2026 Week 18: German Self-Learning Week 1 Summary
Overall Learning Goal
Reach A1 level and pass the German A1 language test by the end of December 2026.
This Week’s Input
- Studied 7 days
- Daily study time: 2 hours
- Total: 14 hours
- Overall progress: ~5%
Key Learnings This Week
- Completed two online German pronunciation courses (free resources)
- Learned basic German pronunciation rules
- Created 54 Anki cards focused on pronunciation rules and common words
Important Improvements
- Gained a clearer understanding of fundamental pronunciation rules, including:
- The difference between long and short vowels and when to use each
- The distinction between stressed and unstressed syllables
Challenges & Solutions
- Challenge: Some letters and letter combinations (such as “au” and “ai”) are pronounced slightly differently across various tutors and resources.
- Solution:
- Watch more pronunciation videos from different sources
- Use online dictionaries with real German audio as a reliable reference
Next Week’s Plan
- Complete two additional pronunciation courses
- Finish organizing all Anki cards related to pronunciation
- If time allows, start listening to “Coffee Break German” materials
Weekly Reflection
At the beginning of this week, I thought German pronunciation was quite difficult. However, after completing two structured courses, I started to see patterns and rules. I believe one more week of focused practice will make me much more comfortable with this part. After that, the main task will shift to consistent practice and listening.
Connection to Career Goal
As I participate in the PLC automation training in Hangzhou, learning German is an important long-term investment. Many automation and manufacturing companies in Europe (especially Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) value candidates who can communicate in German. Building a solid A1 foundation now will significantly strengthen my competitiveness when applying for Automation Technician positions in German-speaking countries in the future.