Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Almaty and what does it take in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have 4 principal options for learning German interactively in Almaty. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, check centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your other resource can be local private language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private German tutor in Almaty. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Almaty and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn German and how much should German tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate German course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of fifty or so class hours each semester. Language academies and private German tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the better priced German tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 29 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and specialization. Customer review average 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. Planned 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 reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from many teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so difficult and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn German. Realistically, you can gain basic German fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, have simple conversations, shop and place orders 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 students.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of 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 dedication. The actual range of time can differ significantly depending on your existing level of German or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with 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.
🤳 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, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened German tutors with extensive profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges as a rule offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically 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.