A German course is hard to choose on price, attractive videos or “fast B1” promises alone. The same level label can cover different services: general language, exam practice, recorded videos or live teaching. A suitable course should match your goal, current knowledge and capacity for independent work.
These ten questions provide practical comparison criteria. They do not recommend a particular school or promise identical results for everyone. Obtain written answers from the provider rather than guessing from advertising. Mark unclear answers as “unconfirmed”.
1. What exactly will I be able to do afterwards?
Ask the provider to turn “you will reach B1” into practical tasks. How will you practise familiar-topic conversations, short letters or identifying key information in audio? Results should not be measured only by textbook chapters completed.
If you need German for work, name tasks such as understanding instructions and asking questions. For exam preparation, give the full exam name. One course can serve both goals, but their place in the syllabus should be clear.
2. How is my starting level assessed?
Placing you based only on “I am A2” is convenient but may not be enough. Ask whether assessment includes a short conversation and writing task, and how results are explained. A high grammar score does not necessarily mean equally strong speaking.
How can you change levels if the group is wrong for you? Until when, and what happens if no place is available? Clarify this before dissatisfaction arises after the course starts.
3. How long is a lesson hour, and how large is the group?
Do “60 hours” mean sixty 60-minute sessions or units of another length? Are breaks included, and are recordings counted separately from live lessons? Convert live teaching time to the same unit for comparison.
Ask for the maximum group size. Small groups do not guarantee quality, but help you judge the time available for individual speaking. Get an exact limit and pair-work arrangements rather than “the group is small”.
4. How does the teacher provide feedback?
Ask for verifiable information on the teacher’s experience and qualifications. Go beyond a certificate list: find out how writing is commented on, pronunciation corrected and whether resubmission is possible.
Request an anonymised example of marked work. Does it identify errors affecting communication instead of just “good” or a score? Feedback is practical when your next improvement is clear.
5. How is every learner involved in speaking?
In a trial lesson, watch more than the teacher’s explanations. Do learners ask questions, role-play and respond to partners? Taking turns reading a text does not fully replace independent conversation.
For online courses, check microphones, breakout rooms and technical-failure procedures. Camera rules, recording access and usage conditions should be clear beforehand. Do not copy other learners’ information without permission.
6. How much independent work is required each week?
The schedule may involve more than live lessons. Ask about expected homework, listening and writing time. If you only have two hours a week, a course needing lengthy daily preparation may not fit.
Find out how missed lessons can be made up. A recording helps review material but does not fully restore missed live speaking practice. Budget for extra conversation or consultation if charged separately.
7. Are the exam fee and certificate included?
Distinguish a course-completion document from an external language exam result. If the exam is included, confirm its name, centre and number of attempts in writing. “Certificate provided” does not prove acceptance by the authority you need.
Know who is responsible for booking the exam. A teacher may prepare you, but responsibility for checking registration, personal details and payment must be clear.
8. How is the total cost calculated?
Are books, platform access, marking, mock exams and individual help included? List each extra charge separately. Monthly prices alone can mislead when course durations differ.
| Comparison item | Provider’s answer |
|---|---|
| Live teaching volume | Total minutes |
| Independent workload | Estimated weekly time |
| Additional materials | Book and platform charges |
| Individual feedback | How many assignments and what feedback |
| Exam | Separate or included |
| Total | Cost for the full agreed period |
9. What are the terms for stopping or changing the schedule?
Read the written terms before paying: what if a lesson is cancelled, a teacher changes or you are ill? Do not rely on a broad verbal refund promise.
This article does not define cancellation rights in a particular country. Check the contract and applicable rules separately. Clarify unclear clauses before paying; pressure to hurry is not evidence of quality.
10. What should I assess after a trial lesson?
In a fictional example, Madina seeks an evening course. One school offers plenty of speaking practice but clashes with her shifts. Another is cheaper but lacks individual writing feedback. She seeks a third option or narrows her goal instead of automatically choosing the biggest promise.
After the trial, answer three questions: did the task suit me, was my next improvement explained, and can I maintain the schedule? Consider the syllabus and terms alongside first impressions.
Questions and answers
Is an intensive course always better?
No. Your ability to manage the workload matters. If you attend fast-paced lessons but cannot make time for homework, the programme’s pace may not suit you.
Does a higher price mean higher quality?
Price alone does not prove quality. Compare lesson volume, group size, feedback and extras using the same criteria. Do not base your decision on unverifiable success percentages.
Do I need independent resources alongside the course?
Extra practice aligned with the teacher’s programme can help. The online German resources guidehelps you choose one suitable tool to start; you need not sign up to many platforms at once.
