Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Palo Alto, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have 4 main options for learning German interactively in Palo Alto, CA. 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 other resource can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can opt for a private German tutor in Palo Alto, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Palo Alto, CA and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn German and what do German tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate German course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 45-48 course hours each semester. Language academies and independent 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 location, positive reviews and popularity. 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 prove your profeciency level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and testing, 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 extras they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is German not easy and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn German. In reality, 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 most words, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun 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 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 require at least 600 hours of study. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your available level of German or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write by hand and online using your new language skills, look for 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.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the German instructor?
In colleges and universities, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from the ones who already work there). Online, certainly! The largest selection of verified German tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have 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.