Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I skill up on German in Kent, WA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 main possibilities for learning German interactively in Kent, WA. 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 other resource can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can opt for a private German tutor in Kent, WA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Kent, WA and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn German and what are the ballpark lesson costs for German tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate German course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language schools and independent German tutors charge $30-55 per 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 hometown, availability and specialization. Average student satisfaction for German lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for German language skill level 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. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and graded tasks, so research each program in advance. With personal German tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so challenging 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. As proven by others before, 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, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to master 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 active use. The length of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of German or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in German out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own German instructor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of tested German tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges usually structure classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day 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.