Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my German in Barcelona and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have four principal possibilities for learning German interactively in Barcelona. 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 better priced.) Your second option can be local specialized language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can opt for a private German tutor in Barcelona. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Barcelona and online German tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn German and what does a lesson with a tutor of German cost?
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 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language academies and individual German tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable German tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, availability and popularity. 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and tests, so research those in advance. With personal German tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so difficult 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. 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 phrases, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid 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 master 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 take at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount of time can differ quite a bit depending on your already acquired level of German or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, try typing using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in German out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the German instructor?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). 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.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually 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.