Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Seattle, WA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have four primary choices for learning German interactively in Seattle, WA. 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 better priced.) Your second possibility can be local for-profit language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private German tutor in Seattle, WA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Seattle, WA and online German tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn German and what are the ballpark lesson costs for German tutors?
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 overall charge for 45-48 class hours each semester. Language academies and independent German tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced German tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and student demand. Real student rating average for German lessons on Preply is 4.92 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much German do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and exams, 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 students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so challenging and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Standardized 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 many phrases, be understood when you talk, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and affordable 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 students.
🤷 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 take at least 600 hours of practice. The actual range of time can differ quite a bit depending on your existing level of German or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, 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 it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own German tutor?
In colleges and universities, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of pre-screened German tutors with full profiles and true reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have 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.