Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my German in Linz and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four key opportunities for learning German interactively in Linz. 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 2nd option can be local specialized 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. Fourth, you can opt for a private German tutor in Linz. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Linz and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn German and how much should German tutors ask?
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 about 50 class hours each semester. Language academies and independent German tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly 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 popularity. Customer review average 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and graded tasks, so research those 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 classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
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 five hours a week you will be able to understand most phrases, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After mastering basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have German tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to learn 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 actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of German or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write using your new language skills, seek 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.
🤳 How many possibilities do I choose among when I select the right German tutor?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened German tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.