Learning a new language is beneficial whether you plan to travel to Germany or want to connect with the culture. German is closely related to English and has many idioms that you might be familiar with.
German lessons near me are readily available for students of all levels. There are many options to choose from including in-person and online classes.
Find a Tutor
There are a variety of ways to find a tutor for German lessons, including online and in-person. Online learning offers the benefits of convenience and affordability. Unlike in-person lessons, online classes do not require travel costs and can be scheduled around your schedule. For example, TakeLessons is an online learning platform that connects students with teachers in their area. For instance, Kerstin, a teacher in Brooklyn with a Master’s from Harvard Graduate School of Education, is available to teach you German through their website.
Another option is Fluent City, which provides a virtual classroom setting that allows up to ten students to learn German with an instructor. The price is $399 and the program is ideal for beginners or those who need a refresher course. The program includes conversation practice, learning the alphabet and pronunciation, and using grammar in simple sentences.
You can also try Italki, which is a free application that connects you with a native speaker for one-on-one sessions. The website lists tutors’ profiles with information like their qualifications and feedback from clients, and they charge an hourly rate.
When you choose an online tutor, make sure to explain your goals clearly and meet regularly. If you don’t, what you’ve learned may fade over time. Also, remember that online tutors are often paid by the hour, so you’ll need to budget accordingly.
Online Classes
Whether you’re trying to reach academic, business, or travel goals with your German, learning the language is easier and more convenient than ever thanks to online classes. While it’s not as immersive as in-person lessons, you can still benefit from the help of a teacher and the comfort of your own home without having to deal with a long commute.
CUNY Brooklyn College offers a wide range of courses, from Elementary German to German for Business, in their fall, spring, and summer terms, and even offers a free email course for beginners. Other online German options include lingoni, which has a seven-day free trial that can be used to take group lessons or private tutoring sessions.
Rocket Languages has a flexible, convenient program that allows you to learn German at your own pace and provides a variety of practice exercises. It also comes with a mobile app, which makes it easy to work on your vocabulary and speaking skills while on the go.
Lingoda is another online option that provides students with a curated collection of lessons from top teachers, which covers all the major topics like grammar, verb conjugation, and pronunciation. Its interactive features make it a fun way to practice your German, especially its fill in the blank and listening games.
SmarterGerman is a more intensive language learning program that focuses on reading, writing, and listening but also covers grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Its immersive learning style can be a good fit for dedicated students, but less motivated learners may find it overwhelming.
In-Person Classes
In-person classes are another option for students looking to learn German. For example, ABC Languages offers an Intro German Crash Course that runs for an hour and a half and costs $55. Students will receive instruction in pronunciation and key challenge points in the language. They will also be introduced to cultural topics. This class is a good way for students to determine whether or not they want to continue learning German.
There are a variety of virtual classes available for students who wish to learn German online. For example, the New York City German Culture Group meets monthly and is open to people of all ages and language levels. Students in this group will learn about German culture while making friends who share a passion for the language. They will also practice their German skills by visiting restaurants such as Heidelberg Restaurant and Old Bavaria Inn.
If you are interested in taking a German class in-person, the Bronxville Adult School offers one called Beginner 1. This class consists of eight sessions and is designed for students who don’t know any German. It covers communication basics such as introducing yourself, providing personal information, counting, talking about your occupation and daily routine, and understanding time schedules. In addition to the conversational aspects of this class, the students will write short German texts.
Private Tutors
Whether you are prepping for a trip to Germany, have a German-speaking job interview coming up, or want to improve your business communication skills, learning the German language with the help of a private tutor may be an excellent option for you. In addition to helping you master the grammar and vocabulary of German, a private tutor can also offer individualized feedback on your pronunciation and help you practice speaking German in a comfortable environment.
Many online and in-person resources exist to connect you with a qualified German tutor. These resources are often free or provide a low cost of entry for a trial lesson. Some sites, such as Tutors Live, are long-established and allow you to find teachers who have been vetted by the site. These teachers may be certified to teach German or have experience teaching the language at a university or through private tutoring. Many also have a strong cultural understanding of Germany.
VerbalPlanet enables learners to find native German teachers for one-on-one lessons on Skype. Tutors’ profiles include student reviews, personal information and hourly rates (for 45-minute classes). Those on a budget can try a free trial lesson to find the right teacher for them. Another platform, MyLingoTrip, enables learners to order a package of 20 sessions and get one-on-one instruction from a German teacher on Skype for a fixed price.