Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Amsterdam and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have 4 principal possibilities for learning German interactively in Amsterdam. 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 resource 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. Finally, you can opt for a private German tutor in Amsterdam. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Amsterdam and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap to learn German and what does a lesson with a tutor of German cost?
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 course hours each semester. Language centers and independent German tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey German tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 30 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, positive reviews and student demand. Customer review average for German lessons on Preply is 4.94 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 prove your profeciency level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, so research those in advance. With personal German tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is German so challenging and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized 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 five hours a week you will be able to understand many phrases, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a ready and enjoyable 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 learners.
🤷 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 require at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of German or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch television, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more 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 coach?
In language centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, certainly! The largest selection of tested German tutors with video profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges typically structure 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.