When you learn German, it helps to listen to German as often as you can. This can be done by tuning in to German radio stations or watching German TV. The internet is a great source. On http://www.ard.de/radio/alle-wellen you’ll find a list of radio stations. Click on an area, choose your station and click “hoeren” to listen to the live broadcasts.

Another station is http://www.dw-world.de. On the right hand side of the homepage you’ll find links to the TV and radio broadcasts, which you can access via the net.

Don't give up too easily! When you first start, you'll probably not even be able to distinguish one word from the next. That's normal! Persevere and you'll soon understand the odd word or even a full sentence. The more you listen, the more your ears will "tune in" to German. Go to bed listening to the German radio and you'll be surprised how much you'll learn "in your sleep".

If you’re thinking of buying a new DVD, order it from Amazon Germany (www.amazon.de). In Germany, all films are dubbed. So if you buy a film in Germany, it’ll usually include the English as well as the German version and subtitles in both languages. You can then watch the film in German with either German or English subtitles. Start with a film you know well so you can concentrate on the language rather than the plot. Alternatively, check out rental DVDs at your nearest rental store. Some DVDs do include the German version.

Check, where your nearest "art house" cinema is. They show films in the original and sometimes have German films with English subtitles. I often go to the Warwick Arts Centre at Warwick University. Check it out on http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk.

Good luck and don't give up!