How to Get from A1 to C1 in German FOR FREE 🇩🇪 | My Full Guide!

Overview

The presenter describes learning German independently with free online resources after being unable to afford or find local classes. They began with Duolingo and have studied for about a year and a half. They are preparing for a C1-level German certificate, choosing the TestDaF Hochschule over the Goethe-Zertifikat because of time constraints and university visa deadlines.

The central advice is to use different kinds of practice as you advance: build pronunciation and vocabulary first, strengthen grammar and comprehension at intermediate levels, then practice speaking, writing, and understanding authentic academic or specialist material. The presenter emphasizes setting a clear goal, staying consistent, and making study a habit.

Recommended Approach by Level

A1: Establish the Basics

• Focus on pronunciation and basic vocabulary.
• Use resources that pair written material with audio so you can listen and repeat.
• Easy German’s German-and-English subtitles can help beginners approach spoken German.
• Duolingo is optional. The presenter acknowledges that it may not be the most efficient method but finds it engaging and useful for vocabulary.
• Support app-based study with grammar and vocabulary textbooks.

A2: Build Vocabulary and Sentence Skills

The presenter found A2 especially challenging when moving toward B1. Work on understanding simple phrases, expanding vocabulary, and forming sentences correctly; fluency is not yet the main goal.

Use lessons and videos to reinforce grammar and vocabulary. Beginner-level short stories can also develop reading skills and introduce vocabulary in context.

The presenter’s broader learning principle is that input skills—listening and reading—develop before output skills such as speaking and writing.

B1: Consolidate Grammar and Broaden Comprehension

Treat B1 as an important transition into the intermediate level. Review grammar systematically with a resource covering A1–B1 topics, and practice listening and reading together using texts with audio, transcripts, glossaries, and exercises.

Begin engaging with informative content designed to be easier to understand, such as news in simplified language. This stage is also an opportunity to encounter more complex vocabulary and phrases used in everyday German, including expressions that textbooks may not emphasize.

B2: Practice Producing German and Use Richer Content

Aim to speak more confidently and avoid stopping whenever you do not know a word. Practice discussing a range of topics while applying grammar and vocabulary in both speaking and writing.

Use grammar exercise collections for targeted practice across levels. Videos with transcripts and exercises can help you learn less common vocabulary and check your comprehension. You can also start consuming more challenging content, such as science videos or German-language vlogs, and use an upper-intermediate textbook that combines grammar and vocabulary.

C1: Prepare for Academic and Exam-Level German

Regularly read and listen to scientific or academic material. Choose resources that combine audio, transcripts, and exam-style exercises. Read closely to build vocabulary and become more aware of grammatical structures.

Listen to podcasts without relying on images or video to strengthen audio comprehension for certificate exams. Continue structured grammar study and use a C1 textbook.

Sources and Speakers Mentioned

Speaker

The presenter describes learning German independently. The subtitles do not give the presenter’s name.

Learning Resources

• The German Project
• Easy German
• Duolingo
• A-Grammatik
• Begegnungen A1
• VHS/BHS Lernportal and a course transcribed as “Y Deutsch” (name unclear in the subtitles)
• Learning German with Herr Antrim
• Memrise
• Short Stories in German by Olly Richards and Alex Rawlings
• Grammatik aktiv A1–B1
• Deutsche Welle: Top-Thema mit Vokabeln
• Tagesschau in einfacher Sprache
• Lingolia (transcribed as “Lingue Olia”)
• Deutsche Welle: Video-Thema
• Kurzgesagt
• German with Ari
• Erkundungen (the B2 book title is unclear in the subtitles)
• “All text words” (resource name unclear in the subtitles)
• Podcasts: Quarks Daily, Das Wissen, and Die Geschichte
• Grammatik aktiv B1–B2
• Erkundungen C1