Maximum Learning Speed 5G

[Ampersnd]

Both get you speaking. I have used both. However I'd say for German, Pimsleur goes deeper than Michel Thomas does. Cause it goes up to phase 5 now in Pimsleur. Although MT is a little faster pace, but you'll end up a higher level after having done Pimsleur. I agree Pimsleur doesn't explain a lotta things, so I had to figure it out with other resources.

I'm also using pod101, some textbooks for written pracrice, and native speakers for real-time verbal practice.

In my opinion, Michel Thomas can take you deeper, as it empowers you to mix and match verbs and nouns, and teaches the exceptions on the fly. With this mentality, you can become much more versatile.

I haven't finished anything Pimsleur related; probably just the first few CDs. It wasn't my style. But that's great if it works for you.