Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master German in Los Angeles, CA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have several main choices for learning German interactively in Los Angeles, CA. 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 a little more affordable.) Your 2nd resource can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can look for a private German tutor in Los Angeles, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Los Angeles, CA 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 price of 1/2 of a hundred class hours each semester. Language centers and independent German tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the better priced German tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 23 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, availability and specialization. Customer review 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research the details in advance. With personal German tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn German. In reality, 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 common phrases, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to master German?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in German will demand at least 600 hours of dedication. The length of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of German or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, 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 not easy you can also take conversational German classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own German instructor?
In learning centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, always! The largest selection of verified German tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually run 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.