Learning a new language can feel daunting, especially one with a reputation for difficulty like German. But what if I told you the secret to my success wasn’t endless grammar drills or stuffy classroom lectures? Earlier this year, I passed the B1 Telc German exam on my first try, and I did it by focusing on one thing above all else: talking.

I currently speak seven languages fluently, and for me, the most effective way to learn is to dive in headfirst. Here are the tips that helped me on my journey and can help you, too.

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1. Talk, Talk, and Talk Some More

Seriously, the best way to get comfortable with a language is to use it. Don’t be shy. Find an opportunity to talk!

• You walk into a restaurant, talk.
• You go to a supermarket, talk.
• Talk to your doctor.
  • This is tricky, because if you get it wrong, it is about your life 😉
  • I have been able to learn a lot here.I used to practice the words that I am most likely to encounter during the visit and then rely on my memory.
• Talk over the phone.
  • This has been a nightmare initially because when you talk face to face you can make gestures to convey your point, but over the phone you cannot 😮
• Strangers are the best people to talk to 😀
  

You’re going to make mistakes, lots of them, but that’s the point. The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to get used to the rhythm and flow of the language.

When you’re talking and you can’t find the right word or phrase, make a mental note. After the conversation, look it up, practice it a few times, and then use it the next chance you get. This cycle of speaking, identifying gaps, and practicing is a powerful feedback loop that builds your skills organically.

2. Prioritize Vocabulary Over Grammar (At First)

In the beginning, focus on building a strong vocabulary. Think about what you need to express. When you’re meeting someone new, you just need a combination of words and gestures to get your point across. You’ll make sense, and that’s what matters.

For the B1 Telc exam, my long-term strategy was centered around vocabulary building. I spent years accumulating words and phrases through conversation, and only in the months leading up to the exam did I shift my focus to mastering the specific B1-level grammar rules. By then, I already had a basic understanding of A1 and A2 grammar just from using the language. This approach allowed me to build a solid foundation for communication before refining the technical details.

3. Take the Exam Seriously

While my daily learning was all about conversation, I knew the exam itself required a different kind of preparation. A week before the test, I purchased a set of Telc B1 sample papers and treated them like the real thing. I simulated the test conditions, timing myself and getting a feel for the structure. This was crucial for understanding what to expect and building my confidence.

Passing this exam without a formal course is one of my proudest accomplishments.

It proves that you don’t need a traditional classroom to succeed. You just need to be willing to talk, make mistakes, and embrace the process.

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What’s your biggest challenge when learning a new language?