If you’re one of the many students aspiring to study in the prestigious institutes in Germany, learning German is pivotal. These programmes require students to have a good command of the language. Hence, the question arises: How much time does it take to learn German?
The answer is actually quite straight-forward. It just requires, of course, a little planning, but if you are prepared to spend about 4-6 hours in class each week, you will soon be able to have your first conversations in German. Heiko Pfeiffer, Head, Language Must, a language institute based in Shahpur Jat, tells us more:
“I need German A1 Level” (3 months) – This is easy. Plan about 3 months to get it done. At Goethe Institute, this level equals one semester of German. When studying with us, this is a 50 hour course and takes about 8-10 weeks. The A1 exam is very manageable if you prepare with a little focus.
“I need German A2 Level” (6 months) – Plan about 6 months (or 2 semesters) to get this done in a group. We teach A1 & A2 within 100 hours (2 courses).
At the initial levels A1 & A2, students learn to communicate familiar, routine topics, such as introducing themselves, asking for directions and going shopping. By completing these two levels, you will experience that you will not feel like a total stranger in Germany. Asking for help or reading signs at the station, while shopping or reading instructions will be easy for you. You will be able to make yourself understood, express your needs and to exchange information on common and familiar topics. Especially – but not only – in smaller German cities, this will be a huge plus point.
“I need German B1 Level” (9 months) – Plan about 9 months (or 3 semesters) to accomplish B1. We teach these 3 levels within 150 hours or, if you have already completed A2 level, in 50 hours.
“I need German B2 Level” (15 months) – This level is slightly more challenging. As an absolute beginner you should plan about 15 months (or 5 semesters) to accomplish B2 level. B2 is split into 2 courses: B2.1 and B2.2, taking 1 semester each.
As students progress through B1 & B2 levels, they learn to express themselves in more complex situations, e.g. stating and explaining their opinions. Developing a feel for the language, students communicate with increasing fluency and require less help during conversations.
“I have completed this level but need help passing the exam” – If you are struggling to prepare your exam, or are still unsure about any of the exam modules (that is speaking, writing, reading or listening), you can go for tailor-made exam preparation classes. Ranging in between 10-20 hours, our teachers can help you overcome your specific challenges with German. Often it is not necessary to redo an entire course to pass the exam. Tailor-made German classes help you achieve your goal more effectively.
The examinations for the official German certificates, proving that you have acquired a certain proficiency of German (A1, A2, B1, B2, etc.), can only be taken at Goethe Institute (Max Mueller Bhavan in India). There are a number of Goethe Institutes all over India (for example in Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Chandigarh). Call your closest centre to find out about the next exam dates.
While learning German from the Goethe Institute is the most common way to learn German, learning from our language school, Language Must, has other advantages:
– Teachers from Germany: Native Speakers
– Small Groups of only 4-8 Students, starting whenever demand is there
– Customised Groups available, offering you flexibility with your schedule
To find out about the next opportunities to learn German, please go to our website to view Upcoming Courses or call us at 011-2648 1817.
Heiko Pfeiffer
(Head, Language Must)
heiko.pfeiffer@language-must.
Image courtesy: expertenough.com
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