Whether you're just starting out, you already know the basics or you're fluent, listening to German podcasts is a great way to improve language learning and discover new words.
Luckily for German language learners, there are a variety of options out there, whether you want something light hearted or more informative and serious.
From conversations specifically for language learners to bite-sized news podcasts, here are some podcasts The Local team recommends you check out on your German language learning journey.
For beginners-intermediate
There are plenty of German-learning podcasts aimed at supporting people through the beginner stages of learning German. Some are more interactive (with transcripts and vocabulary lists) while others are simply for listening to.
If you're just starting out – or want more structured support – Coffee Break German is a good choice.
Episodes are short, at around 15-20 minutes long, and involve a native speaker teaching a student. They walk you through vocabulary, grammar and cultural observations in an accessible way.
Podcast episodes are free to listen to, but you can pay for more resources if you want to spend more time immersing yourself in German learning.
For beginners/early intermediate learners, podcast host Annik Rubens speaks in slow and clear German to help budding learners.
Expect lots of different topics about German culture and society as well as history themes.
Absolute beginners need not fear – Rubens offers special podcast episodes at an even slower pace. Those who sign up can access transcripts and bonus materials.
A good way to get in touch with a language is through stories. And that's exactly what you get with this podcast which sees hosts read different short stories at various levels from beginner to advanced. For example, a recent episode is a story from Austrian writer IIsle Aichinger.
This podcast aims to help learners remember vocabulary and grammar lessons through tales that sometimes span multiple episodes.
Slow German Podcast For Beginners
'Learn German with Falk' offers episodes suitable for A1-B1 German language learners with a focus on everyday topics.
It's also available in YouTube format, where you can find other language learning videos by popular teacher Falk. Transcripts are available on his Patreon.
State broadcaster Deutsche Welle offers a wide variety of podcasts for people at different levels, from total beginners to more advanced groups.
Once you've mastered one level, move on up to the next!
The first thing that might come to mind when you think of Easy German is its successful YouTube channel. But the podcast version of the show is also worth checking out. It's especially well suited for beginners or intermediate learners who have the basics nailed down.
In each episode, which lasts around 35 minutes, hosts Cari and Manuel discuss hot talking-points and cultural topics. They also take questions from listeners and explain expressions or vocabulary as they go.
If you sign up to become an Easy German member, you get full transcripts and access to vocabulary lists for an even more immersive learning experience.
Current affairs
As the name suggests, this show takes current-event or culture topics and presents them in German at a slower pace, with explanations. It’s ideal for intermediate learners who want to follow more natural German without being overwhelmed by full-speed native speech.
Great for expanding your vocabulary while staying updated on news and society. You can also pick different levels from beginner to intermediate.
Langsam Gesprochene Nachrichten (Slowly Spoken News)
Want to keep up with worldwide events and improve your German at the same time? Here's another great podcast for you.
Produced by Deutsche Welle, you can hear headlines from around the world – from the US to China – read at a slow pace by announcers.
It's aimed at German speakers who are at around the B2 level.
READ ALSO: How good does your German have to be for the different paths to citizenship?
Advanced learners
If your language skills are more advanced, you can listen to a host of German podcasts on all kinds of topics. Perhaps consider checking out the podcast charts to see what's trending. A few we recommend checking out are:
If you are interested in true crime, check out ‘Mordlust – Verbrechen und ihre Hintergründe’ (Murderlust – Crimes and their Backgrounds), one of Germany's most popular podcasts.
The show sees journalists Paulina Krasa and Laura Wohlers discuss real criminal cases from Germany. In each episode, they recount a true crime case, discuss and debate the legal, psychological or social aspects. They also interview experts on the topic.
They explore questions such as: what are the difficulties in a circumstantial evidence trial? Why do innocent people confess? And could the crime have been prevented?
Kaultiz Hills - Senf aus Hollywood
'Mustard from Hollywood' is a weekly podcast by famous German twins Bill and Tom Kaulitz.
They get into current topics – and share personal tales about their lives – from their music studio in the Hollywood Hills.
If you can't get enough of the talented musicians, who founded the band Tokio Hotel, check out their Netflix reality show, Kaulitz & Kaulitz.
Lastly...
If you want your news fix, many German publications have various podcasts. For instance, Die Zeit's 'Was Jetzt?' (What Now?) discusses lots of current affair topics such as Syrian refugees in Germany.
Do you have any recommendations for a German podcast we haven't mentioned here? Let us know in the comments section below.
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