A German Lesson with Skype

German lessons with Skype

In a German lesson with Skype, you have the opportunity to comfortably learn the language while sitting in your favorite armchair at home or wherever you prefer.

This modern medium of teaching is often considered second-class learning, which is a misconception in my opinion.

Perhaps this resistance to technological progress or the belief that traditional lessons provide more engagement and interactivity are the reasons why they are generally considered superior.

But are we certain that’s the case?

In 2024 technological progress has advanced to the point where online lessons are no longer a challenge.

Specially for language lessons, online learning has proved to be an innovative way to learn, solving many problems, such as those related to the proximity between students and teachers.

Nowadays, broadband Internet connections allow for good transmission of audio and video, so there is no need to worry about call dropping or poor audio quality, keeping the focus on language learning.

In a Skype lesson, it feels like being face to face with each other. The lesson can be just as engaging and interactive as any traditional lesson.

The ability to share audio and screen is a useful tool for teachers, who can play audio texts, assign tasks, and give homework to students.

One of the advantages of Skype lessons is the option to record them. Both audio and video can be recorded for later use.

On this page we are going to learn about 1:1 German lessons with Skype. If you are interested in group course have a look to my page virtual classroom German

About me πŸ‘©β€πŸ«

I’m a polyglot teacher with a degree in linguistics and have been teaching German as a foreign language (DAF, Deutsch als Fremdsprache) for thirteen years.

As a language tutor, I have taught in both individual and group courses for adults and children.

Recently, I have launched my German courses with Skype taking advantage of what I have learned during these many years of tutoring.

I know how to focus on speaking rather than providing sterile grammar lessons.

Pros of a lesson with Skype

Before delving into the details of my German courses, let’s review the advantages of learning a new language online.

the pro of a German lesson online via Skype

Commuting time 🚌

Unless you live in a castle, the commuting time is very shortβ€”just the time it takes to move to the room where your PC is 😜.

This is one of the significant advantages of taking online lessonsβ€”no commuting required.

On the other hand, imagine having to travel to your language school at the end of an exhausting workday and then travel back home. Like our friend in the picture below.

Native speaker teacher

Of course, you want to learn from a native speaker teacher who speaks accent-free German and knows all the intricacies of the language.

Unfortunately, you cannot always find a native German speaker teacher available nearby where you live.

With a German Skype lesson, you can be anywhere in the world 🌍 and have a German native speaker available to you at all times.

This enriches your learning experience.

Language and culture

When learning a new language, it’s not just about focusing on the technicalities of the language; you are probably interested in learning about the culture of the country where the language is spokenβ€”in our case, Germany.

Hence, your German language course should also include a German culture component. This is another reason to have a real native speaker living in Germany as your teacher.

In my language learning program, I cover many topics inspired by real life in Germany and German-speaking countries.

Safety ⛑️

In today’s uncertain times, safety is a paramount concern. Do you feel comfortable inviting a stranger into your home or going to someone else’s place?

With online lessons, such concerns simply do not arise. You can learn the new language in a completely safe environment, without any fears or apprehensions.

My language class

A course for every need:

  • Generic German Course: This is our most popular language course, catering to learners at various levels. You can choose to have 1 or 2 lessons per week, or even 1 lesson every second week, allowing you to learn at your own pace while building a strong foundation in German.
  • Intensive Course: For those seeking faster progress, the intensive course offers 2 or 3 lessons per day, from Monday to Thursday. This immersive learning experience ensures rapid language acquisition and helps you develop a high level of proficiency in a shorter time frame.
  • Course for Juniors: Teaching techniques for younger learners, especially pre-school children who are still developing reading and grammar comprehension skills, require a specialized approach. I’m trained to provide age-appropriate instruction that makes language learning fun and engaging for juniors.
  • Crash Course for Vacation πŸ–οΈ: Planning a trip to a German-speaking country? The crash course is designed to equip you with the necessary language skills and cultural knowledge to make the most of your vacation. Learn practical vocabulary, useful phrases, and essential cultural tips to enhance your travel experience.
  • Exam Preparation: Preparation courses for various exams, including testDAF, Goethe certificate, and telc certificate, which are among the most widely recognized certifications. I am well-versed in the specific requirements of these exams and will help you train in the relevant competency areas, ensuring you feel confident and prepared on test day.
  • Conversation Course: If you have devoted considerable time to grammar but still struggle to speak fluently, our conversation course is the perfect solution. I will guide you through engaging discussions and activities that encourage spontaneous conversation, helping you gain fluency and confidence in your speaking skills.

CEFR Levels

CEFR language level

I offer lessons for all levels.

The meaning of each level is defined by the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). It defines six levels of foreign language proficiency: A1 and A2, B1 and B2, C1 and C2.

Have a look at the table below to see what language skills are expected for each level.

LevelWhat is expected
A1Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions. Introduce himself and others. Have a basic conversation with someone who speaks slowly and clearly.
A2Understand sentences and frequently used expressions. Can communicate routinely tasks, in a simple way. Can get by in the country, even if with some difficulty.
B1Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar topics. Can produce simple connected text on familiar topics. Can express personal experiences and opinions, talks about events and plans.
B2Understand the main points of complex text, including tech discussion in his field of expertise. Produce clear and detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
C1Understand a wide range of complex, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. He doesn’t need preparation for the topics. Produce clear and well-structured text, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.
C2It’s comparable to a mother tongue. He can understand everything heard and read. Understand and can use finer shades of meaning.

Level of the courses

A1 German language courses are designed for beginners, with a focus on learning the grammar. However, we also cater to those who prefer a less grammar-intensive approach.

So don’t be afraid if you don’t like grammar, there is a solution πŸ˜‰.

As you progress from A2 to B1, we gradually transition from abstract grammar concepts to more complex German vocabulary and phrases. Our emphasis lies in enhancing language comprehension, with due attention to pronunciation, an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of language learning.

B2 serves as a consolidation course, preparing you for higher proficiency levels. Considered a significant milestone, passing the B2 level is a cause for celebration πŸŽ‰.

At C1, our courses focus on expanding vocabulary and improving conversational skills, enabling you to express yourself confidently.

C2, the highest level, allows you to master the language in all its facets, empowering you to engage in challenging conversations with native speakers. If you’re up for the next challenge, you can even explore German dialects.

Between us, C1 and C2 German courses provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience, predominantly centered around spoken German, facilitating fluency development and expanding your German vocabulary.

Duration of the lesson ⏰

When you choose the length of the lesson, consider all the important factors, remembering that learning German must be a pleasure first.

Some factors to take into account are: how long you can follow without losing attention, how much money you want to spend, how much time you have to learn German… everything that comes to your mind.

You can choose between 3 options for the duration of the lesson:

  • 15 minutes. You know how to use your time! Prepare your questions upfront. If you want me to correct a text, send me the text in advance.
  • 45 minutes. You come from a long working day. It is best not to overwork with too long a lesson. This is a perfect choice also for children and teenagers, who can’t stay focused too long.
  • 90 minutes. You are really motivated, children are not starving at home and du hast Spaß (you have fun)!

Pricing of the lessons πŸ’°

For the invaluable service of teaching you German I ask you a modest contribution πŸ˜‰.

For the fees of my German lessons go to the Fees page.

The Lesson πŸ‘©β€πŸ’»

If you have never taken online lessons you might be wondering how does it look like?

The teacher and the learner have a handful of tools to make the lesson effective. Some of these tools are inherited directly from the traditional lesson, some are peculiar to online learning. Let’s review them.

the virtual blackboard in the online lesson
Blackboard

It is a fundamental tool in every school classroom.

We have a virtual blackboard where one can write and draw.

audio connection German lesson with Skype
Audio

Obviously, the live audio connection allows you to listen and speak at the same time.

webcam for the online lesson
Webcam

With the addition of the video, the feeling of the classroom is complete.

lesson chat
Chat

In the chat, you can write difficult words, or make communications that you want to remain.

sharing documents with the student
Documents Sharing

All useful documents can be shared, before, during, or after the call. Newspaper articles, copies, exercises.

Skype recording
Recording

With Skype one can record audio and video, to be watched later offline.

What you need

This is my checklist of what you need for taking online German classes.

βœ”οΈ A computer πŸ’»

Windows PC, Linux PC, Android tablet, Apple computer, anything is fine.

Technically you could use a smartphone as well, but this is not so practical as the screen is small and you are requested to read what’s on the screen.

βœ”οΈ Software

No bulky language-learning software, just a common and easily available and used-by-all software: Skype.

Download it from the official website, and install it following the instruction.

To use it you need to create an account, this is free, as well as the software. Skype to Skype calls are also free.

Any account of the Microsoft ecosystem will allow you to sign in: Skype account, Outlook.com, OneDrive, Microsoft, else.

If you have a Windows PC, these are the requirements to install it.

Required
VersionWindows 10 Version 1507 or above
Windows 8.1
Windows 8
Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions supported)
ProcessorAt least 1 GHz
RAMAt least 512 MB
Additional softwareDirectX v9.0 or higher

βœ”οΈ Webcam

For the online course, a webcam is not strictly necessary, but I prefer to have the opportunity to look at my students’ faces. This contributes to better interactivity of the lesson.

βœ”οΈ Headset and Microphone 🎧 πŸŽ™οΈ

You need a headset and a microphone to listen and speak.

It is suggested to have a headset instead of using a PC’s loudspeaker. With the latter, the voice couples back in the microphone, resulting in a disturbing echo during the lesson.

A classical call-center headset will do the work.

βœ”οΈ Internet connection

The bandwidth required for a video call in standard quality is 300Kbit/s in download and upload.

βœ”οΈ The book πŸ“–

Upon deciding which language level is the most appropriate, and the course you would like to make, I will suggest you a textbook.

I will give you other materials during the our German language classes.

Booking a German lesson with Skype

There are two possibilities to book a lesson.

Using the booking system

You can book it directly in my online booking system.

Visit the link above, choose a day, and find a free slot. As simple as that.

A regular lesson can be of 45 or 90 minutes. I also offer the possibility to book a mini-slot of 15 minutes, if you have urgent questions for the preparation of an essay or exam for example.

In the booking system, you can choose the duration (15, 45, 90 minutes) as well as how many lessons do you want to book.

You can book as many lessons as you like.

At the end of the booking, you are requested to pay with Paypal or credit card.

I book you in

Another possibility to book a lesson is to get in contact with me with your request and I will book you in.

Just tell me what are your needs, where are your difficulties if you already started learning, when would you like to have a lesson. The more information the better!

Free Trial Lesson

Of course, learning German as a second language requires some time, therefore you might be planning to take a complete course.

In this case, you want to be sure that I’m the right teacher for you before you pay the entire course.

No problem, I can offer you a free trial lesson, it will be a demonstration of how to make an online German lesson and of my teaching methods.

Did I turn on your interest? Book a lesson or get in contact with me.

Book a Lesson Now

Flexible price structure. More lessons, more savings!