Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Spanish in Berlin and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 key opportunities for learning Spanish interactively in Berlin. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your other option can be local private language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private Spanish tutor in Berlin. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berlin and online Spanish tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Spanish and what do Spanish tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Spanish course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 course hours each semester. Language centers and individual Spanish tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Spanish tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 15 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction for Spanish lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Spanish do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal Spanish tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Spanish so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Spanish. According to experts, you can gain basic Spanish fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand common words, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Spanish. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Spanish tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Spanish?
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 Spanish will take at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Spanish or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Spanish out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Spanish classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Spanish coach?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened Spanish tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges usually run classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools as a rule offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.