Category: HowTo

Learning to speak a new language can seem like a daunting task, but in reality, you only need a few key constructs to start building meaningful sentences. In this post, we’ll show you how to start speaking German in just 10 minutes by using one verb (essen – to eat) and one object (Apfel – apple). By the end, you’ll be able to express multiple ideas confidently!

Step 1: Learn the Key Verb – essen (to eat)

The verb essen means “to eat” in German. Here’s how it looks in the present tense for I (ich):

• Ich esse – I eat

That’s all you need for now!

Step 2: Build Basic Sentences

Now, let’s use the object Apfel (apple) and start building sentences:

1. Ich esse einen Apfel.
   I eat an apple.
2. Ich esse keinen Apfel.
   I do not eat an apple.
3. Ich esse heute einen Apfel.
   I eat an apple today.

Step 3: Add Modality with “Should”

In German, the modal verb sollen means “should.” Let’s add it into our sentences:

1. Ich soll einen Apfel essen.
   I should eat an apple.
2. Ich soll keinen Apfel essen.
   I should not eat an apple.

Step 4: Practice with Simple Questions

Let’s add some simple questions to practice conversations:

1. Soll ich einen Apfel essen?
   Should I eat an apple?
2. Esse ich einen Apfel?
   Am I eating an apple?

Step 5: Combine and Experiment

You now have the tools to start combining sentences and experimenting. For example:

• Ich esse heute einen Apfel, weil er gesund ist.
  I eat an apple today because it is healthy.
• Soll ich jetzt einen Apfel essen?
  Should I eat an apple now?

Final Thoughts

By focusing on just one verb (essen) and one object (Apfel), you’ve already built multiple sentences with different meanings! The key to speaking German—or any language—is to start small and build confidence through practice.

Now it’s your turn: Grab another verb (trinken – to drink) and another object (Wasser – water) and repeat these steps. Before you know it, you’ll be having simple conversations in German!

Viel Spaß beim Sprechen! (Have fun speaking!)