Why You Should Learn English with Podcasts:
Whether you are lying in bed, on the train heading home, or simply walking through the city, a podcast in your ear always works! And let’s be honest, sometimes the idea of settling down with a 300-page English book after a long day of classes is not always the favorite alternative. We would much rather listen to podcasts for learning English on a topic that actually interests us. And thank goodness there is such a wide selection these days that there is something for everyone!
Podcasts are time-saving, interesting & convenient!
Podcasts are a great way to improve listening comprehension. This is possible with an English-learning podcast or even with a regular podcast on a topic that interests you.
With podcasts for learning English, you can even select the individually appropriate English level. So if you find a podcast too easy or too difficult, you can simply choose a podcast for a higher level. Additionally, you can also slow down the podcasts to ½ speed if they are too fast for you or the speakers speak too quickly. This way, the perfect language pace can be found for everyone!
What makes podcasts particularly attractive?
They are usually free! You can listen to them easily via Spotify, iTunes, numerous podcast apps, and many music apps.
But which podcasts really help with learning English?
In recent years, podcasts have become increasingly popular, which is why there are currently countless podcasts. But which podcast is suitable for learning English?
To save you the time of searching for hours for suitable podcasts for learning English, we have compiled a recommendation list for you with podcasts that will help you master the English language in a playful way:
The Top 5 Podcasts for Beginners & Intermediate Learners:
Podcasts for the Basics
Three cheers for the British Council of the United Kingdom! They have developed a helpful series of English-language podcasts for beginners and intermediate learners. These learning podcasts last about 25 minutes per learning session.The hosts of each edition guide the listener through various everyday scenarios. The podcasts are typically lively and engaging discussions on various topics. There is also free accompanying material that can be read in advance to help the listener get the most out of each lesson. The short quizzes afterward help you test and internalize the knowledge you have acquired! That is why Learn English is so helpful for beginners—here you can make lightning-fast progress!
Here, international news from an American perspective is presented every day. Simple vocabulary and short sentences are used, making it easy to follow the news and understand the content. This way, you get a lot of current news and improve your English! The great thing about Voice of America is that you can follow your interests. For example, if you are enthusiastic about the pop culture of the United States, there is the program “American Mosaic,” where current films and culture are discussed. Even for history enthusiasts, there is “The Making of a Nation,” which revolves around American history. You can also enjoy many other topics, such as programs on science or even grammar. This way, you are not only listening to a podcast for learning English, but you are also becoming super smart!
- Special feature: You can select topics according to your interests.
Podcasts for Intermediate Learners
Put the textbook aside for a moment and learn from the experts! BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) offers a podcast series for learning the English language, focusing on everyday phrases and slang. In other words, the kind of English that is actually spoken in everyday life and will help you speak like a native speaker or understand them!
This podcast is also from the BBC and offers an entertaining way to learn English. Everyday situations and questions are discussed in conversations between Nick and Alice, such as “How much is your spouse worth?” or “Are food allergies more common now?” Every Thursday, there is a new 6-minute episode on an interesting topic. These podcasts for learning English are so much fun that you even forget you are actually learning English. The language is British English, and thanks to the clear and slow speech of the two hosts, it is easy to understand. Additionally, you can download a transcript and a vocabulary list for each episode.
Here you have an incredible variety! Every language level, from beginner to Business English, and even podcasts for teachers, offers a huge number of podcasts. The episodes typically last about 5 minutes and offer additional informational material, such as videos. The topics range from entertaining facts about the World Cup to questions like: “Tutor YouTube. Is the popular website as good a learning resource as school or university?” Podcasts in English is therefore a great additional podcast because the episodes are short and everyone is sure to find a topic that interests them.
Top 5 Podcasts for Advanced Learners & Professionals
Advanced Learners
Perfectly suited for all Business English learners!
Luke is a trained English teacher and stand-up comedian and offers a gripping and entertaining podcast series. His intention is to “make you laugh while you learn,” and he offers a variety of material! The podcast is an award-winning audio show for English as a foreign language with now over 550 audio episodes, transcripts, videos, and a special series on phrasal verbs. Luke covers everyday topics and does not fit into one category.
Did you know that Ian Fleming served in World War II and devised a plan that would deceive the Nazis and contribute to their downfall? We did not either.
Serial became a runaway hit in its first season! It is one of the most popular podcasts worldwide. There is now a third season of the true-crime podcast, and it is the best! Instead of focusing on one case, the show covers a new story each week at the Justice Center in Cleveland. The cases may seem mundane—like a man being robbed with weed—but many stories end with incredible revelations and examine the effects of racial bias along the way. Host Sarah Koenig expertly demonstrates how daily miscarriages of justice lead to systemic problems.
In the Dark is a podcast produced by American Public Media. The series, hosted and narrated by Madeleine Baran, features investigative journalism and in-depth reporting. 