CBG Scenes 1.03 | Volles Haus und extra Hilfe

Mark and Thomas are back with another episode of Scenes! In this chapter, the café is busier than ever, as customers fill the space on a sunny Sunday. Regulars enjoy their routines, new visitors discover Erna’s charm, and the rhubarb cake disappears faster than ever.

While Erna thrives on the lively atmosphere, chatting and sharing her wisdom, Felix helps keep things moving behind the counter. Meanwhile, requests for iced coffee keep coming in, even though it’s technically only a summer drink. Could it be time to extend the season?

Mark and Thomas break down useful grammar and expressions, including causal subordinate sentences, different tenses and useful verbs.

Hör rein und erlebe das lebhafte Treiben in Ernas Café – eine unterhaltsame Möglichkeit, dein Deutsch zu verbessern!

CBI Scenes 1.03 | Angelica e Mattia

Join Francesca and Mark for the third Chapter of Scenes from the Coffee Break Italian Café! In this episode, Angelica has just begun helping at the café, but it seems she’s already catching the eye of Mattia, the boy from the nearby tobacconist.

However, when his boss finds out, things take an unexpected turn. As for Angelica, does she feel the same way about him?

In this chapter, we will explore interesting aspects of vocabulary and grammar alongside the story, helping you take your language skills to the next level!

CBF Scenes 1.03 | Un vendredi sous la pluie

Join Mark and Hélène as the story continues in Chapter 3 of Scenes! Bad weather causes trouble for Jérôme and his bar de plage, but his laid-back attitude keeps things under control. Meanwhile, the café fills up with weekend customers looking for shelter.

This episode introduces useful grammar and vocabulary including débarquer, and prendre l’eau.

Allez écouter ce nouveau chapitre de Scenes, it’s a great way to boost your French!

CBS Scenes 1.02 | El nuevo miembro

In Chapter 2 of Scenes, our series for intermediate Spanish learners, we return to Isabel’s café, where we meet the charming group of older gentlemen she affectionately calls sus Chicos de oro. This time, there’s a new, younger addition to the mix. ¿Quieres saber más? Join Mark and Pablo in this exciting new chapter!

As the story continues, Mark and Pablo will draw your attention to useful grammar points and vocabulary in the text. For example, in this chapter, they’ll learn the meanings of a gusto, parar de hacer algo, and saltar a la vista.

¡No te pierdas el nuevo capítulo de Scenes y continúa mejorando tu español!

CBG Scenes 1.02 | Ein Extrahäubchen Schlagsahne

Mark and Thomas return with the next chapter of Scenes! As heavy rain pours down, Johanna rushes into the café, drenched and frustrated. A dedicated law student, she usually enjoys studying here, but today, her soaked textbooks and looming deadlines leave her feeling overwhelmed.

Erna, always quick to notice when someone needs support, offers comforting words and a little extra whipped cream on Johanna’s favourite rhubarb cake. Will that and a warm conversation help lift her spirits?

Alongside the story, Mark and Thomas discuss complex relative clauses, the use of past participles as adjectives, and useful expressions like etwas wiedergutmachen and jemanden aufmuntern.

Finde heraus, was in Kapitel 2 passiert – eine perfekte Gelegenheit, dein Deutsch in einer entspannten Atmosphäre zu verbessern!

CBI Scenes 1.02 | Chi trova un amico, trova un cornetto alla Nutella

Join us for the second episode of Scenes from the Coffee Break Italian Café! In this episode, the curious barista who owns Caffè di Tulli overhears a conversation between two worried students and offers a simple suggestion that changes everything.

Alongside the story, Francesca and Mark discuss interesting aspects of the vocabulary and grammar which appear in this chapter, helping you take your language skills to the next level.

CBF Scenes 1.02 | Une bonne nouvelle

Join Mark and Hélène for the second Chapter in the engaging Scenes series! In this episode, the lively atmosphere at Chez Nico takes an exciting turn when Ségolène shares some big family news. Meanwhile, a customer faces a tricky language challenge with visiting tourists.

This chapter introduces useful vocabulary like maternité, renverser, and se débrouiller, all within a natural and immersive story.

Ne manquez pas ce nouveau chapitre de Scenes – it’s a perfect way to improve your French!

CBS Scenes 1.01 | ¡Qué mal trago!

Join Mark and Pablo at the start of an engaging new story! In Chapter 1 of Scenes, our latest course for intermediate learners, we’re introduced to Isabel, her café, and its colourful array of customers. Each chapter unveils a scene from this charming café, giving us the chance to learn more about the people who walk through its doors.

In this first chapter, we meet three nurses – Carmen, Míriam, and Pilar – who are unwinding at the café after their night shift at a nearby hospital. Míriam seems troubled by something, but Isabel steps in to help her feel better.

Alongside the story, you’ll discover useful grammar and vocabulary, including phrases like un mal trago, echar una buena bronca, and quitar un disgusto.

If this sounds like the perfect way to boost your language learning journey, ¡no te pierdas el primer capítlo de Scenes!

CBG Scenes 1.01 | Kaffee, Kuchen und eine Überraschung

Join Mark and Thomas at the start of an exciting new story! In this first chapter of Scenes, our latest course for intermediate German learners, we visit Erna’s cosy café by the park, where regular customers and unexpected surprises make each morning unique.

We meet Heinz, a long-time patron known for his punctuality and unwavering routine. Every day, he arrives at exactly 8am for his usual coffee. But today, something is different – Heinz is late, and when he finally walks in, he’s not alone. To Erna’s amazement, he’s brought along a lively Spaniel puppy, a new companion he decided to adopt overnight. As Heinz shares his story, we get a glimpse into his life and the small but meaningful decisions that bring change.

Alongside the story, Mark and Thomas will highlight useful grammar and vocabulary, such as expressions with (sich) besorgen, the use of the present participle, or expressions like von einem Tag auf den nächsten. Their explanations, examples and discussions are perfect for intermediate German learners. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to improve your German, don’t miss this first chapter of Scenes!

CBI Scenes 1.01 | Se vuoi un buon caffè, devi aspettare

Welcome to Scenes from the Coffee Break Café! In this first episode, we introduce you to Caffè di Tulli and to Lorenzo, the café’s enthusiastic new owner. As he settles into his role, we’re introduced to some fascinating regulars, come la signora Rachele.

Pour yourself a coffee and join us for the start of this journey, where every visit to the café reveals a new tale. This episode is just the beginning of what’s sure to be a rich and flavourful series!

Alongside the story, Mark and Francesca will highlight useful grammar and vocabulary, helping you take your language skills to the next level. Their explanations, examples and discussions are perfect for intermediate Italian learners. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to improve your Italian, don’t miss this first chapter of Scenes!

CBF Scenes 1.01 | Un début prometteur

Join Mark and Hélène at the start of an engaging new story! In this first chapter of Scenes, our course for intermediate French learners, we are introduced to Chez Nico, a lively village café where locals and visitors cross paths.

We meet Nico, the new owner, who has just taken over the café where he grew up. As he navigates his first busy weekend, we also get to know Romain, a taxi driver and football enthusiast who stops by for his daily coffee. Between tourists on the terrace and local shopkeepers dropping in for lunch, Nico is off to a great start, but will Chez Nico be a success?

Alongside the story, Mark and Hélène will highlight useful grammar and vocabulary, such as the difference between the passé composé and imparfait and expressions like croiser les doigts.

If you’re looking for a fun and immersive way to improve your French, ne manquez pas ce premier chapitre de Scenes !

CBJ 1.01 | Greetings – Konnichiwa! こんにちは!

Coffee Break Japanese e yōkoso – welcome to Coffee Break Japanese! This series will introduce you to the Japanese language, starting from the basics. By the end of this series you’ll be able to use the language in many situations and understand what native speakers say to you.

In this first lesson you’ll learn how to introduce yourself and say how you are feeling. You’ll also learn about Japanese pronunciation along the way.

Why learn Japanese? 8 great reasons to start today!

Cherry blossoms in full bloom with Osaka Castle in the background

Are you thinking about learning Japanese but feeling a bit unsure if it’s the right fit for you? Don’t worry, you are not alone! In this blog post, we will answer the question ‘why learn Japanese?’ outlining a couple of great reasons that might inspire you to pursue this goal and turn your dream into reality.

After all, learning a language can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening doors to incredible cultural experiences and personal growth. So, grab your coffee (or matcha!), settle in, and let’s investigate why Japanese should be on your to-learn list.

1. Japan’s rich and unique culture

Japan’s culture is a tapestry of traditions, art and also innovation. Learning Japanese allows you to experience it in a way that goes beyond the surface level. From participating in a tea ceremony to understanding the symbolism in Kabuki theatre or savouring sushi at a traditional omakase, speaking Japanese lets you connect deeply with the culture.

But it’s not just about the traditional customs — Japan’s pop culture scene is equally mesmerising. Whether you’re an anime and manga enthusiast, a J-pop fan or a gamer who loves titles like The Legend of Zelda, knowing Japanese helps you appreciate these art forms in their original language. 

Why learn Japanese? Just think about how great it would be to watch your favourite shows without losing any meaning in translation or singing your favourite songs with the right pronunciation!

2. To make the most of your travel experience

Reason two to ‘why learn Japanese’: to transform your travel experience! Picture this: you’re wandering through the serene temples of Kyoto, or exploring the bustling streets of Osaka. Knowing more than just a few basic Japanese phrases like sumimasen excuse me or arigatou gozaimasu thank you) can turn a simple trip into an extraordinary adventure.

The locals truly appreciate when visitors try to speak their language and you’ll find that a little effort can go a long way. You’ll be able to ask for recommendations, easily navigate public transport, and even discover some hidden gems that the guidebooks might miss! 

Different types of Sushi on display

3. Japan’s delicious food 

Why learn Japanese? If you are a foodie who loves ramen, sushi, tempura or okonomiyaki, here is one reason for you! Indulging in authentic Japanese cuisine can be even more exciting if you know the language, as it allows you to navigate menus, understand regional specialities, and even ask for recommendations!

Instead of sticking to tourist-friendly restaurants, you can explore hidden gems or try daily specials. And let’s not forget food markets! From Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba Market to Sapporo’s seafood stalls, understanding Japanese ensures you don’t miss out on the flavours that make Japanese cuisine unforgettable.

In Japan, food is more than just food — it’s an art form, a communal experience, and a window into the culture. 

4. To challenge yourself 

We can’t lie… with three types of characters — hiragana and katakana are phonetic characters, each representing a single syllable; kanji consists of ideograms, each representing a specific meaning — and unique grammar structures, mastering Japanese can seem daunting. 

But that brings us to reason number four to ‘why learn Japanese’: challenging yourself! With the support of experienced tutors by your side, you’ll understand that it is like solving a puzzle and you’ll be making steady progress in no time. Each little milestone, whether it’s writing your first kanji or having a conversation in Japanese, will give you a boost of confidence and remind you just how capable you are!  

5. Widen your career prospects 

Japan boasts one of the world’s largest and most advanced economies, making it a significant player worldwide. For example, corporations such as Sony, Toyota, and Nintendo are leaders in innovation and technology, shaping industries and influencing global trends. 

So, being able to speak and understand Japanese can provide a substantial competitive edge, particularly in sectors like technology, business, education, and entertainment, where communication and cultural understanding are crucial. Being bilingual in Japanese and English is increasingly valued, especially in international business. 

After all, learning Japanese enhances your ability to navigate complex negotiations, build strong relationships with Japanese partners, and understand the nuances of the market. So why learn Japanese? It will set you apart from other candidates, making you an attractive prospect for multinational companies looking to expand or strengthen their presence in Japan.

6. To make new friends

According to the 2021 Survey on Japanese-Language Education Abroad by the Japan Foundation, approximately 3.79 million people study Japanese. That’s a massive global community, not even counting the over 123 million people who speak Japanese as their first language.

Reason six to ‘why learn Japanese’ is the fact that learning the language will allow you to form connections with native speakers and fellow learners. What’s more, Japanese culture values politeness and respect in communication, which makes forming relationships even more enriching.

Even if you’re learning Japanese for professional purposes, networking in the language can help you develop meaningful business relationships and collaborations. Understanding cultural etiquette and speaking the language fluently will make you stand out and foster trust.

So, whether you’re diving into a new friendship over a bowl of ramen or chatting with a fellow learner about the best language resources, learning Japanese enriches your social world in ways you never imagined.

7. Keeping your brain sharp

When considering the question of ‘why learn Japanese’, we cannot leave behind the benefits of the learning process for your brain. Research has shown that studying a new language from scratch, especially one as distinct from English as Japanese, can improve cognitive functions like:

  • memory;
  • focus;
  • and problem-solving skills.

The process of memorising the characters and understanding their meanings is akin to solving a puzzle, keeping your mind active and sharp. Additionally, bilingual individuals tend to be much better at multitasking. So, by learning Japanese, you’re not just gaining a new skill — you’re investing in your long-term brain health.

Start learning Japanese today!

So, why learn Japanese? We hope these reasons have helped you decide whether to start your language-learning journey. As you can see, learning Japanese is more than just studying something; it’s about opening your mind to new experiences, connecting with people, and growing as a person.

Whether you’re captivated by anime inspired by Japan’s technological advances or eager to explore its traditions, the Japanese language offers endless opportunities. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.

With Coffee Break Japanese, you can learn at your own pace, wherever and whenever it suits you. Our engaging podcasts and online course are designed to guide you through the language step-by-step, making the process enjoyable and accessible. From essential vocabulary to cultural insights, we’ll help you unlock the beauty of the Japanese language one lesson at a time. What are you waiting for? Head over to our Coffee Break Japanese page to begin your journey! 

What is the best way to learn a language?

Whether your adventure of learning a new language has already started or you are thinking about taking the first steps, one question you might have is “What is the best way to learn a language?”

Several factors contribute to language learning and being aware of these helps make the most of your experience. 

Whether you’re studying for family reasons, travel, personal growth, career advancement, or any other reason, in this article, you will find the best strategies to help you achieve your language-learning goals effectively.

Check out these six golden rules on what the best way to learn a language is: 

1. Being consistent

It can be hard to know where to begin when learning a language from scratch and if you are wondering what is the best way to learn a language, one key element to remember is consistency. By dedicating time to it regularly, you will see constant progress, whereas if you only work on your language skills every now and again, it will take much longer to reach your language-learning goals. 

We believe that you can make language learning something regular and enjoyable that fits in with your everyday life, just like having your daily coffee break. And in this way, you’ll form a language-learning habit that sticks.

Pretty much common sense, isn’t it? 

To help with your consistency, our top tip for you is to build a regular study routine and commit to daily or weekly practice sessions. Remember: little and often is more beneficial and easier to stick to than planning to study for two hours every fortnight. 

In addition to that, be sure to have realistic goals – don’t expect to be able to understand everything that is being said in a dialogue after one month of learning.

An achievable goal would look more like “feeling confident to order a coffee abroad after a month of learning” or even “being able to answer basic questions about yourself after two months”. And be proud of yourself when you achieve these!

If you’re looking for some great tips on what the best way to learn a language is, by sticking to a routine and staying consistent, be sure to check out the video below featuring Mark, the founder of Coffee Break, as he shares his valuable insights as both a language teacher and learner.

2. Taking good notes and reviewing the content 

Ok, so what is the best way to learn a language? Another technique that may be useful to you is to take good notes and review the content you learn whenever you have a spare moment.

With effective note-taking, you can better memorise:

  • key vocabulary;
  • grammar rules;
  • natural phrases and idioms;
  • and cultural aspects.

Writing explanations or definitions in your own words is very useful for consolidation and helps you to remember them.

Don’t forget to organise your notes in a structured manner – maybe with some colour coding or by incorporating visual elements. This way you can create a great resource to refer back to whenever you need clarification. 

Make sure to regularly review your notes to help reinforce your memory and deepen your understanding. This doesn’t have to be a long or boring task – instead, we’d encourage you to carry your language-learning notebook with you and simply review a couple of pages while you’re waiting for the bus, on the train, or during your next coffee break. This will improve the long-term retention of the newfound knowledge.

3. Engaging with the culture

Another great way to learn a language is to actively engage with the culture or cultures associated with it. After all, language and culture are deeply connected. 

Immersing yourself in cultural aspects of the new language can be helpful to improve your understanding and proficiency. You can try books (to suit your level), movies in a different language (maybe watch something with subtitles to begin with) and music, for example! 

It may seem obvious, but what many people forget when looking for resources to help their language learning is to look for something they enjoy! Think about it – if you’d never normally choose to watch a historical movie, instead of making yourself watch one in the language you’re learning, look for albums of your favourite genre of music to help you practise instead. Similarly, if you don’t enjoy reading crime novels even in English, perhaps a better choice for you is watching an action movie.

By making your learning enjoyable, you will form habits you want to stick to, and will make better progress.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to travel to a country where the language you’re learning is spoken, you can also use your travel plans to encourage yourself to interact with native speakers and with the culture around you. 

4. Choosing the right method for you

If you are wondering what the best way to learn a language is, remember that the ideal technique for other people might not be the same technique that suits you best. However, with so many resources online, choosing the right one for you can feel challenging.

Therefore, go for a method that matches your schedule. For example, maybe you have a busy schedule and are looking for a method that allows you to learn at your own pace – here at Coffee Break Languages, we provide resources to allow you to do exactly that. 

We offer bite-sized lessons in 10 different languages, which is ideal if you feel you need flexibility and relevant content, where you’ll learn with experienced teachers and native speakers. In addition, instead of overwhelming you with complex grammar rules or ignoring grammar altogether, for us, it’s important to present language and concepts in an easy-to-understand way, as if you were sitting down for a coffee with a friend who speaks the language you’re learning.

5. Immersing yourself as much as you can 

Another aspect of what is the best way to learn a language is immersing yourself in the language as much as possible. This can help accelerate your understanding of new vocabulary, and it is essential for developing listening skills and good pronunciation. This way, we also soon start to hear things like terms that don’t translate 100% to your native language.  

You can do this by listening to podcasts, watching movies or TV shows, reading books or articles, and engaging with the language whenever you can. Fit these things into your day, during your moments of downtime or while you’re doing other things.

Our top tip: bring language learning into your everyday life wherever and whenever you can. If you’re out on a walk, look around you and see if you know the words to describe what you see. Or, if you’re waiting to pay for your shopping, take a moment to think about what you would say to the cashier if you were in a country where the language you’re learning is spoken.

6. Understanding that language learning is a journey

After reading these tips about the best way to learn a language, there is one more you should add to the list: understanding that learning a new language is a journey. 

This journey should be taken with patience, perseverance, but also enjoyment. Of course, there will be moments when you will feel you’re not getting the pronunciation right, or you are not progressing as much as you should, and other frustrations. 

However, the thing to keep in mind here is that this journey is worth it and that you are more than capable of doing it. So, don’t forget to celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and stay focused on your goals.

So, in summary, what is the best way to learn a language? There isn’t one, but if you take into account these tips and always remember to keep going and use the method (or methods) that feel best for you, that will make your learning journey better. 

In order to have the best results possible, the support and guidance of a great language platform, like Coffee Break Languages, can make that journey so much easier. We offer easy access to learning resources at any time, so you can adapt to the language-learning method that suits you.

Visit Coffee Break Languages and find out more about the Coffee Break method and languages!

Benefits of microlearning: how to use a focus app to learn a new language

When learning a new language, any technique or method that makes your learning experience easier and more enjoyable is something to keep an eye out for, right? With that in mind, microlearning has gained popularity in recent years as an effective method for acquiring new skills and knowledge. 

Let’s explore the concept and benefits of microlearning and how focus apps can complement it by providing an engaging approach to your language learning.

What is microlearning and what are the benefits of microlearning? 

Microlearning involves breaking down learning materials into small, manageable units. Typically, the content is delivered in bite-sized lessons. This approach contrasts with traditional forms of learning, as it offers learners the flexibility to engage with content in brief, focused sessions. 

The method is exactly the one used here at Coffee Break Languages – a language platform that helps you learn a new language one coffee break at a time, focusing on specific topics to help you improve.

But what about the benefits of microlearning? There are several advantages to this method, but the four main ones are: 

  • It helps improve knowledge retention, as it offers concise pieces of information. Microlearning will therefore help you absorb information more effectively
  • It helps people learn faster because it offers condensed knowledge so learners cover a wide range of topics in a shorter period. This accelerated learning pace is perfect for people with busy schedules, allowing learners to make steady progress over time.
  • It is perfect for individual learning, especially because microlearning can be tailored to personal goals as it allows for a flexible approach;
  • It is great if you need flexibility, as you can easily have a quick session on your way to work, during your coffee break, or even when relaxing at home.

Laptop resting on top of a table with glasses and a notebook close to it.

What are focus apps and how can they help with microlearning and learning a new language?

Now that you are aware of what microlearning is and the main benefits of microlearning, it is time to understand what focus apps are and how they help with learning languages using this method. 

Focus apps are applications created to enhance concentration and productivity. Alongside taking good notes and other techniques for learning a language efficiently, these apps can help you learn a new language faster as they help minimise distractions and promote focused work sessions. 

They are platforms that use various techniques, such as time-management strategies and gamification, to help people maintain their attention. These apps relate to microlearning because they offer a structured approach to studying that helps people learn faster.

Using them to learn a new language means integrating one of them into your study routine. You can start by setting specific goals and allocating time slots for study sessions using the app, for example.

5 focus apps you might want to try!

There are several apps available, but the Coffee Break team selected five that we think are worth a try to help you focus when reviewing your language notes, dedicating time to language lessons, or any other language-learning task.

If you are part of the Coffee Break Community, you will already be familiar with the benefits of microlearning, but you will also be likely to know how easy it is to get distracted or lose sight of your goals – that is where these focus apps can become invaluable.

Check out these five apps to see if they work for you: 

1. Focus to-do

This app helps you organise your study time using the Pomodoro technique for studying – breaking study sessions into short intervals (typically 25 minutes) separated by brief breaks. It goes hand in hand with microlearning benefits, right?

With this application, you can create reminders, synchronise them with all your devices, and make cloud backups. 

2. Forest

Forest is a very popular focus app that offers the benefits of microlearning by encouraging people to stay focused by planting virtual trees. You can decide to stop using your phone to focus for specific periods, and your trees will grow. At the end of your task, you can see a visual representation of your productivity as you gradually create a forest. 

The time frames on the app are also based on the Pomodoro technique for studying.

3. Focus Dog

Focus Dog combines reminders and challenges to keep you on track with your tasks. With its playful interface, this app adds an element of fun to the learning process, motivating you to stay engaged. Again, this application uses the Pomodoro technique for studying.

4. Focus Plant 

Similar to Forest, Focus Plant helps you have focused work sessions by rewarding you with virtual plants. We love it because you can cultivate your digital garden as you progress through your tasks.

5. Habitica 

Habitica gamifies task management by allowing you to create an avatar, set your own goals, and complete tasks to earn rewards. This app is particularly good for learners who thrive on competition and enjoy a sense of accomplishment, which also relates to some of the benefits of microlearning.

This app is also available for wearable tech, and allows collaboration – if you feel like competing with other language learners from your family or friends. 

6. Keep your streak with Coffee Break TV

Our Coffee Break TV app and web platform is an on-demand library of video lessons, to allow you to practise your language skills in short, focused sessions of just 5, 10 or 15 minutes.

Use the Calendar feature to schedule your learning for the day or the week ahead, or simply browse the library, keep up your streak and work towards gaining badges for consecutive days of microlearning.

Learn a new language with the Coffee Break microlearning method!

At Coffee Break Languages, we focus on the microlearning method, offering bite-sized lessons in 10 different languages. With this technique and the focus apps mentioned before, you can easily start your learning journey and make advancements in no time.

After all, instead of overwhelming you with long lessons and complex grammar rules, we break down your language of interest into manageable chunks, allowing learners to engage with the material in short, focused sessions. 

Coffee Break Languages delivers over 1.9 million lessons every month to learners all over the world, who regularly enjoy the benefits of microlearning in our episodes. Check out what James, one of our Italian learners, had to say: 

“I just discovered Coffee Break Italian and I want to compliment the team for such a fantastic way for me to improve my study of the Italian language. I have used many study aids over the years and it is only Coffee Break Italian that is giving me exactly what I need. Thank you!”

With Coffee Break Languages, you can learn a language at any time, so whether you’re commuting to work, taking a coffee break, or relaxing at home, you can easily squeeze in a quick session. 

Start your language-learning journey today! Visit the Coffee Break Academy, and find out more about the languages and levels taught.