How to choose quality courses of the German language: tips for beginners and overcoming learning difficulties

When choosing a German language course, it is worth paying attention not only to the attractiveness of the advertisements and promises, but also to their actual quality. Often students end up with a course that does not meet their expectations due to overpromises and unrealistic results. In this article, we will share recommendations on how to make the right choice of courses, especially if you are just starting to learn German or have encountered difficulties at the first stage of learning.

Determine how quickly you need to master the language

If your goal is not to learn quickly and you are willing to invest more than a year to acquire the basics, choose a course that meets once or twice a week. Typically, this schedule will take about six months to learn how to construct complex sentences and maintain conversation on everyday topics.

However, if your goal is to master the basics of the language in just a few months, then an intensive course of two to three hours almost every day is the way to go. This option is usually preferred by those who can devote entire days to studying. Thanks to this intensity, you will be able to start talking about simple topics after one or two months, and after six months you will be able to read German publications without the help of an interpreter.

Regardless of the chosen learning format, it is important to devote at least 15 minutes to learning the language every day. This will allow you to get used to the language faster and learn to understand your interlocutor, as well as to build sentences fluently. In addition, it is recommended to do your homework regularly, watch TV series and movies in German, and attend conversation clubs.

To achieve greater success in learning the language, besides the basic recommendations, there are several additional methods that can be helpful. Here are some of them:

• Communicating with native speakers: Try to find native German speakers to communicate with. You can join online communities where people share language skills or find a language partner for regular conversations.
• Reading German: Expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of the language through reading. Start with simple books or news articles, gradually moving on to more complex texts.
• Listening to audio materials: Listening to audiobooks, podcasts or radio in German will help you improve your pronunciation, listening comprehension and acquire new expressions.
• Using apps and online resources: There are many apps and interactive online resources to help you improve your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
• Travel and Immersion: If you have the opportunity, visit a country where German is spoken. Immersing yourself in a language environment will help improve your communication and understanding of the language.
• Learning a new language takes time, effort and constant practice. Follow the recommendations, find the right learning format and remember to immerse yourself in the language environment. With a consistent and systematic approach, you will succeed in mastering German.

Choosing between online and offline learning formats

Internet courses are now widespread among schools specializing in teaching German to beginners.

Positive aspects:

• No travel time or finances required.
• Ability to study from anywhere in the world where there is access to the Internet.
• The opportunity to learn from professionals from different cities.

Negatives:

• There are possible external disturbances, such as a neighbor working with a drill, which can be distracting.
• It is not always possible to ask clarifying questions after class.

Offline courses are a traditional format where you are a student and study in a group of anywhere from 3 to 10 people.

Positives:

• Opportunity to interact with people in person, which allows you to make new acquaintances;
• An atmosphere conducive to learning - this sometimes contributes to better learning;
• After the class, you can contact the instructor with additional questions for clarification.

Negatives:

• The need to spend time and money to travel to the place of education;
• Limited choice of school based on where you live in the city.

Determining the budget

A variety of courses are available today to suit different budgets. The average price per month ranges from 253 Georgian GEL and goes up to 1300 Georgian GEL. However, high cost is not always an indicator of quality, as sometimes it is simply the result of aggressive marketing. Therefore, you should do a thorough check of the course content before choosing one.

In addition, the cost of courses depends on several factors that should be considered:

• The reputation of the institution. For example, the Goethe-Institut is one of the oldest language training organizations in the world, having been teaching languages since 1953. They offer training all over the world, but the cost of their programs will be significantly higher than a school that opened just a month ago.
• Teacher Qualifications. A teacher who has just graduated from a teacher training college will cost less than a teacher with 10 years of experience and extensive experience living in a German-speaking environment.
• Frequency of classes. Courses that offer more classes per week or month will have a higher cost because they offer more intensive instruction.
• Course format. Online courses usually cost less than offline programs because institutions do not need to rent additional space. This keeps costs down and provides more affordable options for students.
• Course content. If textbooks, workbooks, audio lectures, and other learning materials are included, tuition is usually more expensive. However, if such materials are not included in the course fee, students can purchase them on their own or rent them from the institution.

In addition to these factors, there are other aspects that can affect the price of a course. For example, the availability of additional practical classes, the possibility of communicating with native speakers or the use of the latest technologies in the learning process. It is important to keep in mind that everyone has different needs and goals, so the choice of a course should be based on your own preferences and capabilities.

It should be noted that the quality of a course does not always correlate with its cost. Some inexpensive courses may offer high quality training, while some expensive programs may not meet the expectations of students. Therefore, it is recommended that you do your research, read student testimonials and get as much information as possible about your chosen course before making a final decision.

It is important to realize that choosing a course is an investment in your own education and language skills. Therefore, you should carefully evaluate all the factors that influence the cost of a course, as well as define your goals and expectations for the course. This is the only way to make the right choice and maximize the benefits of learning a foreign language.

How do I find the right language school?

When searching for educational institutions, you should pay attention to various resources on the Internet, such as the search engines Yandex and Google, as well as social networks. Reviews from other users can serve as a reference point, as they contain details about the learning process. It is important to pay attention to how the teacher reacts if someone does not understand a topic, and the availability of quality listening equipment so that audio materials can be heard well and are free from interference.

However, you should not limit yourself to only positive reviews. Researching negative reviews is also important. If you notice a lot of repetitive negative comments, it may indicate real problems that should be addressed.

Another useful source of information is to talk to people you know who have already studied German. You can find out exactly what they enjoyed about their learning process and what became a hindrance. It is also interesting to ask what knowledge they found useful in real life.

Study the teaching methodology of your chosen school

Examine the curriculum. Different schools may use a variety of techniques and their effectiveness depends on the inclusion of the following elements in the program:

• Grammar for sentence construction;
• Reading to quickly translate written text and practice pronunciation;
• Listening for understanding spoken language;
• Speaking for confidently communicating with foreigners and easily expressing your thoughts.

Attend a trial lesson, which is usually free of charge or for a nominal fee of 7-10 Georgian GEL. During the trial lesson, pay attention to the following aspects:

• How the teacher explains the material and whether you are able to follow the teacher's pace;
• How the teacher interacts with the group and whether he/she gives everyone the same attention;
• The comfort of the room - is it warm and bright, or is it uncomfortable?
• Find out how many people will be in your group. If there will be more than 10 people in the group, the lessons may be more difficult as the teacher will not be able to give enough time to each student.

Ask about possible bonuses in the course, such as conversation clubs to practice speaking, extra homework assignments, or classes designed to go deeper into difficult topics.

Get more information about the instructor

Before starting a class, it is important to clarify that the trial session may not be conducted by the same teacher who will be leading the group. This information should be clarified. It is difficult to change the teacher during the training process, it is possible only when transferring to another group with the appropriate level, but such groups are often overcrowded or go at a different pace.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the information about the course instructor, study his experience and education. Check if he or she has a German language teaching certificate or a higher education diploma. Having a certificate of high language proficiency does not guarantee a good explanation of the material. Nevertheless, pay attention to student testimonials, which can describe how the teacher conducts classes and what results they achieved. Sometimes it happens that the teacher does not have a higher education, but he or she teaches very well.

It is also worth finding out if the teacher has had experience living or working abroad. If so, he or she will be able to tell you about the cultural characteristics of the country that are reflected in the language.

If you are just starting to learn the language, it is recommended to choose a teacher who speaks Russian. Grammar and language basics are easier to learn with someone who speaks your native language. A Russian-speaking teacher will be able to find more understandable analogies or explain obscure constructions to you.

What are the possible reasons why courses may not be suitable

Finding the right courses can be a challenge for the following reasons:

• It is not always convenient to get to school if it is in a remote location or is off your route. Transportation problems can be a barrier to getting a quality education.
• The cost of tuition can also be a factor in choosing the right course. High tuition prices can limit the affordability of courses for some people.
• Adjusting your work schedule to fit around a rigid class schedule can be difficult. Some people need flexibility in the timing and length of classes to combine study with work or other commitments.
• Group classes are not always comfortable for everyone. Some people are embarrassed to make mistakes in front of others, while others lack individualized attention from the instructor. There are also those who learn quickly and become bored while others are still learning.

If you are facing one or more of the above problems, a tutoring session may help. Tutoring offers many benefits that make learning more flexible and personalized.

With a tutor, it's much easier to agree on class times, as you have the ability to choose the most convenient schedule. In addition, you can easily adjust your study program, focusing on the aspects that are most important to you. The tutor can also pay maximum attention to your needs and questions.

If you don't know how to find a reliable tutor, you can use online platforms such as Uslugi.ge. On such platforms, you can read ratings and reviews of tutors, which will help you choose an experienced tutor that fits your budget. Using such resources, you will be able to find the perfect tutor to help you master German.

It is important to note that tutoring sessions with a tutor allow you to create a personalized approach to learning. Unlike group lessons, you will have the opportunity to focus on your strengths and weaknesses, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the learning process.

In addition, a tutor will be able to provide you with additional materials and resources to help you dive deeper into learning German. This may include additional literature, audio or video materials, or interactive exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of German do I need to have in order to join a beginners' course?

The beginner courses are designed for students with no previous experience of learning German. No prior knowledge is required.

How do I choose between online courses and traditional classroom courses?

The choice depends on your preferences and circumstances. Online courses offer flexibility and accessibility, while traditional classroom courses offer more direct interaction with the instructor and other students.

What is the typical length of beginner courses?

The length of courses can vary from institution to institution. Typically, beginner courses last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

What are the benefits of choosing accredited courses?

Accredited courses usually provide a high level of education and take into account international quality standards. They can also be recognized by other institutions and in the university admissions process.

How do I know which course is right for me?

Do a little research, look at programs and course reviews, seek expert advice or consult your teacher. Choose the course that best suits your needs and goals.