#germanb1

German (Lingua.com) 

Reading - 100P (A2)

Listening - 83P (A2)

Dictation - 83P (A2)

Watched Malwanne's One Video

Listened to podcast (B1)

French (busuu) 

Got to Lesson 4 - I can introduce myself and ask how they are doing. 

Geschafft. (I did it!!!) I’m officially an independent user of the German language. Yes, my reading score needs to be better, but since I really didn’t study for this (oops!) I’m happy with the outcome. I went from knowing 0 German in august 2019 to pretty good B1 in September 2020. (8 months of this time I spent in Germany; of those I actively took intensive courses for 2 months and 2 once-a week light course for another 2 months)

It’s a nice reminder that, even when I’m NOT on my A-game...perhaps my C-game at best...I can still accomplish great things.

Germany is one of the most preferred destinations for students to study abroad in the world due to its high academic level and free public universities. German universities are home to some of the best universities in the world and are famous for delivering high-quality education. Studying in Germany will be the best option if you are looking for well high-class education that will help you secure an excellent job after graduation. Hundreds of universities (both public and private) are available in Germany that offers free or very low-fee tuition programs available for international students. After getting into a German university, be sure to receive a first-class education and a formal degree to show for it, which is recognised all over the world. However, the following are some of the factors to consider while choosing a university for you:

●      Decide your career aspirations

●      Check out the University Ranking Lists

●      Compare course content

●      Know about the admission requirements

●      Research about employment opportunities

●      Look for the best accommodation options

 Which are the Best Universities in Germany?

Let us take a glance at the top-ranked universities in Germany for the upcoming year:

1      Ludwig Maximilian University

Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), also known as the University of Munich, was established in 1472. This beautiful architecture is situated in the state of Bavaria, right in the heart of Munich. LMU is an academic and research institution par excellence that has over 500 years of history. The university has an excellent record in teaching and learning, academic research and attendance. Here around 15 per cent of all students are international getting top-class standards in teaching and research. Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Social Sciences, Humanities, Environment & Agriculture, Medicine & Health, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, and Engineering & Technology few most recommended programs at FMU. 

2    Free University of Berlin

The Free University of Berlin (FUB), also known as Freie Universität Berlin or just FU was founded in 1948 in southwestern Berlin. It is a public research university that was recognised as Berlin’s main university. FUB has owned an excellent international reputation and is associated with 5 Nobel laureates. Here, you get 178-degree programs and 73 undergraduate degree programs in 15 field departments.

FUB is the most attractive in Germany for foreign researchers with around 13% of students from abroad in bachelor's degree programs and 29% in master's degree programs.  As one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, the Free University of Berlin has been conferred the title of "University of Excellence" under the German Universities Excellence Initiative.

3      The Humboldt University of Berlin.

Humboldt University of Berlin (HUB)was founded by Wilhelm von Humboldt to bring his vision of a new type of university to life with the purpose to unify research and teaching. HUB is amongst the top-ranked universities in the country due to its high standards of education. There are around 15% of international students attend the university in the heart of Germany’s capital. Degree programmes in the fields like Social  Sciences, Humanities, Environment & Agriculture, Law, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and Medicine & Health are available to choose from.

4     The Technical University of Munich.Technical University of Munich (TUM) is located in the heart of Munich and is an ideal university for international students in the areas of engineering and science. TUM is recognised among the best technical  universities in Germany and one of the top research universities in the European Union. The university offers a choice of 182-degree programs, including 69 English language study programs. The Technical University of Munich has strong ties to the world’s top companies and scientific institutions. This makes it an excellent place to start your career journey as an ambitious fledgling scientist

The university originally focused on the engineering stream which was then expanded over the years to include other fields like Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Brewing and Food Technology, and Medicine.

5      Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg

Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg has an extensive tradition and is also internationally oriented in teaching and research. This makes the university ideal for highly individual studies as well as interdisciplinary learning. Getting admission done in this university will also give you high quality of living. It provides a comfortable, diverse and equal-opportunity environment where you can obtain degrees in the field of your choice. You get a total of more than 160 study programmes with a broad spectrum of possible subject combinations. A few examples are Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Medicine & Health, Social Sciences, Art, Design & Media, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Humanities, Law, etc.

Are you someone who wants to pursue your studies in Germany? This article will help you get some clarity on which German university can be the best choice for you. There are many great German universities that offer a wide range of courses, many taught in English. Still, it is beneficial for you as a foreign student to learn the basics of the German language for your convenience. You can definitely find some online German language courses that will make the process of learning a new language easy.

Germany has a diverse landscape, with tall, sheer mountains in the south, sandy, rolling plains in the north, forested hills in the urbanized west, and agricultural plains in the east.

We all know that geography can be difficult to learn, but it is also necessary for understanding our surroundings. Fortunately, there are tons of geographical information about Germany that is both easy to remember and enjoyable to learn! Here are 12 astonishing facts about Germany's geography that you may not have known before.

Germany's geography

Enrolling on online German language courses must have fascinated you to learn about the geographical features of Germany. Germany's terrain is diverse, with mountains, lakes, rivers, plains, and forests. Throughout history, German geography has had a significant impact on the country's development.

For a long time, Germany's geography has had an impact on the economy. Germany is a country shaped by its geographical location.

For centuries, people have lived in the area and made a living by fishing in rivers and seas.

1.    The Zugspitze is Germany's highest mountain, with a peak elevation of 2.962 meters. It is considered as one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions.

2.    Germany is in Western Europe, between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The land is 357,580 km2 (138,062 mi2) in size and has 2,389 km of coastline (1,484.5 mi). About 89% of the land area of California is in this area. So, Germany is the 64th largest country in the world and one of the largest in Europe.

3.    Denmark borders Germany on the Jutland peninsula in the north. The Baltic Sea (Ostsee) and North Sea (Nordsee) coasts, respectively, complete the peninsula's northern border. Germany borders the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg to the west, and France to the southwest.

4.    Germany has a mild climate all year round, with an average temperature of nearly 17 degrees in July and -0.5 degrees in January.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Germany was 42.6 degrees in Lingen in 2019.

5.    From a hydrological perspective, the landmass of the Federal Republic of Germany can be broken down into seven distinct regions: the Danube, Rhine, Ems, Weser, Elbe, and Oder River basins; the tributaries of the Meuse River (Donau, Rhein, Ems, Weser, Elbe und Oder, die Zuflüsse der Maas; the North Sea coast; and the Baltic Sea coast.

6.    Germany shares land boundaries with nine other nations. All of the Scandinavian countries, plus Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

7.    Small sections of the outer limestone (or calcareous) Alps extend from Austria into Germany. They are the Allgäuer Alps, the Wetterstein Alps (with Germany's highest peak, Zugspitze), and the Berchtesgadener Alps, in that order from west to east.

8.    Most German rivers follow the general slope of the land, which is north-northwest, and end up in the North Sea. The Danube, which starts in the Black Forest and flows east, is the main exception to this rule. It forms the border between the Central German Uplands and the Alpine Foreland. The Danube gets its water from a series of right-bank Alpine tributaries that depend on spring and summer snowmelt to flow. This makes the Danube's flow very uneven.

9.    Germany has a small number of lakes. The shallow lakes in the postglacial lowlands of the northeast have most of them. Lake Müritz in the Weichsel glacial drift of Mecklenburg–West Pomerania is the largest natural lake in the area. It covers 44 square miles (114 square km).

10.    Germany imports most of its raw materials because it doesn't have many natural resources of its own. The nation yields a lot of bituminous coal and brown coal (lignite). The main fields of brown coal are west of Cologne, east of Halle, south and southwest of Leipzig, and in Lower Lusatia in Brandenburg. Salt and potash are also found in large amounts and are mined near the Harz mountains.

11.    Germany's forest area encompasses about 11.4 million hectares, which is about one-third of the country's land area.

12.    Germany has a temperate and marine climate, with cold, cloudy winters and warm, sunny summers. In the south, warm föhn winds sometimes blow. Most of Germany is in a cool-to-warm climate zone, where humid winds from the west are most common.

Germany is one of Europe's largest countries. It has a rich and lively culture that has made it famous for many things. 

Ever been curious about what Germany is known for? What hits your mind when you think of Germany? It must be Oktoberfest and beer, Christmas traditions, castles, pretzels, sausages, or Christmas markets, right?

Here are 10 of the most popular and well-known German things, so you don't have to wonder any longer. If you're an international student who wants to learn German language online, you may have already done some research on the country as well. Along with the insights shared by your online German teachers about Germany, we hope you become more knowledgeable from this post 

1.Land of Think Tanks –

Germany is known as the Land of Poets and Thinkers, which is a name that fits the country perfectly. The world has benefited from Germany's past and present for hundreds of years through its scientific, literary, and philosophical ideas.

Albert Einstein's theory of relativity is well-known, but scientists like Robert Koch, who came up with the idea of studying bacteria, are just as important.

2.    The Oktoberfest –

The most famous event in Germany is the annual Oktoberfest festival, which draws nearly 7 million people and sees almost 8 million litres of beer being drunk.

The festival lasts for 16 to 18 days during Autumn, and it's not just about drinking beer. The festival grounds are full of rides, games, food stands, and shops that everyone can enjoy.

3.    Christmas Time –

If you're in Germany around Christmas, you can't miss the chance to visit some of the world-famous Christmas markets. Every year, these events are held in different German towns and cities, and tourists from all over the world come to see them.

Most big cities have their own Christmas market, but Cologne, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Munich, and Berlin have the most famous ones.

Christmas markets have been a famous celebrated tradition in Germany since many centuries. Every year, these events are held in different German towns and cities, and tourists from all over the world come to see them.

4.    Bread & Sausages –

Bread is an essential component of every German cuisine. Germans are well known for their long tradition of baking bread, and the taste and method of cooking varies from region to region. Sausages, known as Wurst in Germany, are another important part of German cuisine. They are made of pork, beef, or veal and are flavoured differently depending on the region. They are typically consumed after or alongside a mug of beer.

5.    Elegant Castles –

There are many wonderful things about Germany, but one thing that people look for when they visit our castles. From mighty castles perched high on a hill to ruined castles with thousands of stories to tell, there is something for everyone. Germany has one that you will instantly fall in love with. It is estimated that there are over 20,000 castles in Germany, and once you've seen one, you'll want to see more.

Germany has some of the most beautiful castles if you want to visit them. The royal Neuschwanstein castle near Füssen in the Allgäu region, which is visited by over 1.3 million people each year and was even the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle, is one of the most popular.

6.    Beer –

Germany is also known for its love of beer, so if you like this beverage, Germany is the perfect place to be! Germany presently has 1,500 breweries that make 5000-6000 different kinds of beer. After the Irish, the Germans are the second largest beer drinkers in the world. In this country, unlike some others, it's legal to drink beer in public places like parks and streets. Beck's, which is brewed in Bremen, is the most popular German beer brand. Krombacher and Warsteiner are also very popular.

7.    Popular Sports –

Germans enjoy socialising and being a part of clubs, so it's no surprise that sport is popular in Germany. However, there are three sports in particular for which Germany is famous. Football is the most popular and widely recognised sport in Germany.

The German football league, Bundesliga, is one of the most successful in Europe. The German football team has also won four World Cups (second only to Brazil), three European Championships, and one Confederations Cup.

 Germany is also well-known for its ice hockey league, or Eishockey, which may surprise you. Golf is another well-known German sport that is popular among wealthy Germans. 

8.    Berlin –

Many of Germany's most famous attractions can be found in the capital city of Berlin. The Brandenburger Tor, the city's first Neoclassical structure, the Berliner Mauer Memorial, and the Berlin Television Tower are all located here.

 Berlin also has the well-known Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, which is an island containing the city's oldest and most important museums, including the Old Museum, New Museum, and National Gallery.

9.    Pretzel –

The pretzel is not only a popular German food but also a national symbol. Pretzels, also known as Brezeln or Brezen in German, are especially associated with Bavaria but are sold as a snack food throughout the country. A typical pretzel in Germany is lye-treated, giving it a slightly hard and glossy exterior. They are typically sold as a take-out snack. 

10.    Best Car Manufacturers –

Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are among the most popular car manufacturers in Germany. For car enthusiasts, there are even car museums and factory tours. The well-maintained roads in Germany provide a great driving experience, which makes drivers love their cars even more.

Germans take driving very seriously because getting a license is expensive and quite challenging. The rules that guarantee a safe car driving experience in Germany should be understood by those who are unfamiliar with the country's driving culture.

Understanding the reluctance to drive in Germany is something you must consider while making travel plans there.  The German Autobahn or expressways are flawlessly engineered, and some of them have really breathtaking landscapes.

Come, let’s look at the following essential driving requirements in Germany to understand the German driving rules, Autobahn etiquette and laws.

•       The Autobahn Rules –

In Germany, one of the most interesting aspects of driving is navigating the Autobahn. The roads have earned a reputation as some of the fastest in Germany, with drivers regularly clocking speeds of over 200 kilometres per hour. The official minimum speed limit for Autobahns is 60 kilometres per hour. The letter 'A' represents the Autobahn. There are approximately 13,000 km of Autobahns in Germany, which allow drivers to travel throughout Germany easily.

•       Right-hand driving rule –

Drivers in Germany drive on the right side of the road. If they are about to overtake a vehicle, they overtake on the left side. Vehicles on the right side may pass vehicles on the left when traffic is backed up and two or more lanes are travelling in the same direction.

•       Understanding Road Signs -

Road signs in Germany are clearly indicated. However, foreigners or tourists should be aware of the signs and their meanings. You can easily learn German online with native teachers and understand the meaning of these road signs.

The majority of road markings are white; however, yellow markings render white markings useless. Cycling is permitted in "Radweg" or bicycle lanes. When people are waiting to cross at a "Zebrastreifen", drivers are required to stop. Police vehicles are marked with flashing signs that read POLIZEI HALT and BITTE FOLGEN respectively.

•       Well-equipped Car –

Make sure your car has four winter tyres if you have a car and live in Germany or if you are planning a vacation to the country during the winter (even if you have a foreign license plate!). They have the pine tree insignia on their clothing. The four-season tyres marked M+S for Mud & Snow or Matsch & Schnee are also acceptable (this rule only applies until the 30th of September 2024). Any garage can perform tyre acquisition or replacement. Some people will even store your summer tyres. When it's chilly outside, drivers must also remember to add anti-freeze to the windshield washer.

•       Carry all Official Documents and Kit–

Drivers must have their current driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and insurance documents with you while driving. A first aid pack, a portable red reflector triangle, and at least two reflective safety vests are also required. Winter tyres and snow chains are mandated by law where signs show a tyre with snow chains.

•       Park carefully –

There are various places where you can only leave your car there for a certain amount of time. You must pay attention to the timings and road signs. Install a parking disc, also known as a Parkscheibe, on your dashboard to indicate the time of your arrival. There may also be signage stating that parking is fee-based. There might be a kiosk where you need to insert some change rather than individual parking meters. The receipt (Parkschein) you receive must be displayed on your dashboard.

•       Dial Helpline –

In Germany, it is strictly prohibited to leave an accident site without getting help or providing it. You will have to wait for at least 30 minutes if your car is involved in the accident. Any injuries must be handled on-site if they occur. Any driver involved in an accident must stop completely and dial 112. If you require an ambulance, dial 116177, and if you require the police, dial 110. Those who have acquired fluency till German a1 can easily dial the helpline contacts.

Tourists and people from other countries who live in Germany like to drive because it's easy to get anywhere by car. If you have a valid driver's license, the German Autobahn is easy to use and will get you to your favourite places quickly. Before you take your car out of the garage and get behind the wheel, make sure you know the driving rules in Germany and are familiar with how it works.

Germany is well-known globally for numerous things. Travel, technological advancement, and education are amongst many of Germany's key attractions. Indeed, the country is a fascinating destination to explore and cherish the moments. Germany, which has the world's 4th largest economy by nominal GDP and the world's 5th largest economy by purchasing power parity, is renowned for its world-class education.

Let's have a glance at the top 17 crucial German facts that will give insight on how the country operates.

1.    German is the most widely spoken native language in Europe and is ranked at 11th globally. Learn German language online so that you can also be a part of this widely spoken language.

2.    The Federal Republic of Germany was formed on October 3, 1990, when East and West Germany reunited.

3.    Located in the northeastern corner of Germany, Berlin is the nation's capital. With a total population of 3,645,005, Berlin is a hotspot for expats and international students.

4.    Since 2002, the Euro has been the official currency of Germany.

5.    As the seventh largest country in Europe, Germany is a medium-sized country. With a total land area of 34,836 square miles and a water area of 3,011 square miles, the total area is 137,847 square miles.

6.    Germany has produced a number of influential composers, bands, and artists who have ushered in new musical trends over the course of several centuries. The repertoire of German classical composers is among the most frequently played worldwide. When it comes to the sales of recorded music, Germany ranks third worldwide and first in Europe.

7.    The German people take an immense level of pride in their language and culture. Because of this, films are typically dubbed into German with the help of local actors. As a result, dubbing has become a 115 million Euro industry and has helped to promote Germany against Hollywood. German language lessons will help you to relish German art and culture.

8.    The federal republic of Germany consists of sixteen individual states. Each state operates under its own constitution and has substantial independence from the others.

9.    There is no doubt that Germany is a literary powerhouse. Annual production of roughly 94,000 titles. German publishers introduced the world to the first magazine in 1663.

10.                 Sports are widely enjoyed in Germany, both as spectator events and as active pursuits. Football (soccer), or Fußball as it is known in Germany, is incredibly popular across the country. In recent decades, Germany's national team has been one of the best in the world, and as a result, they've topped the FIFA world rankings.

11. Germany has a high population density, ranking among the top countries in the world. The total population of Germany is 81 million.

12. The German car industry is one of the world’s largest, with annual sales of about 6 million vehicles.

13. Germany is known for its wide variety of foods and beverages, including around 5000 varieties of beer, 3000 varieties of bread, and around 1500 varieties of sausage.

14. In Germany, a prisoner who escapes is not punished because the desire for freedom is a basic human instinct.

15. The German castles are among the most beautiful in the world. Germany is home to more than 20,000 castles, so if you’re looking to visit a castle while there, you’ll have lots of options.

16. Forests make over one-third of Germany’s land area. More over 11 million acres of forest cover Germany. About 32% of Germany is forested, which is a significant amount.

17. The locals of Berlin refer to the chancellor’s office as the “washing machine.”

Tourists all over the world are very fond of visiting Germany owing to its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and classic architectural marvels. With its own dialect, food, traditions, and multiple regions, Germany appeals to the travellers a lot.

Just by availing German language lessons, you will not be able to decide on your first-time venture in Germany. To get a crystal clear perspective of the nation, as a first-time visitor you need to make a bucket list of certain places to explore Germany.

1 Berlin – Home to multiple magnificent art galleries and museums, the capital city of Germany, Berlin, is one of the most unparalleled and dynamic cities in entire Europe. Berlin is popular for wonderful shopping, awesome dining experiences, and entertainment for sure. The “Museum Island”, the boulevard in the

“Mitte District”, and landmarks like the “Brandenburg Gate” are among the must-visit places in Berlin.

2 Munich – As one of the largest cities in Germany, Munich is a very popular tourist destination in Germany. The outer edge of the spectacular Bavarian Alps makes this city a must-visit place. It is also considered as Germany’s historic city center. It's good to explore the city by walk and have fun located in the Munich’s large open square, the “Marienplatz”. This place has wonderful classical

architectural masterpieces dating all the way back to the medieval era, which includes the old and new town halls.

There are several alluring green spaces and parks in the city, wonderful pedestrian areas around the banks of the River Isar. Learn German online with native teachers to know more about this vibrant city.

3 Black Forest – Black Forest is the epitome of Germany’s natural spectacle. The Black Forest comprises of 99 miles of magical lakes,

captivating forests with waterfall, breathtaking landscapes, canyons stippled with tranquil villages, and rolling hills. Triberg Waterfalls, Lake Titisee and the Feldberg, are among the natural wonders of the Black Forest.

4 Dresden - The stunning “Zwinger”, one of the finest specimens of Baroque architecture, the impressive Brühlsche Terrasse", or the regal Dresdner Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church that dominates the city's skyline are just a few of the architectural wonders of Dresden, the mighty capital of Saxony. This vibrant city is home to some of Germany's most renowned cultural institutions.

5 Medieval Rothenburg - The old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the tourism destination in Germany that best captures everything that is good about this amazing country. Rothenburg, as it's more commonly known, is situated in the centre of lovely

Bavaria and is a short drive from several large cities like Frankfurt. It offers excellent photo session everywhere you turn. The majestic Imperial City Museum, housed in a former convent, and the storied Castle Gardens, which have remained mostly unaltered

since their founding in the 17th century, are the two classic examples of well-preserved buildings.

6 Frankfurt – This place is considered as the economical hub of the Eurozone (financial capital formed by the member nations of EU that have adopted euro). Some of the noteworthy sites in this region are the Museumsufer, which is a

riverside perimeter encompassing above a dozen of museums that comprises the very popular Städel Museum, Palmengarten, and Main Tower Observation.

7 Hamburg – Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. This place is a business powerhouse since the medieval era. Its enticing North sea wonds, architectural wonders, captivating mosaic of rich culture, music and exciting nightlife appeal the visitors flock.

8 Cologne – Cologne, which was first inhabited by the Romans, was a significant religious hub and a destination of pilgrims for many years. This is one of those beautiful ancient German cities that has preserved its past so that future generations might appreciate it is Cologne.

Visitors are drawn to Cologne's retail areas and historic marketplaces to buy locally manufactured goods, from clothing and fragrances to food items, maintaining the city's status as a hub of trade and commerce. The Old Town of Cologne, which is home to 12 iconic old churches, including the well-known Cologne

Cathedral, is where tourists should go for the greatest experiences.