Everyone likes watching TV, but it’s usually considered a mindless, lazy activity. However, you can turn your binge sessions into learning sessions, it just takes a bit of time and some useful tools. TV is a great source of language input because you get visual and audio feedback at the same time. It’s even better when you add German subtitles into the equation. When you first start watching native German content, you should have German and English subtitles on simultaneously with a program like Trancy. You can do this on Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube. This will allow you to get familiar with German subtitles while still having English support. Once you get to an intermediate level, it’s time to turn off the English subtitles. This is a big leap, but if you don’t turn off the English subtitles, you will use them as a crutch. When you first start watching shows fully in German, rewatch shows you’ve already seen in English or with dual subtitles, but this time watch them with only German subtitles, and then watch them one more time with no subtitles. The repetition of watching a show over and over will help vocabulary and grammar stick. As you become more advanced, you may skip the first step of watching the show with dual subtitles and go straight to watching it with German subtitles. Most German streaming services are free, but they require a VPN to access most of their content.

Netflix – Premium

Netflix is the best streaming platform for learning German. It has a vast library and with an extension like Trancy it’s easy to add dual subtitles with a pop-up dictionary. If you have a VPN, you can also access German Netflix, which has a lot more German shows, all with German subtitles.

ZDF

ZDF has a large library of German TV shows and movies that are free to watch. Almost all videos have German subtitles, but unfortunately, there are no English subtitles, so this is best for more advanced learners.

ARD

ARD is very similar to ZDF and offers a lot of German movies and TV shows for free. You will need a VPN to access most TV shows, and there are rarely English subtitles.

Myspass

Myspass is mostly game shows and live specials. Since a lot of the shows are comedies, they may be difficult for someone at an intermediate level, so I recommend it for more advanced learners.