Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Stony Brook, NY and is possible to go light in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have a few main possibilities for learning German interactively in Stony Brook, NY. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your 2nd option can be local private language academies that are cheaper and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can opt for a private German tutor in Stony Brook, NY. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Stony Brook, NY and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn German and how much should German tutors ask?
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 overall charge for fifty or so lesson 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 less pricey German tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, experience and specialization. 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 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 volume and graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal German tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is German not easy and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized 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, express yourself, shop and place orders in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and enjoyable 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 master German?
Some people just 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 amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your already acquired level of German or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, 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 it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the German tutor?
In language centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of verified German tutors with full profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule 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.