My method answers the needs of those who aren’t satisfied with standard language classes, but neither do they feel prepared to learn German completely on their own. They still would like to get some help and guidance along the way. If they look for private teachers they often find something quite similar to standard classes, only way more expensive. But there’s no reason to worry: Now an alternative exists.
With the German Tutor the game changes. I understand language learning as a form of training and I understand myself as your coach and not as your school teacher. My goal is to help you develop the skills you need and sustain you during this journey. I already supported many other students and I am sure that together we can bring you to fluency.
Check-In
The first thing we are going to do together is to assess the situation: Who you are, what your story is, what resources, goals, interests and previous experiences you have. These are all important aspects to consider in oeder to define your training plan.
This is really essential, because we want to focus on your specific case and find the best path for you to learn German. We will do the “check-in” during our first meeting, which is free of charge. At the end of the check-in, I will propose a first plan of work and based on that you can decide if and when you want to start.
Orientation
One common problem of advanced learners is that at a certain point they find themselves “lost in the jungle of the language”. The reason is that nobody gave them maps or explained to them anything about this journey. But don’t worry: I will give you all the orientation you need.
Thanks to the “check-in” we know where we are. Now it is important to understand where we are going and how. “How will the journey be, what do I have to expect?” I will explain to you how language learning works and we will decide together on the methods and the exercises which will best fit your needs.
Understand vs. Automatize
“To learn” is a too general expression and this is the source of many mistakes. There are certain things you don’t have to learn by heart, but rather understand deeply. On the other hand, there are some aspects of the language, that you don’t just have to remember but which should rather become automatic and instinctive.
We will make clear distinctions between the two and I will teach you how to develop the right learning approach for different knowledges and skills.
Autonomous learning
I do my best to become superfluous. What do I mean by that? I mean that I do my best to give you all the skills and resources you need to learn German autonomously. I want you to become the master and leader of this journey. My role is to sustain you, not to treat you like a child, explain rules and give you homework.
You don’t learn a language in class, you learn it practicing in many different ways every day. Once you found the methods which suit you and you developed your own learning routines, then nothing will stop you, and becoming fluent will only be a matter of time.
Coaching and Sparring
Here I am, your tutor, your coach.
As a coach I will explain things to you and discuss training with you. I will also practice with you, in order to help you get the best out of every exercise. We will listen, read, write and talk together, so that you will feel secure and confident in every context and in every aspect of the training.
But when it comes to “sparring”, to have actual conversations in German, I’ll help you find inexpensive native speakers to talk with. Conversation practice is better done with native, and they don’t need to be coaches with 20 years of learning and teaching experience.
If you are interested in a first meeting, don’t hesitate to contact me and tell me about your actual situation and goals.