Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my German in Cologne and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have four principal choices for learning German interactively in Cologne. 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 resource can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can opt for a private German tutor in Cologne. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Cologne and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 rate for 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language centers and individual German tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable German tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and student demand. Average reviews 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 pass a few pre-requisites. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and exams, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal German tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so hard and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
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 5 hours a week you will be able to understand many expressions, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After gaining 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 achieve a good level of 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 study. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your available level of German or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch television, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the German teacher?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened German tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day 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.