Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Polish in Berlin and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have several main opportunities for learning Polish interactively in Berlin. 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 less pricey.) Your second resource can be local specialized 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 Polish tutor in Berlin. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Berlin and online Polish tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Polish and what does a lesson with a tutor of Polish cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Polish course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 45-48 course hours each semester. Language academies and individual Polish tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Polish tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 21 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and student demand. Real student rating average for Polish lessons on Preply is 4.95 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Polish 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. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and exams, so research each program in advance. With personal Polish 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 maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is Polish so difficult and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Polish. According to experts, you can gain basic Polish fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand many phrases, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Polish. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Polish tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Polish?
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 Polish will demand at least 600 hours of dedication. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of Polish 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 television, write by hand and online using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Polish out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Polish classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Polish tutor?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Polish tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools usually offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.