Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Calgary and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have several primary opportunities for learning German interactively in Calgary. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your 2nd option can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private German tutor in Calgary. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Calgary 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 by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language schools and individual German tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey German tutors can be found online, with rates 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 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 volume and testing, so research those 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 intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are 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. According to experts, 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 expressions, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have German tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn German?
Some people 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 length of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of German or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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 coach?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified German tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.