Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Berlin and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have several principal possibilities for learning German interactively in Berlin. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your second option can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private German tutor in Berlin. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berlin and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn German and how much should German tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate German course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and independent German tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey German tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and student demand. Real student rating average for German lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of German do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal German tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is German not easy and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn German. As proven by others before, you can gain basic German fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand many expressions, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have German tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to learn German?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in German will demand at least 600 hours of active use. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of German or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in German out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own German instructor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of tested German tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.