Struggling to learn German before a trip? Focus on high-frequency phrases and a daily speaking routine to navigate Vienna with confidence in 60 days.

The goal here is communication, not perfection. If you wait until you’re perfect, you’ll never leave the hotel room.
Создано выпускниками Колумбийского университета в Сан-Франциско
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Создано выпускниками Колумбийского университета в Сан-Франциско

Lena: You know, Miles, I was looking at a flight to Vienna for later this spring, and I realized I don’t know a lick of German. I feel like I need a massive textbook and about three years to get ready, but I’m leaving in two months!
Miles: That’s such a common trap. Most people think they need to master complex grammar cases before they can even say "Guten Tag." But here’s the counterintuitive part: if you want to be ready for those Viennese coffee houses by May, you actually need to stop studying grammar and start speaking immediately—even if you feel totally unready.
Lena: Really? Just dive in?
Miles: Exactly. Research shows that for professionals and busy travelers, speaking is the engine of learning, not the final result. In fact, the top 1,000 German words cover about 85% of everyday conversation.
Lena: That makes it feel way more doable. So let's dive into the high-frequency phrases and the 20-minute daily routine that will get you ready for your trip.