thanks a lot

Hi Xavier! It´s good that you are motivated to start learning German. Now, to your question: The best way to start learning will depend on how deep you want to inmerse into the language, For example for work, simple sightseeing / tourism or to study. 1. In any case, I would recommend you (if you haven´t done it yet) learn the pronunciation as soon as you can, learn wich combinations of vowels (dipthonges) sound how when spoken. This is vital: the faster you learn how to read aloud those words, the faster you will become recognising words when you hear them. ADVANTAGE: as a frenchman, French language has all sounds you will need in German. ( For example: ou = u in german, u = ü , ai = ä and so on and on.) Check this link: http://www.allemandfacile.com/exercices/exercice-allemand-2/exercice-allemand-33754.php 2. You should learn basic sentences / survival phrases for inmediate use. If you like it enough, you will probably go on to deepen your knowledge later on. See this, too. http://www.evasion.tv/voyage/termes/allemand.html 3. I would say last, but not least important is: Master the conjugation of the present tense, and perfect (passé composé) It´s very easy (even easier than french conjugation patterns). Just like in French, in real life situations like ordering at a restaurant, askinf for directions, etc. you´ll need to master some modal verbs conjugations ( Je voudrais... = Ich möchte ; Tu peuts...? = Kannst du...? ) I am not sure if this applies to you completely or not. Maybe you already know a bit German. But that is what I did. Of course, I then attended some courses, but practising with people and have them correct your mistakes orally is here really valious. Courses will help you understand the structure of more complex formal or academic language. Which way to go is up to you and what YOU want to do with the language. :) If you need to correct things later on. I will be glad to help you, too! Take care!