Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my German in Lyon and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several principal choices for learning German interactively in Lyon. 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 other possibility can be local for-profit 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 choose a private German tutor in Lyon. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Lyon and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn German and what do German tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate German course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 1/2 of a hundred course hours each semester. Language schools and individual German tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced German tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. 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 pass a few pre-requisites. 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 read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn German. According to experts, you can gain basic German fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday expressions, be understood when you talk, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and enjoyable 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to learn 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 require at least 600 hours of practice. The amount 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 advised to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in German out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own German instructor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified German tutors with video profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule make available 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.