The Easiest and Fastest Way to Learn Swiss German
Whether you want to travel, communicate with friends or colleagues,
reconnect with family, or just understand more of what's going on in the
world around you, learning Swiss German will expand your horizons and
immeasurably enrich your life.
The best part is that it doesn't have to be difficult or take years to
master. Thirty minutes a day is all it takes, and we get you speaking
right from the first day. Pimsleur courses use a scientifically-proven
method that puts you in control of your learning. If you've tried other
language learning methods but found they simply didn't stick, then you
owe it to yourself to give Pimsleur a try.
Why Pimsleur?
- Quick + Easy - Only 30 minutes a day.
- Portable + Flexible - Core lessons can be done anytime, anywhere, and
easily fit into your busy life.
- Proven Method - Works when other methods fail.
- Self-Paced - Go fast or go slow - it's up to you.
- Based in Science - Developed using proven research on memory and
learning.
- Cost-effective - Less expensive than classes or immersion, and
features all native speakers.
- Genius - Triggers your brain's natural aptitude to learn.
- Works for everyone - Recommended for ages 13 and above.
What's Included?
- 10, 30-minute audio lessons
- In total, 5 hours of audio, all featuring native speakers
- a Notes Booklet and a User's Guide
What You'll Learn
In these 10 lessons, you'll cover the basics: saying hello, asking for
or giving information, scheduling a meal or a meeting, asking for or
giving basic directions, and much more. You'll be able to handle minimum
courtesy requirements, understand much of what you hear, and be
understood at a beginning level, but with near-native pronunciation
skills.
Notes are provided to give you further insight into the Swiss German
language and culture. A Notes booklet is also included in PDF format.
The Pimsleur Method
We make no secret of what makes this powerful method work so well. Paul
Pimsleur spent his career researching and perfecting the precise
elements anyone can use to learn a language quickly and easily. Here are
a few of his "secrets"
The Principle of Anticipation
In the nanosecond between a cue and your response, your brain has to
work to come up with the right word. Having to do this boosts retention,
and cements the word in your mind.
Core Vocabulary
Words, phrases, and sentences are selected for their usefulness in
everyday conversation. We don't overwhelm you with too much, but
steadily increase your ability with every lesson.
Graduated Interval Recall
Reminders of new words and structures come up at the exact interval for
maximum retention and storage into your long-term memory.
Organic Learning
You work on multiple aspects of the language simultaneously. We
integrate grammar, vocabulary, rhythm, melody, and intonation into every
lesson, which allows you to experience the language as a living,
expressive form of human culture.
Learning in Context
Research has shown that learning new words in context dramatically
accelerates your ability to remember. Every scene in every Pimsleur
lesson is set inside a conversation between two people. There are no
drills, and no memorization necessary for success.
Active Participation
The Pimsleur Method + active learner participation = success. This
method works with every language and every learner who follows it. You
gain the power to recall and use what you know, and to add new words
easily, exactly as you do in English.
The Swiss German Language
The Swiss federation is composed of 23 member states known as cantons.
About 65% of the Swiss population speak Swiss German and it is spoken in
11 out of the 23 cantons. Pimsleur's Swiss German uses speakers with
urban intonation and pronunciation spoken in cities such as St. Gallen,
Zurich, and Basel.
Tech Talk
- CDs are formatted for playing in all CD players, including car
players, and users can copy files for use in iTunes or Windows Media
Player.