Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Harrisburg, PA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have four primary possibilities for learning German interactively in Harrisburg, PA. 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 less pricey.) Your second option 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. Fourth, you can choose a private German tutor in Harrisburg, PA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Harrisburg, PA and online German tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn German and what are the ballpark lesson costs for German tutors?
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 overall charge for about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and independent German tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable German tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and specialization. Customer review 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. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal German tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn German. As proven by others before, 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 most phrases, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After acquiring 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 master 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 require at least 600 hours of active use. The length of time can differ quite a bit depending on your current level of German or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in German out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the German coach?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of tested German tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically schedule classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools give 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.