There is something so honest about a musician who wears his influences on his sleeve. Maybe that is what makes them an artist. It takes a truly creative individual to take those influences and create something that is completely new. Drangsal is one of those artists. His love of ’80s synth-pop can be heard plainly in his music. But it never leaves his listeners feeling like they are in a time warp with rehashed sounds and ideas. His music still feels fresh and modern.

So this month, let’s learn German with music and get to know Drangsal better. His melodic alt-pop songs will surely win over many language learners!

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While rock is not quite as popular as it once was, that is not stopping Trümmer. The Hamburg quartet may not be breaking new ground or conducting any wild avant-garde experimentation. But with their confident and often restrained garage rock-inspired sound, they are keeping alive a well-loved sound. And what is more, is that they are doing it in the German language.

So this month, let us get to know Trümmer and practice German with music!

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Fans of post-punk and noise rock will want to tune in to Die Nerven. For over a decade, the trio from southern Germany has walked that fine line between being too heavy or too poppy. There are moments of indulgent noise and pounding punk. But the group never dwells too long on a single sound, continuing to develop their sound and remain dynamic. And over the course of several albums, there is a clear and marked progression.

So this month it is time to better get to know Die Nerven and learn German with music!

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There is something instantly likable about Tomte. The group is part of the ’80s and ’90s indie rock movement in northern Germany. As a result, they have had an important impact on the German language music scene. Their indie-pop music has a sound that would probably win over your mother. But they are still underground enough that you likely will need to offer the introduction.

For more than two decades, the group has created its trademark sound with thoughtful melodies and carefully crafted songs. For German language learners, their understated sound and clear vocals are extremely appealing.

So this month, practice German with music and get to know German indie rockers Tomte!

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It would not be out of line to call German rock band Messer timeless. If you think about it, the word has multiple meanings. On the one hand, the band has not (yet!) been around long enough for their music to have withstood the test of time. On the other hand, their post-punk meets new wave sound could be straight out of yesterday or today. It is a subtle blending of influences and sounds that creates originality.

But there is more than just rock music you can get from this post-punk band. As German language learners, it is always an opportunity to learn! So this month, let’s get to know Messer better and learn German with music!

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Punk rock trio Die Ärzte have been known to refer to themselves as the best band in Berlin and the best band in the world. While they might not be as well known internationally as their peers Die Toten Hosen, Die Ärzte have played an important part in the German punk scene.

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of punk rock or not, get to know Die Ärzte — this month’s music recommendation for German language learners.

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If you like your rock to be poppy, with a sing-along melody, then you will want to keep reading this month’s German-language music recommendation! Or how about some edgier punk rock, too? Can a band do both? I know one that can: the quartet Madsen. Made up of three brothers, the established northern German band has been around for more than a decade.

The group has been winning fans with their upbeat rock sound that has spanned more than a half-dozen albums with which you can hone your German language skills. Ready to rock? Let’s get going!

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When Vienna, Austria’s Wanda burst onto the German-language music scene in 2014 it was seemingly out of nowhere. But before the end of that year, the band had a huge hit on their hands with their infectious single “Bologna.”

Today, the band has four albums under their belt — all of which went to the top of the charts in their home country in addition to most of the albums breaking into the top five in Germany.

The band has found a winning formula with catchy pop songs that make you want to sing along. So this month, let’s tune up our German skills and learn German with the music of Wanda!

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Do too many cooks spoil the broth? Or is it the more the merrier? For the Berlin-based reggae/hip hop dancehall band Seeed, the latter seems to be the preference. The group features ten musicians ranging from a horn section to a DJ and multiple vocalists. The resulting music is fun, brash, and involved. This is one music group you cannot accuse of being boring.

Seeed does mix their native German language with English and some Patois, but do not let that deter you. The band has more than enough music in German that listening to their music is definitely a language learning experience. So, without further ado, let’s learn German with the music of Seeed!

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We’ve all seen the talent shows on television where singers compete to be their country’s next big musical superstar. But even if you don’t end up winning the show, the exposure can be enough to propel your career. Max Giesinger is a great example of how losing can still be winning.

The smooth and soulful pop singer only finished fourth in the debut season of The Voice of Germany. But looking at his career trajectory you would have no idea. Giesinger’s songs have been on the music charts of the German-speaking world. And his success has kept him on those television competition shows: but not in quite the same way. Instead of being a competitor, Giesinger has coached the ambitious singers of the next generation on The Voice Kids.

Giesinger’s clear vocal style makes it ideal for ambitious German language learners who want to practice their language skills and sing along. So this month, let’s better get to know Max Giesinger!

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When your debut single is a big hit, it can be difficult to live up to expectations. There is a lot of pressure on your shoulders. But for Tim Bendzko, that simply has not been a problem. Since grabbing the attention of music fans in 2011 with the track “Nur noch kurz die Welt retten,” he has kept music fans eagerly listening. The German singer-songwriter has stayed true to himself while continually winning over fans with his memorable and likable pop-tinged tracks.

So this month, let’s get to know Tim Bendzko better and learn German with music!

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German hip hop groups and rappers like K.I.Z. and Cro are currently gracing the top of the German language music charts. However, it was bands like Die Fantastischen Vier that paved the way. But one should not talk about the group in the past tense. These guys haven’t hung up their microphones just yet. The four-member group has had big hits that are sure to catch your ear.

Fanta Vier, as they are affectionately called, is a winning combination for German learners. Their delivery is clearly articulated while the lyrics and music videos are often entertaining and very humorous. Let’s get to know Die Fantastischen Vier better with this month’s German music feature.

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