The other day, I was browsing through YouTube looking for some useful tips on learning languages and I got really lucky!
A video from a super interesting lady popped up, and I decided to give it a watch for about 15 minutes.
Honestly, it turned out to be a great decision. She shared her journey of learning German all by herself in less than a year, and she did an amazing job at it.
The video is called “I Learned German in 60 Days” – you can check it out here:
Now, I know the title says 60 days, but it’s clear that her language-learning journey actually took longer than that.
What I really want to do here is share some of the strategies she used that worked so well for her. This will show you that learning a new language doesn’t have to be boring or tiring. In fact, it can be super exciting and even fun!
So, I decided to go over the methods she used and explain how they could help you make your own language learning journey a lot smoother and more enjoyable.
What are the most important things Jane highlights in her video?
In her video, Jane emphasizes some really important things about learning a language. First off, she talks a lot about setting goals. She made sure to set a clear goal for herself to learn German, and she knew exactly why she wanted to do it. This was key for her, because it helped her stay focused and motivated, even when learning German wasn’t always easy. She always found new reasons to keep going, and she did it in different ways.
For example, she really wanted to be able to speak with native German speakers in their own language. She also mentioned how much she loves Berlin, German culture, and, of course, the language itself.
I’m stressing this point because it’s so important to understand that when you’re learning a new language, there will come a moment when you feel like giving up. To avoid that, you need to clearly define your goals and reasons for learning the language. This will keep you motivated when things get tough.
Jane’s learning Structure
Jane also pointed out another key detail that anyone who’s serious about learning a language should follow: having a clear structure. What she’s talking about here is setting up a solid study schedule for yourself – daily sessions that go beyond just dry grammar rules and textbooks.
She’s all about using a variety of resources, which we’ll dive into a bit later. One thing Jane said that really stuck with me is: “Never feel limited.”
This brings me to a method she used that I think is really helpful for anyone learning a language: keeping a journal in your target language. Jane mentioned that this simple habit became a regular part of her daily routine. She writes down her thoughts in German, and it really helped her improve.
I want to highlight how this little trick does more than just develop your writing skills. It also helps you remember new vocabulary, understand sentence structure better, and most importantly, it gets you one step closer to fluency.
It’s a great way to keep building your language skills without feeling overwhelmed or stuck.
Useful Resources to learn a Language
In her video, Jane shares her experience with a school called Lingoda, but today, I want to focus on something else she talks about.
Of course, having mentors while learning a language is a game-changer, and it’s definitely important to have someone who can explain all the details to you. But it’s also important to remember that language learning has changed a lot, especially with all the new resources available today.
Surround Yourself with the Language
Jane talks about her simple daily routines, and I want you to pay close attention to some of the things she does:
First, she learns the language almost all the time. What I mean is that she surrounds herself with German as much as possible.
She watches shows and movies in German, listens to German music and podcasts, and even does her yoga while listening to German. Her advice is simple: “Keep playing content in your target language.” This way, you’re constantly exposed to the language, which makes it easier to pick up over time.
Use Spaced Repetition
Another important thing Jane highlights is the spaced repetition method. She explains that after watching a video once, she goes back and watches it again after a couple of days. This method helps her memorize vocabulary and useful structures more efficiently.
I want to add a tip here: If you already have a solid foundation in your target language, try changing your devices’ language settings to that language.
It might seem small, but you’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn from the constant exposure to language in everyday settings. Plus, you’ll get used to the new words, and any notifications or alerts will feel like less of a challenge.
Focus on the Hard Parts
Jane also points out that she focuses on tricky parts of German, like prepositions.
And this is a really important lesson for all language learners: find the hardest parts of your target language and pay extra attention to them. It’s the key to mastering the language. There are many ways to do this.
For example, you can use language learning apps, read articles, find exercises online, or watch videos with clear explanations. If you’re stuck on something, you can always ask for help on platforms like Reddit or Quora, where there are tons of language learners who can share their tips.
Make Friends Who Speak the Language
Finally, Jane talks about the importance of making friends who speak your target language. She’s absolutely right – in today’s world, it’s so easy to find people from all over the globe.
There are many apps like HiNative, HelloTalk, and Tandem that help you connect with people who speak your target language.
Even platforms like Reddit can be a good place to meet new people. Not only does this help you learn the language more naturally, but it also brings interesting people and new perspectives into your life.
Don’t Overload Yourself
Something else Jane mentioned that I think is really important is that you shouldn’t overload yourself. If you ever feel overwhelmed or if your motivation just isn’t there anymore, it’s okay to take a break. The key is to be mindful about it – don’t stress yourself out. If you take a break, you’ll come back to your language learning when you’re ready.
Remember, we’re all human, and life can get in the way sometimes. If you’re going through a tough time and feel like you just can’t absorb new information, don’t beat yourself up over it. Don’t give up on the language altogether.
It’s never too late to get back into learning! Life happens, and it’s okay to step back when you need to. Just know that when the time is right, you’ll be able to pick up where you left off.
The most important thing is to keep learning at your own pace and with a balanced approach. Consistency, not pressure, is what will lead to progress. And even if you need a break, don’t worry – it’s all part of the process!
Last but Not Least Jane’s Highlight
Jane shared a lot of important tips about learning a language, and now you can see why they’re so valuable.
At the end of her video, she made a point that everyone should keep in mind: be consistent. I completely agree with her.
When you’re learning a language, it shouldn’t be about those sudden bursts of motivation where you’re ready to spend four hours a day on language learning once a week, only to then ignore it for the rest of the week.
Learning a language is more about a steady, everyday routine. It doesn’t matter if it’s only 30 minutes a day – as long as you’re doing it every single day.
My Personal Thoughts on Jane’s Approach
I have to say, Jane did a lot of things right. Her mindset toward language learning is truly inspiring — she knew exactly why she wanted to learn German, and she found methods that worked really well for her.
A lot of what she does, I would absolutely do too: surrounding yourself with the language, learning consistently, using spaced repetition, and focusing on tricky grammar points — all of that makes total sense.
What really stood out to me was her message about consistency. It’s not about doing four hours of study once a week when you’re feeling motivated. It’s about showing up every day, even if it’s just for 10-30 minutes (read also: “The Science of Microlearning: How to Learn a Language in Just 10 Minutes a Day”). That’s the kind of routine that really leads to progress.
That said, I do think the video title “I Learned German in 60 Days” is a bit misleading. Sure, it grabs attention — but let’s be honest, German is a complex language, and it’s just not realistic to truly learn it in two months.
What matters much more is setting achievable goals. For example: “I want to learn 100 useful words and phrases before my next trip to Berlin or Frankfurt.” That’s specific, realistic, and motivating. My link tip: 200 Important Phrases for Travel in German & 200 Important German Phrases for Basic Everyday Conversation
Personally, I’d also add a few more tools to my learning routine — like language learning apps such as Babbel, Duolingo, MosaLingua, Memrise, or Mondly. I’d mix those with YouTube channels like ‘Dein Sprachcoach,’ podcasts, and books. Having that variety helps keep things fun and engaging.
Jane also talks about Lingoda, which is a solid online language school. It’s a great option — but let’s be real, the sponsorship is pretty obvious. That doesn’t make her advice less valid, but I think it’s good to stay aware that there are plenty of other great tools out there too.
My Takeaway
Jane has a lot of great ideas and a really motivating attitude. While I don’t agree with everything, her video reminded me how powerful clear goals, structure, and a bit of joy in the process can be.
And that’s exactly the kind of mindset I want to keep for my own language learning journey.
If you enjoyed my article, please feel free to share it. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to email me!
Disclaimer: I select and review independently. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions that help support my testing at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
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