Over 200 people around the world speak German as their mother tongue. It is also the official language of European countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria and Germany. Whatever may be your reasons to learn a German language, it will most likely yield high rewards and give you an edge over others. Whether you are planning to study in Germany or join the workforce, you will be required to have basic proficiency in the German language. The requirement for the level of German language proficiency may differ from place to place.
Now, the main question is how long it takes to learn the German language. The speed with which you acquire mastery over this language will depend on multiple factors. However, it is easier for native English speakers to learn this language. Some of the other factors are as follows:
There are six levels in total, namely, A1 (Lower Beginner), A2 (Upper Beginner), B1 (Lower Intermediate), B2 (Upper Intermediate), C1 (Lower Advanced) and C2 (Upper Advanced/Fluent).
It is challenging to exactly suggest how much time an individual will take to learn the German language. However, we have tried to estimate the amount of time it will take to acquire beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of proficiency in the German language.
As a new speaker, you must be able to introduce yourself, recognise simple and slow-spoken languages, and simple questions.
For example-
At the intermediate level, you must be able to clearly comprehend everyday conversations spoken. This level must allow you to-
If your goal is to become fluent in the German language, an advanced level will help you accomplish it. If you reach this level of competence, you will be able to easily navigate your way through every circumstance in your day-to-day life. This proficiency level will allow you to-
This is one of the first questions asked by a new student to which there is no straightforward answer. Learning a new language is not a linear process and will vary from person to person. Let us take a look at the comprehensive list of elements that influence your speed of leanings-
If you already speak a foreign language or grew up in a bilingual community/country, it would be easier for you to learn the German language. Since it is always the beginning that is the most challenging, if you have previously learned any foreign language, you will be able to pick up grammar easily, retain/remember words, comprehend various sounds, and observe different letters. The process won’t be unfamiliar to your logical brain since it had done this activity earlier.
It is one of the most important aspects of learning a new language as it affects your speed. If you are learning in a closed classroom, you will take more time since the pace of all students will be different and the teacher would plan lessons accordingly. However, if you are taking personal classes, you are more likely to succeed in your goal of speaking the German language within a shorter period.
Since learning any new language requires commitment and diligence, the German language is no different. The amount of time you can invest in learning the language will determine how much time you will take to master it and become fluent. Here, your weekly, monthly and yearly study plan and goals play a significant role.
The main reason why some people are able to pick up a new language quickly is their motivation and inspiration. Some people quit mid-way because they are not able to keep up with the pace. It is important to go back to your reasons/wish to study the German language and how it will add value to your life/career. This will help you reaffirm your determination to become a fluent German language speaker.
To study in Germany, you should be able to prove your proficiency in English as well as the German language. You will be required to submit an official certificate of language. You will be exempted if you are a native speaker or have completed the English or German language program. However, universities do not expect you to speak like natives; the prerequisite exists for the sake of international students who are taking up higher studies in Germany.
You may find it difficult to find a competent German language instructor. You must look for all options including personal tutors, institutes or online courses before making a decision. You might also want to look at the options that are affordable. You can participate in a German retreat, attend an informal Stammtisch (German meeting group) or join an on-line German spoken group to fasten the process.
Some of the best institutes that offer German language courses are Jawaharlal Nehru Academy of Languages, Institute for Career Studies – YMCA, Women’s Training Institute – YWCA, Goethe-Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan), Language Pantheon in Green Park, Delhi, and The German Language School etc. Given the rising trend of learning a foreign language for the sake of getting a job or for higher education, there are many options available, both online and offline, to choose from. So what are you waiting for?!
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Book your Free Counselling Session now!If you pursue 6-8 months of intensive German language courses, you will be able to speak the level of proficiency that will help you navigate your daily life. It is important to note that it is 100 % possible to gain professional proficiency within a year!
You can stay in touch with the language by teaching, reading German news/books and listening to German radio/podcasts, and even joining a community of speakers in your city
If you are eager to learn German faster and become fluent, you can look for a language partner. You can request your classmates or native speakers to talk about anything under the sun.
Some of the best institutes that offer German language courses are Jawaharlal Nehru Academy of Languages, Institute for Career Studies – YMCA, Women’s Training Institute – YWCA, Goethe-Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan), Language Pantheon in Green Park, Delhi, and The German Language School etc.
Please remember that German is Germany’s official language and is spoken by more than 90% of the population though English is spoken in bigger cities. While it is not mandatory to know German, it will help you if you manage to learn the basics of the language and enable you to interact with locals on a day-to-day basis.
