Comprehensible Input

  • What is comprehensible input, and why is it effective?

    Input refers to language that you hear or read rather than produce yourself. To be effective, this input must be comprehensible—meaning you should be able to grasp the overall message, no matter your level. Input is made comprehensible through context, visual cues, or body language, helping your brain directly connect the language to meaning. This leads to a natural and intuitive understanding of the language, just like how we acquire our first language. This approach allows you to absorb the language naturally, making the learning process both effective and effortless.

  • What does the research say?

    Extensive studies, notably by Dr. Stephen Krashen, have demonstrated that exposure to comprehensible input is both necessary and sufficient for language acquisition. Engaging with understandable language content allows learners to internalize linguistic patterns without explicit instruction.

  • How will my German improve through input-focused learning?

    Regular exposure to German that you can comprehend enables your brain to subconsciously absorb grammar patterns and vocabulary. Over time, this leads to improved listening skills, reading comprehension, and speaking abilities, as you become familiar with the language.

  • Is grammar instruction necessary?

    Grammar is something we acquire naturally through exposure to the language, just like we did with our first language. When we hear and read enough correct sentences in context, our brain starts recognizing patterns and forming an intuitive understanding of how the language works—without the need for memorizing rules. In fact, studying grammar explicitly can even slow down your progress, as it shifts your focus from understanding meaning to analyzing structure. It can also make you second-guess yourself when trying to communicate, increasing hesitation and reducing fluency.

  • How do I acquire vocabulary without memorization?

    Encountering new words within meaningful and understandable contexts helps you deduce their meanings and remember them more effectively than through rote memorization. This contextual learning ensures better retention and usability of vocabulary.​

  • What should I do if I'm starting from scratch?

    Again, there’s no need to study grammar or do exercises before starting with input. Dive right into listening input, but begin with super easy materials like my Total Beginner videos, where visual aids, gestures, and clear contexts help you understand. You can also book a Crosstalk session with me, where I tailor the input specifically to you. At first, even the Total Beginner videos may sound like gibberish—but that’s completely normal. Keep exposing yourself to the language, and soon, you’ll start recognizing words and making sense of what you hear.

  • Can my speaking skills improve solely through input?

    Yes, listening and reading extensively in German will naturally enhance your speaking abilities. As you internalize the language's structures and vocabulary, you'll find yourself able to produce speech more effortlessly when you decide to start speaking.​

  • Does age affect the effectiveness of this method?

    Language acquisition through comprehensible input is effective across all age groups. While children may have certain advantages in accent acquisition, adults can achieve significant proficiency by consistently engaging with understandable language content.​

German Lessons

  • How do your German lessons differ from traditional classes?

    Unlike conventional classes that often focus on grammar drills and vocabulary lists, my lessons prioritize immersive, comprehensible input. Using research-backed methods, I guide you through the most effective strategies for progressing in German, both in and out of class.

  • Do I need prior German knowledge to start lessons with you?

    No prior knowledge is required. Lessons are tailored to accommodate learners at all levels, including complete beginners.​

  • What lesson types are available?

    You can choose from regular "German lessons" (see more details under "What can I expect during a lesson?"), a Crosstalk session (explained further under "What is Crosstalk?"), or a consultation session, where we explore research-backed strategies and methods tailored to your current level to help you advance in German.

  • What can I expect during a lesson?

    Lessons are interactive and centered around engaging content that you can understand. Through stories, conversations, and activities, you'll be exposed to German in a way that promotes natural comprehension and retention. The input and lessons are tailored to your level and individual needs. Additionally, we'll discuss language learning strategies based on research to help you progress efficiently. This approach applies to the regular "German Lesson" format on the booking page.

  • What is Crosstalk?

    Crosstalk is a conversational language exchange where each person typically speaks in their native language, ensuring the other understands through context, gestures, and visuals. In our lessons, I speak German, adapting to your level and making sure you understand everything I say, while you respond in English (or Spanish). This approach offers several key benefits: • You receive authentic, native German input through real-life interactions. • Your focus is entirely on understanding. • You learn to understand without translating. • You’re not pressured to speak German, which has several benefits in itself including creating a stress-free environment. • Conversations are tailored to you individually. • It works at all levels, even if you’re starting from scratch. • The lessons are engaging and enjoyable, ensuring you stay motivated. • All the additional benefits of comprehensible input are included.

  • Can I purchase multiple lessons at once?

    Yes! I offer discounted lesson bundles for 5, 10, or 20 lessons. If you're interested, just send me an email ([email protected]), and I'll provide you with the details.

  • Do you offer group lessons or only one-on-one sessions?

    Currently, I only offer one-on-one lessons, which allows me to provide more personalized guidance and attention.

  • What if I can't find a suitable time in your schedule?

    If available slots don't align with your availability, please contact me directly ([email protected]). If our schedules and time zones align, we can try to find a suitable time.

  • Can I reschedule or cancel a lesson?

    Yes, lessons can be rescheduled or canceled. Once you've booked a lesson, you'll receive a confirmation email with links to reschedule or cancel. Please provide at least 12 hours' notice to accommodate changes, as per the scheduling policy.​

YouTube Videos

  • How should I approach watching your YouTube videos?

    Start with videos labeled for your level. Your only goal is to understand—not every single word, but the overall message. Can you follow the story? Do you know what’s happening, or are you getting lost? Once you’ve found the right level, sit back and enjoy. Don’t analyze what you hear, translate in your head, look up words, or take notes—just focus on understanding. Your brain subconsciously acquires the language by understanding and absorbing meaning. Conscious effort, like trying to memorize or analyze, only gets in the way.

  • What proficiency levels are available?

    The videos are organized into the following levels: 1. Total Beginner, 2. Pre-Beginner, 3. Beginner, 4. Pre-Intermediate, 5. Intermediate, 6. Pre-Advanced, and 7. Advanced.

  • How do I determine the right level for me?

    Choose a level where you can grasp most (if not all) of the overall meaning without understanding every word. If it challenges you just enough while you still follow along, it’s probably a good fit. If you frequently get lost or feel like you're missing too much, it’s likely too difficult. On the other hand, if it feels boring, you understand every word effortlessly, and it doesn’t require your full attention, it’s probably too easy.

  • Why aren't translations provided in the videos?

    Omitting translations encourages direct thinking in German, aiding in the natural acquisition of the language and reducing reliance on your native tongue.​ It is more effective to acquire vocabulary and expressions through context.

  • Why are there no subtitles?

    Reading subtitles shifts your focus away from listening, which is essential for developing comprehension skills. Relying on subtitles may give you a false sense of understanding—just because you can read and recognize words doesn’t necessarily mean you can understand spoken German in real-life situations. If you feel the need for subtitles, try an easier video where you can follow along without them. It’s best to keep reading and listening input separate to develop both skills effectively.

  • What if I struggle even with total beginner videos?

    If you’re starting from zero, it’s completely normal for everything to sound like gibberish at first. This initial phase is just your brain getting used to the rhythm, stress patterns, and sounds of German. Rather than focusing on individual words, try to follow the overall story using gestures and context. With enough exposure (and this doesn’t take long!), you’ll naturally start picking up details, like where words and sentences begin and end. The key is to keep going and let your brain do the work!

  • What if, for example, Beginner is too easy but Pre-Intermediate is too hard?

    You can use both levels to find videos that work for you. Not every video within a given level will be the same in terms of difficulty—some may be easier while others more challenging. This is due to several factors like individual familiarity with certain topics or different set-ups. Additionally, as I’m creating the content, there will naturally be slight variations in difficulty from one video to the next. If you encounter a video that’s too easy or too hard, just move on to the next.

  • What should I do if I don't understand a word?

    Don’t stress—just let it go! You’ll come across the word again, either in the same video or later on. You may need to encounter it several times in different contexts to fully understand it, and that’s completely normal. Some words or expressions will naturally be acquired over time while you're still absorbing the rest of the input. Trust the process, and try to avoid interrupting your listening flow to stay immersed in the experience.