Mastering German punctuation (‘Deutsche Zeichensetzung’)

But punctuation plays a crucial role in forming sentences in German, adding rhythm, structure and syntactic clarity. A misplaced comma or a forgotten period can change how your message is understood. And while German does share some common ground with English in terms of punctuation rules, there are enough differences to trip up even confident learners.

In this guide, we’ll review the essential punctuation marks used in German. We’ll then discuss how they differ from English and explain how punctuation plays a role when speaking or dictating sentences in German.

• Common German punctuation marks and their usage
• Key differences between English and German punctuation
• Punctuation in German speech and dictation
• Tips for German punctuation
• FAQs

Common German punctuation marks and their usage

Der Punkt (.) – the period

Der Punkt (the period) is a versatile punctuation mark in German and can be used in the following manners and placements:

• to end sentences
• in abbreviations (e.g., z. B. for zum Beispiel)
• in written dates (e.g., 12.05.2025)
• after ordinal numbers (e.g., 3. Platz).

Das Komma (,) – the comma 

Das Komma (the comma) is used in lists, after introductory phrases, and to separate main and subordinate clauses. Unlike in English, many comma placements in German are mandatory and not simply for additional syntactic clarity.

Das Semikolon (;) – the semicolon

Das Semikolon (the semicolon) is used to link closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. It also appears in long lists where commas alone would be confusing.

Der Doppelpunkt (:) – the colon

Der Doppelpunkt (the colon) introduces explanations, examples, lists or direct speech.

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Das Fragezeichen (?) – the question mark

Das Fragezeichen (the question mark) goes at the end of direct questions.

Das Ausrufezeichen (!) – the exclamation mark

Das Ausrufezeichen (the exclamation mark) is used for emphasis, whether you’re issuing a command or warning, expressing a strong emotion or even extending an enthusiastic greeting.

Die Anführungszeichen („ “) – quotation marks

Die Anführungszeichen (the quotation marks) are used to indicate direct speech or quotations. The German quotation mark style is „first below, then above“ rather than the “up and up” style used in English.

Der Apostroph (‘) – the apostrophe

Der Apostroph (the apostrophe) is used in contractions and to show possession — but be careful. Many Germans overuse it, a habit known as the Deppenapostroph (“fool’s apostrophe”). Don’t be that person.

Die Auslassungspunkte (…) – the ellipsis points

Die Auslassungspunkte (the ellipsis points) indicate something left unsaid, a pause or an incomplete thought. Use it with restraint — it’s more subtle than dramatic.

Der Bindestrich (-) and der Gedankenstrich (–) – hyphen and dash

Der Bindestrich (the hyphen) connects compound words (e.g., Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch). Der Gedankenstrich (the dash) signals an interruption or change in tone — like this.

Die Klammern ( () ) – parentheses 

Die Klammern (the parentheses) are used to add extra information or clarifications that don’t quite fit into the main sentence.

Key differences between German and English punctuation

Commas: More rules, less freedom

If English commas are about style, German commas are about law. They’re required in many situations where English allows flexibility — most notably before and after subordinate clauses. So, while in English you could write, “I know that he’s coming,” in German you must write it as: Ich weiß, dass er kommt.

Quotation marks: Different style, same purpose

English uses “straight up” quotation marks. German prefers the „low-high“ format, with the opening mark at the bottom („) and the closing one at the top (“). It may look unfamiliar at first, but it’s standard in books, newspapers and formal writing. For example: „Ich komme gleich“, sagte sie.

Apostrophes: Use with care

German uses apostrophes far less commonly than English. They’re mainly for omissions (wie geht’s?) and rarely for possession. Overusing them is frowned upon — hence the term Deppenapostroph. So, when in doubt, leave it out.

Time and date formats: Punctuated precision

Germans like their schedules precise, and their punctuation reflects that. Time is usually written in the 24-hour format with a colon; for example, you’d write 14:30 instead of 2:30 p.m.. Dates go from small to big: Tag.Monat.Jahr — for example, 12.05.2025. Note the full stops, which differ from the slashes commonly used in English.

Tips for mastering German punctuation

To wrap it up, here are our top five tips for mastering German punctuation efficiently:

1. Learn the comma rules—and stick to them.

German commas aren’t optional. Get comfortable identifying subordinate clauses and learn when commas are required. A good rule of thumb: if there’s a dass, weil or wenn in the sentence, a comma probably belongs nearby.

2. Don’t overuse the apostrophe.

It’s tempting to write Peter’s Auto, but resist. In German, possession usually doesn’t need an apostrophe: Peters Auto is correct. Save the apostrophe for actual omissions (e.g. wie geht’s?).

3. Watch your quotation marks.

Get used to the German format: „like this“. Typing them correctly can be tricky, especially on non-German keyboards, so make use of shortcuts or language settings if needed.

4. Practice punctuation aloud.

Try reading texts and inserting spoken punctuation: Komma, Punkt, Fragezeichen. This sharpens your awareness and also preps you to dictate German aloud via dictation or speech recognition tools.

5. Pay attention to date and time formats.

A quick mental check before writing a date or time can prevent confusion. Remember: 12.05.2025 is not December — it’s May.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Skipping commas in complex sentences
• Adding apostrophes where they don’t belong
• Using English-style punctuation in German texts
• Mixing up date formats (especially in international contexts)

Helpful exercises and resources

• Read German news articles and highlight punctuation usage.
• Rewrite English sentences in German with the correct punctuation.
  
• Try online punctuation quizzes or grammar checkers.
• Practice with dictation tools to improve spoken punctuation awareness.

Looking for structured guidance, real-time feedback and the chance to apply what you learn in conversations? Lingoda is a great place to start. With native-speaking teachers and classes that challenge you to write as well as speak, you can master die Zeichensetzung in context — not just in theory.

Are semicolons commonly used in German?

No, semicolons are rare in German. When they are used, it’s primarily to connect related main clauses or separate complex list items.

What’s the correct punctuation for abbreviations in German?

Use a period after each abbreviated part, e.g., z. B. (zum Beispiel), u. a. (unter anderem). Don’t skip the spaces.

Why learning German punctuation matters 

German punctuation is essential for writing clearly, sounding natural and avoiding misunderstandings. From strict comma rules to date formats and quotation marks, getting it right makes a real difference. It’s especially important for emails, applications and speaking with dictation tools.If you want structured practice, consider Lingoda’s German language classes as a smart way to build confidence and accuracy, with real-time feedback from native speakers. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!) May your commas land where they’re needed, your apostrophes stay in line and your Punkt always hit the mark.

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How to say good night in Spanish: All you need to know

Just like in English and other languages, Spanish has different ways to say good night depending on the context. For example, buenas noches (good evening/good night) is perfect for practically any situation (this is your trusty go-to!). Then dulces sueños (sweet dreams) is more personal and best used with family and friends..

In the short list of Spanish phrases for beginners, knowing how to say good night in Spanish properly according to the audience and setting is key. We promise we won’t have you yawning!

• What does buenas noches really mean?
• How to say good night in Spanish: 24 authentic phrases
• ‘Good night’ vs. ‘good evening’ in Spanish
• Cultural nuances: Timing and tone
• FAQs

What does buenas noches really mean?

Okay, so, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard (or even used) buenas noches more than a few times before. But what does it really mean? And how do we use it? 

Buenas noches literally translates to ‘good nights’ in English, and it’s the most common and neutral way to say good night in Spanish. It’s suitable in all kinds of scenarios and with all types of audiences, no matter how formal or casual. Chatting with your in-laws? Perfect. Finishing a video call with a colleague? No problem. Saying good night to your Spanish-speaking partner? You got it. 

Now, let’s take a look at a few quick examples using buenas noches to clear it all up:

• Buenas noches, ¿en qué le puedo ayudar? (Good evening, what can I help you with?)
• Gracias por la ayuda y buenas noches. Nos vemos mañana (Thanks for the help and good night. See you tomorrow)
• Buenas noches, que duermas bien (Good night and sleep well)

You’ve probably also noticed that many phrases we use to say hi or goodbye in Spanish, like buenas noches and buenos días (good morning), use the plural form. Nevertheless, in some parts of Latin America, we might hear singular versions like buen día and buena tarde (good afternoon). You’re safe using these as well. 

Just keep in mind: it’s important to match the form to the correct gender and number to avoid mix-ups like buena noches or buenas días, which are both incorrect. Remember that tarde and noche are feminine nouns and día is masculine, and that if you add an ‘s’ to any of these, they become plural.

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How to say good night in Spanish: 24 authentic phrases

Yes, buenas noches can be used pretty much in all situations and with any audience. If we really want to level up our conversation skills and make our interactions feel personal, it’s a good idea to learn other ways to say good night.

Let’s dive into some of the most common ways to say good night in Spanish according to context and intention:

Classic and common

These phrases are particularly common amongst friends and family:

• Buenas noches – Good evening / Good night
• Hasta mañana – See you tomorrow
• Descansa – Rest up
• Que descanses – Rest well
• Duerme bien – Sleep well
• Que duermas bien – May you sleep well
• Nos vemos mañana – See you tomorrow

Note: Out of these, only buenas noches and hasta mañana should be used in formal environments. The rest are either too casual or too personal for the office.

Romantic and cute

Many of us are learning the language because we’d like to impress our Spanish-speaking partner! Are you? Here are some romantic ways to wish a good night in Spanish:

• Dulces sueños – Sweet dreams
• Que sueñes con los angelitos – Dream of little angels
• Buenas noches, mi amor – Good night, my love
• Sueña conmigo – Dream of me
• Soñaré contigo – I’ll dream of you
• Que tengas dulces sueños – Have sweet dreams
• Linda noche / Bonita noche – Lovely night (mainly LatAm)
• Feliz noche –  Happy night

Casual and colloquial

The following expressions will help you sound more natural. Be aware that they’re quite casual and should be used only with close acquaintances:

• Me voy a dormir – I’m going to sleep
• Me voy a la cama – I’m off to bed
• Es hora de dormir – It’s time to sleep
• Vete a dormir – Go to sleep (informal/familiar)
• Buenas – Shorthand for buenas noches in speech
• Ciao – Casual goodbye borrowed from Italian

Note: Vete a dormir is a command often used by parents with their children. If you’d like to use it with other adults, be sure your tone comes across as friendly or playful to avoid sounding harsh.

Formal and polite

Would you like to politely say good night to a Spanish-speaking colleague without relying on the classic (and sometimes tired) buenas noches? These phrases are perfect for formal situations:

• Que tenga una buena noche – May you have a good night
• Que pase una buena noche – May you go through a good night
• Buenas noches y hasta pronto – Good night and see/talk to you soon

Remember that Spanish distinguishes between two forms of ‘you’: usted and tú. Tú is informal and can be used with young people, peers, friends, most family members and close colleagues. On the other hand, usted is commonly used to address older strangers, professors and teachers, workplace superiors and, oftentimes, grandparents. The verb conjugation in formal vs. informal Spanish is also different. Be sure to use the right verb form when going for usted.

‘Good night’ vs. ‘good evening’ in Spanish

As we mentioned earlier, buenas noches is one of the most neutral and versatile ways to say good night in Spanish. And this isn’t just because it can be used in both formal and casual scenarios, but also because it works both as a greeting and a farewell (yay!). This, of course, is different from American English, where we use ‘good evening’ to say hi and ‘good night’ to say goodbye.

And we’ve got some more good news: we can typically use buenas noches anytime after nightfall, regardless of whether we’re actually heading to bed already or just greeting someone in the evening. It is, indeed, an all time hero!

Now, if we wanna make it clear that we’re saying good night because we’re going to sleep, then we can go with the following phrases:

• Formal: Buenas noches y hasta mañana – Good night and until tomorrow
• Informal: Me voy a dormir, buenas noches – I’m going to sleep, good night

But what if we mean to use buenas noches as a greeting? Then we’ve go these options:

• Hola, buenas noches – Hello, good evening
• Buenas noches, ¿cómo estás/está? – Good evening, how are you? (estás is informal language, está is formal)

The key to differentiating the greeting from the farewell is to pay attention to the context. If there’s an hola or another conversation opener, then it’s safe to say it’s a greeting. On the other hand, if it comes after having already engaged in conversation or if it’s paired with something like hasta luego (until next time) or nos vemos (see you later), then we have a farewell.

Cultural nuances: Timing and tone

Alright, we’ve now explored different ways to say good night in various contexts. But there’s still an elephant in the room: when exactly should we say good night in Spanish-speaking countries?

Well, in Spain, for example, buenas noches and other nighttime farewells are generally used after 8:00 PM. Before that, it’s better to stick to buenas tardes (good afternoon). However, in Latin America, people tend to switch to buenas noches at dusk, just before it gets dark.

When it comes to tone, we shouldn’t forget to use usted when talking to older strangers and our superiors. We should avoid overly personal language like dulces sueños or me voy a dormir unless we’re with family or friends.

What about texting? All of the expressions we’ve shared also work well in text messaging!

What is the difference between ‘buenas noches’ and ‘buenas tardes’?

Buenas noches (good night) is used only at night, while buenas tardes (good afternoon) is appropriate from 12:00 PM until nightfall.

Is ‘buenas noches’ a greeting or a goodbye?

In Spanish, buenas noches (good night) is both a greeting and a farewell, so it’s suitable for starting or ending a conversation. To make our intention clearer, we can pair it with expressions like ¿cómo estás? (how are you?) or hasta mañana (until tomorrow), depending on whether we’re saying hi or goodbye.

Practicing our good nights

Now that you know how to say good night in Spanish in so many different ways, it’s time to put it all into practice! Whether you’re chatting with your Spanish-speaking best friend, partner or colleague, personalizing your conversations will help you sound more natural and approachable. A good tip is to pick a couple of your favorite phrases and start from there.

And if you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, join us at Lingoda! Our native-level teachers and real-life conversation focus will get you to speak Spanish from day one… All from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. Day and night!

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How to use the German pronoun ‘man’ (and not confuse it with ‘Mann’)

If you’ve come across the word “man” in German language lessons and found yourself puzzled — especially when no actual man seems to be involved — you’re not alone. Man is an indefinite pronoun in German, used when the subject is unspecified or general. 

It’s the German equivalent of the indefinite pronouns commonly used in English expressions like “one never knows,” “you can’t win them all,” or “they say it’s going to rain.” Unlike English, which uses various different pronouns for these impersonal constructions, German consistently uses man when referring to people in general.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what man means, how it differs from the noun Mann and how to use it correctly.

• Man vs. Mann: Spot the difference
• When to use man in German sentences
• How to conjugate verbs after man
• Other ways to say man in German
• FAQs

‘Man’ vs. ‘Mann’: Spot the difference

If you’re learning German at any level, you may have already noticed how similar man and Mann look. Only one letter sets them apart, and they’re even pronounced the same. 

But these two words belong to entirely different categories. Mistaking one for the other can lead to misunderstandings or slightly odd-sounding sentences. The good news is that German capitalization rules make them easy to tell apart — as a definite noun, Mann is always capitalized, whereas the indefinite man is not. 

Let’s look at a few other differences between the two words:

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When to use ‘man’ in German sentences

The German pronoun man is used when the subject of a sentence is indefinite — in other words, when you’re not referring to any specific person. In English, this idea is usually expressed with words like “one,” “people” or the generic form of “you.” 

Man is often used to give advice, share observations, express general truths or comment on typical behaviours. And because it doesn’t specify who is acting, it keeps the tone neutral and widely applicable.

Keep in mind that man is always conjugated in the singular third person and only refers to people — never to objects or animals. Far from a niche construction, it’s a common way to avoid the passive voice in everyday language. Instead of starting an observation with, for example, “Es wird gesagt…” (It is said…), A German might instead opt for a more natural-sounding variant: “Man sagt…” (People say…).

Real-life situations for using ‘man’

Let’s look at the kinds of phrases in which you’ll hear man used in daily conversation:

1. Giving general advice or rules.

• Man darf hier nicht rauchen. (You’re not allowed to smoke here.)

2. Describing cultural habits, customs or social norms.

• In Deutschland sagt man „Guten Appetit”. (In Germany, people say “Guten Appetit.”)

3. Stating general truths or observations.

• Man kann nicht alles haben. (You can’t have everything.)

4. Expressing habits or routines.

• Man steht früh auf, wenn man zur Schule geht. (You get up early when you go to school.)

How to conjugate verbs after ‘man’

The use of man requires a very basic German verb conjugation. As a third-person pronoun, man goes with the third-person singular form — the same one used with er, sie and or es. There’s never gender or number variation to worry about, because it’s grammatically fixed.

Other ways to say ‘man’ in German

Depending on the tone, audience or context, German offers several alternatives that can replace man — each with a slightly different nuance.

Use jemand when you’re implying someone specific, but not identified.

• Jemand hat an der Tür geklopft. (Someone knocked on the door.)
  

Use die Leute when you’re referring to people as a group. This can carry an opinionated tone, depending on the context.

Die Leute sagen viel. (People say a lot.)

Use wir to make a general statement feel more inclusive or collective.

• Wir müssen mehr aufpassen. (We need to be more careful.)
  

Use du in casual conversation to express common experiences or shared knowledge.

• Du weißt ja nie, was passiert. (You never know what might happen.)
  

Use sie (they) when referring to public opinion or unnamed sources.

• Sie sagen, es wird teuer. (They say it will be expensive.)

While all these forms can replace man in certain sentences, they each shift the tone slightly. Just as in English, where saying “One/You/We shouldn’t come too late” feels similar but subtly different, context matters.

• Man sollte nicht zu spät kommen. (General and neutral advice)
• Du solltest nicht zu spät kommen. (Reminder or personal advice)
• Wir sollten nicht zu spät kommen. (Collective statement that includes the speaker)

What does ‘man’ mean in German?

The German word man means “one,” “someone” or “people” in general — it’s an indefinite pronoun for unspecific subjects.

Is ‘man’ formal or informal in German?

It’s neutral. You’ll hear it in both formal and informal contexts.

Can ‘man’ be used for women?

Yes. Man refers to people in general, regardless of gender.

The German pronoun ‘man’ in a nutshell

So, we’ve learned that man does not refer to a strictly male person in German. It’s not even a noun as such, but rather a versatile German pronoun that roughly translates to “someone,” “you” or “people in general.” It’s always singular, always third person, and perfect for making broad, neutral statements — whether you’re giving advice, sharing cultural habits or just musing about life.

At Lingoda, you’ll get plenty of real-world practice with these nuances. Our native-level teachers won’t just teach you grammar — they’ll show you how the language actually works in everyday situations. So keep at it, keep asking questions, and Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!).

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Is Fluency Dead? The Rise of “Survival German” Among Expats in Germany

Are you familiar with the term “survival German”? If you’re picturing a hardcore survivalist like Bear Grylls braving the wilderness with only a cheat sheet of German vocabulary, you’re actually not so far off. “Survival German” refers to a phenomenon among expats in bigger German cities, in which many choose not to master the language but instead try to get by with basic skills — even after living in Germany for years. 

Why is this happening? It’s not because learning a new language has become harder, nor is it because German specifically has lost its value. It’s simply easier to get by in English these days.

An impressive 56% of Germans speak English fluently, though that number is closer to 90% in bigger cities like Berlin. With English cropping up everywhere from international offices to local supermarkets, it’s certainly possible to navigate daily life in Germany without speaking German fluently. So, it’s no surprise that part of the growing expat workforce in Germany has adopted a minimalist language strategy. 

• Fluency as the traditional ideal (and why it’s fading)
• Real challenges: Why German fluency is elusive
• Integration vs. convenience: The cultural trade-off

Fluency as the traditional ideal (and why it’s fading)

Although the “survival German” trend has gained momentum in recent years, it wasn’t always this way. Traditionally, expats who moved permanently to a country for professional or personal reasons aspired to fluency in the local language. While it’s not fair to say that this has changed for the majority of expats and immigrants, certain realities make it more difficult for German learners to reach the B1 or B2 proficiency most language schools and integration courses recommend.

For one, German is not known as an easy language. In a recent study, 67% of expat respondents rated German as difficult to learn, which can be frustrating when you’re also juggling a new job and adjusting to a new culture. Linguistic experts have compared the long slog of mastering German to running a marathon, as it can take one to two years of intensive study (i.e., two to three hours everyday) to reach fluency.  

Very few working professionals can afford that time. While German is still the most widely spoken language in Europe, with more than 15 million people learning it globally, complete fluency continues to elude many expats. 

Real challenges: Why German fluency is elusive

German’s reputation as a difficult language is well-earned. German grammar is notoriously complex, confronting learners with four cases, three genders and almost as many exceptions as there are rules. For native English speakers — or anyone coming from a more “straightforward” language — learning German can feel like a steep climb. 

Perhaps no one ever put it better than the famed American writer Mark Twain, who once claimed that “a gifted person ought to learn English (barring spelling and pronouncing) in 30 hours, French in 30 days and German in thirty years.” 

Everyday life as an adult doesn’t leave much room for several hours of language study each day. And to make matters worse, many native speakers tend to switch to English upon hearing an accent. This combination of factors can make the language journey a long and daunting one.

Integration vs. convenience: The cultural trade-off

While many situations can be handled with “survival German,” certain hurdles — like rental contracts and tax forms — still require a certain level of language proficiency. But it doesn’t stop there. Sticking to very basic German can have consequences for your social life, too, as it can make it harder to find friends and feel included. 

In bigger cities, where living in an “English bubble” is possible, many expats mostly connect with fellow internationals. While this can still be fulfilling, learning the language remains key if you intend to get the full picture of a culture. Without speaking German, some doors to the country you’re living in will inevitably stay closed. 

The workplace shift: Is German still required on the job?

The shift toward “survival German” becomes easier to understand when you consider recent changes in the German professional environment. Depending on the field, it’s now possible to work for many German companies without speaking German at all. Especially in sectors like tech, engineering and research, speaking German is not necessarily a requirement — though strong German skills are a precondition for jobs in HR or law. 

Rethinking language goals in Germany

There are several reasons why a shift away from language proficiency is becoming more common among many expats. Pragmatically, the demands of everyday life have increased dramatically for everyone — not just expats — due to higher expectations at work and an overall faster pace of life. . Taking time to learn a language like German, which is known for its complexity and inaccessibility, is often not realistic. 

Furthermore, German culture has become more international and English is widely spoken, especially in big cities. It has even become possible to work in Germany without speaking German at all. Nevertheless, something is lost when fluency is no longer the goal. To get full access to a new country, speaking the language is still a necessary requirement and comes with its own rewards. Ultimately, “Is fluency still the goal?” might not have a one-size-fits-all answer.

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Mastering German: The #1 Factor for Expats’ Career & Salary Growth in Germany (2025 Data)

Germany is one of the most attractive destinations in the EU for skilled workers, thanks to its robust economy, high quality of life, and wealth of career opportunities. But if you want full access to the country’s job market, speaking German is essential. With just 2.7% of job listings explicitly stating that German is not required, language proficiency is the key factor that determines an expat’s prospects. Fluency not only expands your job options; it also opens the door to higher-paying roles across various industries. 

This article explores the state of the German job market in 2025, drawing on the latest data to examine language-related trends, industry insights, salary impact, and employer expectations, providing a clear and comprehensive guide for expats navigating the German job market. 

• German language demand in job postings – 97% of jobs require German
• Salary impact – German proficiency increases earnings by 20%
• Employer expectations – why 59% of companies prioritize German skills
• Key takeaways and actionable advice for expats

German language demand in job postings – 97% of jobs require German

While internationalization is beginning to reshape the German job market, the reality remains: most jobs in Germany require some German proficiency. Certain industries and regions do offer opportunities to English-speaking migrants, but the number of these roles is fairly limited. German remains the default language for the vast majority of jobs, despite not being overtly stated in job postings y. In fact, it’s typically assumed, especially for client-facing or managerial positions.

Categories of job postings based on language requirements:

A detailed analysis of job listings in Germany reveals three distinct categories when it comes to language expectations:

1.  Roles that explicitly state “German required”, leaving no ambiguity about the need for proficiency. 
2. 2.7% of listings, according to a 2024 Hiring Lab survey, clearly indicate “German is not required”. This underscores how rare it is to find opportunities where English alone is enough. 
3. Job postings that do not mention language at all. However, in the German job market, silence on language typically implies that German is expected by default unless stated otherwise. Language is implicit in employability, even when it’s not spelled out.

Insights from job posting analyses:

With only 2.7% of jobs explicitly open to non-German speakers, Germany stands out in Europe for its language expectations. In the Netherlands, 7.8% of jobs are open to non-Dutch speakers, while in Spain, 5.8% of openings don’t require Spanish.  France and Italy also come above Germany, with more jobs available for people who don’t speak the local language. 

Language requirements also correlate with salary potential. High-paying roles – as accounting or pharmaceuticals – have the lowest levels of language flexibility, according to the Hiring Lab survey. In contrast, traditionally low-wage sectors, like cleaning services and hospitality,  welcome non-German-speaking applicants more openly. 

However, there are reasons for optimism for non-German speakers. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), launched in 2024, allows qualified migrants to work with either A1 German or B2 English skills. Five years earlier, the Federal Employment Agency recognized the need to recruit migrant workers in its annual report. A key pillar of this was improved language support for non-German speakers. 

Regional insights – where can expats work without German?

Non-German-speaking expats may have better luck finding roles in major cities, where jobs often require proficiency in English. Hamburg leads the way, with 38% of roles requiring English, followed by Berlin with 30%, according to an article by Presse Portal. In the state of Hesse, home to Frankfurt am Main, 30% of jobs also require English. This may be due to the higher number of international companies and start-ups in these areas. However, simply because these roles require English does not mean that German isn’t required. 

More rural regions such as Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania offer far fewer opportunities, with only 11–12% of roles requiring English. 

Implications for job seekers:

First, job seekers should assume that German proficiency is required unless a job posting states otherwise. Secondly, non-German speakers seeking work will need to target jobs in certain areas of Germany and in specific industries. Multinational corporations, tech start-ups, and research institutions are known to be open to English-speaking professionals, and English is sometimes the primary working language. People who don’t speak German may need to focus on low-skilled, service-sector jobs that often explicitly state that German is not required. 

Industries with the most and least language flexibility

In certain sectors, German is non-negotiable:

• Finance, law, and public administration all require a knowledge of German laws and regulations, making fluency in German essential. 
• In healthcare, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists must pass German language exams to gain certification. 
• Skilled trades and manufacturing roles require at least intermediate German, often due to safety regulations. 

• By contrast, expats may have more luck finding an English-only job in tech or R&D: 54% of IT postings require English, and some companies use English as the primary language in day-to-day operations. 
• Over 50% of roles in research and development also specified that English skills were necessary, making this another possible field for expats. 

The most accessible sector for non-German speakers remains low-wage industries like cleaning and hospitality. A study of listings on Indeed revealed that 9 out of 10 jobs that don’t specify German as a requirement fell into these categories. Statistics from DE Statis back this up, showing that 52% of workers in low-skilled occupations had an immigration background in 2022. However, it’s important to note that without German, career progression is likely to be limited. 

Salary impact – German proficiency increases earnings by 20%

How much more do German-speaking expats earn?

Speaking German doesn’t just broaden your job prospects, it can also boost your paycheck. A paper by the International Monetary Fund shows that new immigrants earn 20% less than German-born workers with the same qualifications. The difference is smaller for those with German language skills, and tends to shrink the longer migrants stay in the workforce.   

A study conducted by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research supports this. Migrants who speak fluent German earn nearly the same as native speakers in comparable roles. As language proficiency increases, so too do potential earnings. Conversely, if migrants don’t learn the language, their earning potential may be capped.  

Bilingual professionals get faster promotions and raises

The advantage of speaking a foreign language goes both ways. A study published by Science Direct shows that native German speakers who have a good knowledge of English can earn up to 13% more than non-English speakers. This means that expats with both German and English skills are more likely to have the opportunity to move into leadership roles. Those who don’t learn German will be at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to promotion. DE Statis figures from 2022 showed that just 18% of managers had an immigration background. 

Employer expectations – why 59% of companies prioritize German skills

Language as the #1 hiring hurdle

For 59% of companies seeking to hire international talent, the lack of German among candidates is the biggest challenge, according to a study by all ten Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Hesse. 

The level of proficiency required of foreign hires is relatively high. 32% of companies require at least a B1 level in German (intermediate), and 26% insist on B2 (upper-intermediate). Reaching B2 means you are able to engage in technical discussions in their field and work entirely in German. Of the companies that do hire foreign workers, 37% offer German language training, further highlighting the demand for language proficiency. 

Key takeaways and actionable advice for expats

Roughly 97% of jobs in Germany require at least some level of German, meaning non-German speakers have to compete for just a small share of the market. While many job postings don’t explicitly mention language requirements, German is typically assumed unless stated otherwise. The few positions that are open to English speakers are mainly in tech, research, and international firms, most of which are based in major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. 

However, relying solely on English can limit both job variety and career progression. Studies show how  German proficiency correlates to higher salaries, with nearly all top-paying roles requiring fluency. Expats who speak German not only gain access to more opportunities, but they also tend to earn more and move into leadership positions more quickly. In short, investing in your German skills is one of the most effective ways to unlock your full professional potential in Germany.

Resources to improve your German for career growth

• Fortunately, many resources are available to help professionals strengthen their German and expand their career prospects: online German courses offer flexible, structured learning tailored to different levels, needs, and schedules. 
• In-person courses are also available for those who can commit to a set schedule. 
• Employer-sponsored training with in-house courses or funded German lessons.
• Government-run integration programs that provide free or heavily subsidized German lessons to help expats settle in and succeed professionally.

No matter what you current level is, improving your German should become an integral part of your career development plan.

German is the key to career success

Mastering German is without question the most effective way for expats to enjoy a thriving career in Germany. Whether it’s expanding your access to job opportunities, increasing your earning potential, or opening up possibilities for promotion, language skills make a measurable difference. By investing in German proficiency, expats position themselves to unlock long-term career growth in one of Europe’s strongest economies. In 2025 and beyond, language skills remain the key to accessing the full potential of Germany’s diverse and dynamic job market.

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• Expert-designed curriculum
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The English alphabet: A complete guide for beginners

The modern English alphabet contains 26 letters, each with an uppercase (capital) and lowercase (small) form. It includes five vowels and 21 consonants. Every English word is made up of these 26 letters. The alphabet is based on the Latin script, like many other languages, including Spanish, German, Polish, and Malay. 

In this article, we’ll take a close look at the alphabet’s sounds and silent letters, discover some letters that don’t exist in English anymore, and take a look at how the English alphabet developed.

• How many letters are in the English alphabet?
• How to pronounce the English alphabet
• Where did the English alphabet come from? A short history
• Fun facts about the English alphabet
• FAQs

How many letters are in the English alphabet?

There are 26 letters in the English alphabet. Each has an uppercase and a lowercase form. 

Capital vs. lowercase letters

We use lowercase letters much more often than uppercase ones in English. Uppercase letters appear:

• At the start of sentences
  • The door is open. 
• For proper nouns (specific names of people, places, things)
  • People: Ben, Alice
  • Places: New York, the Nile 
  • Brands and Companies: Adidas, Lingoda
  • Days and Months: Monday, August
  • Languages and Nationalities: English, Japanese
• For the pronoun I (regardless of its position in a sentence)
  • No, I’m not coming. 
• In acronyms and initialisms
  • BBC, NASA
• For movie, book, and song titles, etc. (often following title case)
  • The Lord of the Rings, Like a Rolling Stone

Vowels and consonants: What’s the difference?

There are five vowels in English: a, e, i, o, u. All of the other 21 letters are consonants. But there are far more vowel sounds than there are letters: English has 20 vowel sounds! 

These fall into two categories: 

• Monophthongs – single, pure vowel sounds like the /ɪ/ in ‘sit’.
• Diphthongs –  two vowel sounds blended together, like the /eɪ/ in ‘train’. 

There are 24 consonant sounds, and we typically divide them into voiced and unvoiced. 

• Voiced – you’ll feel vibration in your throat when making these sounds, as with the /b/ in ‘bat’.
• Unvoiced – no throat vibration as with the /p/ in ‘pat’.

Certain consonant sounds are made of two letters combined, like the /ʃ/ at the beginning of ‘sheep’.  

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How to pronounce the English alphabet

The most common English vowel sounds

Distinguishing between vowel sounds can be challenging for English learners, particularly when it comes to long vs. short vowels. Short vowels are like the /æ/ in ‘cat’ or the /ɛ/ in ‘bed’, and longer vowel sounds are like the /eɪ/ in ‘cake’ and the /iː/ in ‘bead’. Words with long vowel sounds tend to have two vowels next to each other, like in bEAd, or a vowel + consonant + vowel pattern, like in cAkE. 

The hard and soft consonants

C and G can have hard or soft sounds depending on the letters that follow them. They often have a soft sound before E, I, or Y (though there are many exceptions). 

C

The hard C is pronounced /k/, as in ‘cat’ /kæt/. The soft C is pronounced /s/, as in ‘city’ /ˈsɪti/. 

G

The hard G is pronounced /g/, as in ‘goat’ /ɡəʊt/. The soft G is pronounced /dʒ/ as in ‘giraffe’ /dʒəˈrɑːf/. 

Tricky sounds for non-native speakers

Certain sounds are tricky for non-native speakers, usually because they don’t exist or aren’t clearly distinguished in their first language. Here are some examples: 

• TH sounds: /θ/ as in ‘think’ and /ð/ as in ‘this’ can be difficult for many learners. Some substitute /s/, /z/, or /d/ sounds instead.
• L vs. R: Some learners of an East Asian background may struggle to distinguish between /l/ and /r/ as in the words ‘light’ and ‘right’ because their native language may not separate these sounds clearly.
• P vs. B: In languages like Arabic, /p/ doesn’t exist, so it’s often replaced with /b/. (Pepsi becomes Bebsi.)
• British vs. American R: In American English, R is pronounced almost everywhere. In British English, it’s only pronounced when it comes before a vowel. This can affect understanding — for example, ‘court’ and ‘caught’ sound the same in many British accents. 

Learning English with Lingoda’s native-speaking teachers can help you become familiar with regional differences and enable you to work on pronouncing challenging sounds. 

Silent letters and unpredictable sounds

Many letters in the English alphabet can be silent, which can make it difficult for learners to guess their pronunciation. Learning the phonetic alphabet can really help! Here are a few examples of silent letters in English. 

• B: lamb, debt
• G: gnome, sign, foreign
• H: hour, honest
• K: knife, know
• L: walk, talk
• P: psychology, receipt
• W: write, who

Why are they silent? In many cases, the letters used to be pronounced, like the K in ‘knife’ and the W in ‘write’. In others, they were added later for etymological reasons — for example, the B in ‘’debt’ reflects the Latin root debitum. Words like ‘psychology’ borrow combinations from Greek that are rare in English, such as PS.

To make things more complex, some letter combinations have multiple pronunciations: 

• GH can be silent, as in ‘light’, pronounced /f/, as in ‘laugh’, or pronounced /g/, as in ‘ghost’.
• OUGH is the ultimate nightmare, with no fewer than nine different pronunciations!  

American vs. British pronunciation

American English and British English speakers pronounce the alphabet in almost the same way. Z and, to some extent, R are exceptions. 

Where did the English alphabet come from? A short history

The English alphabet has its roots in the Latin alphabet, which arrived in Britain with the Romans. However, the alphabet wasn’t used to write in English until around the 7th century. It also contained certain extra letters to reflect English sounds, including þ (thorn), ð (eth), and æ (ash). These gradually disappeared after the Norman Conquest in 1066, when French spelling conventions began to reshape English. Although these characters are no longer part of the modern alphabet, they still appear in historical texts and studies of Old English.

The lost letters of English

Texts written in Old English will contain several letters that aren’t used in modern English: 

• Thorn (Þ): This represented the voiced and unvoiced TH sound in words like thing and the.
• Eth (Ð): This letter also represented the TH sounds in Old English. 
• Wynn (ƿ): The Latin alphabet didn’t contain the letter W, so it was represented with ƿ instead. 
• Ash (Æ): Æ was used for the short A sound we have in words like cat. 

Fun facts about the English alphabet

• The most common letter in English is E. It appears in around 12% of words. 
• The least common letter is Z. It appears in just 0.07% of words. 
• Q is almost always followed by U, like in ‘queen’ and ‘quick’. Exceptions, like ‘Qatar’, are borrowed from other languages. 
• W is the only letter pronounced with more than one syllable: double u. 
• The Old English letter Þ was written as Y when the printing press was introduced. This has led to people believing ‘the’ was originally pronounced ‘ye’, as in Ye Olde Shoppe. 

How many letters are in the English alphabet?

There are 26 letters in the modern English alphabet, from A to Z.

Are there any letters that were removed from the English alphabet?

Yes, Old English once included letters like þ (thorn) and ð (eth), which are no longer used today.

From A to Z: What’s next on your English journey?

Mastering the English alphabet is just the beginning. Learning English with Lingoda, you can build confidence, improve pronunciation, and keep making progress one step at a time. Whether you’re learning tricky sounds or expanding your vocabulary, we’re here to help you reach your goals. Are you ready for the next chapter?

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A guide to auxiliary verbs in German: How to use “sein,” “haben”, and “werden”

They are essential for expressing past and future actions, as well as for using the passive voice. These versatile verbs are everywhere, and mastering them opens the door to talking about past experiences, describing ongoing actions and making future plans.

In this article, you’ll get to know the three key German auxiliary verbs: sein, haben and werden. You’ll learn how to conjugate them in different tenses while using the correct word order, and you’ll even find some helpful tips for practicing these important verbs.

• The 3 essential German auxiliary verbs
• Conjugating German auxiliary verbs
• Word order with auxiliary verbs
• Practice tips for mastering German auxiliary verbs
• FAQs

The 3 essential German auxiliary verbs

The three essential German auxiliary verbs are sein (to be), haben (to have) and werden (to become). These are among the most common German verbs, and all three happen to be irregular, with sein being the most irregular in its various conjugations.

Sein is used with verbs of motion or change. Since most of these verbs are intransitive, meaning they don’t take a direct object, sein becomes the auxiliary of choice in many cases:

• Ich bin gelaufen. (I ran.)
• Er ist gefahren. (He drove.)

Haben serves as the auxiliary for most other verbs, which are typically transitive and therefore refer to one or more objects:

• Sie hat eine Pizza gegessen. (She ate a pizza.)
• Wir haben einen Film geschaut. (We watched a movie.)

While werden does mean “to become,” its grammatical role extends much further. First, it’s used to form the future tense:

• Sie werden morgen arbeiten. (They will work tomorrow.)
• Ihr werdet übermorgen angekommen sein. (You will have arrived the day after tomorrow.)

You’ll also see werden in the passive voice, where it carries the tense while the past participle expresses the action. In this construction, the focus shifts to the receiver of the action:

•  Die Pizza wird von ihr gegessen. (The pizza is being eaten by her.)
• Der Film wird von uns geschaut. (The film is being watched by us.)

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Conjugating German auxiliary verbs

Präsens (present)

Präteritum (simple past)

Perfekt + plusquamperfekt (Perfect + past perfect)

Word order with auxiliary verbs

German has a rich grammatical structure that allows a flexible word order. Knowing how to correctly arrange the different parts of a sentence, including auxiliary verbs, is key to speaking the language effectively.

In main clauses, which can stand alone as complete sentences, the conjugated verb occurs in the second position, while the participle goes to the end:

• Ich gehe ins Kino. (I go to the movies.)
• Ich bin ins Kino gegangen. (I went to the movies.)

However, if a sentence contains a modal verb, a type of auxiliary verb used to formulate requests, orders, obligations or advice, the modal verb takes the second position. The main verb, in its infinitive form, moves to the end of the clause. For example:

• Ich muss arbeiten. (I have to work.)
• Wir können später telefonieren. (We can call later.)

If both an auxiliary and a modal verb are present, the auxiliary is conjugated, the main verb (infinitive) comes second to last, and the modal verb (infinitive) appears at the very end. For example:

• Du hättest mehr lernen sollen. (You should have studied more.)
• Wir werden rechtzeitig kommen können. (We will be able to arrive on time.)

In subordinate clauses, which depend on a main clause and cannot stand alone, the conjugated auxiliary verb appears at the very end, preceded by the main verb:

• Sie ist müde, weil sie früh aufgestanden ist. (She’s tired because she got up early.)
• Ich frage mich, ob sie angekommen sind. (I wonder whether they have arrived.)

In subordinate clauses with both an auxiliary and a modal verb, the conjugated auxiliary verb comes before the two infinitives, with the main verb appearing first, followed by the modal verb:

• Du weißt, dass er das hätte machen können. (You know he could have done that.)
• Sie glaubt, dass er das Auto wird reparieren müssen. (She thinks he will have to fix the car.)

One last word order shift occurs in the case of yes-or-no questions. In this case, the conjugated auxiliary verb comes first, while the main verb, either in the past participle or in the infinitive, moves to the end:

• Hast du die Hausaufgaben gemacht? (Did you do the homework?)
• Seid ihr in den Urlaub gefahren? (Did you go on vacation?)

Practice tips for mastering German auxiliary verbs

Learning the forms of German auxiliary verbs requires some memorization, but the real challenge is using them in sentences, especially with modal verbs or within subordinate clauses.

A great way to start internalizing the three auxiliary verbs is to conjugate verbs in German by creating your own tables. Writing them out helps you visualize the patterns and recall forms more easily. Begin with the present tense, then move on to the past and passive forms. Once you feel more confident, try expanding your tables to include combinations with modal verbs.

After mastering conjugations, practice building compound sentences that use auxiliary verbs in different contexts. Start with simple examples, then gradually increase the complexity. Focus on verb placement, and don’t hesitate to experiment. This will help you get used to German word order, especially in more complex structures.

To lock in your skills, write or speak a little every day using past and passive tenses. Use simple prompts from your daily life: What time did you wake up today? What did you do on your last holiday? Have you read any good books lately? Record yourself or keep a short journal to track your progress. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you start to form these structures without having to think about them.

Are modal verbs auxiliary verbs?

Yes, modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb, because they support the main verb in expressing requests, orders, obligations or advice. Unlike haben, sein and werden, they don’t help form tenses, but instead modify the meaning of the main verb.

What is the rule for using “haben” or “sein”?

In the perfect and past perfect tenses, sein is used with most intransitive verbs that express a change of state or motion. Haben is used with most other verbs, especially transitive ones.

Learn the German auxiliary verbs

So, now you’ve seen just how essential the auxiliary verbs sein, haben and werden are in German. They play a key role in forming past, future and passive constructions, and they also give meaning to the main verb.

Mastering auxiliary verbs involves understanding German word order in both main and subordinate clauses, as well as how they work in combination with modal verbs. This takes time, memorization and regular practice with writing and speaking.If you’re looking to learn German or need help with grammar, Lingoda is here to support you. Our small group classes create the perfect environment to build confidence using the language in real-life situations. With flexible scheduling, you can keep making steady progress, even if your time is limited.

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French clothing vocabulary: A comprehensive guide

Mastering French clothing vocabulary can help you navigate shopping experiences more confidently — whether online or in stores — and  participate more naturally in everyday conversations.

This vocabulary guide provides all the necessary words for discussing clothing in French, including key nouns, verbs and practical phrases. You’ll also find some authentic French idioms and cultural insights into how French people view fashion and clothing.

• Essential French clothing vocabulary
• Clothing-related verbs and phrases
• French idioms and expressions related to clothing
• Fashion and clothing in French society
• FAQs

Essential French clothing vocabulary

In the tables below, you’ll find the words commonly used to talk about clothes in French.

General terms for clothing 

Everyday clothing items 

Outerwear 

Footwear 

Accessories 

Underwear and nightwear 

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Clothing-related verbs and phrases

To put your new clothes vocabulary into practice, you’ll need some verbs and phrases. Let’s see what’s in store!

Common verbs 

Useful phrases for shopping 

French idioms and expressions related to clothing

There’s nothing like mastering idioms to help you sound fluent. In French, many idioms incorporate vocabulary about clothing. Here are some examples:

Want to test out using these idioms in everyday conversation? We recommend putting it all into practice in Lingoda’s online French classes.

Fashion and clothing in French society

Here are a few insights about France’s long legacy of fashion-forward thought and how French people generally feel about fashion and clothing:

• The béret, one of the biggest fashion clichés about France, is rarely worn by French people nowadays (with the exception of some elderly men).
• Paris has a long-standing reputation as a global fashion capital. This is reflected in the number of French words loaned to other languages, including haute couture, prêt-à-porter and chic.
• The famously classy Parisian style can also be found in other major cities, such as Lyon and Marseille. However, it’s worth noting that not all French people are so stereotypically stylish.
• French clothing tends to be quite understated. If someone wears a very colorful outfit or a distinctive hairstyle in an everyday setting, they might attract amused or surprised glances.
• French people tend to be conscious of the environmental impact of clothing. The second-hand clothing market is booming thanks to the emergence of online platforms and vide-dressing pop-ups (clothing swap/sale events where people bring clothes they no longer want to exchange for other items).

What is the French word for clothing?

The French word for clothing is les vêtements or les habits.

How do you say “dress” in French?

In French, “a dress” is une robe (with an open “o” sound).

How do you say “swimsuit” in French?

In French, “a swimsuit” is un maillot de bain (with a silent “t”).

Ready to dress your French up?

Being able to talk about clothes in French will help you in many situations, whether you’re shopping or engaging in conversation with French speakers. From essential everyday terms to clothing-related expressions and idioms, this comprehensive guide has equipped you with key vocabulary to enhance your fluency in French.
As always, Lingoda is here to help you put it into practice. Our French classes in small groups with native-level teachers are exactly what you need to speak with confidence.

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Shaping the Lingoda experience: Dr. Thomas Gigant, Head of Product, on empowering language learners

Dr. Thomas Gigant joined Lingoda with a clear purpose: to merge his love for teaching with his expertise in building impactful digital products. What drew him in was Lingoda’s bold ambition to help learners unlock life-changing opportunities—whether it’s studying abroad, advancing their careers, or connecting across cultures—combined with a humble, improvement-driven team spirit. In this interview, he reflects on his journey so far, the power of product innovation in education, and how he leads a remote-first team toward shared impact and growth.

You’re still relatively new at Lingoda. What first attracted you to join as Head of Product, and what has your journey been like so far?

I’m passionate about learning and teaching. Alongside my product career, I teach at a business school, so moving to a company dedicated to language and skills development was a natural step. Lingoda offered me the opportunity to marry that passion, my career and my enthusiasm for developing products at scale: Helping learners around the world unlock new possibilities through education.

What sealed my decision was the culture. From my first conversations, I sensed a team that combines ambition with humility and a genuine appetite for improvement. I thrive in environments with big challenges and even bigger potential, and Lingoda is exactly that.

Since joining the company, I have focused on stabilising the product organisation, setting priorities and laying the foundations for sustainable growth. With each improvement to our collaboration framework and product development cycles, we are building the capability to deliver exponentially greater value to our learners globally. The complexity is real, but the momentum, the shared purpose and the opportunity to shape the future of language learning at scale are profoundly energizing. I see a clear path forward where our product innovations can fundamentally transform how millions of people acquire language skills and open doors they never thought possible.

From your perspective, how does product innovation at Lingoda support the learning experience for our students?

Product innovation at Lingoda is about much more than just developing features, it is about creating a meaningful and effective learning environment for our students and teachers. We focus on removing friction and enabling progress so that learners remain motivated and confident to achieve their goals.

At the heart of our product are our live classrooms, run by real, passionate teachers. We are constantly working to help them deliver the best possible experience while making the learner journey more personalised, goal-driven, and engaging.

Innovation here means improving every stage of the learning experience, from fantastic onboarding and early experiences to clearer progress tracking and smarter habit-building tools. It is about making it easier for students to stay on track and for teachers to focus on what they do best: Inspiring learning.

What excites you most about Lingoda’s future, and where do you hope to see the platform in the next year or two?

What excites me the most is Lingoda’s potential to evolve from a flexible learning platform to a truly trusted learning companion. We are not just helping people learn a language, but enabling them to achieve bigger life goals: attending university in another country, advancing professionally or connecting with others on a deeper level.

Over the next year or two, I would love to see Lingoda become the go-to destination for serious learners who want to achieve real results and are looking for guidance, motivation and support along the way. There is a huge opportunity in helping learners build strong habits, providing personalised guidance and accompanying them every step of the way. I am excited to see what we can do to elevate that experience and deliver real outcomes with heart.

As someone leading a remote‑friendly team, what strategies do you use to keep everyone connected, motivated and engaged?

I help support the three pillars of our remote-friendly culture: Clarity, trust and meaningful connections. We maintain structured rhythms with regular check-ins and clearly defined OKRs that ensure alignment across locations, while striking a balance between synchronous and asynchronous collaboration. My leadership philosophy focuses on evaluating outcomes rather than input. Team members co-create their goals with me and have the opportunity to organise their work in a way that works best for them. 

Trust is foundational to our success. That is why I deliberately break down silos and foster cross-functional collaboration. I consciously model the openness and authenticity I expect from the team and create space for discussions and light-hearted moments that strengthen our cohesion. 

While digital connection is our daily reality, we attach great importance to face-to-face meetings at our Berlin headquarters. These face-to-face interactions are invaluable for deepening relationships, sparking creative collaboration and strengthening our common goals in a way that digital tools simply cannot replicate. 

What advice would you give someone wanting to join the product team at Lingoda?

I encourage anyone who wants to join us to come with a strong sense of purpose. At Lingoda, we are building something that truly impacts people’s lives by helping them learn a new language, access educational or professional opportunities, or forge deeper connections with others. 

Secondly, bring curiosity, empathy and pragmatism. I value product managers who are deeply curious about our users, our business and the way things work, but who are also able to translate that curiosity into clear priorities and action. We are a team that values different perspectives. Each member of the product organisation brings their own background, strengths and way of thinking, and I believe that’s a real asset. At the same time, adaptability is essential. Not everything is clear from the outset. We are in a phase where designing the product also means designing the organisation, our processes and sometimes even the way we work. If you are someone who finds energy in this, who doesn’t mind rolling up your sleeves and who finds clarity through iteration, you will feel at home here.

Lastly, I would like to say this: care. Care about the learner experience. Care about your colleagues. Care about the craft. We want to build a product and a company that we are proud of, not just in terms of outcomes, but in how we get there. If that resonates with you, then Lingoda is a great place to grow and make a difference.

The 4 seasons in Spanish

Knowing how to talk about the 4 seasons in Spanish will be a great addition to your toolbox, whether you’re looking to learn Spanish to boost your CV, relocate to a sun-soaked Spanish-speaking country or drive personal growth. .

Imagine you’re planning to visit Spain for a seasonal festival, or you’d like to share your favorite summer memories with your Spanish-speaking friends, being able to talk about the seasons will help you express yourself naturally and with precision.

So, let’s dive right into the seasons in the Spanish language, along with some pronunciation tips and grammar rules to guide you along. Ready?

• What are the 4 seasons in the Spanish language?
• How to talk about the seasons in Spanish
• Practice the seasons in context
• FAQs

What are the 4 seasons in the Spanish language?

Let’s get started with the basics! These are the 4 seasons in Spanish and their pronunciation:

And here are a few common words related to the seasons that might come in handy:

Now, if you’re looking for some pronunciation tips, let’s take a look at these:

• The ‘v’ in verano is pronounced softer than in English, sounding almost like a ‘b’.
• Remember that the ‘o’ in Spanish is a short sound, just like the ‘o’ in ‘nope’.
• A single ‘r’ in the middle of a word (primavera) is pronounced by lightly tapping the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, similar to the way the ‘t’ sounds in the American English pronunciation of ‘water’.

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How to talk about the seasons in Spanish

When it comes to the seasons in Spanish, here are some considerations regarding grammar and spelling to keep in mind:

When to use (or skip) definite articles 

All seasons in Spanish, except for primavera, are masculine nouns. Here are the singular and plural forms of each season:

• la primavera / las primaveras
• el verano / los veranos
• el otoño / los otoños
• el invierno / los inviernos

We must also note that, in Spanish, the seasons are usually accompanied by a definite article (la or el), just like in these sentences:

• Mi estación favorita es el verano (My favorite season is the summer).
• Los inviernos son fríos en el norte (Winters are cold in the North).

There are instances where the article is removed, especially when talking about plans around the seasons or specific statements. In these cases, we can utilize a demonstrative adjective or the preposition en (‘in’):

• Me voy de vacaciones en verano (I’m going on holiday in the summer).
• Este invierno será largo (This will be a long winter).

Capitalization and sentence placement rules 

In Spanish, the seasons are not capitalized, unless they’re placed at the beginning of a sentence:

• ¿Qué estación es la mejor, primavera o verano? Primavera, creo yo (Which season is the best, spring or summer? For me it’s the spring).

Common verbs, phrases and terms for each season

Now, let’s explore a few common verbs and Spanish weather-related terms to expand our vocabulary around seasons:

• Primavera:

• Verano:

• Otoño:

• Invierno:

And here are a few phrases you can use to talk about the seasons:

• My favorite season is… winter/summer (Mi estación favorita es el… invierno/verano).
• I don’t like… spring/autumn (No me gusta… la primavera/el otoño).
• I’ll travel during the… summer/winter holidays (Viajaré en las vacaciones de… verano/invierno).
• The rainy season is in the summer (La temporada de lluvias es en el verano).

Practice the seasons in context

One of the best ways to learn Spanish is by practicing new vocabulary in context. How can we do this? Here are some tips:

• Watch movies and shows: Look for movies and shows in Spanish that center around seasonal themes (think Christmas or summer vacation stories!). First, watch with English subtitles, and when you feel ready, turn them off and practice your listening. Make a list of all the new vocabulary you’re learning.
  
• Read children’s books: Children’s books are perfect for beginner and intermediate learners. The language is simple, so you won’t feel overwhelmed.

• Keep a diary: Practice what you’re learning by writing your own content. Focus on topics like the weather, summer memories and holiday plans. This is a great memory exercise!
  
• Join lessons: There’s nothing like learning from a professional. At Lingoda, our expert native-level teachers help you practice vocabulary in real-life situations, so you can start speaking from day 1.

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How do the seasons correspond to months in Spanish-speaking countries?​

Spanish-speaking countries are spread throughout the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Countries like Mexico and Spain enjoy the summer at the same time as the US (June-September), while in Argentina, Chile, and others, this season falls between December and March.

Are there different words for “season” in Spanish?​

In Spanish, it’s also common to use temporadas to talk about the rainy or dry seasons (temporada de lluvias, temporada de sequía). This is because weather changes can significantly impact farming and local economies, as well as rural areas.

No matter the season…

Learning the seasons in Spanish early on is a great way to improve your language skills around everyday topics such as the weather, holidays and even childhood anecdotes. They’re the perfect conversation starter!

And if you’re ready to upgrade your Spanish even more, we’ve got you. Our fantastic teachers, flexible scheduling and small group lessons will give you all the confidence you need to take your Spanish to the next level – no matter the season!

The hardest German words to pronounce (and how to tackle them)

But what makes them so tricky?

Aside from their sheer length, which owes to the German tendency to combine multiple words into one longer word, these words rely on an impressive inventory of sounds. German includes several phonemes — like “ü,” “ö,” and that harsh “ch” — that don’t exist in English. Add in unpredictable rhythms and stress patterns, and suddenly your tongue is working overtime.

It can be a lot to handle. But, with the right strategies and some consistent practice, you’ll go from stumbling to smooth in no time. Let’s break down the toughest words and how to actually pronounce them.

• 10 difficult German words and why they are so hard
• Tips to master these tough words
• FAQs

10 difficult German words and why they are so hard

1. Eichhörnchen (squirrel)

The vowel-vowel-consonant mashup in the middle of this word is enough to trip anybody up. English speakers especially struggle to make the “ch” and “rn” flow together. Let’s break it down:

eye-ch-hoern-shen

Start with “Eich” [eye-ch] and get that sharp “ch” in your throat — not your mouth. Then “hörn” (say it like “hern” with a tight “ö” sound), and finally “chen,” which is a soft, breathy “shen.” Practice it slowly, piece by piece.

2. Streichholzschächtelchen (little matchbox)

It’s long. It’s a compound noun. It’s a tongue twister straight out of language nerd heaven.

shtrye-kh-holts-shekh-tel-khen

This one combines Streichholz (match) and Schächtelchen (little box). The trick? Chunk it. Don’t rush it.. And don’t worry if you can’t get it right, because it’s definitely not one of the most spoken words in German. It is good training for your throat sounds, though.

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3. Berühren (to touch)

That umlauted “ü” combined with a soft “r” in the middle makes the rhythm get weird.

buh-rue-ren

Focus on getting the “ü” right — it’s like saying “ee” while rounding your lips like you’re saying “oo.” And make that “r” gentle rather than rolled, almost like a soft tap.

4. Schluchztest (you sobbed)

It looks like a dare. All those consonants crammed together, and a “zt” at the end to top it up.

shlookh-ts-test

Start with “schluchzen” (to sob), which is already gnarly, then add “-test” for the second-person past tense. Go slow. Isolate each part. Breathe. Don’t sob.

5. Lehrerin (female teacher)

The rapid-fire repetition of the “r” sound throws off the flow, and the feminine “-in” ending doesn’t land cleanly for English speakers.

lair-uh-rin

Don’t panic on the double “r.” Instead, stretch it a bit. Start with “Lehr” (like the English “lair”) and then roll gently into “erin.” Say it almost like it’s two small words.

6. Nudeln (noodles)

That “-ln” ending can be tough, as English doesn’t really have an equivalent.

noo-duhln

Say “Nude-” like in “noodle,” then just tap the “l” and finish with an “n.” Super quick. Let it blur a little — it’s not supposed to be crisp.

7. Reparieren (to repair)

It’s long and repetitive, and those rolling “r” sounds are tough if you’re not used to them.

reh-pah-ree-ren

Make it musical. Stress the third syllable — which sounds like “ree” — and smooth out the rest. If your r’s aren’t rolling, keep them soft. Germans will still understand you.

8. Großbritannien (Great Britain)

It’s a borrowed word, but German phonetics twist it into something new. Sounds familiar, until it doesn’t.

grohs-bree-tahn-yen

Don’t try to pronounce it like the English version. The German “ß” sounds like “ss,” and “Britannien” is three syllables. Emphasize the middle one, and keep the rhythm steady.

9. Eidechse (lizard)

That “ei” vowel blend, followed by a hard “ch” and “se” ending. Lots of little changes in your mouth position.

eye-dek-suh

Say “Ei” like “eye,” then “dech” (like “deck” but with a German “ch” in your throat), and finish with a soft “suh.” Think: smooth and light.

10. Rührei (scrambled eggs)

Umlaut + back-to-back vowels = chaos.

roo-er-eye

Start with the “Rüh” ([roo] with lips rounded), then ease into “ei.” It’s two syllables, but they blend. Don’t pause between them — just glide.

Tips to master these tough words

• Slow repetition and recording yourself: Say each word slowly and clearly, then listen back to hear what needs adjusting.
• Break words into syllables: Long words are less scary when you chop them into manageable parts.
• Shadow native speakers: Watch videos or join a class, and mimic what you hear — timing, tone and all.
• Practice full phrases: Phrases like “Welche Sprachen sprichst du?” help you get used to German rhythm, sibilants and flow.

The more you train your ear and mouth together, the more natural it all becomes. If you need some media support, this Youtube channel might be of some help, too!

What is the hardest word to learn in German?

This is subjective, but the prize may well go to Eichhörnchen, thanks to its tough sounds and lack of an English equivalent.

What is the longest, hardest German word?

We could award this one to the long, twisted compound word Streichholzschächtelchen.

However, the longest officially used German word is Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz, with an incredible 63 letters. This jumble of letters refers to “the law concerning the delegation of duties for the supervision of cattle marking and the labelling of beef.”

What is the hardest word to say in German?

It depends on what you struggle with, but schluchztest is a strong candidate due to its consonant overload, which makes it barely pronounceable for many a non-native German speaker.

Why pronunciation practice pays off

Mastering German pronunciation isn’t about perfection — it’s about confidence. Words like Eichhörnchen and Streichholzschächtelchen might trip you up now, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. 

If you’re wondering how to learn German fast, Lingoda’s classes are designed to get you talking from Day One. We teach real-life, everyday German with a focus on pronunciation.. Stick with it, speak often and don’t be afraid to sound a little awkward — it’s all part of learning!

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German capitalization rules: What to capitalize and why

The rules that govern German capitalization might seem daunting at first. Why is der Tisch capitalized while laufen is not? And what’s the deal with Sie vs. sie? Don’t worry — German is above all a systematic language, and once you understand the logic behind this system, reading and writing will become much easier. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials: which words are capitalized, which aren’t, and how to spot the common traps that trip up learners. We’ll also share some real examples and tips to help make it all stick.

• Why is capitalization important in German?
• Which words are capitalized in German?
• What’s not capitalized in German?
• Formal German, polite forms and exceptions
• Real-life examples and tips
• FAQs

Why is capitalization important in German?

German vs. English: A key difference in writing

If you’ve ever read a sentence in German and wondered why every other word seems to start with a capital letter, you’re not alone. Here’s the deal: German nouns are always capitalized. This rule applies not only to proper names, like Berlin or Angela Merkel, but also to common nouns ranging from Apfel (apple) to Zeitverschwendung (waste of time). 

English uses capitalization much more sparingly, reserving it mainly for proper nouns and the beginnings of sentences.

What capital letters communicate in German 

Interestingly, online learners — especially on community forums like Reddit — tend to agree that all those capitals are actually a helpful feature. Capitalization can make it easier to scan for meaning, especially in a language in which adjectives latch on to nouns, (making them potentially very, very long). 

Because German nouns are capitalized, you can spot them at a glance. Think of them as little linguistic landmarks in a sentence. In this light, capital letters aren’t merely a formality — they’re a navigation tool.

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Which words are capitalized in German?

All nouns, always

In German, every noun is capitalized — with no exceptions. If a word corresponds to a person, place, thing or idea, it starts with a capital. That includes animals (der Hund), emotions (die Freude), objects (das Buch), professions (der Lehrer) and even times of day (der Morgen). If it’s a noun, it’s capitalized.

Proper nouns and names

If all nouns are capitalized in German, it stands to reason that names of people, cities, countries and companies are capitalized — just like in English. You’ll see Anna, Berlin, Deutschland and Volkswagen all starting with a capital letter.

The first word in a sentence or quote

The first word of any sentence is always capitalized, even if it’s not a noun. The same goes for the first word in a direct quote. So, whether it’s “Guten Morgen!” or “Ich bin müde.”, the first word gets capitalized. This is true regardless of which part of speech it is.

What’s not capitalized in German?

Here’s where German flips the script from English. In German titles and headlines, verbs, adjectives and adverbs remain lowercase unless they’re the first word in a sentence. So, while an English headline might read, “Running Fast Is Fun,” the equivalent headline in German would state, “Laufen schnell macht Spaß.” Only “Spaß” is capitalized, because it’s a noun.

Many newcomers to German instinctively capitalize verbs when writing headlines or titles. This feels natural if you’re used to English, but it’s not how it works in German. If it’s not a noun and if it doesn’t start the sentence, it stays lowercase. No exceptions, no drama.

Formal German, polite forms and exceptions

When adjectives or verbs become nouns (nominalization)

This is one of the trickier rules — but also one of the most common. When a verb or adjective is used like a noun, it gets capitalized. This is called Nominalisierung (nominalization). You’ll spot these nouns easier by looking for signal words that appear in front of them, such as articles (das, ein) and certain prepositions (zum, beim).

For example, consider das Lesen (reading) or beim Spazierengehen (while taking a walk). The nominalized word may look like a verb, but it’s acting like a noun, so it gets a capital letter.

Sie (formal ‘you’), Ihr (formal ‘your’), informal du and dein 

What about “Ihr” or “Sie” in German? These words were in fact once capitalized in the formal correspondence of yesteryear. Today, the standard is to leave them lowercase, e.g., sie, ihr, du and dein. 

Some people still capitalize these addresses in very formal and traditional writing, but it’s optional and fading fast. You’re safe sticking with lowercase, though it’s something to look out for if you spend a lot of time reading old German texts.

Real-life examples and practice tips

A good way to get the hang of German capitalization is to read short texts and spot the nouns. For example:

Heute Morgen hat der Lehrer dem kleinen Hund einen Ball gegeben.

How many capitalized nouns can you find? (Hint: Heute in this case is actually an adverb, not a noun. It’s only capitalized because it comes at the beginning of the sentence.)

This kind of practice trains your brain to recognize patterns, and it can help your writing feel more natural over time. At Lingoda, we build these kinds of real-world examples into our lessons, so you’re not just learning the rules — you’re using them.

Are pronouns capitalized in German?

Pronouns are not capitalized in German, except for the formal addresses Sie and Ihr (where it’s optional but common).

Are days of the week capitalized in German?

Yes, German days of the week (Montag, Dienstag, etc.) are capitalized because they are nouns, and all nouns in German are capitalized.

German capitalization rules in action: What to remember 

German capitalization has its own logic, but once you get the hang of it, it starts to make perfect sense. Watch out for those noun-like verbs and formal pronouns, and you’re well on your way.

The best way to make it stick? Practice in real-life conversations. With Lingoda, you’ll speak from Day One, building confidence with help from native-level teachers who challenge you to apply the rules you learn in everyday situations. Enroll in one of our courses and you can learn German starting today!

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Mastering the past perfect tense in English

We use the past perfect tense to show that one action in the past happened before another. It clarifies the order of two past events or highlights the duration of a past event up to a specific time in the past. It helps you to tell stories, which is a huge part of our day-to-day communication. 

While it’s considered one of the more advanced English tenses, using the past perfect tense accurately in exams can give you an edge. It can also make your speech and writing appear more professional, and it’s key in academic writing. 

In this article, we’re looking at how to form the past perfect tense, which adverbs it often appears with, how and when to use it, and, crucially, when to avoid it. 

• What is the past perfect tense?
• How to form the past perfect tense
• How to make the past perfect negative
• How to ask questions in the past perfect tense
• Examples of past perfect in context
• When NOT to use the past perfect tense
• The role of “just” and other modifiers
• Common mistakes learners make with the past perfect
• FAQs

What is the past perfect tense?

The past perfect simple tense is one of the 12 English tenses, and one of the four used to talk about the past..It’s used to show the sequence of two past events, with the past perfect marking the earlier one. It applies to both states and actions, including those that happen repeatedly. You can also use the past perfect to talk about how long something lasted up to a particular moment in the past.

It’s often called a “narrative tense” because of how useful it is for storytelling. It helps set a timeline and clearly indicates when things happened in relation to one another.

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How to form the past perfect tense

The formula

The structure of the past perfect simple tense is had + past participle, or more fully, subject + had + past participle verb form. We use had with all subjects, for example: 

• I had
• You had
• She had
• They had

Common regular & irregular verbs

Remember that regular past participles are formed by adding -ed to a verb in the base form.

• ask → asked
• call → called
• start → started

These verb endings can be pronounced in three different ways. 

1. /ɪd/ after t or d sounds (forming an extra syllable)

→ started, wanted, needed

2. /t/ after unvoiced sounds like k, p, s, sh, ch, th, f

→ asked, helped, passed

3. /d/ after voiced sounds (everything else except t/d)

→ called, played, opened

Example sentences

• I had asked him before. 
• We had called him earlier. 

There are also many irregular verbs in English. Here are some of the most common ones with their past participle form: 

• be → been
• come → come
• go → gone/been
• have → had
• know → known
• speak → spoken
• understand → understood

Example sentences

• They had been together for 50 years by 2020. 
• I had spoken to him before. 

How to make the past perfect negative

To form a negative sentence in the past perfect simple, we use the structure had not + past participle. We often contract had not to hadn’t in informal speech and writing. 

Example sentences

• I had not opened the present. 
• They hadn’t been to Greece before. 

How to ask questions in the past perfect tense

To form questions in the past perfect simple, we invert the subject and had. For yes/no questions, the structure is Had + subject + past participle?

• Had you met before?

To form wh-questions in the past perfect simple, we place the question word before had. 

• What had he done?
• Where had she been?

Examples of past perfect in context

At a job interview

I’d already done internships at three different companies by the time I finished university. 

I had worked at the company for two years before I was promoted to a managerial position.  

In storytelling

She had just stepped onto the stage when suddenly, the lights went out! 

My wife and I had always wanted to visit Australia, so when we retired, we booked a trip.

Ava: How was your weekend away?

Liam: It was great! But we had a bit of a scare on the way there.

Ava: Oh no, what happened?

Liam: Well, we’d already left the city when I realized I had forgotten my wallet.

Ava: Seriously? 

Liam: Yeah, but luckily Emma had brought some cash, and I’d booked the hotel online the night before. So we were okay.

News report

The country had undergone years of political unrest before the revolution.   

Past perfect vs. simple past 

When talking about two past actions, use the past perfect for the earlier event and the past simple for the later one. Here’s an example: 

• By the time she arrived at the airport, her flight had already taken off. 

By the time is a very common phrase in the past perfect tense. 

Now, compare these sentences. Which shows that the children finished their homework before I got home? 

• When I got home, my children finished their homework. 
• When I got home, my children had finished their homework. 

The children finished before I got home in the second one. In the first, I got home and then they finished their homework. 

When NOT to use the past perfect tense

We don’t tend to use the past perfect tense when the order of events is clear from the context. In that case, we usually use the past simple. For example: 

• First, we went to the cinema and then we had dinner. 
• He said goodbye to everyone before he left. 

The order of events is very clear from the words first, then and before, so it’s not necessary to use the past perfect.

The role of “just” and other modifiers

In the past perfect tense, modifiers like just, already, never, and yet help to clarify timing, emphasis, and nuance in relation to a past event. 

• Just emphasizes that something happened a very short time before another past action. 

Ex. She had just left the office when the phone rang.

• Already highlights that something was completed earlier than expected. 

Ex. He’d already finished dinner when I arrived. 

• Never adds a sense of surprise or emphasis about something that hadn’t happened at any time before a specific past moment. 

Ex. I’d never seen snow before my trip to Canada. 

• Yet is used in negative sentences and questions to ask or state whether something had happened up to that point. 

Ex. When we left the house, the mail hadn’t arrived yet. 

Common mistakes learners make with the past perfect

1. Forgetting had

Learners sometimes forget to add had in the past perfect tense. 

• I been to the UK before. ❌

This structure, without had, is common in some English dialects, but it’s not standard. Don’t misplace had when using the past perfect! 

2. Overusing the past perfect

We explained above that it’s more appropriate to use the past simple tense when the order of events is clear. We also don’t use the past perfect when we have a chain of unrelated events. 

We usually use the past simple for this:  

• I woke up, ate breakfast, and went to work. 

Having a native-level teacher is key when you’re trying to learn how and when to use the past perfect (and any other tenses) accurately. If you’re trying to learn English, Lingoda’s native speaking teachers not only know instinctively which tense should be used, but they can also explain why and provide plenty of examples. 

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Past perfect vs. pluperfect: Is there a difference?

In English, the tenses referred to as the past perfect and the pluperfect are the same. Modern textbooks and courses tend to use the term past perfect. The same is true in other languages: the past perfect in German (Plusquamperfekt) might also be referred to as the pluperfect in English.

What is an example of past perfect vs past simple?

When I got home, my children had already eaten all the cake. (They ate it before I got there.)

When I got home, my children and I ate the cake. (We ate it together after I arrived home.)

What are the keywords for the past perfect?

A sentence containing had + -ed verb is in the past perfect. By the time is often a key indicator of this tense. 

Past perfect tense, future fluent you 

The past perfect tense helps you express the order and duration of past events, and it adds clarity to storytelling, professional communication, and academic writing. You now know how to form it, when to use it, and just as importantly, when not to.

If you want to take your grammar and fluency to the next level, Lingoda offers small group classes with native-level teachers who provide expert feedback and real-life examples. Learn to speak from day one, build confidence through practice, and enjoy flexible scheduling to suit your lifestyle. Start using advanced grammar like the past perfect naturally and accurately. Your future fluent self will thank you.

A practical guide to German irregular verbs

The term irregular applies to all German verbs that don’t follow standard conjugation rules. But within this broad category, there are important distinctions.

Strong verbs have stems that change vowels in certain tenses — for example, fahren (to go) becomes fuhr (Präteritum/past tense) and gefahren (Perfekt/past participle). In contrast, truly irregular verbs, like sein and haben, aren’t consistent and often change both their stems and endings in unexpected ways.

The good news? German has fewer irregular verbs than English. With some guidance and a bit of practice, you’ll find these patterns easier to grasp than you might think.

• How irregular verbs behave in German grammar
• The 5 main patterns of German strong verbs
• Present-tense conjugation table for common irregular verbs
• Tips to learn German irregular verbs faster
• German irregular verbs for English speakers: What’s easier (and harder)?
• FAQ

How irregular verbs behave in German grammar

Many irregular verbs still stick to the general structure of verb stem + conjugated ending, though they may differ from regular verbs in how the stem changes. This irregularity typically pops up in the du and er/sie/es forms, where the stem undergoes a vowel shift known as Ablaut. For example:

• nehmen (to take) → du nimmst, er/sie/es nimmt
• sehen (to see) → du siehst, er/sie/es sieht

Some verbs go beyond the Ablaut and show irregularities not only in the stem, but also in their endings. Such verbs are considered truly irregular and they include essential ones such as:

• haben (to have) → ich habe, du hast, er/sie/es hat
• sein (to be) → ich bin, du bist, er/sie/es ist
• werden (to become) → ich werde, du wirst, er/sie/es wird

Frustrated yet? It’s worth noting that the irregularities in German verbs aren’t simply random. They have historical roots that go back to earlier stages in the development of Germanic languages. The vowel changes we see (and struggle with) today are the result of systematic sound shifts that occurred centuries ago. Knowing this background isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help you see irregular verbs as part of a deeper structure rather than as agents of chaos.

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The 5 main patterns of German strong verbs

As you’ve probably noticed, most so-called “irregular” verbs are actually strong verbs that follow recognizable patterns. The Ablaut occurs here in a systematic and predictable way — mainly in the second-person singular (du) and third-person singular (er/sie/es) forms of the present tense, as well as in the past tense and participles. While you’ll still need to memorize these verbs individually, understanding how and where these irregularities occur will help you recognize patterns and conjugate verbs in German more easily.

All in all, there are five main patterns of German strong verbs, each defined by a specific sequence of vowel changes across tenses. 

Ablaut pattern: e → i

In these verbs, the stem changes from e to i in the second- and third-person singular:

• geben (to give) → du gibst, er/sie/es gibt
• essen (to eat) → du isst, er/sie/es isst
• vergessen (to forget) → du vergisst, er/sie/es vergisst

Ablaut pattern: e → ie

The stem vowel e of these verbs becomes ie in singular forms:

• lesen (to read) → du liest, er/sie/es liest
• sehen (to see) → du siehst, er/sie/es sieht
• empfehlen (to recommend) → du empfiehlst, er/sie/es empfiehlt

Ablaut pattern: a → ä

Here, a takes an umlaut and becomes ä:

• fahren (to drive) → du fährst, er/sie/es fährt
• schlafen (to sleep) → du schläfst, er/sie/es schläft
• tragen (to carry, to wear) → du trägst, er/sie/es trägt

Past-tense Ablaut pattern: i → a (or i → a → u)

These changes occur primarily in the simple past and past participle:

• sitzen (to sit) → ich saß, du saßt, er/sie/es saß
• liegen (to lie) → ich lag, du lagst, er/sie/es lag
• finden (to find) → ich fand, du fandest, er/sie/es fand

Some of the verbs in this group follow a full three-step pattern, e.g., beginnen (to begin) → begann → begonnen.

Irregular / mixed verbs (unpredictable forms)

These verbs don’t fit neatly into any Ablaut pattern and must be memorized:

• bringen (to bring) → ich bringe, du bringst, er/sie/es bringt
• wissen (to know) → ich weiß, du weißt, er/sie/es weiß
• tun (to do) → ich tue, du tust, er/sie/es tut
• senden (to send) → ich sende, du sendest, er/sie/es sendet

Present-tense conjugation table for common irregular verbs

The following table contains a list of German irregular verbs conjugated in the present tense, with the Ablaut in bold if present. These verbs are incredibly important to know, since you’ll encounter them often in daily interactions.

Tips to learn German irregular verbs faster

Learning German irregular verbs can be easier than expected if you know the right strategies.

We’ve already covered the first and most important one: recognizing common stems and endings. Most irregular verbs use the standard endings in the present tense. But a small group of highly irregular verbs — like sein, haben and werden — have different or shortened endings that you’ll need to memorize separately. Once you’ve set those aside, you can focus on the stems of the remaining strong verbs and start learning the five main Ablaut patterns.

Another helpful tip concerns so-called “mixed” verbs. These verbs can be tricky because they look like regular verbs in the present tense, but their stems are irregular in the simple past and past participle. It’s best to learn them as a group, focusing on their past forms and using tools like flashcards or tables, such as the one below:

Regardless of which kind of irregular verb you’re dealing with, a fun and effective way to learn them is by listening to and singing along with songs, such as those by Lern DEUTSCH durch SONGS. Apps and online tools such as the German Verb Conjugator can also help you practice basic German verbs and conjugation.

Of course, nothing beats practicing with native-level teachers, like those from Lingoda. Already in our German A1 course, you’ll start learning the most common irregular verbs.

German irregular verbs for English speakers: What’s easier (and harder)?

English and German are both Germanic languages, so they share similarities in verbs and verb behavior. If a verb is strong in English, it tends to be strong in German, too. In many cases, even the vowel changes adhere to comparable patterns. For example:

German actually has fewer irregular verbs than English — around 200, compared to nearly 300 in English. And most German irregular verbs conform to clear, consistent patterns. In contrast, many English irregular verbs have completely unpredictable past forms that you simply have to memorize.

Naturally, German has its challenges, too. Pronunciation and spelling changes can be a bit confusing at first, especially when strong verbs change their vowel in the present tense (e.g., fahren → fährst). Plus, there are more verb forms to learn; German draws a clearer distinction between the simple past (ich ging) and the perfect tense (ich bin gegangen) than English does.

In short, German irregular verbs are far more regular than they seem. With time, practice and a bit of pattern-spotting, they can actually become one of the more manageable parts of your learning journey.

How many irregular verbs are in German?

German has around 200 irregular verbs. That’s fewer than in many other languages, like English (which has nearly 300!).

How do you know if a verb is irregular in German?

Irregular verbs typically do not follow the regular conjugation patterns of weak verbs, which only add simple endings. They often undergo a vowel change in their stem, called Ablaut, in their present and past forms.

Mastering irregular German verbs

German irregular verbs tend to pop up quite often, so you’ll run into them early in your journey to mastering the language. Are you introducing yourself? Then you’re probably already using the irregular verb sein. Telling your doctor you have a fever? That means you’re using haben, another essential irregular verb.

Learning these verbs can seem confusing, but they’re generally easier to handle than their English counterparts. There are fewer of them, and most follow clear and predictable patterns.

If you’re looking for a supportive partner to help you learn German, Lingoda is here for you. With certified native-level teachers and flexible class schedules, our German courses give you ample opportunities to practice irregular verbs in real conversations at your own level and pace.

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How to introduce yourself in German: A step-by-step guide for beginners

Introducing yourself in German is easier than you might think! Whether you’re greeting someone formally, sharing your name with a new acquaintance, or talking about where you’re from, a few key expressions can help you ace your first impression. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials — with practical tips and pronunciation help. Let’s get started!

• Begin with a greeting
• Say your name
• Where are you from?
• How to say your age in German
• Talk about where you live
• Mention your job or studies
• Share hobbies or interests
• Ending the introduction politely
• Bonus – Introducing yourself over the phone
• What NOT to do when introducing yourself
• FAQs

Begin with a greeting

The first step to introducing yourself is getting the greeting right. And there are a number of ways to greet someone in German, depending on the context, time of day and level of formality.

Formal and informal greetings

German has formal and informal ways to say hello. “Hallo!” is the most widely used informal greeting, and it’s easy for English speakers to remember. If you want to sound a bit more polite, you can try “Guten Tag” (Good day). In southern Germany and Austria, you might also hear “Grüß Gott,” which literally translates to “God bless.”

Examples and pronunciation tips

Here are some common German greetings along with their pronunciation:

Tip: German pronunciation is clear and distinct. The “r” in Morgen is either softly rolled or pronounced in the back of the throat, depending on the region, while the “ü” in Grüß Gott requires the same round lips you’d use when forming a whistle.

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Say your name

‘Ich heiße…’ vs. ‘Mein Name ist…’

When introducing yourself in German, you have two options. “Ich heiße…“ (I am called…) is the most widely used, while “Mein Name ist…“ (My name is…) is reserved for business or official contexts.

How to ask for someone else’s name

To ask for someone’s name in an informal situation, use “Wie heißt du?“ (What’s your name?). When you need to sound more polite, use “Wie heißen Sie?“. 

The key difference between these forms lies in the du (informal) and the Sie (formal), both of which can be used as a second-person pronoun (“you” in English). Germans take these distinctions seriously, so using the correct form helps set the right tone.

Where are you from?

‘Ich komme aus…’ and alternatives

The most common way to state where you’re from is “Ich komme aus…“ (I come from…). You might also hear “Ich bin aus…” (I am from…), which is slightly more informal.

When mentioning countries and cities, remember that German capitalizes all nouns. For example:

• Ich komme aus Deutschland. (I come from Germany.)
• Ich komme aus der Hauptstadt Berlin. (I am from the capital, Berlin.)

Asking where someone else is from

To ask someone where they’re from in an informal setting, use “Woher kommst du?” (Where do you come from?). If you need to speak formally, use “Woher kommen Sie?” instead.

How to say your age in German

Using ‘Ich bin … Jahre alt’

When stating your age in German, the standard phrase is “Ich bin … Jahre alt“ (I am … years old). You can also simply say “Ich bin 35” — it’s still perfectly clear. 

To ask someone’s age, you can say “Wie alt bist du?“ (How old are you?) in informal situations or “Wie alt sind Sie?“ when speaking formally.

Cultural note: Age and formality in Germany

Although asking about someone’s age is generally acceptable among children, teenagers and young adults, it may be considered impolite when speaking with older individuals or in professional environments, where people usually don’t discuss age unless it’s relevant. If you’re unsure whether to ask, it’s best to wait until the topic comes up naturally.

Talking about where you live

To say where you live in Germany, the most common phrase is “Ich wohne in…“ (I live in…). This works for neighborhoods, cities and countries alike. For example:

• Ich wohne in Köln. (I live in Cologne).

If you want to be more specific and mention your street, you can say “Ich wohne in der …straße.“ (I live on … street). For example:

• Ich wohne in der Goethestraße. (I live on Goethe Street).

To talk about a district or area within a city, you can say “Ich wohne im Stadtteil …“ (I live in the … district). For example:

• Ich wohne im Stadtteil Kreuzberg. (I live in the Kreuzberg district.)

Mention your job or studies

To inquire about what someone does professionally, you can ask “Was bist du von Beruf?” (What’s your profession?) in informal situations or “Was machen Sie beruflich?” in formal ones.

Some common professions in German are:

• Der Arzt, die Ärztin (doctor)
• Der Lehrer, die Lehrerin (teacher)
• Der Ingenieur, die Ingenieurin (engineer)
• Der Künstler, die Künstlerin (artist)
• Der Mechaniker, die Mechanikerin (mechanic)
• Der Bäcker, die Bäckerin (baker)

Share hobbies or interests

To talk about your hobbies in German, you can use “Ich interessiere mich für…“ (I am interested in…) followed by a noun, or simply “Ich [verb] gern…“ (I like to…).

• Ich interessiere mich für Musik. (I am interested in music.)
• Ich spiele gern Fußball. (I like to play soccer.)

Notice how gern (gladly, like to) goes after the verb in this construction:

• Ich lese gern. (I like to read.)
• Ich lese gern Gedichte. (I like to read poetry.)

Ending the introduction politely

To wrap up an introduction, you can say “Schön, dich/Sie kennenzulernen“ (Nice to meet you) using one or the other pronoun depending on the formality. Alternatively, “Es freut mich“ (I’m pleased) is a shorter, cordial way to express the same sentiment.

A polite handshake is common in formal settings, while a warm smile generally suffices in casual encounters. Germans value sincerity above expression, so body language tends to be more reserved.

Bonus: Introducing yourself over the phone

Why phone conversations feel tougher

Introducing yourself over the phone in German can feel more challenging than in person because you don’t have facial expressions or body language to rely on. Germans also tend to speak directly and efficiently on the phone, making it essential to start with a clear introduction.

Phrases to use on the phone

• Hallo, hier ist… (Hello, this is …)
• Guten Tag, mein Name ist … (Good day, my name is…)
• Könnte ich bitte mit … sprechen? (Could I speak with … please?)
• Worum geht es? (What is this about?)
• Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen? (Could you repeat that, please?)

What not to do when introducing yourself

While being formal in casual settings might sound overly stiff, being too informal in professional settings can come across as something far worse: disrespectful. Err on the side of caution and formality to avoid awkward encounters.

Also, try to keep your introduction simple and natural, and be mindful of personal space — Germans appreciate a respectful distance, and overly enthusiastic gestures might feel intrusive.

How do I say ‘My name is…’ in German?

You can say “Ich heiße…“ (I am called…) or “Mein Name ist…” (My name is…). The first is more conversational, while the second is more formal.

Take the leap: Introduce yourself in German

Introducing yourself in German is simple once you know the key phrases. Sharing where you’re from, your age, where you live and your hobbies can help you open the door to meaningful connections with locals!

Want to practice real-life German with native speakers? Lingoda’s small group classes offer interactive learning environments to help you gain confidence in everyday conversations. Try one out and start speaking naturally!

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The top 5 resources for easy German news

Looking for a simple way to boost your German? Easy German news articles are a fantastic tool. For beginner and intermediate learners, diving into complex German newspapers might feel overwhelming. Luckily, many platforms offer simplified articles and audio stories specifically designed for learners. Here, we’ve rounded up the top 5 resources for easy German news to help you stay informed and improve your language skills at the same time.

• Why incorporate German news into your learning routine?
• Top platforms offering simplified news in German
• Tips for maximizing learning with easy German news
• FAQs

Why incorporate German news into your learning routine?

There are so many reasons to read or listen to the news in a language you’re learning! Easy news in German gives you access to authentic written and spoken materials in a learner-friendly format. You can learn contemporary language while helping you pick up idiomatic expressions and vocabulary used by native speakers. You can also choose stories that interest you to make the learning process more engaging. 

Many of the resources we highlight offer visual and audio versions of stories, too. This allows you to tailor your practice to your learning style (whether you learn better by reading or listening) and gives you a chance to work on weaker skills by combining both. You might also want to explore the best podcasts to learn German, many of which offer transcripts alongside the audio. 

To make the most of easy German news resources, try to stay active while learning. Engage with the content to make sure you remember new vocabulary and structures: write a summary of the article or create example sentences with the new vocabulary. If you can, discuss the articles with other German learners and try to use some of the new language — this is great if you attend German classes. And to improve your pronunciation, repeat after the speaker or shadow them (speak at the same time as them).

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Top 5 platforms offering simplified news in German

1. Nachrichtenleicht​

For beginners, Nachrichtenleicht​ is an excellent news platform with simplified articles covering current events. After each article, certain key words are explained in simple German (there are no translations), allowing you to further expand your vocabulary. You can also listen along to audio versions of the stories as you read.  

2. News in Slow German 

Designed for beginner and intermediate learners, News in Slow German features news stories delivered at a deliberately slower pace. You can choose to speed up the audio when you gain confidence or even slow it down further if necessary. Transcripts are provided, along with explanations of certain terms. Please note that to access most of the content on News in Slow German, you’ll need a paid subscription. 

3. Deutsche Welle’s ‘Langsam Gesprochene Nachrichten’​ 

For those at a B2-level who still need support to understand authentic listening materials, Deutsche Welle’s ‘Langsam Gesprochene Nachrichten‘ is ideal. With new uploads daily from Monday to Saturday, you can keep up with the latest stories in an easy-to-digest format. The audio is read slowly, and full transcripts are provided if you’d like to read along. 

4. Sloeful’s simple German news

Sloeful offers simplified German news suitable for A2 to B1-level learners. The articles focus on real past events, which are told through a simpler lens to help German learners follow along. From floods in Münster to lottery winners flying to the Moon, there’s a range of vocabulary-rich topics to discover. 

5. Todaii Easy German

For a broad sweep of stories, try Todaii Easy German. Articles from a range of official sites, including DW and Tagesschau, are uploaded daily. Learners can filter by level (from A0 to C2), news source, and topic, from travel to politics to science. 

Tips for maximizing learning with easy German news

To make sure you don’t get overwhelmed:

•  Choose beginner-friendly sources with level-appropriate vocabulary. Record new words in a notebook or app and review them regularly. Writing personalized examples is a great way to make sure new vocabulary sticks. 
• Start with slow-spoken news before working up to more rapidly spoken stories. Many of the sites above offer slower audio, so try listening to stories a few times, increasing the speed as your understanding improves. Transcripts are very helpful at first too, particularly if the story contains a lot of new vocabulary or the speaker has an unfamiliar accent. 
• Investigate unfamiliar cultural references.  They’re a chance to learn even more! You may want to use a search engine, read a similar article in your own language, or take any questions you have to your language tutor if possible. Native-speaking tutors can share a wealth of cultural information. 
• Finally, while reading or listening to the news is an excellent way to immerse yourself in German, it doesn’t provide you with a structured path forward in the way a German course can. Lingoda’s CEFR-aligned courses help you learn German systematically and are the perfect complement to independent reading and listening practice with easy German news. 

Are there German news platforms specifically designed for beginners?​

Yes! Nachrichtenleicht and News in Slow German have easy German news for beginners. 

Can listening to slow-spoken German news help with comprehension?​

Absolutely. Listening to slower audio can help comprehension. You can then speed up the audio as you gain confidence. 

How often should I read German news to see improvement?​

Aim to read at least one article per day and explore a variety of topics to broaden your vocabulary and deepen your cultural knowledge.

The benefits of easy German news for beginners 

Reading easy German news articles is a powerful step in your journey toward fluency. You’ll discover topics that interest you and learn the vocabulary to talk about them confidently. But, though news articles provide useful practice materials, they don’t offer a clear path for progression. 

The best way to learn German is to use a combination of authentic materials and a structured course. Lingoda’s small-group classes focus on teaching real-life language, just like you can learn from news articles, but have the additional benefit of allowing you to use all of the rich vocabulary you’re learning. The native-level teachers can add rich cultural context, and you can discuss what you’ve learned with like-minded classmates. 

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Why Germans Often Reply in English—And What It Means for Language Learners

Let’s imagine you’re in a cafe in Berlin. You order a coffee and a pastry in perfect German. The cashier replies in English. You ask where the bathroom is, again in perfect German. Once again, the cashier replies in English. You end the exchange with a frustrated, “Danke… (for not helping me practice my German).” 

So, why do so many German people switch to English when a foreigner speaks their language? Is it helpful or a hindrance to language learners? And can you stop them? In this article, we’re going to answer all of these questions. 

• Why do Germans switch to English?
• How do Germans perceive this behavior?
• The impact on German learners: A missed opportunity?
• How to encourage Germans to stick to German

Why do Germans switch to English?

High English proficiency in Germany

One reason Germans often switch to English is simply that they speak it more fluently than you speak German, particularly if you’ve just started learning. English proficiency in Germany is rated “high” on the EF English Proficiency Index. In fact, out of 116 countries, Germany ranked tenth. Most Germans start learning English in elementary school and so they have a considerable head start on people who begin their journey with German later in life. 

Cultural mindset: Efficiency and directness

Germans tend to communicate directly—what they say is what they mean. In many situations, conversations are functional and to the point. On the other hand, people trying to practice their language skills often pause, hesitate, and wrestle with words.  Many Germans see switching to English as the quickest way to communicate, and in a culture that values efficiency, faster often means better. As one user writes in Reddit’s ‘Ask A German‘ forum, “I will immediately switch to english the second I realise the conversation will become inefficient otherwise.” 

A matter of politeness?

The tendency to switch to English also comes from politeness and empathy. As Reddit user muesham puts it in the r/German forum, “If the other person seems to be nervous about speaking German, then we automatically feel like we should accommodate them by switching to a language that would make them feel less nervous.”

Stereotypes about foreigners and language abilities

Many German people also recognize that their language can be difficult for foreigners to learn. From the case system to the intimidatingly long words, German poses multiple challenges. Wanting to ease the burden for foreigners, Germans sometimes switch to English. 

How do Germans perceive this behavior?

Often, Germans switch to English without even realizing it.Reddit user muesham continues, “[Switching to English is] not a conscious decision, it’s just what we’re automatically inclined to do.” Other Germans simply like speaking English and take any opportunity to do so, as a user writes in the ‘Ask a German’ forum. 

There’s also a practical side, as user MrsButtercheese says in the same Reddit forum: “It can be kinda difficult to speak German with someone who isn’t also native or at least properly fluent, because you have to… [d]ial back your own accent, avoid slang and local dialect, slow down, etc.” 

So, if you find yourself frustrated because a German speaker keeps switching to English, remember they might not realize they’re doing it. They could just be trying to help—or practicing their English, too. 

The impact on German learners: A missed opportunity?

Constantly switching to English can affect German learners in several ways. Studies consistently show that immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. If you’re in Germany, being immersed in the language should be easy. But if everyone you talk to replies in English, your immersion is disrupted, which harms your ability to pick up the language. 

It can also be frustrating for learners who find themselves in a constant battle to get someone to reply in German. Many end up feeling stuck in a loop: they try to speak German, get a reply in English, and start questioning their skills. Ultimately, this lack of confidence will result in less speaking and slower progress. 

Stephen Krashen’s input hypothesis

When people switch to English, German learners are not only missing out on an opportunity to speak but on an opportunity to listen, too. Linguist Stephen Krashen, in his Input Hypothesis, states: “We acquire language in one way and only one way: when we are exposed to comprehensible input that is slightly beyond our current level.” So, having the chance to listen to and try to understand native German speakers is vital for learners who want to make progress in the language. 

How to encourage Germans to stick to German

Just ask, directly and politely

We already covered how German people favor a direct communication style, so use that to your advantage and ask them outright to speak German. Say this: 

• Ich möchte mein Deutsch verbessern, könnten wir bitte Deutsch sprechen? (I would like to improve my German. Could we please speak German?)

Take the advice of Scott Thornbury, author of How to Teach Speaking, when he says: “Language learning is about negotiation. If the conversation defaults to English, it’s the learner’s task to renegotiate the rules and steer it back to the target language — again and again.”

Use humor and self-deprecation

You can also take a more light-hearted approach when asking a German person to stick to German. Try these: 

• “Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut, aber deins ist perfekt. Könntest du mir beim Üben helfen?” (My German isn’t very good, but yours is perfect! Can you help me practice?)
• “Dein Englisch ist schon so gut! Wäre es okay, wenn wir an meinem Deutsch arbeiten?” (Your English is already so good! Do you mind if we work on my German?)

If that fails, make yourself a badge that says “Nur Deutsch, bitte!” (German only, please!) and point to it when necessary. 

Show confidence and stick with it

If you don’t feel comfortable asking directly (or the person ignores your pleas), be persistent and keep replying to them in German. Don’t worry about why they’re replying in English; just keep your confidence up and plow on. 

Pick the right setting

Certain settings are better suited to having a conversation in German than others, and there are times when you may have to accept a reply in English. As Reddit user ExecWarlock writes, “If you are in a store, business environment or other similar situations, people are not your language teacher… it can be annoying and/or time-consuming for them to try to understand broken German.” However, if you get chatting with someone in a more relaxed, less transactional situation, it should be perfectly fine to ask your conversation partner to stick to German. 

Striking a balance 

For English speakers who arrive in Germany eager to practice their budding German, it can be frustrating and discouraging when the locals reply in fluent English. It’s crucial to remember that this is mostly well-intentioned, whether the German person wants to save you some trouble, ensure more efficient communication, or just practice their own English. 

German learners need to become comfortable expressing their desire to practice while taking into consideration where and when they’re doing it. And Germans, too, can be mindful that constant switching might unintentionally discourage learners and slow down their learning progress. Ultimately, mutual understanding (and maybe a “Nur Deutsch, bitte” badge) leads to better language exchange experiences.

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Essential Spanish food terms for every situation

Spanish-speaking countries are known for having some of the most amazing flavors around the world. You’re probably already highly motivated to learn at least some basic Spanish food vocab. 

From being able to buy groceries and order food in Spanish to becoming familiar with local eating habits, you’ll quickly see that getting food words in Spanish down will open up a new (and delicious) world to you. So, let’s feed that appetite and take a look at this comprehensive food glossary!

• Core Spanish food vocabulary
• Beverages in Spanish
• Sweet treats and desserts
• Dishes and meals in Spanish
• Flavors and cooking terms in Spanish
• Understanding Spanish mealtimes and food culture
• FAQs

Core Spanish food vocabulary

As an appetizer, we’ll start with essential Spanish food vocab. These are Spanish words you need to know to go shopping, order food at Spanish-speaking restaurants and even talk about dietary restrictions or allergies.

Let’s dive into how to say the most common vegetables, proteins and fruits in Spanish:

Vegetables (verduras / vegetales)

Here are example sentences using these words:

• Soy alérgico/a a la cebolla (I’m allergic to onion).
• Me encanta la lasaña de berenjena (I love eggplant lasagna).
• En México comen mucho rábano (They eat a lot of radish in Mexico).
• No me gustan las espinacas (I don’t like spinach).

Fruits (frutas)

• Adriana hace un pay de manzana delicioso (Adriana makes a delicious apple pie).
• El jugo de naranja me hace daño (Orange juice doesn’t sit well with me).
• El vino está hecho de uvas (Wine is made of grapes).

Proteins (proteínas)

• No como carne, soy vegetariana/o (I don’t eat meat, I’m a vegetarian).
• Me gustan los waffles con tocino (I like waffles with bacon).
• La salchicha alemana es la mejor (German sausage is the best).

Grains (granos), nuts (nueces) and staple foods

• Mi cerveza favorita es la de trigo (Wheat beer is my favorite).
• Ya no tenemos vinagre (We ran out of vinegar).
• Le hace falta pimienta a la pasta (The pasta is missing some pepper).
• La sopa de lentejas es mi favorita (Lentil soup is my favorite).

Dairy (lácteos)

• Desayuno yogurt con fruta (I have fruit with yogurt for breakfast).
• No me gusta el queso fuerte (I don’t like strong cheese).

Beverages in Spanish

How are we gonna wash down all those small-plate tapas? Let’s order some drinks (bebidas)!

Common drinks (bebidas)

• Para mí un agua mineral, por favor (Sparkling water for me, please).
• Siempre ceno un licuado de plátano (I always have a banana smoothie for dinner).

Alcoholic beverages (bebidas con alcohol)

• Me da, por favor, una cerveza de barril (Can I get a draft beer, please?).
• El alcohol me causa resaca (Alcohol gives me a hangover).
• La sidra es muy suave (Cider is very smooth).

Pro tip: If you want to work on your Spanish vocabulary, joining classes is a game-changer. At Lingoda, you’ll learn vocab in an immersive manner. You can focus on speaking from day one and practicing real-life conversation skills. Plus, you can set your schedule however works best for you and choose between small group or private Spanish lessons.

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Sweet treats and desserts

We’re approaching the end of our meal. If you fancy something sweet, take a moment to learn these food words in Spanish for sweet treats and desserts:

Popular Spanish desserts (postres)

• ¿Tienen churros con chocolate? (Do you have churros with chocolate?).
• El roscón de reyes se come en enero (Kings’ day bread is eaten in January).

Common sweet ingredients and foods

• No puedo comer azúcar debido a mi salud (I can’t eat sugar due to my health).
• El chocolate es mi dulce favorito (Chocolate is my favorite candy).
• Prefiero la miel de maple a la de abeja (I prefer maple syrup to honey).
• Se me antoja un sándwich de crema de cacahuate (I feel like a peanut butter sandwich).

Dishes and meals in Spanish

Let’s take a look now at some staple dishes and meal items in Spanish:

• Prefiero la ensalada a la hamburguesa (I prefer the salad to the burger).
• La sopa va antes del plato fuerte (Soup comes before the main dish).
• A la ensalada le falta aderezo (The salad lacks dressing).

Flavors and cooking terms in Spanish

Learning vocabulary for describing flavors and cooking techniques can come in handy in different situations. Want to show appreciation for a meal? Or go through that great Spanish cookbook you got during your last holiday? We’ve got you.

Describing tastes, textures and flavors 

This is how you can talk about flavor, temperature and texture:

• Está muy… picante / rico / salado / dulce (It’s very… spicy / delicious / salty / sweet).
• Está… caliente / frío (It’s… hot / cold).
• Es / Está … crujiente / suave / seco (It’s… crunchy / soft / dry).

Essential cooking verbs 

Here are a few examples of how you might see these verbs in recipes:

• Voltea la carne para salpimentar y sírvela caliente (Flip the meat, season it and serve it hot).
• Pica la zanahoria y agrégala a la preparación (Chop the carrot and add it to the mixture).
• Hornea el pay por 45 minutos y sirve cuando aún esté tibio (Bake the pie for 45 minutes and serve it while still swarm).
• Lava el pollo, colócalo en un recipiente y déjalo marinar (Wash the chicken, place in a tray and let it marinate).
• Deja enfriar antes de servir (Let it cool before serving).

Measurements (medidas)

In Spain and Latin American countries, these are the most common measuring units used in cooking:

• Horneamos el pastel a 200º por 30 minutos (We bake the cake at 200º for 30 minutes).
• Agregamos una onza de vodka (We add one ounce of vodka).
• Terminamos con una pizca de sal (We finish off with a pinch of salt).

Understanding Spanish mealtimes and food culture

Let’s check out some Spanish food vocab related to mealtimes and discuss some meal habits in Spain and Latin America:

Common Spanish meals and their names

• Para la cena habrá sopa de tomate (We’ll have tomato soup for dinner).
• El desayuno es la comida más importante del día (Breakfast is the most important meal of the day).
• Hablamos a la hora de la comida (Let’s talk at lunchtime).

Note: As you can see, dinner in Spain is served rather late compared to American dinner time. That’s why there’s snack time (merienda) in the afternoon. On the other hand, tapas are usually served with drinks –so they’re more like bar food.

Typical eating habits in Spain and Latin America

A common thread between Latin American countries and Spain is that lunch is the main meal of the day –this is when you’ll get the most substantial dish. Dinner, however, tends to be lighter.

One major difference is the role wine plays in Spanish food culture. It’s common, for instance, to find a bottle of wine at the lunch or dinner table. Having a glass or two is quite normal. In most Latin American countries, though, wine is mostly saved for the weekends. People don’t drink much alcohol during the working week unless there’s a celebration or a get-together with friends.

How mealtimes vary by region

Just like in Spain, many countries in Latin America –like Mexico and Argentina– also have three mealtimes (breakfast, lunch and dinner). However, in Mexico and Colombia, for example, dinner is served earlier, usually between 19:00 and 21:00. In Argentina, it’s typically between 20:00 and 23:00 (sometimes even later!).

A big difference, though, is that in Spain, kitchens are open only during mealtimes –so it’s not possible to have a meal just anytime you want. In Latin America, for its part, restaurants are usually open throughout the day or in the late afternoon.

What are the names of meals in Spanish?

What is a typical Spanish food called?

Spain is home to some of the most mouthwatering food in the world (and fruity wine sangría, of course)! Typical dishes include: tortilla de patatas, jamón ibérico, churros, paella, gazpacho, pimientos padrón, pulpo a la gallega, croquetas and patatas bravas.

Feeling confident and hungry

Whether you’re thinking about moving or traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, learning the most common Spanish food terms –from cooking verbs to kitchen essentials– will help you navigate daily life like a pro. You’ll be able to shop (and chop!), order food at a restaurant and confidently express how much you liked your paella without a problem. And if you’re hungry for more vocabulary, join us at Lingoda today! Our fantastic teachers and focus on real-life conversations will give you the perfect boost.

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Spanish transition words: What are they and how do we use them?

Spanish transition words are an essential part of Spanish grammar. Just like Spanish prepositions and other connecting words, these words help us establish logical links between different elements in a text, such as paragraphs, sentences and other syntactic groups.

Why is it important to learn them? Well, mastering the most common Spanish transition words will significantly boost your language skills. By using them, we develop a natural flow to our written and spoken communication. Whether we are looking to write a smooth work email or confidently engage in small talk in Spanish, these simple words help us guide our audience through our ideas with ease.

So, let’s dive into what transition words are and the purpose they serve. We’ll also take a look at some examples to get a better grasp on the topic. Let’s go!

• What are Spanish connecting words and transition words?
• Categories of Spanish transition words
• How to master Spanish transition words
• Bonus: Advanced transition phrases

What are Spanish connecting words and transition words?

Spanish connecting words are tools that create links between words, paragraphs and sentences. Transition words are a subtype of connecting words that act as bridges between ideas or arguments. They help the speaker transition from one sentence to the next in a coherent and natural way.

Transition words are crucial for cohesion. They facilitate comprehension. Without them, our texts and speech can come across as choppy or impersonal. This affects our ability to communicate effectively and engage our audience’s attention (even if our spelling and grammar are impeccable). In fact, they’re so essential that we can find equivalents in all languages, including English. 

English vs. Spanish transition words

To illustrate what these connecting words are all about, let’s compare some Spanish and English transition words:

Now, imagine if we didn’t use transition words in English:

• With a transition word: I don’t think I’ll know anyone at the party. Nevertheless, I’ll still come (No creo que vaya a conocer a alguien en la fiesta. Sin embargo, sí iré).
• Without a transition word: I don’t think I’ll know anyone at the party. I’ll still come (No creo que vaya a conocer a alguien en la fiesta. Sí iré).

It feels disjointed without the transition word, right? The same is true in Spanish.

Categories of Spanish transition words 

Spanish transition words allow us to contrast, expand and explain ideas. Let’s break them down into categories according to their use:

Transition words for time (chronology)

These let you connect ideas in relation to the time they occur. They’re particularly useful, for instance, when giving a chronicle, telling an anecdote or even writing a recipe.

Here are some common examples:

This is how we can use some of them in a sentence: 

• Primero, iremos al cine. Después, a cenar (First, we’ll go to the cinema. Then, to dinner).
• Lorena es estudiante de medicina; pronto será doctora (Lorena is a medical student; soon, she’ll be a doctor).
• Finalmente, agregamos la leche (Lastly, we add the milk).

Transition words for adding or expanding ideas

Looking to add context or introduce another detail? Check out these transition words:

• No sé si tengo ganas de salir esta noche. Además, mañana me levanto temprano (I’m not sure I feel like going out tonight. Plus, I’m getting up early tomorrow).
• Me lastimé el pie y me corté la mano (I hurt my foot and I cut my hand).

Transition words for explaining and giving examples

These words allow us to explain what we just said:

• Me gustan los deportes en el exterior. Por ejemplo, el tenis y el golf (I like outdoors sports. For example, tennis and golf).
• Los conectores nos ayudan a darle coherencia a la estructura de un enunciado. Es decir, a darle lógica (Connectors help us give coherence to a sentence structure. That is to say, to give it logic).

Note: These words come in particularly handy in academic contexts, since they are used to support our arguments. However, be careful not to overuse them or your content may become redundant.

Transition words for contrasting and comparing ideas

These help us compare ideas, objects or people:

• Romina siempre se viste de verde, pero hoy se vistió de azul (Romina always wears green, but today she is dressed in blue).
• Las plantas no recibieron agua por varios días; no obstante, sobrevivieron (the plants weren’t given water for many days; nevertheless, they survived).

Note: Due to their elevated tone, some of these transition words are especially common in formal writing. They are less common in casual conversations. Some examples are: no obstante, por el contrario, sin embargo. 

These words sound quite formal, so reserve them for written communication and speaking in official capacities. That could include giving a business presentation, an academic speech, or reading a written statement to an audience.

Transition words for cause and effect relationships

These words are also known as ‘transition words for results’. We use them to introduce the cause or the consequence of an action:

• No me siento bien hoy, así que no podré ir a tu reunión (I’m not feeling well today, so I won’t be able to come to your get-together).
• Hervir la mezcla puede alterar los sabores. Por lo tanto, hay que prestar atención a la temperatura (Boiling the mixture could alter the flavors. Therefore, we must pay attention to the temperature).
  

Note: These words can also be useful when presenting the conclusion of an argument or attempting to persuade an audience about something. 

This includes value judgments.

 –El uso de la Inteligencia Artificial puede ser nocivo para el medio ambiente. Por esta razón, es importante que la usemos con cuidado (The use of Artificial Intelligence can be detrimental to the environment. For this reason, it’s important that we use it carefully).

Transition words for conclusions and summarizing

If you’re looking to summarize an argument or make a concluding statement, you can use one of these words:

• En resumen, aprender un nuevo idioma te abrirá puertas tanto en tu carrera como en tu vida personal (To summarize, learning a new language will open new doors for you both in your career and your personal life).
• Finalmente, agregamos coco rallado para decorar (Lastly, we add grated coconut as decoration).

There you have some of the most common transition words in Spanish. It’s probably clear, by now, how they are used. The next step is incorporating them into your daily language. Want to practice using them in real-life conversations? Join our immersive, small-group classes at Lingoda and start learning Spanish online today.

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How to master Spanish transition words?

These are some of the best ways to learn new vocabulary:

• Read news articles, books and blogs in Spanish: Pay attention to all the transition words you come across. How are they used? In what context? Use each structure to create your own examples.
• Use learning apps: Sign up for Anki or Duolingo and practice during your free time. Turn that long commute into an opportunity!
• Practice with discourse scrambles: Find a paragraph that uses transition words, break it apart and try to put it back together in the correct order.

Bonus: Advanced transition phrases

Now we are familiar with some of the most common transition words in Spanish. Ready to take it a step further? Here are some advanced constructions that work as transitions, but they are longer. 

A transition phrase works the same as a transition word in Spanish, except it uses a combination of words rather than just one or two. These phrases can also be considered colloquialisms AKA idioms. You may hear slight variations depending on what Spanish-speaking country you visit.

These full phrases will have you speaking Spanish like a pro:

• Vale la pena señalar que… – It is worth pointing out that…
• De vez en cuando… – From time to time…
• Por lo que concierne a [X]… – As far as [X] is concerned…
• Hay que recalcar que… – It must be highlighted that…
• Cabe mencionar que… – It’s worth noting that…
• No debemos olvidar que… – We must not forget that…

Use Spanish transition words to get speaking!

Spanish transition words play a crucial role in written and spoken communication. They help us connect ideas by establishing contrasts, cause-and-effect relationships and timelines. Mastering them will give our language skills a serious boost, keeping our audience engaged and allowing us to communicate effectively.

At Lingoda, our native-level teachers will guide you through all things transition words and much, much more. Plus, with our flexible schedule, you can start learning right away! You’ll be speaking Spanish with confidence before you know it. We promise.

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Your ultimate vocabulary guide to body parts in Italian

After all, Italian is a language not only of words but of animated body gestures that bring conversations to life.

In this guide, you’ll discover key body part names, explore fun idioms and get a glimpse into Italy’s famous body language. We’ll also share practical phrases for real-life situations and tips to help you memorize them effortlessly. By the end, you won’t just know how to say braccio or occhio — you’ll understand how Italians use these words every day.

• Basic body parts vocabulary
• Plural forms and gender agreement
• Common idiomatic expressions involving body parts
• The role of hand gestures in Italian communication
• Practical applications
• Tips to learn the body parts in Italian
• FAQs

Basic body parts vocabulary

Head and face 

Upper body 

Lower body 

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Plural forms and gender agreement

Nouns are gendered in Italian. So, when we talk about body parts, we must know their gender to understand how they change in the plural and how adjectives agree with them.

Most nouns ending in -o are masculine, and their plurals end in -i:

• un occhio (one eye) → due occhi (two eyes)

Most nouns ending in -a are feminine, and their plurals end in -e:

• una spalla (one shoulder) → due spalle (two shoulders)

Nouns ending in -e can be either gender (you must simply memorize them), and their plurals always end in -i:

• il dente (the tooth) → i denti (the teeth)

What about the exceptions? Yes, some body parts break these rules completely: 

Note:  These exceptions generally apply to words that originate in Latin. This is just one of the many ways in which modern Italian still shows its Latin roots.

Common idiomatic expressions involving body parts

Italian is full of expressions that use body parts metaphorically to describe feelings, actions and situations. Many of these metaphors don’t translate literally into English, but nearly all of them are vivid enough to remember without much trouble. 

Here are some of the most common Italian idioms and metaphors involving body parts:

• avere le mani bucate (to have holes in one’s hands, i.e., to be someone who can’t hold onto money)
• avere il cuore in gola (to have the heart in one’s throat, i.e., to be very scared)
• farsi in quattro (to split oneself into four, i.e., to go above and beyond)
• non avere peli sulla lingua (to have no hairs on one’s tongue, i.e., to be brutally honest)
• mettere il naso negli affari altrui (to stick one’s nose in others’ business, i.e., to be nosy)
• essere tutto orecchi (to be all ears, i.e., to be fully attentive)
• avere le braccia corte (to have short arms, i.e. to be stingy)
• prendere qualcuno sotto gamba (to take someone under the leg, i.e. to underestimate someone)
• stare con le mani in mano (to stay with hands in hand, i.e., to be idle)
• avere la testa fra le nuvole (to have one’s head in the clouds, i.e. to be a daydreamer)

The role of hand gestures in Italian communication

If you’ve ever seen Italians talk, you’ve probably noticed that their hands speak just as much as their words. Gestures are a fundamental part of Italian communication, adding emotion, emphasis and meaning to conversations. Some gestures have been passed down for many generations, and have become so iconic that they almost allow you to have a conversation without using words. Let’s take a look at some of them!

🤌 Fingers pinched together, moving up and down
Meaning: What are you saying? What do you want? This gesture may also simply double as a question mark. Use it when you’re confused, frustrated or questioning something.

🤷 Brushing the top of your fingers off the chin
Meaning: I don’t care. This gesture can be playful or dismissive, depending on the context.

🏃 Flicking the back of the hand under the chin
Meaning: Let’s leave; forget about it; there’s no sense trying. Use this gesture to discreetly signal someone to go or to drop a subject of conversation.

🤯 Tapping the index finger to the side of the head
Meaning: That’s crazy! Use this gesture when someone is acting irrationally.

😋 Poking the cheek with the index finger and twisting it
Meaning: Flavorful or delicious. Use this gesture to express that something tastes great.

Practical applications

Knowing how to talk about body parts in Italian isn’t just useful for casual conversation. It’s also essential in medical situations and when describing sensations or emotions. Whether you need to explain a symptom at the doctor’s office or express how you feel, these Italian phrases will help you confidently navigate real-life situations.

Medical situations

• Mi fa male la testa. (My head hurts.)
• Ho mal di stomaco. (I have a stomachache.)
• Mi sono fatto/-a male al ginocchio. (I hurt my knee.)
• Mi gira la testa. (I feel dizzy.)
• Può controllare il mio polso? (Can you check my wrist?)
• Ho un dolore al petto. (I have chest pain.)
• Mi sono tagliato/-a il dito. (I cut my finger.)
• Sono allergico/-a a… (I’m allergic to…)
• Mi serve un medico. (I need a doctor.)
• Dove si trova la farmacia più vicina? (Where is the nearest pharmacy?)

Describing physical sensations and emotions

The idiomatic meanings of the below expressions directly translate to English, and you can use them to describe physical sensations and emotions in the same contexts.

• Mi batte forte il cuore. (My heart is racing.)
• Ho i brividi. (I have chills.)
• Mi tremano le mani. (My hands are shaking.)
• Ho le gambe pesanti. (My legs feel heavy.)
• Mi sento le farfalle nello stomaco. (I feel butterflies in my stomach.)
• Mi scoppia la testa. (My head is exploding.)
• Ho la pelle d’oca. (I have goosebumps.)
• Mi manca il respiro. (I’m out of breath.)
• Mi sento debole. (I feel weak.)

Tips to learn the body parts in Italian

Memorizing body parts in Italian can be fun and easy with the right methods! Here are some of the most effective ways to practice:

• Use flashcards – Write the Italian name on one side and the English translation on the other. Some apps also offer digital flashcards if you don’t have paper on hand.
• Label your body – Stick small labels on different parts of your body (or on a drawing) to reinforce vocabulary visually.
• Practice with gestures – Point to or touch the body part while saying its name out loud. This physical connection can help with memory consolidation.
• Sing songs and watch videos – Children’s songs and YouTube videos make learning engaging and interactive.
• Describe symptoms – Imagine explaining an illness or sensation to a doctor using the vocabulary.
• Take online classes – Platforms like Lingoda offer structured lessons with native teachers to help you improve your vocabulary and pronunciation.

Consistency is key, so you can always mix different techniques to help reinforce what you learn!

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What body parts are on the waist?

On the vita (waist), you will find i fianchi (the hips) and l’ombelico (the navel).

How do you describe someone’s hair in Italian?

To describe someone’s hair, simply say, “Ha i capelli…” + the appropriate adjective (e.g., Lei ha i capelli ricci → She has curly hair.)

How is body language used in Italy?

Italians typically use hand gestures and facial expressions to emphasize emotions, clarify meaning and add flair to communication.

From head to toe: Now you know the body parts in Italian! 

Mastering body parts goes beyond simple Italian vocabulary — it’s about understanding grammar, idioms, gestures and real-life usage. From singular and plural rules to expressive hand movements, you now have the tools to speak more naturally and confidently.

If you want to continue learning Italian, why not consider Lingoda? Our native-level teachers offer structured lessons and real-life conversation practice!

The next time you’re speaking Italian, don’t forget to let your hands do some of the talking! Using vocabulary and gestures in daily situations will help you build confidence. Remember to practice often and, most importantly, have fun with it! 

French adverbs explained

French adverbs can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Take these two sentences, for example:

• Elle me parle rarement. (She rarely talks to me.)
• Elle me parle tout le temps. (She talks to me all the time.)

Can you spot the difference?? It’s all in the adverb!

In English, as in French, adverbs can be used to modify a verb, an adjective, a prepositional phrase or even another adverb. But French adverbs are formed and placed according to rules that English speakers may struggle to learn.

To help you master this concept and build more descriptive sentences, let’s break down how French adverbs are formed and where they fit in sentences.

• What are French adverbs?
• How to form French adverbs
• Types of French adverbs and their usage
• Where do French adverbs go in a sentence?
• FAQs

What are French adverbs?

French adverbs, just like in other languages, modify verbs, adjectives, prepositional phrases and even other adverbs. They’re equivalent to many of the words ending in -ly in English (though adverbs in English can also take on other endings).

Adverbs answer questions about the words they modify — how, when, where, how often, how much and to what extent. As a French speaker, you can use adverbs to express your thoughts more precisely and more fluently (wink, wink).

Let’s start with a reminder on the difference between verbs, adjectives and adverbs.

Verbs are used to express actions and states of being.

• Il fait du vélo. (He rides a bike.)
• Je m’amuse. (I’m having fun.)

Adjectives are used to describe or modify nouns or pronouns.

• Elle est grande. (She’s tall.)
• C’est un beau bâtiment. (It’s a beautiful building.)

Adverbs are used to describe or modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.

• Je m’amuse énormément. (I’m having a lot of fun.)
• Elle est vraiment sympa. (She’s really nice.)

And you know what’s great about French adverbs specifically? They are invariable (for a change)! Their spelling is always the same, so you only need to learn one form of the word.

If you want to improve your French, adverbs are your best friends — along with Lingoda, of course! Our classes can help you speak with confidence as you practice with native-level teachers and a small group of learners.

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How to form French adverbs

Now that we’ve clarified the role of French adverbs, let’s see how they’re formed.

• Some adverbs come from Latin words — for example, bien (well) and hier (yesterday). 
• Other adverbs are adjectives that remain unchanged — for example, chanter faux (sing out of tune) and coûter cher (be expensive). 
• But most adverbs are formed from adjectives, adding the suffix -ment to the stem of the word.

The common suffix ‘-ment’

Most adverbs are formed from adjectives ending in -e. If the adjective is gender-neutral, the ending -ment is added at the end of the word:

rapide > rapidement (quickly)

If the masculine form of the adjective doesn’t end with an -e, don’t worry! In this case, the adverb is formed using the feminine form of the adjective, as in the below example with the adverb lentement (slowly):

lent (masculine) > lente (feminine) > lentement (adverb)

When the masculine form of the adjective ends with ‑ai, ‑é, ‑i or ‑u, the adverb is formed from the masculine form:

joli > joliment (nicely)

Lastly, when an adjective ends with -ant or -ent, the adverb is formed by adding the suffix -amment or -emment at the end of the word.

élégant > élégamment (elegantly)

Irregular French adverbs

Though the formation of most adverbs follows the above rules, there are also a number of irregular adverbs in French.

Examples of irregular French adverbs ending with -ment include: gentiment (nicely), brièvement (briefly) and prudemment (carefully). 

Other irregular adverbs include: bien (well), mal (badly) and mieux (better).

Like all irregular forms, irregular adverbs must be memorized. 

Types of French adverbs and their usage

French adverbs are categorized based on the kind of modification they produce.

Adverbs of manner

Adverbs of manner answer the question “how?”.

• Il parle. (He speaks.)
• Il parle fort. (He speaks loudly.)

Other common adverbs of manner include:

• lentement (slowly)
• malheureusement (unfortunately)
• heureusement (luckily)

poliment (politely)

The adverbs clairement (clearly) and carrément (totally) are both commonly used in informal French. For example: C’est carrément incroyable ! (It’s totally incredible!)

Adverbs of time

Adverbs of time in French answer the question “when?”.

• Elles viennent. (They come.)
• Elles viennent demain. (They come tomorrow.)

Other common adverbs of time include: 

• souvent (often)
• jamais (never)
• aujourd’hui (today)
• “bientôt (soon)

Note: adverbs of time impact how tenses are used in French. In some cases, they override the expected tense usage.

In the sentence Elle arrive bientôt (She’ll be there soon), the adverb bientôt creates a future meaning even though the sentence uses the present tense.

Sometimes, adverbs also require a specific tense. For example, the adverbs autrefois and jadis (formerly; in the past) are typically used with the imperfect tense:

• Autrefois, nous allions pêcher. (In the past, we used to go fishing.)

Using the wrong tense in French is one of the more common French grammar mistakes, so be sure to keep these rules in mind.

Adverbs of place

Adverbs of place answer the question “where?”.

• Je l’ai trouvé. (I found it.)
• Je l’ai trouvé là-bas. (I found it over there.)

Other common adverbs of place include: 

• ici (here)
• partout (everywhere)
• quelque part (somewhere)
• dehors (outside)
• dedans (inside)

For example: Je t’attends ici. (I’m waiting for you here.)

These examples illustrate how adverbs of place are generally positioned after the verb.

Adverbs of frequency

Adverbs of frequency answer the question “how often?”.

• Je vais à la piscine. (I go swimming.)

Je vais nager tous les jours. (I go swimming every day.)

Other common adverbs of frequency include: 

• toujours (always)
• rarement (rarely)
• parfois (sometimes)
• jamais (never)

For example: Je l’ai toujours dit. (I’ve always said so.)

Like adverbs of place, adverbs of frequency are generally positioned after the verb. In a sentence using the compound past (Je l’ai toujours dit.), the adverb is placed between the auxiliary verb and the past participle.

Adverbs of quantity and degree

Adverbs of quantity and degree in French answer the question “how much?” or “to what extent?”.

• J’aime les carottes. (I like carrots.)
• J’aime beaucoup les carottes. (I like carrots a lot.)

Other common adverbs of quantity and degree include:

• très (very)
• trop (too much)
• assez (quite, fairly)
• peu (few, little)

For example: Elle parle trop. (She talks too much.)

In casual conversations, you’ll notice that French people use the adverb trop quite a lot. For example, a French person  might say to a friend, “C’est trop cool !” (“It’s really cool!”).

Pay attention to the subtle differences between certain adverbs with similar meanings. For example, peu and légèrement mean almost the same thing, but peu is more common and légèrement is more precise.

Want some more practice learning French adverbs? You can find complete French adverbs lists and exercises on the internet.

Where do French adverbs go in a sentence?

General placement rules

Placement in sentences with multiple verbs

The meaning of a sentence may vary depending on where the adverb is placed in the sentence.

•  When an adverb is placed before the verb (or between the auxiliary and main verb), it tends to modify the entire verbal phrase. When it’s placed after the verb, it typically modifies only that specific verb.

• Il a simplement parlé. (He just spoke.)
• Il a parlé simplement. (He spoke simply.)

Stylistic placement in literature and poetry

French adverbs are also used for stylistic purposes. This is most common in literature and poetry.

Here again, the placement of the adverb allows the author or poet to add emphasis or rhythm to their creative work.

See this excerpt from “Les feuilles mortes” by Jacques Prévert:

Mais la vie sépare ceux qui s’aiment,

Tout doucement, sans faire de bruit

(But this life separates those who love,

softly, with not a hint of noise)

The adverbial phrase “tout doucement” slows the rhythm of the poem and amplifies the melancholic atmosphere expressed in “sans faire de bruit”.

What is an adverb in French with examples?

An adverb in French (as in English) is a word that modifies verbs, adjectives, prapositional phrases or other adverbs. Examples of French adverbs include généralement (generally), strictement (strictly), demain (tomorrow) and tôt (early).

How do you turn French words into adverbs?

Most French adverbs are formed based on adjectives. Regular adverbs are formed by adding the ending -ment, -amment or -emment at the end of the adjective. For example: rapide becomes rapidement (quickly).

French adverbs: What to remember 

Mastering French adverbs is a big step toward becoming a fluent French speaker. The good news? Adverb categories and adverb usage in French don’t differ so much from what you’re already used to in English. Remember that most adverbs are formed with the -ment suffix, though several common ones are irregular. Also, keep in mind that their placement varies depending on tense and what they modify.

While you’re exploring French grammar, you can also review our article about French grammar rules. And don’t forget: Lingoda’s French conversation online classes can help you practice using adverbs and grasp the subtleties of their irregularities.