Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master German in Hangzhou and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four primary possibilities for learning German interactively in Hangzhou. 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 better priced.) Your other spource can be local commercial language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can find a private German tutor in Hangzhou. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Hangzhou and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn German and what do German tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate German course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of about 50 lesson 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 less pricey German tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and student demand. Real student rating average for German lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much German do I need to know 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and exams, so research those in advance. With personal German tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those 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 many phrases, speak on some level, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to learn 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 demand at least 600 hours of active use. The required duration of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of German or proficiency in 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 videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in German out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own German tutor?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of tested German tutors with detailed profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually make available 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.