I was surprised as to how quickly the Michel Thomas method helps me build sentences and pronounce words correctly. I use this course as an addition to grammar books, as it doesn't focus on the written language, obviously. It's different in it's aprroach to the language than i.e Pimsleur's, as it doesn't start of with presenting you "vacation-skills" (handy and practical, but only for easy phrases needed when going on vacation). The M. Thomas approach is a little more complex, but it hence give you the chance to build broader basic knowledge of the language.
That being said, I'm a little disappointed at how the course has been recorded. The two English students M. Thomas is instructing, did get on my nerves after a while. Their progress was a lot slower than my own, and I consider my self no quick learner. I felt they where there just to stretch out the time mostly (which isn't necessary at all, as you can control the speed on the disc's with your pause-button). Coughing, laughing, etc. was also left on the finish discs, which made it seem a bit unprofessional to me, but that may be great for the ones who fear a too serious and "stuck-up" approach to learning.
The M.T German course is a surprisingly quick and down-to-earth fun way to learn basic German. |
Michel Thomas Speak German For Beginners: 10-CD Beginner's Program Books In Print, Audio Books.