Learning to read in German is an exciting journey, and our story-based reading course is designed to help you progress steadily from A1 to B1 level. But how can you make the most of these reading exercises? Let’s explore the most effective way to use our reading platform to enhance your German language skills.
Before You Start Reading
1. Choose the Right Level
Start with stories that match your current German level. If you understand about 70-80% of a text without help, you’re at the right level. Don’t worry if you can’t understand everything perfectly – that’s part of the learning process!
2. Select Relevant Topics
Browse through our topic categories and choose stories that interest you. When you’re engaged with the content, you’ll naturally retain more information and stay motivated to continue reading.
During Your Reading Session
First Read-Through
- Read the story once without stopping
- Don’t look up every unknown word
- Try to understand the general context
- Pay attention to words you recognize
- Note down recurring words you don’t know
Vocabulary Focus
- Review the “Words” section before your second reading
- These carefully selected words are crucial for understanding the story
- Create flashcards with these key terms
- Try to guess the meaning of words from context before checking their definitions
Second Read-Through
- Read the story again, this time more slowly
- Use your newly learned vocabulary
- Pay attention to sentence structures
- Try to understand more detailed information
Test Your Understanding
Answering Questions
- Attempt to answer all comprehension questions without looking back at the text
- If you’re unsure about an answer, re-read the relevant section
- Use complete sentences in your answers to practice writing
- Review any incorrect answers to understand where the misunderstanding occurred
Making Progress
Track Your Learning
- Start with 2-3 stories per week
- Keep a learning journal noting new vocabulary
- Review previous stories occasionally
- Monitor your progress as you move through the levels
Tips for Success
- Set aside regular reading time
- Don’t rush through the levels
- Read each story multiple times
- Practice new vocabulary in different contexts
- Join our community forums to discuss stories with other learners
Moving Between Levels
When to Level Up
You’re ready for the next level when:
- You can understand 90% of stories at your current level
- You can answer most comprehension questions correctly on the first try
- You feel comfortable with the current vocabulary range
- You can read at a steady pace without frequent stops
Conclusion
Remember, effective language learning is about consistency and engagement. Our reading platform provides structured content to support your journey, but your approach to using these resources matters just as much. Take your time with each story, engage deeply with the content, and celebrate your progress as you advance through the levels.
