Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Baltimore, MD and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several main choices for learning German interactively in Baltimore, MD. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are better priced.) Your second option can be local commercial 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. Fourth, you can find a private German tutor in Baltimore, MD. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Baltimore, MD and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn German and what are the ballpark lesson costs for German tutors?
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 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and individual German tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly German tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and popularity. Average student satisfaction 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 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 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 specializations they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so hard and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn German. Realistically, 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 phrases, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have German tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of German?
Some people just 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 dedication. The actual range of time can differ by a lot 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 a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in German out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the German coach?
In language learning academies, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved German tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges as a rule offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically 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.