Language Trainers Blogs

February 2023:

February 02 2023 (Language Trainers UK)

The French language has a long and fascinating history, having been brought to the modern world by the Gauls (a group of ancient Celtic peoples of mainland Europe) in the 5th century. From there, it spread across Europe as the language of courtly love and chivalry as well as intellectual pursuits. During this time, many distinct dialects developed across France and Europe. Over the centuries, French underwent several changes, eventually becoming the standardised form it is today. Despite this standardisation, regional dialects still exist and are spoken throughout France and other European... (Read More).

January 2023:

January 20 2023 (Language Trainers UK)

The United Kingdom has a long and rich history of film production dating back to the late 19th century, when the Lumière brothers first began exhibiting their mesmerizing film experiments in London. Since then, British cinema has produced some of the most acclaimed and popular films of all time while consolidating an artistic identity that favours grit, atmosphere, and thought-provoking dialogue over Hollywood-style spectacle. From early classics such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail (1929) to modern masterpieces like Dunkirk (2019), British films have always been at the forefront of... (Read More).

January 17 2023 (Language Trainers USA)

Germans do have a unique sense of humor and appreciate wit, but it may take some time to get used to it. The German sense of humor can be found in everyday conversations, political satire shows and in comedy clubs all over Germany. In fact, the word for ‘joke’ in German, “Witz”, was derived from an Old High German term, “wizzi” (‘to know’) which is indicative of the cultural emphasis on intelligence and knowledge that sets German humor apart from other cultures. However, the German sense of humor does not have a single style or approach; it... (Read More).

January 13 2023 (Language Trainers USA)

Portuguese is one of those languages ​​that makes people love to travel. As soon as you hear the musical, poetic sound of Portuguese vowels, you start to picture yourself dancing to soft music on a Brazilian beach at dusk. However, before you buy your tickets, we strongly advise you to learn the Portuguese language or, at least, the very basics of the Portuguese language. On this page, you will find 5 unbeatable tips to learn the Portuguese language fast and without having to do any actual study! �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Portuguese Lesson With a Native Teacher!← 1. Listen to Brazilian... (Read More).

January 05 2023 (Language Trainers UK)

As a native speaker of Spanish who writes about language learning, one of the most common questions I get asked is: how hard is Spanish grammar for English speakers' The answer is that it really depends on your natural grasp of grammar in general, your attention to detail and, above all, your willingness to learn. That said, while Spanish is definitely not one of the most challenging languages for English speakers, there are some common grammar mistakes in Spanish that they tend to make which, with a little extra practice, could be easily avoided. In this article, we’ll go over the four... (Read More).

January 03 2023 (Language Trainers USA)

Korea is a country with a long and diverse history, and it’s no surprise that its culture presents many unique characteristics and ways of doing things that can be both fascinating and confusing for Americans. From dining out to visiting a Korean bathhouse, you will surely need some help to navigate Korean culture smoothly, avoid making mistakes and make the most of your trip. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, here are some basic tips on Korean culture that will be essential to an enjoyable stay in the Land of the Morning Calm. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Korean Lesson With... (Read More).

December 2022:

December 12 2022 (Language Trainers USA)

When you learn a new language, it can open up a whole new world of opportunity. Not only can you communicate with people from different cultures, but you can also qualify for jobs that require bilingual skills. Yes, we are talking about bilingual jobs. There are many benefits to working in a different language. For one, it keeps you in touch with your target language on a daily basis. This is extremely important if you want to maintain and improve your language skills. In addition, working in a bilingual environment can also help you to consolidate your language skills. This is because you... (Read More).

November 2022:

November 22 2022 (Language Trainers USA)

“Fancy a cuppa, mate'” “This is bloody brilliant”. “That’s rubbish!” When you talk to an English person, many phrases remind you just how different British and American English can be. With Spanish, the same thing happens. If you’ve just spent lots of money on an intensive course of Spanish taught by a native instructor from Madrid, you may be a bit confused once you arrive in Mexico. What do phrases like órale, chido, or güey even mean' Was I that distracted when the teacher got to those' And why do people keep saying “ustedes”... (Read More).

November 16 2022 (Language Trainers USA)

Famous for its luxury lifestyle and towering skyscrapers, Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. But what is the cost of living in Qatar really like' While it is undeniable that this is a fascinating country with a rich culture and plenty to offer residents, it is also important to be aware of the cost of living in such a luxurious nation before making the move. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Arabic Lesson With a Native Teacher!← So, if you’re so excited about the upcoming FIFA World Cup and you’re already thinking about moving to Qatar for good, you’ve come to... (Read More).

November 11 2022 (Language Trainers UK)

The Beatles, bank holidays, the West End, afternoon tea… There are many reasons why people from other countries may want to come and work in the UK. Perhaps you have family here, or you’re looking for a new challenge in your career. Whatever your reasons, if you’re not a British citizen and you want to live in a place where you can enjoy cream teas with scones and jam, then you will need to obtain a UK work visa. If you want to spend at least a few years in the UK (and believe us, you will need a couple of years to enjoy its many delights) there are several different types of work... (Read More).

November 01 2022 (Language Trainers UK)

The Portuguese language has a soft, delicate quality, and even certain poetry to it. However, before you can express your deepest feelings in this lyrical language, you’ll need to master its sounds. No, you don’t need to fear. Lucky for all of us, the alphabet in Portuguese is quite similar to the English ABC. The biggest challenge you will find when it comes to the Portuguese alphabet is Portuguese vowels. After all, it’s vowels that give this language its indescribable musicality. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Portuguese Lesson With a Native Teacher!← Last time, we brought... (Read More).

November 01 2022 (Language Trainers UK)

Christmas is a very important holiday in Poland. Every year, families get together to celebrate with music and dance, and of course, traditional dishes such as pierogi and kielbasa. If you’re a passionate Polish learner or you just love Polish culture, here is everything you need to know to host your own traditional Polish Christmas meal! �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Polish Lesson With a Native Speaker Teacher!← Do Poles eat meat on Christmas Eve' No, Poles do not eat meat on Christmas Eve. In fact, most traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinners are completely vegetarian! This is... (Read More).

November 01 2022 (Language Trainers USA)

With silent letters, multiple pronunciations for every letter, and 12 distinct sounds for its 5 vowels, the English alphabet can be challenging for Spanish learners. English speakers who are just starting their learning journey in Spanish, however, should be delighted to know that the Spanish alphabet is much more straightforward. In this article, we’ll provide you with a thorough English vs. Spanish spelling-to-sound guide, from A to Z. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Spanish Lesson With a Native Teacher!← A, as in ala (wing) In English, the letter A can have a tense, smiley quality, as... (Read More).

October 2022:

October 27 2022 (Language Trainers UK)

If you’re planning on attending the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year, it’s essential to be aware of the local culture and customs. While it is true that Arab culture can be pretty conservative in nature, it is undeniable that Arab people are incredibly hospitable and always willing to welcome people who show interest and respect for their traditions. If you’re attending Qatar and/or Dubai next November, one way to do just this is to learn some key Arabic phrases, but also to learn when and how to use them. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Arabic Lesson With a Native... (Read More).

October 18 2022 (Language Trainers UK)

If you’ve ever heard Caetano Veloso’s beautiful bossa nova songs or Mariza’s soulful fado tunes, you may have realised that there is something very special about the quality of vowels in Portuguese. Is it the way they stress words' Is it the way they slowly release the air at the end of words' In our last blog, we brought you an introduction to Portuguese vowels. This month, we are going to take a deep dive into each vowel in two different blogs covering letters A-E, and I-O-U respectively. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Portuguese Lesson With a Native Teacher!← So let’s get started.... (Read More).

October 17 2022 (Language Trainers USA)

Anime, a form of animation that originated in Japan, has been around for decades and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Characterized by complex plots with an adult focus, artistic 2D animation and its fearless exploration of fantastical worlds, anime has become one of the most respected genres of filmmaking, with a growing international fanbase. With such a long and rich history, it’s no surprise that there are so many great anime movies out there. But, what are the best anime movies of all time' From heartwrenching dramas to mind-bending sci-fi, here are 5 anime films... (Read More).

September 2022:

September 28 2022 (Language Trainers USA)

With its sunny climate, relaxed lifestyle and affordable cost of living, Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for expats in recent years. Whether you’re a retiree looking to enjoy your golden years in the Algarve or a young professional seeking career opportunities in Lisbon, Portugal has something to offer everyone. But, what about expenses' Surely the cost of living in Portugal for an expat who doesn’t own property must be very high… �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Portuguese Lesson With a Native Teacher!← Fortunately, that’s not the case at all. ... (Read More).

September 21 2022 (Language Trainers UK)

From online grammar checkers to language-oriented podcasts, the language-learning market is burgeoning with new technologies that make it easier than ever to learn English. And, while there are many excellent options out there for learning this wonderful language, the task of narrowing down the best app for English pronunciation can be daunting. This is why we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list to help you find the best app for English pronunciation. However, it is important to remember that language-learning apps are supplemental tools that work better when you combine... (Read More).

September 19 2022 (Language Trainers USA)

How long has learning a new language been on your bucket list' New evidence found by leading scientists regarding the relationship between bilingualism and mental health may just be what you needed to stop procrastinating and get started learning a language. According to recent studies conducted by some of the most prestigious universities in the world, bilingualism does not just enhance memory and make our brains more flexible –it has the power to prevent Alzheimer’s early onset. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Language Lesson With a Native Teacher!← In this article, we will take a look... (Read More).

September 07 2022 (Language Trainers UK)

As I was planning a trip to Rome, I asked Tiziano, one of our dearest Italian teachers from Florence: “How much Italian do I really need to know to enjoy Italy'” He thought for a moment, looked at me with his big brown eyes and then said: “Per cavarsela, solo le basis. Se vuoi vivere un’esperienza meravigliosa, più è meglio è.” �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Italian Lesson With a Native Teacher!← Once he stopped laughing at my confused expression, he translated: “To get by, just the basics. If you want to have a wonderful experience, the more the... (Read More).

September 01 2022 (Language Trainers USA)

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it surely doesn’t have to be boring. Multilingual word games such as Wordle are a great way to make language learning more fun and interactive, while still being educational. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Language Lessons With Native Teachers!← Here are five of the best word games that you can play for free to learn different languages: 1. Taboo This is a great game for vocabulary building. You can play it with friends or family, and it’s suitable for all ages. The goal is to get your team to guess the word you are thinking of,... (Read More).

August 2022:

August 15 2022 (Language Trainers UK)

There are two main reasons why it is important to learn about Italian traditions before travelling. First, by understanding the local customs, travellers can avoid offending Italians and potentially ruining their trip. Second, learning about the country’s customs can help travellers appreciate the culture more and have a deeper understanding of what they are seeing. �'Sign Up Now: Free Trial Italian Lesson With a Native Teacher!← Here are a few Italian traditions and customs that travellers should be aware of to make the most of their experience in this beautiful country. La dolce... (Read More).

June 2022:

June 13 2022 (Language Trainers Germany)

Wenn wir als Kind eine Sprache lernen, dann haben wir keine Scheu, sondern machen bedingungslos Laute und Geräusche nach, ja häufig sogar Mimik, die unsere Eltern uns vorleben. Stück für Stück entwickeln wir mehr und mehr ein empfinden für unsere Muttersprache, bis wir irgendwann klar und verständlich Wünsche und Bedürfnisse äußern können. Später, wenn wir in die Schule gehen, erlernen die meisten von uns weitere Sprachen.  Als erwachsene Menschen verstehen wir dann, dass fremde Sprachen lernen nicht nur aus Vokabeln pauken und Grammatik lernen besteht, sondern uns auch fremde... (Read More).

May 2020:

May 15 2020 (Language Trainers Germany)

Bis eine Heilung entdeckt wird, wird das Coronavirus weiterhin Auswirkungen auf unsere Gesellschaft haben: wie wir miteinander interagieren, wie wir arbeiten und sogar wie wir Sprachen lernen. Wir bei Language Trainers wissen, dass beispiellose Probleme kreative Lösungen erfordern. Deshalb passen wir unser Unterrichtsmodell an eine Welt an, die sich von der Pandemie erholt.   Aus diesem Grund sind wir gespannt, was die Menschen zu sagen haben, wie sie sich vorstellen, dass Meetings stattfinden werden, sobald die Sperren beendet sind und diese beschließen, den persönlichen Kontakt... (Read More).

February 2020:

February 26 2020 (Language Trainers Germany)

Für den letzten November hatte ich einen Urlaub in Thailand geplant. Singapur war am Anfang nicht auf meiner Besuchsliste. Weil einer meiner Freunde nach Singapur umgezogen ist, habe ich ihn spontan auf meinem Weg nach Thailand kurz besucht. Ich hatte also keine großen Erwartungen oder Pläne, was die kleine, zauberhafte asiatische Insel betrifft. Nach einem 20-stündingen Flug bin ich erschöpft auf Changi, den beeindruckendsten Flughafen der Welt gelandet. Außer hunderten von Geschäften, gibt es da einen entzückenden Wasserfall und ein Indoor – Gartenparadies. Übrigens hat die... (Read More).

April 2019:

April 17 2019 (Language Trainers Germany)

Phänomene, die vermutlich nicht nur die Leute betreffen die beschließen auszuwandern, sondern möglicherweise auch den ein oder anderen Backpacker, Digitale Nomaden oder Langzeittouristen treffen. Wann es Zeit ist wieder nach Hause zu kehren oder gänzlich zu bleiben oder auch meine 12 persönlichen Steps, um sich zu integrieren – und nein hierbei geht es nicht um das Tragen von stilistisch unakzeptablen Elefantenhosen… 1.Du suchst auf Toiletten vergeblich den Mülleimer, um das Toilettenpapier zu entsorgen… In Thailand ist das Rohr- und Abwassersystem noch nicht so ganz... (Read More).

November 2018:

November 02 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

  Ein Leben als Digital Nomad in Südostasien klingt für die meisten Leute nach Kokosnüssen am Strand, surfen und gelegentlich in Strandbars am Laptop sitzen. Natürlich besteht mein Businessoutfit aus Bikinis und bunten Elefantenhosen. Meine Armbanduhr musste bunten Armbändern und Fußkettchen weichen und statt am Schreibtisch zu sitzen liege ich in der Hängematte, während ich darüber sinniere wo ich meinen nächsten Drink herbekomme. Wie so häufig ist das in der Realität jedoch anders. Mein Leben ist kein Rosamunde Pilcher Roman, bei der ich an jedem neuen Ort einer weiteren... (Read More).

October 2018:

October 08 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Wenn wir einen Einblick in eine andere Kultur möchten, dann gelingt uns das auf die Schnelle leicht über die Sprache und traditionelle Gerichte. Wenn wir Glück haben, dann dürfen wir auch noch an den großen und wichtigen Ereignissen des Lebens teilhaben. Diese sind in fast jeder Kultur gleich. Die Geburt, Hochzeit und Beerdigung gelten weltweit als einschneidende Erlebnisse. Ich hatte das Glück – das klingt irgendwie nach schwarzem Humor – bei einer traditionellen Beerdigungsfeier in Ghana dabei zu sein. Von außen betrachtet war das auf den ersten Blick eine Mischung aus Karneval,... (Read More).

September 2018:

September 21 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

  Man bleibt nicht lange allein. Ich kann allen Frauen, die auf der Suche nach einem Mann sind, nur raten: packt eure Koffer und reist los! Ihr lernt dann vermutlich mehr kennen, als euch lieb ist und damit meine ich nicht nur andere Kulturen, euch selbst, sondern auch viele neue Männer und deren merkwürdig getarntes Dating Verhalten. Eigentlich bin ich nach Bali geflogen um allein zu sein. Fast sechs Wochen lang wollte ich mich nur um meine Bedürfnisse kümmern und mit so wenig Menschen wie möglich kommunizieren. Ist schon auf dem Flug nach Bali gescheitert. Um mich nicht... (Read More).

August 2018:

August 31 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Du wolltest schon immer mal den Mount Pitchu besteigen, dein Spiegelbild in der glatten Oberfläche des Königssees bewundern oder dich in allen Wegen, die nach Rom führen verirren, aber findest keine Reisebegleitung' Deine Freunde wollen woanders hin, dein Partner bekommt keinen Urlaub und Reisegruppen schrecken dich ab' Dann lass dich nicht aufhalten und fahre einfach allein los! „Allein, wirklich' Das ist doch nichts für mich!“, denkst du dir jetzt vielleicht, besonders dann ist es an der Zeit dir unsere fünf Gründe durchzulesen, warum jeder mindestens einmal in seinem Leben... (Read More).

August 10 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Alle deine Freunde und Kollegin plantschen im Meer, relaxen in den Bergen oder reiten auf Elefanten durch die Gegend, nur du armes Ding musst zu Hause bleiben, weil du die Urlaubskasse entweder zu früh geplündert hast, noch nie eine hattest oder einfach keinen Urlaub bekommst' Unsere 10 Tipps & Tricks helfen dir dabei, Urlaubsfeeling in den Alltag zu holen 1. Erkunde die Stadt wie ein Tourist Sicherlich musst dafür nicht aussehen wie einer. Die Cargohose kannst du getrost im Schrank lassen, aber nimm dir Zeit und erkunde deine eigene Stadt. Arbeite sämtliche Sightseeing Spots ab,... (Read More).

July 2018:

July 27 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Raus aus deiner Komfortzone Runter von der Couch und rein ins Flugzeug! Na gut, du musst nicht direkt ins Flugzeug steigen. Bus, Zug oder Auto tun es auch. Beim Reisen müssen wir häufig unsere Komfortzone verlassen, aber warum sollten wir das tun' Das klingt doch erstmal ziemlich unbequem. Weil es deinen Horizont erweitern wird, ganz einfach. Du hast beim Reisen nicht nur die Möglichkeit ein neuer Mensch zu sein, sondern auch neue Dinge auszuprobieren. Vielleicht lernst du dich beim Water Rafting von einer neuen Seite kennen und entdeckst ein neues Hobby für dich' Vielleicht merkst du... (Read More).

June 2018:

June 29 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Für dein Hipster Wochenende in Berlin solltest du gut vorbereitet sein. Wer als echter Hipster durch die Hauptstadt laufen will, sollte nichts dem Zufall überlassen. Um deine zahlreichen Erlebnisse zu dokumentieren solltest du auf gar keinen Fall deine Fotokamera vergessen. Nein, bitte keine hochmoderne Spiegelreflex sondern eine auf alt gemachte. Falls du die nicht hast packe zumindest eine Polaroid Kamera für deine schönsten Hipster Erfahrungen in Berlin ein, um sie später mit dem Handy abzufotografieren, damit du all deinen Freunden zeigen kannst was für ein cooler Weltenbummler du... (Read More).