Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn German in Asheville, NC and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using recorded courses, you have 4 main choices for learning German interactively in Asheville, NC. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your second resource can be local specialized language academies that are better priced 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 Asheville, NC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Asheville, NC and online German tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable 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 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so lesson hours each semester. Language schools and independent German tutors charge $30-55 an hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the more affordable German tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 30 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, ratings and languages the tutor can teach in. Real student rating average for German lessons on Preply is 4.94 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 demonstrate proof of your current level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework volume and tests, so research each program 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 expertise they make available (like intermediate level practice, advanced students 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?
Standardized 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 a few hours a week you will be able to understand everyday sentences, be understood when you talk, get proficient in daily routines in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of German. After attaining 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 achieve a good level of 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 demand at least 600 hours of practice. The required duration of time can differ a lot depending on your available level of German or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible 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 choose my own German instructor?
In language learning academies, there's a likelyhood you could choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, of course! The largest selection of pre-screened German tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges typically run classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools 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.