Top 10 German Podcasts for Language Learners
Podcasts are an excellent resource for improving your German listening skills. They expose you to authentic spoken German, help you get accustomed to different accents and speech patterns, and allow you to learn on the go. Here’s our selection of the best German podcasts for English-speaking learners at various proficiency levels.
For Beginners
1. Coffee Break German
Why we recommend it: Each 15-20 minute episode is structured like a German lesson, with clear explanations in English and gradually increasing difficulty.
Where to listen: Coffee Break German Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
2. Slow German mit Annik Rubens
Why we recommend it: As the name suggests, Annik speaks slowly and clearly about various aspects of German life and culture. Transcripts are available on her website.
Where to listen: Slow German Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
For Intermediate Learners
3. Easy German Podcast
Why we recommend it: Hosted by the same team behind the popular YouTube channel, this podcast features natural conversations about everyday topics with helpful explanations.
Where to listen: Easy German Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
4. Deutschlandlabor
Why we recommend it: Produced by Deutsche Welle, this podcast explores different aspects of German culture and daily life with accompanying videos and exercises.
Where to listen: Deutsche Welle Website
5. Warum nicht?
Why we recommend it: This narrative-based podcast follows a journalism student’s adventures, gradually increasing in complexity across four seasons.
Where to listen: Deutsche Welle Website
For Advanced Learners
6. Gemischtes Hack
Why we recommend it: One of Germany’s most popular podcasts featuring comedians Felix Lobrecht and Tommi Schmitt discussing current events and everyday observations.
Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
7. Zeit Online - Was jetzt?
Why we recommend it: A daily news podcast that keeps you informed about current events in Germany while exposing you to formal, journalistic German.
Where to listen: Zeit Online Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
8. SWR2 Wissen
Why we recommend it: In-depth documentaries on science, history, and culture that use sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
Where to listen: SWR2 Website, ARD Audiothek
For Specific Interests
9. Elementarfragen
Why we recommend it: Long-form interviews with experts from various fields, perfect for learners interested in philosophy, science, and society.
Where to listen: Elementarfragen Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
10. Verbrechen (Crime)
Why we recommend it: True crime stories from Germany told in clear, engaging German by Zeit journalists.
Where to listen: Zeit Online Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Tips for Learning with Podcasts
- Start with transcripts if available, especially for beginners
- Listen repeatedly to the same episode to catch more details each time
- Focus on general understanding first before worrying about every word
- Take notes on new vocabulary or interesting phrases
- Imitate the pronunciation by pausing and repeating phrases
- Gradually increase difficulty as your comprehension improves
Incorporating podcasts into your daily routine—during commutes, workouts, or household chores—can significantly improve your listening comprehension and expose you to authentic German as it’s actually spoken.
What are your favorite German podcasts? Share your recommendations in the comments below!