their "ch" more like a hard "k" while others give it a "sh" sound. So I think it depends where you are in Germany or where the speaker is from that determines how aggressive it sounds.

What do you think is the most important category of vocabulary that one should learn while studying German? Clothes, food, animals, etc. Or, is there a certain category that you find German learners are consistently unfamiliar with? I personally think direction words are the most important, with food coming in a close second.

I'm going to go against the grain and instead of recommending classics, recommend The Perks of Being a Wallflower. That book taught me so much about growing up, relationships, and it gave me an overall new outlook on life. I think it's a great book to read in your teenage years.