Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my German in Ottawa and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have several key options for learning German interactively in Ottawa. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your 2nd option can be local for-profit language academies that charge less 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 look for a private German tutor in Ottawa. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Ottawa 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 1/2 of a hundred class 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 rates on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, ratings and specialization. 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research all such requirements 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 extras they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many 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 sentences, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy 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 level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking German?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in German will necessitate at least 600 hours of dedication. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your available level of German or knowledge of 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, try typing using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in German out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own German instructor?
In language learning academies, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of tested German tutors with extensive profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually run classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule 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.