Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Japanese in Hamburg and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have a few main options for learning Japanese interactively in Hamburg. 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 cheaper.) Your 2nd possibility can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can choose a private Japanese tutor in Hamburg. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Hamburg and online Japanese tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Japanese and what does a lesson with a tutor of Japanese cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Japanese course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language centers and independent Japanese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Japanese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and popularity. Real student rating average for Japanese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Japanese 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 volume and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal Japanese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Japanese so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Japanese. In reality, you can gain basic Japanese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Japanese. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Japanese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Japanese?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Japanese will take at least 600 hours of practice. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Japanese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Japanese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Japanese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Japanese coach?
In language centers, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened Japanese tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.