Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my German in Abilene, TX and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four principal options for learning German interactively in Abilene, TX. 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 2nd option can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private German tutor in Abilene, TX. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Abilene, TX and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn German and what do German tutors charge?
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 rate for about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and independent German tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey German tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and languages the tutor can teach in. Average student satisfaction 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load 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 expertise they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so hard and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal 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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand many words, have simple conversations, shop and place orders 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 mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have German tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 active use. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of German or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try other 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the German tutor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified German tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually give 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.