Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in San Jose, CA and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have several primary opportunities for learning German interactively in San Jose, CA. 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 second spource can be local specialized 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. Fourth, you can choose a private German tutor in San Jose, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local San Jose, CA and online German tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it 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 as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 45-48 instruction hours each semester. Language centers and private German tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey German tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. Predetermined curriculum classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and testing, so research each program in advance. With personal German tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so hard and are there ways to learn it faster?
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 common expressions, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After attaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have German tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking 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 necessitate at least 600 hours of dedication. The length of time can differ significantly 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 TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in German out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own German instructor?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified German tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.