Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master German in Hamburg and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using mobile applications, you have several principal choices for learning German interactively in Hamburg. 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 second option can be local commercial language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private German tutor in Hamburg. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Hamburg and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn German and what do German tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate German course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 course hours each semester. Language academies and private German tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced German tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and student demand. Real student rating average 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, 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 specializations they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy 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 everyday expressions, 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 fast and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have German tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ significantly depending on your available level of German or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in German out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own German teacher?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested German tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges typically schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have 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.