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 π©βπ«
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.
Commuting time π
Unless you live in a castle, the commuting time is very shortβjust the time it takes to move to the room where your PC is π.
This is one of the significant advantages of taking online lessonsβno 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 π 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 spokenβin 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 βοΈ
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 ποΈ: 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
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.
Level | What is expected |
---|---|
A1 | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions. Introduce himself and others. Have a basic conversation with someone who speaks slowly and clearly. |
A2 | Understand sentences and frequently used expressions. Can communicate routinely tasks, in a simple way. Can get by in the country, even if with some difficulty. |
B1 | Can 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. |
B2 | Understand 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. |
C1 | Understand 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. |
C2 | It’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 π.
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 π.
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 β°
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 SpaΓ (you have fun)!
Pricing of the lessons π°
For the invaluable service of teaching you German I ask you a modest contribution π.
For the fees of my German lessons go to the Fees page.
The Lesson π©βπ»
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.