Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Ithaca, NY and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have a few principal possibilities for learning German interactively in Ithaca, NY. 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 a little more affordable.) Your second option can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can opt for a private German tutor in Ithaca, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Ithaca, NY and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 rate for about 50 instruction 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 more affordable German tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, positive reviews and popularity. Real student rating average 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 prove your profeciency level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and exams, so research the details 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 better flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is German not easy and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all 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 common words, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and fun 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 get better at speaking German?
Some people brag about their 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 practice. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of German or familiarity with 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 television, write by hand and online using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try other 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.
🤳 Can I pick my own German instructor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, always! The largest selection of pre-screened German tutors with detailed 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 usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools have 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.