Day 1
Welcome to the A1 Module of my program “From Zero to C1”.
Step-by-step I’m going to help you grow your fluency and confidence in German.
Since you’ll find a lot of material and resources along the way, I’m going to walk you through this first lesson this week.
So over the course of the next 10 days, I’ll send you every day an email giving you the exact action steps to take and the resources and materials to use for your learning.
This way we will complete a full learning cycle for one complete lesson so you know exactly how this program is structured, how the learning system works and how you can continue to progress systematically in all other lessons.
I suggest that in these first 10 days you first read through my email, which gives context to the lessons and action steps to take and then you go to the course platform where you’ll find all the content.
In case you’re really starting from scratch, I recommend you to review my very first lesson A1 Level 1 which is actually the mini-course “Start speaking German from day 1”.
Since you already subscribed to my email list or you already started with German, most likely you might want to skip A1 Level 1 and start with the next lesson, A1 Level 2.
Here’s your action step for today:
Today you’ll go through 3 parts:
- Welcome to the program
- Welcome to A1 level 2
- Step 1 – Key Learning
- In Welcome to the program, you’ll find a Welcome Video and an overview of how the course is structured
- In Welcome to A1 level 2, you’ll find an overview of what you’ll learn in your first lesson A1 Level 2
- In Step 1 – Key Learning, you’ll find a podcast lesson with another student.
So after getting introduced to my program in Welcome to the program and to your first lesson in Welcome to A1 level 2, for today, I just want you to download the podcast lesson in Step 1 – Key Learning and think of one routine, you might have today where you can listen to this podcast.
I mean routines like having breakfast, driving in your car, exercising in the gym, or going for a walk.
Routines where you’re not performing a task that requires your full attention like at work, and where you can listen to this first podcast lesson in the background.
Let’s start today with this first Step 1 and tomorrow I’m going to tell you how to continue.
So let’s do this, and start getting Germanized!
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Gruß
Manuel
PS. If you have any questions at any point during the program, just shoot an email to manuel@herrprofessor.com. I’m here to help.
P.P.S. Access to the course platform:
You should have created and accessed your account for the course platform directly after enrolling and might have received your credentials as well, if not, try this:
Login Url: Login here
Username: (Your email address)
Forgot your password? Visit this page to reset it: https://herrprofessor.samcart.com/courses/password/reset
Day 2
I hope you could listen to the podcast of Step 1 from yesterday so we can continue today.
(If not, no worries, take your time, complete Step 1, and refer to this email once you’re ready to take the next step.)
Notice that there is a lot of podcast material on each level.
There is a reason.
One core learning technique that I want you to internalize from the beginning is the habit of listening in the background WHENEVER you can.
This technique is very powerful for you since it does not require any extra time of your busy day and having great listening content, will help you even learn in an unconscious way just by listening in the background.
Test it out for yourself.
Push the play button and start preparing your breakfast or your coffee. You’ll notice that from time to time the audio will grab your attention. And since it does not require extra time you can listen to these podcasts more than once. You’ll notice that each time you listen to the same podcast again, you’ll learn a new detail you haven’t paid attention to before.
Here’s your action step for today:
Ok, now let’s move on to our next step today, STEP 2 – Key Learning Recap.
You’ll find a link to a flashcards tool and a package where you can start actively reviewing the structures you learned in the podcast lesson of Step 1.
So I want you to click on the link, if necessary create an account.
After creating the account you might need to click on the link again to access the package I’ve prepared for you.
Usually, my students find this part playful since going through the flashcards will be like a game.
You can start using the flashcards tool and the package whenever you have a small break at work, driving by bus or tram, or at night a few minutes before you go to sleep.
The app will guide you through the learning process and you’ll just need to “play” your way through it.
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Talk to you tomorrow to continue with Step 3.
Gruß
Manuel
P.S. Memrise might offer you a Pro version or a Paid version, you don’t need it, you can go with the FREE version. On each new Level you’ll find the link to your new Memrise package.
Day 3
Here’s your action step for today:
Today let’s move on to Step 3.
In Step 1 and Step 2 we’ve learned some structures and how to build some sentences.
Today we’re going to learn new words and vocabulary.
At STEP 3 – Key Vocabulary you’ll find again a podcast.
In the podcast you’ll hear me how I pronounce the new words, translate them, explain them, and build also some sample sentences so you get a first feel for them and what they mean.
So, I want you to download this podcast and, same as in STEP 1, find some routines during your day where you can listen to it in the background.
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Gruß
Manuel
P.S. Remember: You can listen to all course podcasts conveniently on our Herr Professor podcast app. You should have already received an email invitation after enrolling, if not:
iPhone user: Download the app here.
Android user: Download the app here.
Once you have the app, create a new account first using the same email address as the one you’re using for this course.
(Remember: The app is just a tool to listen to the audio content of the course. Focus on the course platform to go through the course)
Day 4
Ok, so we’ve learned some new structures in STEP 1 and STEP 2 and some new words at STEP 3.
Today let’s put all into context.
The thing is, it will not be enough to learn some structures and some words.
It’s very important that you see them from different angles in different context to really internalize them in a way that you feel fluent and confident using them.
Imagine you were to learn how to dance salsa.
The teacher shows you the steps (Vocabulary) and how to combine them in a sequence 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4 (Structures).
Will this be enough for you to dance now a salsa Song with your partner?
Of course not.
You will need to practice everything, until the movements and the steps have gotten into your muscle memory, until you can perform them unconsciously, without thinking and following just the rhythm of the song.
So today let’s move on to STEP 4 – Key Learning.
At STEP 4 I’ll introduce you to 4 proven learning techniques that will help you:
- Internalize what you’ve learned so far at Step 1, 2, 3
- Grow your vocabulary even more in an engaging way
- Prepare and get ready for your official exam step-by-step
- Become more confident and more fluent at speaking on the go
You’ll find a lot of tips, tactics and strategies on HOW TO LEARN.
Here’s your action step for today:
You’ll find these parts for Step 4:
In Step 4 – Key Learning Technique I’ll introduce you to the 4 learning techniques.
And in the next 4 parts, we’ll discuss them in detail (Scriptorium Technique, Free Voluntary Reading, Traditional exercises, Listening in the background).
For today, I just want you to take a few minutes and read through all 4 learning techniques.
This way you can check the pros and cons of each one of them for your personal situation so you can evaluate which one might be a good fit for you.
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Gruß
Manuel
P.S. If you haven’t done already, click here to join my private Facebook group just for my students. You’ll find a great community of engaged students to help each other and I promise to keep you every day inspired and motivated to stay on track with your German.
Day 5
Yesterday you started to get to know 4 learning techniques at Step 4. Refer back to Step 4 to get all the details about it.
Let me blunt with you.
Yes, the first 3 learning techniques (Scriptorium Technique, Free Voluntary Reading, Traditional Exercises) require EXTRA time and also focused concentrated work.
So this might require some extra hours to spend for your level A2 Level 1.
The difference between doing the work or just rushing through the level can be tremendous in the long run.
It can mean the difference between feeling fluent, meaning coming up with your thoughts you want to express quickly and confidently, or on the other hand, to feel like you always have to think about words and structures as you needed always to make an effort to remember everything.
Keep in mind that more and more you want to get to a point where you come up with your thoughts without thinking about them too much.
More and more it should be an unconscious process. Not an effort about remembering words or structures.
Especially when you speak and want to have a fluent conversation.
To achieve this you’ll need to “work with the language”.
And you’ll do this by doing focused work embedded in a variety of content through reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
Here’s your action step for today:
Pick one of the 3 first learning techniques of Step 4 that require extra time (Scriptorium Technique, Free Voluntary Reading, Traditional Exercises).
Set 25 minutes aside on your calendar for today to commit to doing your learning technique and try your best!
Check also the accompanying PDF you’ll find for each of those learning techniques on: “How to create a 25-minutes learning routine even if you don’t feel like it“
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Gruß
Manuel
Day 6
Yesterday you picked one of the the learning techniques that require EXTRA time at Step 4.
And you have tried to commit to learning for 25 minutes.
Depending on the learning technique you chose you still haven’t finished yet (Scriptorium Technique, Traditional Exercises) or there is still room to do some more of it (Free Voluntary Reading).
Take your time. If you commit to a daily 25 minute learning routine it still might take you even a few days.
That’s ok.
You have to find the right pace that fits into your day.
Keep always in mind: Learning a new language is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Here’s your action step for today:
Try to commit to another 25 minutes.
In case you struggle to find the time to commit for 25 minutes, check the accompanying PDF:
There I’ll show you 4 powerful ways of how to stick to a 25 Minutes learning routine and make it into an automated habit, even if you don’t feel like it.
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Gruß
Manuel
Day 7
You still might be doing one of the learning techniques recommended in STEP 4.
Take your time.
You’ll set the pace according to your daily schedule.
Nevertheless, today I’m going to introduce you to our next step which is the last step of our core 5-step Process, STEP 5 – Fluency Stress Test.
Remember, although you might be at STEP 4, that’s no problem.
Once you’re ready, you can read this email again to move on to STEP 5.
As with all material and resources, you’ll have lifetime access to go through it at your own pace.
Here’s your action step for today:
At STEP 5 you’ll find a podcast called “Fluency Test”.
At Step 5 – Fluency Stress Test you’ll get all the details of how it works.
So once you finish STEP 4, I want you to take 15-20 minutes where you can sit down relaxed on your couch and actively take the “Fluency Stress Test”.
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Gruß
Manuel
P.S. Remember: You can listen to all course podcasts conveniently on our Herr Professor podcast app. You should have already received an email invitation after enrolling, if not:
iPhone user: Download the app here.
Android user: Download the app here.
Once you have the app, create a new account using the same email address as the one you’re using for this course.
Day 8
You still might be doing one of the learning techniques recommended in STEP 4.
Take your time.
You’ll set the pace according to your daily schedule.
Nevertheless, today I’m going to introduce you to our next step which is the last step of our core 5-step Process, STEP 5 – Fluency Stress Test.
Remember, although you might be at STEP 4, that’s no problem.
Once you’re ready, you can read this email again to move on to STEP 5.
As with all material and resources, you’ll have lifetime access to go through it at your own pace.
Here’s your action step for today:
At STEP 5 you’ll find a podcast called “Fluency Test”.
At Step 5 – Fluency Stress Test you’ll get all the details of how it works.
So once you finish STEP 4, I want you to take 15-20 minutes where you can sit down relaxed on your couch and actively take the “Fluency Stress Test”.
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Gruß
Manuel
P.S. Remember: You can listen to all course podcasts conveniently on our Herr Professor podcast app. You should have already received an email invitation after enrolling, if not:
iPhone user: Download the app here.
Android user: Download the app here.
Once you have the app, create a new account using the same email address as the one you’re using for this course.
Day 9
Yesterday we already went through some of the additional resources of The Vault, like for Step 1, the Cheat Sheets and the Recap Podcast, and for Step 3, the Vocab Memrise package.
In addition you’ll find other resources such as podcasts with other students.
You see, this is all extra material to deepen your understanding of your current level.
Here’s your action step for today:
Today I just want you to have a quick look at the rest of the resources in The Vault:
In the The Vault – Step 5 (Additional “Quickies” podcast) you will find a podcast where I do quick translations similar to the “Fluency Stress Test” from Step 5 with another student so you can learn from another student in action..
In my interview with “star student” Dan you’ll learn how another student of mine went through this exact learning cycle for each lesson of my program achieving amazing results so you can follow his steps. We’ll discuss in this interview exactly how he went through the program and got from Zero to B1 trusting and following the system.
In “How to lear and practice the details of German pronunciation” we’ll review the most important aspects of pronunciation to sound more German.
In “How to save 50% of your time learning der, die, das” I’ll show you 2 powerful tricks to help you memorize the German articles.
Click here to get to A1 Level 2 on the course platform.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Gruß
Manuel
Day 10
Great!
We went through the complete learning cycle and materials of A1 Level 2 and you saw how a level is structured and how and when to use the resources of the core 5-Step process and the Vault.
On each new level that opens up you’ll find the exact same structure.
First there will be the core 5-step process then you’ll have “the Vault” with additional resources.
You already have access to your next level A1 Level 3, since every week a new Lesson will open.
But, remember:
The pace is set by the time YOU need to go through each Step as explained in my 10-day plan.
Some students might take 1 week to go through one level, some less, some more.
So no worries, set YOUR own pace.
Remember, you’ll have lifetime access to your materials so you can start, pause, resume and review anything at any time.
Every week a new level will open up, but you can refer to them whenever you feel ready to start this Level.
So, once you’ve finished A1 Level 2 you can start with your next level.
In A1 Level 3 you’ll learn:
- Possessive articles: Das ist dein Bruder.
- Verb sein: Ihr seid in Berlin.
- Verb haben: Ich habe eine Schwester.
- Regular verbs and endings: Ihr lebt.
- Prepositions in, aus, zum/zur: Ich gehe zur Schule.
Bonus Vault Material:
- The fun corner: How the famous German Rockband Rammstein conjugates the verb haben
Remember every week I’ll open up the next level for you, but take your time, don’t rush through everything.
Don’t underestimate the gap between “I understand” and “I feel fluent and confident with it”
The right pace will be set by the time you need to go through all the steps.
See you next week when I open up A1 Level 4.
And remember, if you get stuck, have any questions or find any bug, just drop an email at manuel@herrprofessor.com
I’m here to help.
Talk to you soon.
Bis bald
Gruß
Manuel
P.S. Whenever you get stuck with your learning or want to refer back to this 10-Day step-by-step plan to get back on track, just go to the section “Struggling with procrastination? Get here the tools to change” you’ll find after Level 15: