Here’s our list of the best German podcasts for beginners headed into 2023.
We will always give priority to podcasts that use comprehensible input teaching methods.
We’ve looked but weren’t able to find any podcasts that actively use audio focussed comprehensible input techniques for German learners. If you know of one, let us know and it will likely go to the top of the list.
In no particular order, but generally found to be good for beginners learning German, here’s our list of podcasts that are worth checking out.
Learn German by Podcast
Learn German by Podcast is a popular podcast for beginners that are looking to take their fluency up a notch. At the time of this publishing there are twenty episodes available.
Learn German Podcast episodes are downloadable, so users can listen to them directly from the site. Episodes are also located in most major podcast directories.
This podcast is suited for those who are just getting started with German.
Level: Beginner through Intermediate
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes per episode
Price: The podcast is Free, but there are lesson guides for purchase
Availability: The major podcast directories – iTunes, Google Play, etc.
Deutsch Warum Nicht?
Deutsch Warum Nicht? Episodes are based on the story of a student of journalism that works at a hotel as a doorman.
The lessons make up a four part story based approach that increases in difficulty as you go. Story based lessons are generally a good approach because they help with motivation and natural absorption of the language.
This is a good approach in our opinion. Notable is that the podcast is created in accordance with Goethe Institute. This series consists 26 episodes including dialogs and exercises.
Level: Beginner through Intermediate
Episodes: 26 total
Price: The podcast is Free, with downloadable pdfs
Availability: The major podcast directories – iTunes, Google Play, etc.
Coffee Break German
Coffee Break German starts at the beginner level and progresses to intermediate. The lessons are cumulative, so it’s best to start at the beginning of each episode.
Coffee Break has other languages available and German is yet another great addition. The podcast episodes are approximately 20 minutes in length, and all are narrated by a native German speaker.
Coffee Break covers typical beginner topics such as travel, and food and introduces cultural notes when relevant.
A nice aspect is that grammar is broken down for the listeners when applicable.
Level: Beginner through Intermediate
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes per episode
Price: Free, with additional material accessed via subscription
Availability: The major podcast directories – iTunes, Google Play, etc.
German LingQ Podcast
German LingQ Podcast take a fairly immersive approach and focus on conversational German. LingQ has a variety of languages available and German is another well done addition to the collection. Podcast episodes focus on beginner topics such as food, travel, and shopping.
LingQ’s active online community gives beginners a feeling of support and encouragement which can help with motivation.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Price: Free, with sign-up for access to transcripts
Availability: The major podcast directories – iTunes, Google Play, etc.
Long Story Short Podcast
The LSS Podcast, is a podcast for German learners by Chatterbug. Mostly spoken in German, the lessons and episodes are story based which we are a fan of.
Long Story Short is good for beginners because of the way it singles our target vocabulary.
Because the lessons cover grammar toward the end of each episode, the lessons conclude nicely with the student understanding the main points. Also, the host mentions cultural points when appropriate.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Price: Free, with extras
Availability: The major podcast directories – iTunes, Google Play, etc.