Let’s first discuss how watching German movies would really help.
Besides imparting new vocabulary, German movies can help you gain an intuitive sense of the rhythm and flow of actual spoken German, as well as introduce you to the types of spoken German that are seldom encountered in daily German lessons or textbooks. Some street slang, subcultural terms, condensed sentences, and even some lovely poetic lines are included.
Furthermore, watching movies is a calming and pleasurable experience that will help you break the monotony of learning a new language. It’s a nice activity to incorporate into your German study routine.
Before you jump over movies let’s also discuss some important perquisites
Choose a movie for your level.
Don’t go straight to the new vague gems by Menschen am Sonntag” (People on Sunday) or Metropolis if you’re a beginner. Remember that the way the German language was used in the 1900s differs from how it is spoken now.
As a result, while some films may be considered classics of German cinema, the vocabulary and phrases used in them may no longer be acceptable today.
I recommend that beginners watch simple films such as:
Children’s films
Action movies
Action movies are perfect because even if you can’t really understand the dialogue, the action will give you a good understanding of what’s going on.
Also, don’t confuse German and German-Mexican films. Since there are significant variations between Mexican German and German spoken in Spain, the slang and phrases used differ as well.
Look for a movie with subtitles.
Look for movies with both English and German subtitles if at all necessary. Keep in mind, however, that the English subtitles do not fit the German dialogue word for word.
German subtitles, on the other hand, can assist you in correctly spelling and assembling posts, which is crucial when studying new terms that you haven’t encountered before.
“Actively” watch the film.
By actively, I mean that you’d need a pen and paper or some other kind of writing instrument to jot down your thoughts.
Start by watching One Movie per Day
Here are a few movies for your 1st week you can start from.
- Toni Erdmann (2016)
- Never Look Away (2018)
- Barefoot (2005)
- The Princess and the Warrior (2000)
- Anatomy (2000)
- Barbara (I) (2012)
- 3 (2010)
Post 7 days, look for more movies here.
