Music is a universal language so let’s use music to learn and practice the German language. Find an Ohrwurm to help you learn German!
The solo albums of German singer-songwriter Thees Uhlmann have those ideal qualities that make them perfect for those of us who are learning the German language. Uhlmann’s delivery is clean and crisp. What makes many of his songs special is the understated simplicity; which, for a language learner, makes it easier for us to understand. This month I’m featuring Thees Uhlmann for learning German with music. Light, easy and personal, it’s easy to be drawn in by the music of Thees Uhlmann.
If you follow German music, hip hop or just culture, then you’re likely already familiar with Sido. He was, or depending on your point of view still is, a gangsta rapper with songs about Berlin’s seedy underside of drugs, sex and money. But he’s also a pop favorite with some catchy hooks that have wide appeal and can be emotional or silly. He’s also an actor. And, of course, he isn’t without controversy. So this month, let’s get to know Sido, one of Germany’s best known rappers, and learn German with music.
Hamburg, Germany is known for its harbor and its nightlife. So it should be no surprise that the city is home to a strong music scene, from hip hop (Fettes Brot, Deichkind) and rock n roll (Udo Lindenberg). During the 1990s, Hamburg rock band Tocotronic lead the way of for the indie rock scene in the German language. So this month let’s learn German and get to know Tocotronic!
In the early 1990s as Stuttgart’s Die Fantastischen Vier were emerging with their take on hip hop, Hamburg‘s Fettes Brot were trying their hand at it. Today, along with their Stuttgarter brethren, Fettes Brot are among the groups that helped blaze and popularize the trail for hip hop in Germany in the German language. In this month’s German music feature, we’re getting to know Fettes Brot!
As I learned recently, Hamburg, Germany is cool, fun and adventurous. So it’s not surprising to hear that longtime German hip hop and electro group Deichkind hail from the port city. Since their founding more than twenty years ago, Deichkind have won over German speaking music fans with catchy lyrics, heart-thumping beats and a unique extravagance that shines through in live performances. This month, let’s get to know Deichkind and practice German with their fun sound.
German rapper Marteria doesn’t rush when he’s rapping. He delivers his texts with a confidence and precision where the backing music almost seems irrelevant. But Marteria’s style is one suited for hip hop loving German language learners looking to practice their German. Let’s get to know one of Germany’s most popular rappers with this month’s German language music feature!
Good music is timeless. And a classic never goes out of style. Or perhaps you just have a soft spot for for a certain musician that makes you feel nostalgic for a seemingly simpler time. This month’s I’m featuring Rio Reiser for the German language music post. Although Reiser died from circulatory collapse in 1996, his impact is still felt and remembered today in the German music scene.
Munich-based Spider Murphy Gang have been around for decades. Four of them, to be specific! And while you likely won’t find any deep songs pondering the philosophical, what you will find is fun. The band’s rock’n’roll sound is, however, perfect for us German language learners: it’s clear, it’s direct and it’s memorable. While the band do put a bit of a Bavarian spin on things, it’s nothing too difficult. So put your dance shoes on for this month’s German language music recommendation and practice your German language skills with the Spider Murphy Gang!
If you like being on the cutting edge and knowing all the latest bands, then Ansa Sauermann is someone who will interest you. The Dresden-based singer-songwriter has a brand new album. Weisse Liebe hit store shelves (or whatever the digital equivalent is) on Friday, August 18th. Let’s get to know this up-and-coming musician and practice your German language skills!
The timing of this month’s German music post is unfortunate. The artist I’m featuring this month is German Schlager/country singer Gunter Gabriel. It’s unfortunate because the 75-year old passed away in Hannover last month. But if nothing else, now is the time to pay tribute and get to know the legendary singer.