Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my German in Dortmund and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have four principal opportunities for learning German interactively in Dortmund. 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 cheaper.) Your other spource can be local specialized language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can choose a private German tutor in Dortmund. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Dortmund and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn German and what are the ballpark lesson costs for German tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate German course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of fifty or so course hours each semester. Language schools and independent German tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly German tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and popularity. Average reviews for German lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much German do I need to know 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 load and tests, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal German tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise 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 German so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn German. In reality, you can gain basic German fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand many sentences, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun 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 necessitate at least 600 hours of study. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of German or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in German out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the German tutor?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified German tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically schedule classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.