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Vera Birkenbihl method

Updated: Jun 28

With the Vera Birkenbihl method (only in German) you can really learn another language without the grammar of this language. It's about understanding the meaning of words.


To do this, write a text in the foreign language on a piece of paper. Leave enough space between the words and also between the lines. The text is then translated word for word. The translation of each word is exactly below that word. As soon as the translation is finished, you will have two texts. The text of the foreign language and the literal translation below each line.


Then read the translation out loud word for word. It sounds strange, funny and somewhat inappropriate in your own language. However, read the translation several times. This shows us how we think in the other language. It's fun to read a text like this. Either the text is similar in the native language or it is funny.


For example, if you are learning Portuguese, you should have a Portuguese person read the text to you and record it.


Then hide the translation word by word and read the text in the foreign language. There may already be many words that we understand. However, for any word you don't understand, switch to word-by-word translation. Then read the text as often as possible until you understand all the words and no longer have to check them. This is how we learn vocabulary without having to memorize it. You only learn vocabulary that you really don't know. Of course you will also hear the sound of the foreign language. Join the choir! This way you will also learn the correct pronunciation.


You may also have audio from a language course. If so, write down all the lyrics in the audio yourself and do the same as described for each text! Some words can be translated into two words, sometimes two words make one word. With a little practice, you'll eventually figure out the best way to translate word for word.


If you really want to learn grammar, you should do it after three months, for example. You will understand them much better.


This was a brief explanation of the Vera Birkenbihl method. A technique for learning a foreign language without learning vocabulary and grammar.


How did we learn our native language ? As babies we weren't taught grammar or vocabulary either. And yet we speak our native language better than others.



This text was translated by Google Translator.


a Japanese-English dictionary. A page opened with the word “English” written in bold and red.
Japanese-English dictionary


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