German - Learning German

Lesson 145 of 158

A happy learner studying German phrases on a phone; lesson about saying you are learning German.

Goal: Say you are learning and set friendly expectations

Free German lessons with guided practice, audio, and speaking support.

Hi—let's keep this short and friendly. In this lesson you'll practice three ready-to-use phrases for telling people you're learning German and how much you can speak.

Level A1: In Lesson 145 you'll learn and practice three simple German lines: Ich lerne Deutsch., Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut., and Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch. This CEFR-aligned mini-lesson helps you introduce yourself as a learner, manage expectations, and sound polite in everyday chats. Let's yak (a little) about learning German!

After this lesson you'll be able to:

  • Be able to say you are learning German (A1)
  • Politely explain that your German is not very strong yet
  • Say you only speak a little German to set expectations
Two people meeting in Germany; practice phrases for explaining your German level and learning status.

Ready? Let's go!

When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

Ich lerne Deutsch.

I'm learning German.

Meaning: I'm learning German.

When to use: Use this to tell someone you are currently studying German; a simple self-introduction line.

Ich lerne Deutsch in der Volkshochschule.
I'm learning German at the community college.
Ich lerne Deutsch seit zwei Monaten.
I've been learning German for two months.

Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut.

My German isn't very good yet.

Meaning: My German isn't very good yet.

When to use: Say this to set friendly expectations when your German is still weak; polite and honest.

Tip: Don't leave out 'noch nicht'—saying 'Mein Deutsch ist nicht so gut' sounds possible but misses the 'not yet' nuance.

Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut, aber ich übe.
My German isn't very good yet, but I'm practicing.
Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut, können Sie langsam sprechen?
My German isn't very good yet; can you speak slowly?

Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch.

I only speak a little German.

Meaning: I only speak a little German.

When to use: Use this early in a conversation to let someone know your speaking level and to invite simpler language.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say 'nur ein bisschen' alone; include 'Deutsch' so people know the language you're referring to.

Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch, bitte sprechen Sie deutlich.
I only speak a little German; please speak clearly.
Tut mir leid, ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch.
Sorry, I only speak a little German.

2. Conversational Listening Practice

Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.

Meeting at a café

Anna and David chat about language learning; scene shows how to say 'Ich lerne Deutsch.' and related lines.

Who says they are learning German?

Portrait of Anna in a German lesson dialogue

Anna

Hallo! Ich lerne Deutsch.

Hi! I'm learning German.

Portrait of David in a German lesson dialogue

David

Oh, echt? Wie lange?

Oh, really? How long?

Portrait of Anna in a German lesson dialogue

Anna

Seit drei Monaten. Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut.

For three months. My German isn't very good yet.

Portrait of David in a German lesson dialogue

David

Kein Problem. Ich spreche langsam. Du sprichst gut!

No problem. I'll speak slowly. You speak well!

3. Guided Practice

Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.

Which phrase means 'I'm learning German.'?

Which phrase politely explains your German is not strong yet?

Which phrase tells someone you speak only a little German?

What should you say if you want someone to speak more slowly because your German isn't good yet?

Anna says: 'Ich lerne Deutsch.' — I am learning German.

Anna sagt: '___ Deutsch.' (to tell someone she studies German)

David: 'Kein Problem, ich spreche langsam.' — No problem, I'll speak slowly.

David hört Anna und sagt: 'Kein Problem, ___ langsam.' (I will speak slowly)

If you speak little, you say: 'Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch.'

Wenn du wenig sprichst, sagst du: '___ ein bisschen Deutsch.'

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice

Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).

Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.

Say this phrase out loud:

Ich lerne Deutsch.

I'm learning German.

Say this phrase out loud:

Mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut.

My German isn't very good yet.

Say this phrase out loud:

Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch.

I only speak a little German.