Software for Learning German
A survey of audio CD, cassette, and CD-ROM
self-instruction packages for learning German
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Reviews > Software > Software for German
It's easy to forget just how new the phenomenon of language-learning computer software is. Not that long ago, people were happy with pretty basic software that was really no more than the electronic mimicking of flash cards and books. (Some of it still is!) Today we can expect much more than that—including video, sound, and recording (if your system is adequate)—but not all software for German is created equal. The various programs all have their unique strengths and weaknesses.
The better programs are quite good, but you, the learner, need to decide what you want from the software you buy and to be realistic about what any computer program can do. Also make sure your computer system is suited to the program you decide on. Some of the software discussed below is only available for the Windows platform, and all of the programs, Mac or PC, work best on a speedy system (800mHz or faster) with plenty of memory (256MB of RAM or more)—despite the minimum requirements listed for some.
Some of the advertised features claim or imply they can do more than they actually can. One software maker's statement that "the speech-recognition technology...understands and evaluates your pronunciation" needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Comparing voiceprints is probably useful, but it can't really tell you if your accent is great or not. At best it can tell if you're pronouncing the words so badly that no one would understand you. One day the state of the art may allow for dialects and all the other nuances of pronunciation, but not yet. That doesn't mean speech recognition isn't worth having, but you shouldn't expect it to be able to do what a good human tutor can do.
In reality, most of the programs are better at providing authentic listening from native speakers, which is very important and quite useful. If you can't understand German, there really isn't much point in speaking it, is there? And in natural language learning, just as in second-language learning, listening always comes before speaking. (And your second-language listening ability will always be better than your speaking ability, just as it is in your first language.) An exception to the interactive rule would be "Tell Me More" - German by Auralog. "Tell Me More" does a very good job of simulating understanding of your spoken responses, and is very good at providing extensive pronunciation practice as well.
Where some of the programs also tend to shine, especially compared to earlier software, is in the area of interactive simulations and cultural role-playing. Some also include supplemental games to enhance your learning and enjoyment.
For listening practice on a regular basis—particularly for intermediate or advanced learners—a computer isn't always the best choice. I highly recommend Schau ins Land, a monthly audio CD or cassette subscription that provides interesting and authentic German-language segments on a variety of topics. (See my review for details.) Each month's installment comes with an annotated script and glossary for that month's recordings. (From Champs-Elysees, which also has French, Spanish and Italian series.)
Sometimes an audio CD or cassette package may be just as good or better than a CD-ROM computer program, but each type of program serves its own purpose. And don't forget online streaming audio and video as another good audio option.
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