Free Resources for Refugees Learning German

Welcome to German for Arabic Speakers! Are you new to Germany, fluent in Arabic, and want to learn German? We have compiled a list of the most useful and FREE online language learning tools and resources.

Online Courses

Duolingo: German for Arabic Speakers

Duolingo is currently working on their German for Arabic Speakers course. It's likely to be completed on April 4th 2016 and will be well worth the wait! Duolingo are one of the most recognised brands for learning a language online for free.

Deutsche Welle: Free Online German courses

With the free German courses from DW you can learn German at your own pace: E-learning on the computer, with videos, audio clips and podcasts – or using traditional methods with worksheets you can print out.

Goethe Institut: Learning German for Refugees

Refugees who want to learn German in Germany fast and for free can find a variety of options offered by the Goethe-Institut. Self-learning courses, speaking exercises, videos and information on how to deal with public authorities in everyday life.

Welcome Packs & Communication Guides

Flüchtlingshilfe München: Welcome Pack

From their German courses they have developed a teaching and learning booklet with amazing illustrations. The booklet provides an introduction to everyday life. There are three versions available to download including Arabic translation.

Refugee Phrasebook are building an open collection of useful words and phrases for refugees who just arrived. It is a multilingual tool that provides basic useful vocabulary related to the most common immediate needs.

Refugee Phrasebook: Useful Words and Phrases

Tobii Dynavox: Refugee Communication Boards

In order to facilitate communication Tobii Dynavox have created a simple communication board that allows people to express some basic needs and feelings.

ICOON: Refugee Picture Dictionary

ICOON has created a simple picture board as a first communication help for refugees as well.

Mobile Apps

Busuu: Free Premium German and English Courses

Busuu has opened up their Premium Membership for free to Arab-speaking Android users. Download the app from the Play Store, click on "Settings" in the app and then "Voucher codes", and enter the code "Germanforrefugees" or "ألماني" (only works within an Arabic interface).

Tandem: Practice German with Native Speakers

Tandem is a free iOS app that allows users to meet online and practice languages with one another. An Android version is in the works. Check the instructions on the Tandem website how to find German native speakers to practice with.

Goethe-Institut: Vocabulary Trainer App

Available for ioS and Android the vocabulary trainer app allows you to practise and improve your German on the go. Pick up new words and imprint them into your memory at your own pace.

Goethe-Institut: Learn German - The City of Words

Another great app from the Goethe-Institut that combines elements from hidden object puzzles with both co-operative and competitive multi-player games. Great for anyone learning at a beginners level. Available on both Android and iPhone. 

Social Media and Language Blogs

Facebook Group: Deutsch Lernen

This Facebook group is dedicated to teaching the German Language. With over 3500 members, there's a whole host of resources shared amongst the group with great tips and advice on learning German.

German With Andrew: Free content for Learning German

Andrew has complied a list of all the websites you can watch German videos (TV Shows, news, YouTube, etc). Most of the resources are completely free and offer a great way to learn German.

Fluent in 3 Months: Advice on Learning German

German has the reputation of being a difficult language to learn. Benny Lewis of Fluent in 3 Months is clearing up that myth and gives a lot of useful advice on how to learn German in specific, and languages in general, to get to fluency as quickly as possible.

Goethe-Institut: More Fantastic Advice on living in Germany

Everything you'll need when getting used to living in Germany. The site is translated into Arabic for easy understanding. They have taken the time to answer Frequently Asked Questions on the site, so you should be covered.

Useful Tools and Communities

Forvo: The Pronunciation Dictionary

Forvo is the largest pronunciation guide in the world, the place where you'll find millions of words pronounced in the their original languages. Forvo will be extremely helpful when communicating in a new language and will ensure you're saying things correctly.

Lessan: Free Dictionary for Arab-German Translations

Lessan is an open, free online dictionary for German-Arab and Arab-German translations. Especially useful for any words that you need translating quickly and effectively.

Signing up to join the learning community is completely free of charge. You can take advantage of interactive learning games that will improve your German skills,find learning partners and share experiences. 

Goethe-Institut: Learn German Together Free of Charge

Help Us Grow The List of Free Resources

Do you know of a great free resource, like an online course, app, or website, that is not listed here? Let us know!

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