Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my French in Berlin and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 principal choices for learning French interactively in Berlin. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your other option can be local commercial language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private French tutor in Berlin. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berlin and online French tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn French and how much should French tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate French course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and independent French tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced French tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 22 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and specialization. Real student rating average for French lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of French do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared pass a few pre-requisites. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research the details in advance. With personal French 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 students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is French not easy and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn French. According to experts, you can gain basic French fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand common words, speak on some level, shop and place orders 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 French. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have French tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of French?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in French will take at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of French or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in French out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational French classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the French instructor?
In language learning academies, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved French tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges structure classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically have 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.