Stuck at A1 German? How to Get from A1 to A2 and Break the Plateau

Introduction: Are you stuck at A1 German and wondering how to reach the next level? You’re not alone. Many adult learners hit a German A1 plateau where progress seems to stall. The good news is that this plateau is normal – and it is possible to push past it with the right strategies. This comprehensive guide explains why learners plateau at A1 and provides practical tips on how to progress to A2 in German. We’ll cover each core skill (grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing) with specific activities to boost your progress. Along the way, we’ll share motivational advice to rebuild your confidence and suggest helpful resources (including Olesen Tuition’s online lessons, private tuition, small group classes, intensive courses, and exam prep). If you’re looking for A1 to A2 German help, read on – you can do this!

Table of Contents

• Why Do Learners Plateau at A1?

• How to Get from A1 to A2: Skill-by-Skill Strategies

  • Grammar: Strengthen Your Foundation

  • Vocabulary: Expand Your Word Bank

  • Listening: Tune Your Ear to German

  • Speaking: Overcome Fear and Build Confidence

  • Reading: Use Graded Content to Grow

  • Writing: Practice through Journaling and More

• Staying Motivated and Confident

• Next Steps: Courses and Resources

Why Do Learners Plateau at A1?

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand common reasons for the A1 plateau. Several factors can slow progress down at the end of A1:

• Vocabulary overload or gaps: In the A1 stage, you learn a few hundred basic words (read our post on High-frequency German vocabulary at A1 level for help). But moving toward A2 means tackling many more everyday words – and that can feel overwhelming. Conversely, you might find that a limited vocabulary is holding you back; even if you know basic grammar, you simply “can’t come up with the words” to say what you need. This lack of usable vocabulary is a primary cause of plateaus, making it hard to understand texts or hold conversations beyond familiar phrases.

• Lack of grammar clarity: German grammar introduces concepts at A1 that many learners find confusing (yes, we’re looking at you, noun genders and case endings!). If your foundation in grammar is shaky, it’s tough to progress. You may have memorised dialogues and phrases in your textbook, but not fully understood why the sentences are constructed that way. For example, some A1 learners “struggle with small but super confusing grammar concepts (case endings, anyone?)”. Not having a clear grasp of basic grammar rules – like verb conjugation, simple word order, or the difference between der, die and das – can make forming new sentences at A2 feel daunting. In short, without reinforcing the A1 grammar fundamentals, you risk building on sand.

• Fear of speaking and making mistakes: It’s very common to reach a point where you hesitate to speak German for fear of “getting it wrong.” This fear can create a vicious cycle – the less you speak, the less practice you get, and the more your confidence suffers. Many learners plateau because they stick to passive learning and avoid real conversations. You might happily do exercises in a workbook, but freeze up when it’s time to actually say something in German. Worrying about mistakes or a foreign accent can hold you back from the practice that truly builds fluency. Remember, mistakes are a natural part of learning – if you’re afraid to speak up, you’re depriving yourself of chances to improve.

• Passive or single-track learning habits: At A1, a lot of people learn via apps, phrasebooks, or basic courses that spoon-feed content. But if you only rely on those methods without expanding how you practice, progress can stall. Over-reliance on textbooks or apps means you might be recognising German but not producing it. Likewise, if you only ever read and listen (passive skills) but don’t write or speak (active skills), you’ll hit a ceiling. A1 learners often plateau because they keep reviewing the same beginner material instead of pushing into new, slightly uncomfortable territory. Simply put, sticking to what’s easy – or not seeking out new challenges and real-life usage – can cause stagnation.

The first step to overcoming a plateau is recognising that it’s normal and happens to everyone. You haven’t failed – you’re just between growth spurts. In fact, plateaus are so common in language learning that experts note they’re “a natural phenomenon” in the journey. With that perspective in mind, let’s look at concrete strategies to break through the A1-A2 barrier.

How to Get from A1 to A2: Skill-by-Skill Strategies

Moving from A1 to A2 means building on your basics and stepping outside your comfort zone. It’s helpful to target specific language skills one by one. Below, we offer targeted advice for grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing – the six pillars of language proficiency. By improving each of these areas, you’ll generate all-around progress that propels you into A2. Mix and match these strategies in your study routine, and watch the plateau give way to steady improvement!

Grammar: Strengthen Your Foundation

At A1, you learned rudimentary grammar (simple present tense, basic sentence structure, personal pronouns, etc.). Now is the time to reinforce and build on those fundamentals. A shaky foundation in grammar will make the A2 material (like past tenses, more complex word order, or noun cases) feel impossible. Here’s how to solidify your grammar knowledge:

• Review and master A1 grammar points. Go back over the key A1 topics to ensure you truly understand them. Can you conjugate common verbs reliably? Do you know the accusative and dative forms of der, die, das? Can you form basic questions and negatives? Use beginner grammar workbooks or online exercises to drill these until they’re second nature. Consistency is key – for example, try to complete one grammar exercise per day to keep rules fresh. If there are specific concepts you find confusing (say, two-way prepositions or sentence word order), focus on those until the “light bulb” moment happens.

• Dive into a new grammar concept. Often, feeling “stuck” can be remedied by pushing yourself to learn something just above your current level. It gives a sense of progress and opens new possibilities for expression. So, challenge yourself with an A2-level grammar topic, but do it gradually. For instance, learn the Perfekt tense (common past tense) for regular verbs, or introduce the dative case with a few prepositions. Study the rules, then practice by making your own example sentences. By employing new grammar structures, you’ll not only deepen your overall understanding but also feel a boost in confidence as you realise you can handle more than basic present-tense statements. Each new grammar pattern is like a tool in your toolbox – the more you have, the more you can say!

• Use grammar drills and resources wisely. It’s important to practice grammar in context. Instead of rote memorisation of tables, try exercises that make you apply grammar: fill-in-the-blank stories, translation of simple sentences, or speaking exercises focusing on one grammar point. There are many apps and online resources with gamified grammar practice. For example, some apps turn grammar into interactive tasks (like ordering jumbled words into a correct sentence). These can reinforce rules in a more engaging way. If you prefer structure, a reputable grammar workbook (like “Studio 21 A2” or the Schubert Verlag exercises) could guide you through A2 grammar systematically. The key is to practice actively – don’t just read about the rules, use them. Write sample sentences, do exercises, and get feedback if possible.

• Clarify doubts with a teacher or tutor. Sometimes you need a human explanation for tricky grammar. Consider taking a few lessons with a tutor to address your pain points. A qualified teacher can explain nuances and answer your questions on the spot – often in simpler terms than a textbook. In fact, having guidance from an experienced teacher can quickly break through grammar confusion that might otherwise linger. You could book a session of private German tuition to focus purely on grammar troubleshooting. An expert tutor will tailor the lesson to your needs, ensure you truly grasp the rules, and give you targeted exercises to cement your understanding. Don’t let small grammar issues snowball; resolve them now so they don’t impede your progress to A2.

Finally, remember that grammar is a means to an end – communicating clearly. We study rules not for perfection’s sake, but to make expressing ourselves easier. At A2, you’ll combine your solid A1 base with new structures, allowing you to create sentences more independently. Strengthening your grammar foundation now will pay off in every other skill area as you advance.

Vocabulary: Expand Your Word Bank

One big difference between A1 and A2 is the range of topics and situations you can handle – which boils down largely to vocabulary size. If you feel tongue-tied at A1, it’s often because you simply lack the words to elaborate on anything beyond the basics. So, a top priority is to grow your German lexicon. Here’s how to boost your vocabulary and overcome the “word famine” of the A1 plateau:

• Focus on high-frequency and relevant words. Not all vocabulary is created equal. To progress to A2, concentrate on words you’ll encounter often in daily life. These include terms related to family, work, weather, time, travel, food, and common activities. For example, ensure you know everyday verbs like geben (to give), bringen (to bring), suchen (to search), and so on, in addition to the very basic verbs you learned at A1. There are frequency lists available, but you can also learn organically: think of a scenario (e.g. going to a supermarket) and learn the 10–20 most important words for it. Expanding your word bank with useful vocabulary will dramatically improve your comprehension and expressions. Remember, the more words and phrases you know, the more you can understand and say.

• Learn vocabulary in context, not isolation. A classic A1 mistake is trying to memorise long vocabulary lists by brute force. This often leads to quick forgetting or an inability to actually use the words in conversation. Instead, learn new words in sentences or situations. For instance, if you pick up the word “brauchen” (to need), also learn an example sentence like “Ich brauche einen Kaffee.” (I need a coffee). This way you understand the usage and nuance. Studies and experienced learners note that memorising words with context – as done in apps like Duolingo or Clozemaster – helps them stick much better. You might recall not just the word, but the whole phrase, which is great for speaking. So, use resources that provide example sentences, or make your own: write a tiny dialogue using each new word. Reading and listening practice (see below) are also fantastic for learning words in context without even trying.

• Make vocabulary a daily habit. Consistency beats cramming when it comes to language. Try to learn a manageable number of new words every day – even 5 a day adds up to ~150 a month. Use flashcards (physical or apps like Anki/Memrise) to review and reinforce words through spaced repetition. Quizlet sets, for example, can be handy for A1–A2 vocab. But don’t just flip cards; try to actively recall the word and then say it in a sentence. Additionally, label your environment in German: stick notes on household items (der Tisch, die Tür, der Kühlschrank, etc.) so you see them constantly. Another tip: keep a vocab journal. Write down new words you encounter during reading or lessons, and include a short definition or synonym in English and an example in German. Reviewing this journal regularly will cement your knowledge. By making vocabulary review a routine, you’ll steadily chip away at the unknown words that have been holding you back.

• Use songs, media, and mnemonic tricks. To avoid boredom and add depth to your vocabulary learning, incorporate some fun methods:

  • Listen to German music and note down catchy phrases (our blog post on Best German Songs to Learn German is a great place to start for learner-friendly songs!). Music can provide repetition and emotional context that make words memorable – plus it’s enjoyable.

  • Watch German videos or shows with subtitles. For A1/A2, you might use learner-oriented videos (e.g. Extr@ German or YouTube channels like “Easy German”). Subtitles help you link spoken and written forms. Jot down any new words that pop up frequently. According to experts, watching shows with subtitles on can be an effective way to pick up new vocabulary and phrases in context.

  • Employ mnemonic devices for tricky words. Create mental images or silly associations. For example, to remember “der Apfel” (apple), imagine an apple falling on Alf’s head (“Apfel” sounds a bit like Alf fell). It’s goofy, but if it sticks, it works!

  • Group related words together. Learn families of words (like days of the week, months, colours, furniture, etc.), as that can provide a framework in your memory. Just don’t overdo huge lists – break them into chunks and use them in sentences.

Expanding your vocabulary is like widening the road ahead – suddenly, more destinations (topics) become reachable. As you approach A2, you should aim to handle everyday topics without constantly reaching for a dictionary. Keep in mind that quality beats quantity: 200 well-mastered words used confidently are better than 500 half-forgotten ones. So build your vocab steadily, review regularly, and use new words often. You’ll soon find you can understand more and say more, which is the surest sign you’re climbing out of the plateau.

Listening: Tune Your Ear to German

Do you ever feel like native speakers talk way too fast, or that German audio just “goes over your head” unless it’s very slow and clear? A1 learners often plateau because their listening skills lag behind – which is normal, since real-world listening is challenging. To reach A2, you need to train your ears to catch more words and phrases in everyday German speech. Here’s how to sharpen your listening and get your brain used to the sounds of German:

• Immerse yourself in spoken German as much as possible. You might not be in Germany, but you can surround yourself with German audio. Aim to listen to a bit of German every day. This could be:

  • Podcasts for learners: e.g. Coffee Break German, Deutsch langsam (Slow German), or GermanPod101’s beginner lessons. These often come with transcripts, which is a big help – listen first, then read to see what you missed.

  • Simple YouTube videos: Channels like “Easy German” are excellent – they interview people on the street with subtitles. You hear real accents but at a learner-friendly pace and topic. The subtitles (in German, and sometimes English) let you verify what you heard.

  • Audio from your textbook or apps: If you used a course like Menschen or Schritte, replay the dialogues and see if you understand them fully now. Many language apps also have dialogue sections. Don’t just do the quiz part – actively listen and shadow (repeat aloud).

  • Children’s content: Cartoons or children’s audiobooks in German can be great for beginners, as they use simpler language and speak a bit slower. For instance, you could watch an episode of Peppa Wutz (Peppa Pig) or listen to a fairy tale.

  • German music and songs: As mentioned in the vocabulary section, songs are fantastic for passive immersion. Put on a German Spotify playlist during your commute or chores – even if you don’t catch everything, your brain is picking up the rhythms and sounds. (Check out our Spotify list of the best German songs for learners included in the blog post above – it’s curated just for people at A1/A2!)

  At first, a lot will fly over your head – that’s okay. The goal is to gradually move from understanding “just a few familiar words” to grasping the gist of what you hear. Regular exposure is crucial. Many learners hit a plateau because they never leave the cocoon of slow, teacher-spoken German. So push yourself to listen to more natural speech (in manageable doses). Over time, you’ll notice you’re catching more and panicking less.

• Practice active listening techniques. Listening is not a passive activity; there are tricks to train it:

  • Shadowing: This is when you play some audio and speak along or immediately after the speaker, like an echo. It forces you to pay attention to every sound. Try shadowing a short dialogue line by line. It’s okay if you can’t shadow normal speed at first – you can pause and repeat. Shadowing improves listening and pronunciation simultaneously.

  • Dictation exercises: Take a simple audio clip (like a beginner podcast episode). Listen to a sentence and try to write it down as accurately as possible. Then check with the transcript. This really tunes your ear to details. Even doing one or two sentences a day as dictation can help attune you to German spelling-sound correspondence and common phrases.

  • Listening for key words: When listening to something above your level, don’t panic-translate every word. Instead, practice picking out keywords that give you an idea of the topic. For example, if you hear “gestern… Kino… Film… spannend… nicht verstehen…,” you can infer someone is saying they went to the cinema yesterday, the film was exciting but they didn’t understand (maybe if you missed the word “Witze” (jokes) it’s fine, you got the gist). This skill of tolerating ambiguity and focusing on known words will serve you well at A2 and beyond.

  • Repeat and re-listen: There’s no harm in replaying the same audio multiple times. In fact, it’s beneficial. The first time, you might catch 20%. After looking at a transcript or translation, listen again – you’ll catch much more because you know what to expect. The gap between what’s spoken and what you understand will slowly close. Each repeated listen is like lifting a slightly heavier weight for your brain’s “audio decoder.”

• Engage with different accents and speeds (gradually). German has regional accents, but as an A1/A2 learner, focus first on the clear Hochdeutsch accent (like most news or learning materials use). As you get comfortable, it can be motivating to expose yourself to different voices: perhaps a YouTuber from Austria or a Swiss German speaker (speaking standard German, not dialect). Don’t overwhelm yourself, but realize that real-world German isn’t always the crisp announcer voice. Joining an online German class or small group German course can help here – you’ll hear your teacher (maybe a native from Germany) and fellow students speaking, which prepares you for understanding varied speakers. Our Olesen Tuition classes, for example, maintain small groups so you get lots of listening and interaction time with different voices in a supportive setting.

• Use visual cues and transcripts. At A1/A2, it’s perfectly fine (even recommended) to use transcripts or subtitles as a crutch. Listen with the text in front of you, or watch videos with German subtitles. This helps you connect the sounds to words. Over time, try to wean off – maybe listen once without subtitles to test yourself, then turn them on to check. Visual support can significantly improve comprehension and confidence in the early stages. Also, don’t underestimate body language and visuals: if you’re watching a video, pay attention to the context, facial expressions, etc. They provide clues that reinforce what you think you heard.

By consistently training your ears, you’ll notice real improvement. Suddenly, that fast speech on a German radio doesn’t sound completely like gibberish – you pick out a phrase or two. That’s progress! At A2, you should be able to understand the main point of short, clear spoken messages on familiar topics. You’ll get there by patiently expanding your listening comfort zone. And as listening improves, so will speaking – the two go hand-in-hand. Speaking of which…

Speaking: Overcome Fear and Build Confidence

For many learners, speaking is the scariest skill – and therefore the one they practice the least. It’s no surprise that a lack of speaking practice is a major reason people feel “stuck” at A1. To break through to A2, you have to start using your German actively. That means conquering the fear of mistakes and finding opportunities to speak. Remember, speaking is the skill that transforms passive knowledge into real communication. Here’s how to boost your speaking abilities and confidence:

• Start with baby steps, but start. If you’ve been mostly silent in German up to now, begin by speaking to yourself. It sounds funny, but talking to yourself in German is a low-pressure way to get your tongue moving. Describe what you’re doing as you do routine tasks (e.g., “Jetzt koche ich Kaffee. Der Kaffee duftet gut.” – Now I’m brewing coffee. It smells good.). Name objects around you in German, or try to paraphrase your thoughts in simple German sentences. The idea is to think aloud in German so that forming words becomes more natural. You can also read short texts out loud to practice pronunciation and fluency. The more you hear yourself speaking, the more comfortable you’ll become.

• Use speaking prompts and role-play. A great way to practice speaking at A1/A2 is to simulate everyday scenarios. Prepare speaking prompts or cue cards for common situations and then role-play them. For example:

  • Ordering in a café: Bestelle einen Kaffee und ein Stück Kuchen. (Order a coffee and a piece of cake.)

  • Introducing yourself: Stell dich vor einer neuen Gruppe kurz vor. (Introduce yourself briefly to a new group.)

  • Asking for directions: Frag jemanden nach dem Weg zum Bahnhof. (Ask someone for directions to the station.)

  Speak aloud as if you’re really in that situation. If possible, rope in a friend or family member to play the other role (they don’t even need to speak German; they can respond in English or just listen). Role-playing real-world scenarios builds your speaking confidence dramatically. It prepares you for actual interactions by rehearsing them in a “safe” environment. By the time you face the situation in reality, you’ll have some phrases ready to go. At A2, you’ll be expected to handle routine conversations like these, so practising them now is perfect.

• Embrace mistakes and aim for communication, not perfection. This is critical. The fear of making mistakes is often the biggest roadblock in speaking. Give yourself permission to be “messy” in German. Even if you make errors or have to switch to English for a word, keep talking. The goal is to get your message across. Native speakers are usually delighted when you try, and they won’t laugh at you for mistakes – they’ll likely help or patiently wait while you find the words. As one language blog puts it, you must embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn. Each mistake actually teaches you something (maybe a new word, or not to confuse mir and mich next time). By taking risks and speaking despite errors, you’ll progress much faster than if you stay quiet until you can form a perfect sentence (spoiler: if you wait for perfection, you’ll never speak!). So celebrate that you tried – you asked a question in German, you chatted for 2 minutes with a tutor – that’s already a win, regardless of little slip-ups. Adopting this mindset will free you from a lot of anxiety and open the floodgates for real improvement.

• Find speaking partners or join a class. Nothing beats real conversation practice with other humans. If you don’t have access to German-speaking friends, consider:

  • Language exchange: There are numerous platforms where you can find a German native who wants to learn English, for example. You chat 30 minutes in German, 30 in English. It’s free and mutually beneficial. At first, it’s intimidating, but remember they’re likely a beginner in your language too, so empathy abounds.

  • Online speaking communities: Join beginner-friendly German conversation groups on apps like Meetup, Tandem, HelloTalk, or Discord servers for language learning. Even Reddit’s r/German might have threads for finding study buddies. The idea is to create situations where German is the medium of communication.

  • Small group classes or conversation classes: Enrolling in a structured class can really help if self-study speaking isn’t cutting it. In a class, everyone is there to learn, mistakes are expected, and a teacher facilitates the conversation. Look for a class with a low student-to-teacher ratio, so you get plenty of speaking time. For instance, Olesen Tuition’s small group classes deliberately keep only 4–7 students per class. This ensures each student gets lots of chances to speak and personalised feedback from the tutor. In such an interactive, supportive environment, even shy speakers find their voice. Alternatively, you might opt for online German lessons or a 1:1 private lesson if you prefer individual attention. The investment in guided speaking practice pays off – you’ll notice rapid gains in fluency and confidence when someone is there to correct and encourage you in real time.

• Simulate immersion: think in German. Another speaking tip (that’s also a thinking tip) is to make German the default voice in your head for simple matters. While walking around or doing chores, narrate your actions in German internally (“Ich gehe jetzt zur U-Bahn…”, “Wo ist mein Schlüssel?”). Try to think in short German phrases instead of translating from English. This trains your brain to formulate thoughts directly in German structures. It can significantly speed up your ability to respond in conversation, because you’re not doing on-the-spot translation – you’re already in “German mode.” At first, it’s hard and you’ll revert to English mentally, but with practice, you can increase the amount of internal German chatter. It’s like having a mini conversation practice with yourself anytime, anywhere.

Finally, remember that speaking also improves other skills: it reinforces vocabulary (you recall words when you need them) and exposes gaps for you to fill in. The more you speak, the more natural it will become. By A2, you should be able to handle short social exchanges on familiar topics and even give simple descriptions or opinions. To get there, you need to speak, speak, speak – even if it’s imperfect. You’ll find that each conversation, no matter how basic, chips away at the fear. Soon, what once felt intimidating will feel routine. Be patient with yourself, and let those German words out of your mouth! 🗣️

Reading: Use Graded Content to Grow

Reading is a skill that often gets neglected at A1, beyond textbook dialogues. But reading more German (at the appropriate level) can dramatically help you progress to A2. It reinforces vocabulary and grammar in context, improves comprehension, and even helps with writing. The key is to choose the right materials: too hard and you’ll be discouraged; too easy and you won’t learn. Here’s how to build your reading skills effectively:

• Start with graded readers and learner-friendly texts. Now is not the time to tackle Die Zeit or a Harry Potter novel in German – that would be overwhelming and demotivating at A1/A2. Instead, use graded readers or simplified texts designed for learners. Graded readers are short books or stories that use controlled vocabulary and grammar suitable for specific levels (A1, A2, B1, etc.). For example, “Café in Berlin” by André Klein is a popular A1/A2 reader with fun short stories using basic vocab and structures. When you read such material, you’ll find you recognise many words and grammar patterns you’ve learned, which is incredibly reassuring. Any new words are introduced in context and often repeated, helping you learn them. Many graded readers also provide a glossary, so you don’t have to break flow to look up words. By reading these, you can actually enjoy a story in German without feeling lost, and simultaneously reinforce what you know. Other sources for beginners include “Nachrichten Leicht” (news in simple German) or children’s books and folk tales that are language-appropriate. The key is graded content first. As one comprehensive guide advises: for A1/A2 learners, stick to simplified texts initially – you’ll build confidence and a solid reading foundation.

• Practice active reading. Don’t just let your eyes glide over the words; engage with the text:

  • Annotate as you read. Underline or highlight new words or structures. After each page or section, take a moment to review them. You might add particularly useful new words to your flashcards or vocabulary journal. The context in the story will help you remember them (e.g., you’ll recall why the character was doing laufen vs rennen, etc.). Reading provides rich context that makes vocabulary stick, but a quick review or note-taking ensures those new terms aren’t forgotten.

  • Summarise what you read. After finishing a short text or chapter, challenge yourself to summarise it in German, either orally or in writing. This is a fantastic exercise to boost both reading comprehension and productive skills. It can be as simple as a few sentences: “In der Geschichte geht es um einen Mann, der nach Berlin zieht…”. By doing this, you practice using the past tense and connecting ideas, all based on what you read. Even if your summary has mistakes, it’s an active way to process the content. If you have a tutor, you can even give them your summary to check – but the main point is to get you thinking in German about what you read.

  • Answer (or create) simple questions. If your graded reader or text has comprehension questions, do them! If not, try to formulate a couple of questions and answers about the text yourself. For instance, “Warum war Alex nervös?” – “Weil er zum ersten Mal Deutsch gesprochen hat.” Asking and answering questions in German about the text ensures you understand it and reinforces key vocabulary/grammar from it.

• Gradually move to authentic materials (with support). Once you’ve read a few learner texts and feel more confident (likely by mid-A2), you can start dipping your toes into real German materials – with some help. Good transition materials include:

  • Children’s books for ages 6-10 (short sentences, lots of pictures) or YA novels if you’re ambitious.

  • Bilingual parallel texts – where German is on one page and English on the facing page. These allow you to check your understanding immediately. Fairy tales or short story collections often come in this format.

  • “News in levels” or the magazine Deutsch Perfekt, which is written for learners with glossaries (as mentioned earlier).

  • When you attempt these, practice skimming: you do not need to understand every single word to grasp the meaning. Train yourself to tolerate some unknowns and keep reading for the general idea. This is a crucial reading skill. As you advance, the percentage of words you understand will naturally increase, and you’ll rely less on translation.

  Even at A2, you might still prefer mostly simplified content, and that’s okay. The goal by the end of A2 is that you can read shor,t simple texts on everyday subjects and get the main points (for example, simple personal emails, basic brochures, or notices). Using a mix of graded and slowly introduced authentic content will get you there without frustration.

• Leverage reading to reinforce other skills. Reading is wonderfully complementary to your other practice:

  • It solidifies grammar: When you see correct sentences repeatedly in print, your brain starts to absorb patterns. You might not consciously recite grammar rules, but you feel what sounds right. Many learners find that reading a lot helps them eventually use more complex sentences in speaking/writing, because they’ve seen similar structures before.

  • It enriches vocabulary: As mentioned, context is king. For example, through reading you might learn phrase collocations like “eine Frage beantworten” (to answer a question) instead of the Denglisch “antworten eine Frage”. These chunks make your language more natural.

  • It improves writing: The more you read, the better a writer you usually become – even in your native language. You subconsciously pick up style, spelling, and idiomatic ways of expressing things. So by reading at A1/A2, you’re indirectly training yourself to write better German.

• Keep it enjoyable! If you find a story boring, it’s fine to switch to something else (as long as it’s level-appropriate). The aim is to associate reading in German with pleasure or at least genuine interest, not just as a chore. Maybe you love crime stories – there are beginner “Krimi” readers for German learners. Or you’re into sci-fi – find an easy German sci-fi tale. When you’re engaged, you’ll learn more. One creative idea: try fan-fiction in German of a show or book you like; since you already know the characters, it can be easier to follow, and lots of fanfic authors write in simpler language. As one tutor suggests, even “writing or reading fan-fiction about your favourite show in German” can be motivating – that applies to reading too!

In summary, don’t ignore the reading skill. It’s a quiet, powerful way to lift yourself toward A2. By feeding your brain a diet of comprehensible German text, you’ll rapidly expand your comfort zone with the language. Plus, you’ll experience the joy of actually reading in German – the first time you get through a story or article and think, “Wow, I understood that!” is a huge confidence boost. So grab an appropriate book or article, and let’s get reading.

Writing: Practise through Journaling and More

Writing might not seem urgent at A1 (after all, most just want to speak), but it’s a skill you shouldn’t neglect. Writing even simple sentences in German can greatly reinforce everything you’re learning – it forces you to recall vocabulary, apply grammar, and organise thoughts. By A2, you’ll be expected to write short messages, personal letters or emails, or fill out forms, so developing your writing now will set you up for success. Here’s how to work on writing when you’re moving from A1 to A2:

• Keep a German journal (in English: practise by “journalling”). Start a diary or journal where you write a little bit in German each day or each week. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be profound or perfect. It could be 3-5 sentences about your day: e.g., “Heute habe ich von 9 bis 17 Uhr gearbeitet. Das Wetter war sonnig, so bin ich nach der Arbeit spazieren gegangen. Ich habe auch 20 Minuten Deutsch gelernt.” Even such a simple entry makes you practice past tense, time expressions, etc. The act of writing a few sentences each day about something simple – your routine, your plans for tomorrow, a short opinion on what you ate – is extremely beneficial. It makes you retrieve words and grammar from memory and use them actively, which strengthens those memories. Writing by hand, especially, engages your brain in a different way than typing or speaking, so consider doing it old-school with pen and notebook. Many learners and tutors attest that regularly writing short journal entries solidifies and expands your language knowledge. Plus, as you look back, you’ll see your progress: maybe at first you only wrote in the present tense, and a month later you’re comfortably using past or future – tangible proof of improvement!

• Practice writing tasks relevant to A2. To prepare for the kind of writing you’ll do at A2, try the following practical exercises:

  • Emails or messages: Pretend you have a German pen-pal or tutor and write them a short email introducing yourself or describing your weekend. Focus on clarity and basic connectors (und, aber, dann, weil). If you’re preparing for an exam, practice formats like a simple informal letter (Brief) or email – e.g., thanking a friend for a visit, or making arrangements to meet. Use proper greetings and closings (Hallo... / Liebe Grüße, ...).

  • Descriptions: Write a paragraph describing your family, your city, or your favourite hobby. Use simple sentences, but try to include detail (this helps you practice adjectives and different verbs). For instance, describing your flat: “Meine Wohnung ist klein aber gemütlich. Es gibt ein Schlafzimmer, eine Küche und ein Bad. Mein Lieblingsort ist der Balkon, weil ich dort frühstücke.” – that introduces a weil-clause, which is A2-level sentence structure.

  • Narrate a past event: Practice the past tense by writing a short recount of something that happened. It could be real or fictional. “Letztes Jahr bin ich nach Österreich gereist. Ich habe Wien besucht und viel Sachertorte gegessen…” Even if you only know Perfekt (conversational past), use it – it’s perfect for A2 narratives.

  • Form-filling and short answers: This might sound silly, but practice filling out your details in German forms. Write your address in German format, your date of birth (remember day, month, year), and nationality (Staatsangehörigkeit: britisch). Also, imagine short prompts like in A2 exams: “Schreiben Sie 5 Sätze über Ihr Lieblingsessen.” – then do it.

  By practicing these concrete writing tasks, you’ll be more than ready when you encounter them in real life or a test. And beyond that, they help integrate the vocabulary and grammar you’ve learned into coherent output.

• Use prompts and get creative. Sometimes you might think, “I have nothing to write about.” That’s where writing prompts come in handy. There are many lists of beginner-friendly prompts online (even in our own tutor’s guide). Examples:

  • Beschreibe deinen Traumurlaub. (Describe your dream holiday.)

  • Worauf freust du dich nächste Woche? (What are you looking forward to next week?)

  • Schreibe eine kurze Geschichte, die mit „Plötzlich hörte ich ein lautes Geräusch...” beginnt. (Write a short story that begins with "Suddenly I heard a loud noise...") – This one is a bit more advanced/creative, but could be fun if you like storytelling.

  Pick prompts that interest you. Even writing a simple fan-fiction snippet about a TV show you like – in German – can be highly motivating. The goal is to make writing practice enjoyable so you stick with it.

• Get feedback when you can. Writing is most effective as a learning tool when you receive corrections or suggestions on it. If you have access to a teacher or tutor, ask them to occasionally mark up a short piece of your writing. They can correct mistakes (e.g. word order, adjective endings, etc.) and, importantly, suggest more natural phrasing for things that might technically be correct but not how a native would say it. For instance, you might write “Es macht mir Spaß, zu schwimmen.” and a native might suggest “Ich schwimme gern.” – little tweaks like that help you sound more fluent. No tutor? You can use online communities – there’s the r/WriteStreakGerman on Reddit, or language exchange partners can correct a paragraph for you. There are also automated tools like LanguageTool or Grammarly (with German setting) that catch many errors (though not all). Always read and reflect on corrections: understanding why something was wrong or how to say it better is how you improve. Over time, you’ll start catching mistakes yourself (“ach ja, nach weil kommt das Verb am Ende!”) and your first drafts will get cleaner.

• Write, even if short on time. We all get busy, but writing doesn’t have to be a huge time sink. Even composing a single German tweet (280 characters) or a quick forum comment can be valuable practice. The key is consistency. A little bit of writing regularly beats a once-in-a-blue-moon essay. If you’re shy, remember, you don’t always have to share what you write – it’s for you. But do save your work; looking back at earlier entries can be very motivating because you’ll see progress.

In essence, writing is practising output at your own pace. Unlike speaking, you can take your time to recall a word or consult a dictionary – so it’s a great way to build skill without pressure. And the benefits spill over: learners who write often find they speak more correctly and confidently, because they’ve already constructed sentences in writing before. As Olesen Tuition’s tutor notes, writing regularly (even just a short journal entry) “solidifies your language knowledge and expands it”. So grab a pen (or keyboard) and start penning your thoughts in Deutsch. With each sentence, you’re paving your road from A1 to A2.

Staying Motivated and Confident

Let’s address the elephant in the room: motivation. It’s common to feel frustrated or disheartened when you’re stuck at a level. You might think, “I’ve studied so long, why am I still not at A2?” or feel like progress is impossibly slow. First, know that this feeling is normal – language learning is not a linear climb but a series of plateaus and spurts. The A1–A2 plateau can especially test your patience. Here are some tips to keep your spirits up and maintain a positive mindset as you push through:

• Recognise that plateaus are temporary – and surmountable. It’s called a plateau, not a wall, for a reason. Hitting a plateau shouldn’t mean the end of your language-learning journey. Progress may be slower now than in your first few weeks (when everything was shiny and new), but you are still progressing. Sometimes the improvements are happening under the surface – consolidating fundamental skills – before the next visible leap. Trust that with continued effort, you will break through. Almost every learner experiences this; those who succeed are the ones who keep going anyway. In fact, once you overcome this plateau, you’ll never fear the next one as much, because you’ll know you’ve done it before.

• Set realistic goals and track small wins. One reason motivation falters is unrealistic expectations. If you silently hoped to be fluent in 3 months, of course, you feel bad at A1. Instead, set specific, achievable goals for the near future. For example: “In one month, I want to be comfortable introducing myself and talking about my day in German for 5 minutes.” Or “By March, I aim to pass the A2 exam.” Make a study plan for those goals (e.g., how many hours a week, which resources, etc.). Breaking big goals into smaller tasks (learn X new words this week, finish Y chapters of a coursebook by month’s end) gives you a roadmap. Crucially, celebrate your milestones, no matter how small. Finished your A1 textbook? Treat yourself. Understood a YouTube clip without subtitles? Awesome! Had your first full conversation with a German speaker, however basic? That’s huge – maybe mark it with a nice German beer or cake. By acknowledging these victories, you reinforce your motivation. As the Olesen tutor says, “Celebrate small wins… these will keep you motivated for the long haul”.

• Deal with confidence wobbles proactively. Confidence can be fragile at the plateau stage. One day you feel “I got this,” next day you’re blanking on haben. To build confidence:

  • Reflect on how far you’ve come. Six months ago, could you imagine understanding or saying what you can now? Probably not. You’re comparing yourself to an ideal future self, but remember to compare to your past self too – see the improvement.

  • Use positive self-talk. It might sound corny, but tell yourself “Ich schaffe das” (I can do it) or “Fehler machen nichts, ich lerne daraus” (mistakes don’t matter, I learn from them). Remind yourself that your effort will pay off.

  • Do something you can easily do in German, to reassure yourself you know a lot. Reread a text that you studied a while ago – see how much more you get now. Or listen to an A1 audio that used to feel hard and notice it’s cake for you today. These activities confirm that you haven’t been stagnating; you have grown.

  • If speaking anxiety is an issue, arrange low-stakes practice. For example, a friendly tutor or a conversation exchange with someone patient can massively boost your confidence. Many learners report that after a few lessons with a truly supportive teacher, their fear of speaking melted and they felt re-energised to continue. A good tutor will correct you without making you feel dumb – often boosting your confidence by showing you that you can communicate more than you thought. For instance, our experienced teachers at Olesen Tuition are very attuned to helping adult learners overcome speaking anxiety; small classes ensure a safe space where everyone is in the “same boat” and encouraged to try.

  • Remember why you’re learning German. Return to your original motivation: be it for career, love, travel, culture, or a personal challenge. Visualise the scenario – like chatting comfortably with a German colleague or ordering strudel in Vienna in fluent German. Keeping your “why” in mind creates an emotional drive that can pull you through rough patches.

• Mix up your learning methods to keep things interesting. Stagnation can sometimes be a sign of boredom with your routine. It might be time to try a new approach or resource:

  • Join an immersive intensive German course for a short period – the fast pace and group energy can jolt you forward (our intensive courses can propel you up half a level in just 10 days, which is hugely motivating).

  • Try a language challenge, like a 30-day speaking challenge (speak about a prompt daily) or a streak on Duolingo/Anki for vocab.

  • Use multisensory techniques: e.g., if you’ve done mostly reading, incorporate more audio-visual (watch a mini-series in German). Or get more physical – use flashcards you can shuffle on a table, or even act out verbs as you learn them (Total Physical Response). Engaging multiple senses can make learning feel fresh again.

  • Perhaps take a brief break if needed. Sometimes a week off to rest can recharge you – just don’t let it extend too long. When you return, you might see things with renewed enthusiasm (and likely you’ll have unconsciously consolidated knowledge during the break).

• Connect with fellow learners or communities. There’s strength in numbers. Join a study group or online forum where people share struggles and tips. Knowing others are in the same boat (or have overcome the same plateau) is reassuring. They can also give you fresh study ideas or resources. Maybe a classmate has a great Netflix show recommendation for German learners, or someone on a forum can practice short dialogues with you weekly. The camaraderie and accountability of a community can keep you motivated and make learning more fun. On our own German language blog “Auf Deutsch, bitte!”, for example, we regularly post tips and insights – engaging with such content can remind you that the struggle is shared and there are always new things to try.

• Envision the A2 You. Finally, sometimes motivation comes from visualising success. Read up on what A2 level entails – it’s more than you might think! At A2, “you can handle everyday routine situations… and make yourself understood in short exchanges… you’ll feel much more confident than at A1 because you can string sentences together and participate in straightforward dialogues.”. Imagine that feeling of ease – no longer translating word-for-word in your head, but speaking in simple sentences almost automatically. Maybe even plan to take a Goethe A2 exam or a TELC exam as a concrete target; working toward a certification can be highly motivating for some, as it gives a clear end goal and structure for preparation. When you pass it, you’ll have a globally recognised proof of your accomplishment – a huge morale booster. And as you approach A2, consider rewarding yourself: perhaps a trip to Germany or a German-speaking country to put your skills to use. Nothing motivates like using German in the wild and realising, “Hey, I survived and even enjoyed it!”

Above all, keep your momentum. Even if some days you only study 15 minutes, that’s fine – just don’t quit. Consistency and perseverance are what separate those who plateau permanently from those who push through to fluency. You’ve got this far, which already shows dedication. With the strategies and mindset tips in this guide, you can and will break free of A1. Bleib dran! (Stick with it!) The view from A2 is worth the climb.

Next Steps: Courses and Resources

By now, you should have a toolbox of ideas to get from A1 to A2 in German. The journey is yours, but remember – you don’t have to do it all alone. There are plenty of resources and support systems to help you reach the next level faster and more enjoyably. Here are some recommended next steps and Olesen Tuition resources you might find helpful:

• Join a structured course or class: If you crave more guidance or a regular schedule, consider enrolling in a course. For example, Olesen Tuition offers online German lessons led by expert native tutors, which you can attend from anywhere. These live classes are interactive and tailored to all levels (including A1–A2). Prefer learning in person? Our small-group German classes in London might be ideal – with only 4–8 students, you’ll get individual attention and lots of speaking practice. If you want to accelerate your progress, try an intensive German course. We run 10-day intensive programs that can boost you up half a level – perfect if you’re eager to jump into A2 quickly. Intensive courses immerse you in German daily, which can really break a plateau. And if you have very specific needs or prefer one-on-one coaching, our private German tuition is the ultimate tailored solution. A private tutor will focus exactly on your weak spots (be it grammar drills or conversation) and adapt to your pace, ensuring swift progress. Many students find that a few sessions of personal tutoring clarify months of confusion and give them new motivation.

• Consider exam preparation: If your goal is to certify your A2 level (for work, study, or personal satisfaction), it’s wise to engage in exam preparation. Olesen Tuition provides dedicated coaching for exams like the Goethe-Zertifikat A2, Telc A2, etc. (as well as GCSE/IGCSE, A-levels and beyond). Our exam preparation sessions familiarise you with the exam format, practice all four skills under exam conditions, and teach you exam strategies. We’re proud that our students consistently score very highly in formal exams. Even if you’re not set on taking a test, studying as if you were can give direction to your learning. You’ll cover a well-rounded syllabus and have a clear benchmark for when you’re “A2 ready.” Reaching that milestone will skyrocket your confidence.

• Dive into our German learning blog: Olesen Tuition’s blog “Auf Deutsch, bitte!” is packed with articles that can benefit beginner learners. Now that you’re transitioning to A2, we particularly recommend:

  • How to Learn German – A German Tutor’s Guide – This comprehensive guide (written by our founder) offers a roadmap for German learners at all levels. It’s full of tips on setting goals, learning vocabulary, grammar hacks, and using different resources effectively. Reading it can give you new insights into how to organise your studies and might introduce you to techniques you haven’t tried yet. The guide is broken down by skill and even by learning style, so you can find advice tailored to your needs. It’s like having a tutor’s wisdom on tap – don’t miss out on this free resource.

  • Best German Songs to Learn German – Stuck in a learning rut? Spice it up with music! This fun post lists excellent German songs (spanning various genres and decades) that are great for learners. We explain why each song is useful and how to learn with it. At A1/A2, songs can significantly improve your listening and pronunciation, as well as teach you colloquial phrases. Plus, they’re a window into culture. From 80’s pop to modern hits, you’re bound to find a tune you love. Add the playlist to your daily routine – you’ll be humming German lyrics in no time, and subconsciously learning too. 🎶

  • What to Expect at A2 Level German – Curious about the finish line of A2? This article (part of our CEFR levels series) breaks down exactly what an A2 speaker can do in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It will give you a crystal-clear picture of your next destination. For instance, you’ll learn that at A2 you should handle routine tasks, discuss familiar topics like family or shopping, and form sentences more independently. Reading this can be incredibly motivating – it’s like peeking at the map before a hike, seeing the beautiful viewpoint waiting for you. It also provides tips specific to transitioning from A1 to A2. Use it as both inspiration and a checklist to gauge your readiness for the next level.

• Stay consistent and enjoy the process: Whether you take classes or self-study, the key is regular engagement with German. Even after you break past A1, keep up the momentum into A2. Try to use German daily – be it through listening, speaking with others, or thinking in German. And maintain a sense of play in learning: continue exploring German culture (films, books, cuisine, travel) as part of your studies so that the language stays alive and connected to real experiences, not just an academic subject.

Conclusion: Breaking out of the A1 plateau and reaching A2 is a significant accomplishment – and you are well on your way. With the strategies outlined – from grammar and vocab boosts to confidence and motivation hacks – you have a robust action plan. Remember to make use of available support, like courses or tutoring, if you need an extra push. Every learner’s path is unique, but one thing is universal: persistence pays off. One day in the near future, you’ll realise you’re comfortably conversing in German about everyday things, and that “stuck at A1” feeling will be a distant memory. Keep going, keep practising, and above all, keep believing in yourself. Viel Erfolg und bis bald auf A2-Niveau! 🎉