We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.Learn more. Decided to learn German and struggling with der, die, and das? Learning a new language is a challenge, but ultimately it is incredibly rewarding, opening up opportunities to communicate with family, make friends from other countries, and explore new cultures. If you attain a high enough level in your chosen language, exciting new career prospects also open up, including work as a translator or as a language teacher yourself. While the best way to learn German would probably be to live in a German-speaking country, not everyone can drop everything and move to Berlin or Vienna; often, the most accessible way to start is online. But it can be hard to find a course on the web to get started (or to continue) learning German. We've found the best online German classes, taking into account factors like cost, platform, and quality of instruction. Find a class here to propel your German to the next level. Best Online German Classes Best Online German Classes Final Verdict Compare Classes FAQ Methodology Why We Chose It Lingoda is our top pick as the best overall online German class because it offers a flexible class schedule and access to real-life situational learning for a comparably low cost. Pros & Cons Pros Learn with other students in small groups Flexible class schedules Uses real-life situations Cons Other students can direct class time Lessons are somewhat similar Overview Lingoda is a well-respected online language-learning service that combines quality instruction and an affordable price tag. Its system is flexible, allowing you to choose between individual classes—with lessons scheduled at your convenience—and group classes that meet at predetermined times. The group classes cost $12 to $20 per class depending on how many you subscribe to each month. The more classes you buy the cheaper your per-class price. Classes have three to five students in total, including you. Private lessons are $24 to $40 per lesson (depending on frequency—the more often you meet, the less you'll pay), but they may be worth the extra cost for those who learn best one-on-one. Lingoda also offers a Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) certificate, which can be useful for students studying abroad or professionals hoping to get a job in a German-speaking country with a required level of proficiency. Your certificate is available to you once you've completed 90% of your chosen proficiency level. On its website, Lingoda claims that 92% of users are satisfied customers. Lingoda offers a seven-day free trial, which can consist of three group classes or one private class. But you'll have to enter payment information and cancel before the trial ends if you don't wish to be a paid subscriber—otherwise, you'll be billed monthly after the seven days are up. Why We Chose It DeutschAkademie offers a free app and audio course in addition to a wealth of inexpensive exercises and content. These combined benefits make it the best budget online German class. Pros & Cons Pros Plenty of grammar and vocab exercises Good introductory content Cons Better for vocabulary and practice, not great for language structure Overview This free app offers roughly 25,000 grammar and vocabulary exercises, 800 hours of interactive online classes, and a free audio course.In comparison to other popular free apps like Duolingo or Babbel—which have quickly become overwhelming and impersonal—DeutschAkademie is tailor-made to learning German specifically and has an online forum where a native German teacher will personally answer your questions. Structured according to the six levels of the CEFR framework (A1 to C2), DeutschAkademie allows you to easily jump back into learning German if you’ve already started and guides your continued progress. However, like many budget options, the free course is best used for practice and less for learning the structure of the language. If you like the free app, the company offers the opportunity to advance to one of its paid, online live courses—ranging from 50 to 500 euros. Most of the course options include a free language assessment test and tutor with a small class size. The cheapest paid option is a conversation club for 50 euros. Other options include private lessons at 52 euros per hour and corporate classes (language learning with your coworkers). You can also take part in summer classes in German-speaking cities. DeutschAkademie is a great introduction to learning German, with the option to keep it casual and inexpensive or to progress to more serious learning. Why We Chose It Rocket German offers learning for all levels as well as different teaching materials, such as audio lessons, for all learning types. This makes it our pick as the best for flexible learning. Pros & Cons Pros Interactive lessons with voice recognition Coupon discounts Free trial available Cons Relatively expensive No personal feedback Some classes can be boring or repetitive Overview Rocket German covers all the bases, no matter how you learn. The program has German material for all levels. It uses texts with audio samples to help you match the spelling to the sounds and learn through different mediums. This approachable (and useful) beginner course hooks those of us who are less inclined toward nitty-gritty grammar exercises. You can then move on to the “language and culture” course, which addresses the grammar and vocabulary specificities that the other lessons gloss over. There are flashcards for memorizing vocabulary, podcasts for listening comprehension, quizzes to test yourself, and even software for speaking that corrects your pronunciation. The only drawback is that there is no personal tutor with whom you can hone your speaking skills. They also have a mobile app, which allows you to access dozens of hours of audio lessons along with language and culture lessons on the go. This is helpful for being realistic about how you learn: The activation energy of picking up your phone instead of sitting at a desk and opening your computer makes a big difference in self-directed language learning. Courses are divided into three levels, each costing $149.95 with a sale price of $99.95. You can also purchase two levels for $299.90 with a sale price of $249.90. Lastly, there is the option of purchasing all three together for $449.85 with a sale price of $259.90. Getting all three for just $259.90 is obviously the option that offers the best value if you're serious about learning German. With each level, you'll have instant lifetime access to your purchase. Best of all, it comes with some financial flexibility: You can try the products for 60 days, and if you're not satisfied, refunds are available with no questions asked. Why We Chose It GermanPod101 provides podcasts and learning videos with content from native German speakers. It also consistently produces new weekly audio content, making it the best for listening comprehension. Pros & Cons Pros New content every week Free trial available Extra educational resources Cons Poor lesson navigation Not as much immersion as other sites Not much advanced content Overview GermanPod101 is a library of thousands of podcasts and videos in German. All are sourced from native German speakers and revolve around real-life situations, so you will gain a good idea of what to expect from a real conversation with a German speaker. If you are more of an auditory learner or want to improve your listening comprehension for more practical conversations, GermanPod101 is the way to go. When you create your free account, you're asked to identify yourself at one of five language levels: Introduction, Absolute Beginner, Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. Each level has its own lessons, which will appear on your account dashboard. You can edit your chosen level at any time and, in doing so, change the lessons you're shown. As a new member, you can either immediately get a paid subscription or start a seven-day free trial. You'll have access to the premium content library during your free trial period, however, the three levels of monthly subscriptions—Basic at $4, Premium at $10, and Premium Plus at $23—offer varying features. The strongest part of the service, though, lies mostly in its podcasts and videos, which are included in the affordable Basic subscription. The Premium edition adds access to voice recording tools, interactive lesson quizzes, among other platform features. The key feature of the Premium Plus plan is a personalized learning program complete with assignments and assessments from a dedicated teacher. It's recommended that you look elsewhere for drilling vocabulary, perfecting your writingand reading abilities, and improving pronunciation. Overall though, GermanPod101 is lauded for getting familiar with real-life German and is an excellent choice to include in your self-study. Why We Chose It FluentU focuses on teaching language through real-world German videos. This allows users to engage naturally with the content and learn at their own pace, making it the best for casual learning. Pros & Cons Pros Relatively affordable Uses real-world materials Cons Few vocabulary exercises No speech exercises Overview FluentU is a website and mobile app that gathers real-world German videos—such as news clips, movie trailers, and music videos—for use as educational materials. This technique is important because it allows you to start engaging with the language more naturally from the get-go, rather than memorizing theoretical conversations as many competing apps do. It has a quiz feature and keeps track of your vocabulary words. However, it is less of a traditionally structured course and more of a tool to engage with the language. This aspect makes it excellent for more casual learning. While the app is useful for more practical German, it does not have any features for speech and only has limited written vocabulary exercises. Learning through immersive listening is useful for most people, but other folks will miss out on speech improvement. However, if you’re most interested in being able to casually understand the language and watch fun clips, FluentU is a great tool to inspire you to get familiar with German. Otherwise, FluentU could be combined with other services that have a more robust practice feature. And at about $12 per month for the yearly subscription and about $30 per month for the month-to-month option, it’s on the affordable side. Why We Chose It The Goethe-Institut is the best option for learning in a traditional setting because it is a highly-rated institute that offers instructor-led German language content in an individual or group setting. Pros & Cons Pros Instructor-led content, if you want it Certificate of attendance after completion Cons Relatively expensive Overview The Goethe-Institut is a highly respected cultural institution dedicated to sharing and promoting German culture around the world. The institution has 158 locations in 98 countries, giving it a wide global reach. Its head office is in Munich. With courses offered according to the CEFR (A1 to C2), it's easy to figure out which level you should be taking. For those who are comfortable taking a class without a teacher, there's an option you can start shortly after booking. If you'd prefer learning with a teacher, you can choose to do so in an online group course or independently with individual mentoring and support. There are also options for teenagers between 12 and 17 years old and younger children. The lessons offered by the Goethe-Institut are the most traditional of the online German classes here—and also probably the most expensive. But while the price tag of 199–899 euros might seem hefty, you'll receive a certificate of attendance from the respected Goethe-Institut, which could be useful for students looking to study abroad or professionals applying for jobs in Germany. To further bolster your credentials you could take Goethe's language certification exams, which carry even more weight than a course certificate. Why We Chose It Italki provides German language instruction through one-on-one lessons with native speakers, making it the best online German class for conversational practice. Pros & Cons Pros Variety of instructor options at various skill levels Face-to-face communication with native speakers Cons Some instructors are expensive Quality can vary by tutor Overview Italki is a language-learning software that connects you with a German tutor for a one-hour video chat. While a lot of programs out there might include a side feature that allows you to connect face-to-face with your tutor or a native speaker, italki’s affordability, flexibility, and ease of use earn it the crown for practicing speaking. Your tutors will be freelancers with varying levels of teaching experience. The more expensive teachers—who sometimes charge as much as $80 an hour—have taught at language schools or have a teaching certificate and will be able to explain grammar to you. The inexpensive classes—for as low as $4 an hour—are for 60 minutes of casual conversation with a native speaker or someone with high proficiency. However, most teachers don't price themselves at the extremes and cost between $7 and $30 per hour. The learning experience with italki will vary greatly depending on your tutor, and you could probably spend hours finding the right one. Luckily, many tutors offer a 30-minute trial lesson for a lower price, which is a great option for finding someone who you enjoy learning with. If you're serious about learning German, we recommend checking out Lingoda first. It's affordable and allows you to learn in a group setting where you can practice your skills. The other picks on our list may be right for you if you're looking for something in particular; DeutschAkademie provides a great product at a good value, for example, while Goethe-Institut offers a comprehensive education in a traditional setting but costs more. Depending on your native language, the hardest part of learning German can vary. For native English speakers, verbs are commonly the most difficult part of learning German. Specifically, prefix verbs can be especially difficult for English speakers who are used to being able to use the base verb on its own. The time it takes to learn German can vary depending on the level of fluency you are aiming for. For full fluency, it takes at least three years, if not more. However, to gain an early intermediate level of fluency, it only takes about one and a half years. Duolingo is a great starting place and can help you reach an intermediate level of fluency. To achieve high fluency, you may want to find a more in-depth program. According to the Goethe Institute, there are four German language learning levels. The sixth level, called C2, is autonomous language ability which means high fluency. We researched more than 20 online German classes before narrowing it down to the top seven. We chose the best online German classes based on a number of factors, including their pricing, flexibility, and whether they come with a certification. The availability of individualized help and user reviews were also considered. Article Sources Lingoda. "How to Get CEFR Certified With Lingoda." Lingoda. "About Us." German Academy. "Free Online German Course." Goethe-Institut. "Mission." Goethe Institute. "Course Levels A1-C2."The 7 Best Online German Classes of 2023
Best Overall :Lingoda
Best Budget :German Academy
Best for Flexible Learning :Rocket German
Best for Listening Comprehension :GermanPod101
Best for Casual Learning :FluentU
Best for Learning in a Traditional Setting :Goethe-Institut
Best for Conversational Practice :italki
Final Verdict
Compare the Best Online German Classes
Class Cost Free Trial Additional Features Lingoda Best Overall $12–$20 per class, $24–$40 per private lesson Yes, 7-day Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) certificate German Academy Best Budget 50 to 500 euros Free app and audio course Online question forum Rocket German Best for Flexible Learning $149.95 per course, $449.90 bundled Yes On-the-go mobile lessons GermanPod101 Best for Listening Comprehension $4–$23 Yes, 7-day Sourced from native German speakers FluentU Best for Casual Learning Around $30/month or $12/month when paid annually Yes, 14-day Real-world educational materials Goethe-Institut Best for Learning in a Traditional Setting 199–899 euros Yes, free trial sessions vary by location Access to individual mentoring italki Best for Conversational Practice About $4–$80 Yes, varies by tutor One-hour tutor video chats Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest part of learning German?
How long does it realistically take to learn German?
Can Duolingo make you fluent in German?
What level is fluent German?
Methodology
FAQs
The 7 Best Online German Classes of 2023? ›
I highly recommend this to everyone who wants to learn German and experience the culture deeply combined with a lot of fun. Even for people who are only looking to learn the language without the cultural part, Goethe is still the best choice due to the quality of the courses and the great learning atmosphere.
Which is the best German course? ›Best Overall German Course | Smarter German |
---|---|
Best for German Grammar | Wunderbla |
Best for Group Learning | Deutsch Akademie Trainer |
Best for Self-Study | Goethe Institut |
Best Free German Course | LingoHut |
I highly recommend this to everyone who wants to learn German and experience the culture deeply combined with a lot of fun. Even for people who are only looking to learn the language without the cultural part, Goethe is still the best choice due to the quality of the courses and the great learning atmosphere.
What is the most recognized German certificate? ›The Goethe-Institut certificate (Zertifikat) is recognised worldwide as a German language certification, and can be used in Germany for visa, residence permit and citizenship applications, as well as for university entrance requirements.
What is the most recognized German language certificate? ›The Goethe-Certificate of the Goethe Institute is one of the most meaningful confirmations of your language level. They offer certificates in all levels from A1 to C2.
Can I learn A1 German in 3 months? ›How Long Does It Take To Learn German A1? According to the Goeth Institute, it takes at least 2-3 months for someone to learn German A1 daily. While some courses offer weekend options or 3-day weekday lessons, it generally takes about three months to learn German at this level, depending on your motivation.
Can I learn German B2 in 3 months? ›Even though most of them learn relatively fast and achieve B1/B2 level in about 12 months, just a few of them get to B2 level in 4-8 months.
How many years does it take to learn German fluently? ›According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI), you'll need about 750 hours of study to become fluent in German. This means that if you study 12-15 hours a week, you'll be able to speak like a pro in just a year!
Where is the best place to study German? ›- Berlin.
- Munich.
- Vienna.
- Zurich.
- Explore ALL German language programs now.
Out of these, over 190 Udemy German language courses have an average student rating of 4.5 & above. Udemy German language courses are created by top-rated German instructors and are beneficial for those who want to learn German language for various purposes.
How much does Goethe cost? ›
Course | Level | Price |
---|---|---|
Intensive course | ||
14 Weeks | A2 | INR 24,000 |
Intensive course | ||
14 Weeks | A2 | INR 24,000 |
Are you wondering which exam to take? What the differences are? To make it short: there are no significant differences, as both – Goethe and telc – are recognized testing bodies. Just take the exam that suits you better in terms of testing dates and/or price (telc exams tend to be cheaper than the Goethe ones).
Why is Goethe so expensive? ›Why is the Goethe exam so pricey? Conducting the exams is an immense administrative endeavor. In addition to paying a fee to the Goethe-Institut for each test taken, our proctors have to attend training sessions for each of the six levels and get recertified every five years for each test.
Will my German degree be recognized in the US? ›A common question from international students is, “Will US employers accept my degree from abroad?” We're here to give you a deeper look into this. The short answer is, yes, the majority of US employers will accept your international degree.
What is the most difficult German exam? ›Exam Comparison | Difficulty | Recognition |
---|---|---|
TestDaF Exam | More difficult than Goethe exam but less difficult than DSH exam | Widely recognized by German universities |
DSH Exam | Considered to be the most difficult of the three exams | Recognized by most German universities that offer German courses |
Yes. If you have a degree from Germany (or virtually anywhere else), it will be recognized in the US.
What level of German is considered fluent? ›The German language has 6 CEFR levels – starting with A1 (absolute beginner), and ending with C2 (completely fluent).
How hard is it to get C1 German? ›The Level C1 in German requires a very high language level and is therefore correspondingly difficult. For many students, the C1 level in German is a great challenge. However, there are also many resources to prepare for the exam. With the right motivation and the will to pass the exam, anyone can pass the C1 level!
How hard is it to get B1 German? ›The B1 level is the most difficult because of the lot of grammar and vocabulary knowledge that you need to grasp. No matter, how difficult or lengthy it looks, learn things slowly and reinforce all you have done as you may go through.
How long does it take to go from A1 to B2 in German? ›Assess your current level & test your German online! | Intensive course (20 lessons/week) | |
---|---|---|
A1 | beginner | 8 weeks |
A2 | elementary | 8 weeks |
B1 | intermediate | 8 weeks |
B2 | upper intermediate | 10 weeks* |
How hard is the German A1 test? ›
The A1 test isn't to be taken lightly, but it's not impossible either. It's a very basic test, and it's not designed to throw any curveballs at you. If you go about things intelligently, you can pass this test and not have to worry about it ever again.
What level of German is required to work in Germany? ›Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required. German for your spouse: Are you entering Germany with your spouse, who will work in Germany?
What is the fees for B2 German exam? ›Exam Fee | Internal candidates INR | External candidates INR |
---|---|---|
Goethe Zertifikat B2 | 12,000 Modul 3,000 | 16,400 Modul 4,100 |
Goethe Zertifikat C1 | 7,600 | 12,400 |
Goethe Zertifikat C2 | 16,400 Modul 4,100 | 20,800 Modul 5,200 |
Goethe-Test PRO | 4,800 | 4,800 |
The speaking and listening exercises do not come up as often and are often not very accurate. Yes!!!! Yes you can easily complete level B1 to C1 in one year. One year duration is more than enough, if you have your full attention and effort towards German language.
How long is a German B2 certificate valid? ›Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date. The exam has 4 modules (reading, writing, listening and speaking) which are graded from 0 to 100. to A minimum score of 60/100 is required to pass each of them.
What is the hardest language to learn? ›Across multiple sources, Mandarin Chinese is the number one language listed as the most challenging to learn. The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center puts Mandarin in Category IV, which is the list of the most difficult languages to learn for English speakers.
How many hours a day to learn German? ›Language students who practice a method of complete immersion, with eight hours of practice per day, could learn German to a high level in a matter of months. Those who dedicate at least one hour per day to language learning can achieve an intermediate level within two years.
How quickly can English speakers learn German? ›For this reason, English speakers will learn German much faster than French. In fact, it takes a native English speaker an average of 30 weeks (750 hours) to become fluent in German.
What makes German hard to learn? ›German has a reputation for being pretty challenging for English speakers. There are many factors that make learning it a difficult task – the grammar, pronunciation, and the numerous verb forms just to name a few. But with enough dedication and practice, anyone can learn to speak this challenging language.
What is the fastest way to learn German? ›Immersion forces German learners to use the language on a daily basis, helps them connect with native speakers, and teaches them valuable knowledge about German culture. Not only that, but it does all of this within a very short period of time. Immersion is, without a doubt, one of the fastest ways to learn German.
What is the best way to learn German at home? ›
- Work your way through a few lessons. When you're first starting to learn German, it's a good idea to have a guide, and there are lots of free options. ...
- Listen to German radio and podcasts. ...
- Watch German TV shows. ...
- Meet German speakers. ...
- Plan a virtual trip to Germany.
- 1- COLOGNE. According to experts, the best German (or at least the most “pure”) is spoken in Germany's fourth largest city. ...
- 2- BERLIN. ...
- 3- FRANKFURT. ...
- 4- HANOVER. ...
- 5- MUNICH.
- Learn the basics. The foundation of the German language is its vocabulary, verbs (and their conjugated forms), sentence structure and grammar rules. ...
- Learn and memorize German idioms. ...
- Practice speaking German. ...
- Learn German pronunciation. ...
- Practice reading and writing. ...
- Watch German media.
Germany is an excellent option if you're looking for affordable and high-quality education. If you want to be in an English-speaking environment and have the opportunity to travel within America, the USA is a good choice.
Is Udemy accredited in USA? ›While Udemy is not an accredited institution, we offer skills-based courses taught by real-world experts in their field.
How legit is Udemy certification? ›Certifications and Accreditation
Udemy is not an accredited institution, and most of its content will not qualify students for college credit or certification unless a program has specified otherwise.
Udemy is not considered an accredited institution, which means courses will not count toward college credit or continuing education units (CEUs). However, many of the courses are worthwhile and can help you develop new skills or improve skills you already possess.
How can I learn German A1 at home for free? ›- Duolingo.
- Memrise.
- Lingvist.
- DeutschAkademie's German audio course.
- Easy German.
- Extr@
- ZDF Mediathek.
- FluentU.
If you´d like to work in Germany you´ll get by if your German is on level B1/B2 (online test). The certificate issued by GLS is recognized by many employers and even some universities in Germany.
Is German B2 difficult? ›How hard is B2 level German? The German language is complex yet highly systematic. For a systematic language, you need a systematic course structure though. If the course material you are using has a thought-out structure, then it shouldn't be difficult.
Is Goethe exam hard? ›
German A2 exam pattern is quite simple. As it's a language, there are 4 modules- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It is a 60 points exam and you have to score a minimum 36 points (60%) to pass the exam.
What is the Goethe-Institut controversy? ›The Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial said Friday that after talks were held with the Goethe Institut, the German cultural institute had decided to altogether cancel a controversial planned event that was accused of drawing an equivalence between the Holocaust to the Palestinian Naqba.
Is Duolingo better than Babbel? ›The biggest difference between Babbel and Duolingo is the approach to language learning. Babbel is a better option if you want traditional language instructions through modules and lessons. By contrast, Duolingo works great if you need a playful, gamified experience.
What is better than Duolingo for German? ›LingoDeer might not be as well-known as other language learning apps but is considered to be an alternative and even superior to Duolingo. Crafted by language teachers, LingoDeer's curriculum and exercises train your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills.
Is Udemy German course worth it? ›Out of these, over 190 Udemy German language courses have an average student rating of 4.5 & above. Udemy German language courses are created by top-rated German instructors and are beneficial for those who want to learn German language for various purposes.
Is it possible to learn German online? ›Anytime and anywhere: Learn German online and with our proven Goethe quality. No matter whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, no matter whether you want to learn German for professional or private reasons, you will find the right German online course for you.
Has anyone become fluent from Babbel? ›You will most likely not become fluent with Babbel. It's a solid language app and can give you a strong foundation in your target language, but to achieve fluency, you'll need to use other resources. While it won't help you become fluent, Babbel can help you improve your language skills.
How much does Babbel cost a month? ›Babbel offers several different subscription options to choose from ranging from around $7 to $14 per month, depending on the length of access you want (3-months, 6-months, etc).
What are the weaknesses of Babbel? ›Content may be too basic for advanced speakers. Babbel has a limited amount of speaking exercises and feedback is not as thorough as competitors. Babbel does not offer live tutoring, which means users cannot speak with a live tutor to practice their language skills. Babbel offers a limited amount of free content.
What level of German does Duolingo get you to? ›At Duolingo, we're developing our courses to get you to a level called B2, at which you can get a job in the language you're studying. Reaching that kind of proficiency requires dedication, varied practice opportunities, and a lot of time.
Can you become fluent in German from Duolingo? ›
By the end of the course, you'll definitely be more advanced than when you started. However, if you want to reach fluency, you can't just rely on Duolingo alone. A good tool to use — either alongside Duolingo or after you've completed the course — is GermanPod101.
Can I learn German fluently with Duolingo? ›The world's most popular way to learn German online
Learn German in just 5 minutes a day with our game-like lessons. Whether you're a beginner starting with the basics or looking to practice your reading, writing, and speaking, Duolingo is scientifically proven to work.
Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
What is the best way to learn German on your own? ›- Work your way through a few lessons. When you're first starting to learn German, it's a good idea to have a guide, and there are lots of free options. ...
- Listen to German radio and podcasts. ...
- Watch German TV shows. ...
- Meet German speakers. ...
- Plan a virtual trip to Germany.
The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) estimates that learning German will take about 30 weeks, or 750 classroom hours, as it is rated as a category two language similar to English.
Is 1 year enough to learn German? ›It is estimated that a total of 30 weeks or 750 classroom hours are necessary to learn German. But you could complete those 750 hours in a matter of months or over the course of many years.