The Key To Learning Grammar

Grammar doesn't have to be a stumbling block. But for many of us, it is. It's the antiquated scroll with rules and exceptions rolling out into oblivion. How can we memorize something so long and complex? It isn't as difficult as you may think.

First, forget your native language. Don't think in the terms of your mother tongue, otherwise you will attempt to make your new
language fit your own structure. German grammar is not English grammar. Nor is Japanese.

But keep universal grammar in mind. Remember general definitions for the most important concepts - nouns, verbs and so on. The language you will be learning has similar categories 99.99% of the time, and if you plan to learn more than one language, these concepts will transfer. If you need a refresher on all the universal terms, you can check out my course on Mastering Grammar for half price.

Start learning grammar in simple but interesting sentences.

Once you know what a noun is, and what they can do, scribble in some basic notes that are specific to your language. Is there gender? Plurals? Duals? How many forms can your verb take and which ones do you immediately need. Typically you'll want past-present-future first (I did/am/will do X). If you are working with a textbook or grammar book, only cover the first 1-4 chapters of grammar. But if that feels like too much, start with one chapter at a time.

Why did I suggest multiple chapters? Because each word has a function - it's grammar - and all words are interconnected. The function of one word will depend on another. This is because grammar is primarily composed of patterns. If you focus on understanding patterns and functions - which you can understand from basic example sentences and knowing the definition of the grammar term - you're set to start learning.

Now here's the fun part - use flashcards, illustrations, or anything else that might help you retain this next step. Create a scene. And use the grammar concepts you've just listed. Let's say, for example, you want to learn the following:

• Subject noun (neuter) 
• Present tense verb
• Direct Object
• Indirect object pronoun (female)

So you come up with (and check with a native speaker, if possible), this scene:

Das Känguru gibt ihr ein Cola. (German)

The kangeroo gives her a cola. (English)

The image is odd enough you may remember the sample. You can then choose different objects to substitute for "kangeroo", "her" and "cola". Or if you want to learn one thing at a time - say subject noun forms, only change that variable and keep the rest the same. The benefit of doing this in sentence form is that you also begin to internalize word order and sentence structure, which is the pattern that will hold everything together in a comprehensible format.

Just be sure to use short sentences, as these are easier to remember and put on flashcards. The purpose is learning form and function, not vocabulary - although this exercise will help you to retain common words.

And if you aren't sure which sentences to use, or you don't feel comfortable creating sentences yet, use those which seem the most relevant to you from your grammar book or textbook. Once you begin to memorize these structures, you will be able to fill in the blanks with ease and you can focus on vocabulary.