Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master German in Brussels and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have 4 primary options for learning German interactively in Brussels. 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 second possibility can be local private language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private German tutor in Brussels. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Brussels and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive 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 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the overall charge for 1/2 of a hundred instruction hours each semester. Language centers and individual German tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly German tutors can be found online, with rates 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.
📚 What level of German do I need 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. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research all such requirements 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 intermediate level practice, advanced students etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is German not easy 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, speak on some level, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and fun way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After acquiring 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 brag about their 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 active use. The required duration of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of German or familiarity with other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek 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, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened German tutors with detailed profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools as a rule offer 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.