How Long Does It Take to Learn German? A Comprehensive Answer

Embarking on the journey of learning a new language often stems from various personal motivations. With over 200 million speakers globally, German stands out as a highly rewarding and popular option. But how long does it actually take to learn German?

Luckily, for native English speakers, German is among the more accessible foreign languages to master. However, the speed at which you learn depends on several factors:

• The amount of effort you’re willing to invest
• The frequency of your practice (the more, the better!)
• Selecting an effective learning method or technique (taking a German course with a native teacher from Language Trainers, a company that emphasises personalised in-person learning, is the way to go!)

→Sign Up Now: Free Trial German Lesson With a Native Teacher!←

In this blog, we’ll explore several key factors to provide an honest answer to one of our readers’ most burning question: How long does it take to learn German?

Let’s get started.

Estimated Time of Practice for English Speakers

When discussing how long it takes to learn German, one useful reference is the American Foreign Service Institute (FSI). The FSI is an institution that provides training to U.S. diplomats and government employees, and it categorises languages based on the difficulty for native English speakers to learn them. The FSI classifies languages into five categories, with Category I being the easiest and Category V the most difficult.

German is classified as a Category II language by the FSI, meaning it is considered relatively easy for English speakers to learn. According to FSI estimates, it takes approximately 750 classroom hours to achieve “Professional Working Proficiency” in German. This level of proficiency means being able to understand and participate in conversations on various topics, read newspapers and magazines, and write memos and letters with adequate grammar and vocabulary.

To put things into perspective, French, another Category I language, takes about 600-750 hours to reach a similar level of proficiency. In contrast, a Category IV language like Chinese is significantly more challenging for English speakers, with the FSI estimating around 2,200 hours of study to achieve Professional Working Proficiency. This stark difference highlights the relative ease of learning German compared to more linguistically distant languages.

3 Important Factors that Determine How Long It Takes to Learn German

Ultimately, how long it takes to learn German varies from person to person based on several factors that go from the quality of the instruction received to your willingness to keep learning outside class.

Here are three important considerations to help you estimate your German learning timeline.

The Quality of Your Learning Methods

While motivation is crucial, the quality of your learning methods plays an even bigger role in your success. The internet is overflowing with outdated textbooks and ineffective resources. To truly master German, you need a communicative approach tailored to your interests and learning style.

A communicative approach focuses on practical usage of the language in real-life situations. This method emphasises conversation, listening, and interactive activities over rote memorisation. For instance, if you’re passionate about German cinema, incorporating films and related discussions into your lessons can enhance your engagement and retention.

At Language Trainers, we offer the best way to learn German through personalised lessons. Whether you prefer online German classes or in-person German lessons, our one-to-one and small-group sessions are designed to match your specific needs. Plus, we even offer a free trial German lesson online to get you started on the right foot.

How Much Time You Spend Learning

The frequency and consistency of your study sessions significantly impact how quickly you learn German. According to the FSI, achieving Professional Working Proficiency in German requires around 750 hours of study. Let’s break down what this could look like in different scenarios:

1. Intensive Study: If you dedicate 15 hours per week to learning German, you could reach your goal in about a year. This schedule might involve daily lessons and regular practice sessions, ideal for those who want to learn quickly.
2. Moderate Pace: If you can only commit to 7-8 hours per week, you’re looking at approximately two years to reach the same level of proficiency. This approach might include a few lessons per week supplemented by self-study and practice.

The key is to maintain a regular schedule and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible.

Immersion Is Key

A significant portion of language learning, often around 25%, comes from immersion outside formal instruction. Immersion means surrounding yourself with the language through cultural exposure, entertainment, and everyday experiences.

For example, you can learn German in London by attending cultural events such as London Oktoberfest, joining German language meetups, or visiting German restaurants like Schnitzel Heaven. Watching German films, listening to German music, and reading German books or newspapers are also effective ways to integrate the language into your daily life.

Immersing yourself in these activities not only enhances your understanding of the language but also deepens your appreciation of German culture. This holistic approach makes learning more enjoyable and effective.

So, how long will it take you to learn German?

In summary, how long it takes to learn German varies based on the quality of your learning methods, the amount of time you dedicate to studying, and the level of immersion you achieve. By choosing a communicative and personalised approach, such as the lessons offered by Language Trainers, and committing to a regular study schedule, you can significantly accelerate your progress. Additionally, immersing yourself in German culture and language activities will enhance your learning experience. With dedication and the right resources, achieving proficiency in German is an attainable and rewarding goal. Contact Language Trainers now and we’ll pair you up with a native German teacher in no time!

→Sign Up Now: Free Trial German Lesson With a Native Teacher!←

Learning German: Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn German for cheap?

At Language Trainers, we offer affordable German lessons that cater to a variety of budgets so everyone can learn German for cheap. Our rates start at £22 for online classes and £31 for in-person sessions. Additionally, we stand apart from other language companies by offering one-to-one lessons in person in your house, office, or in a public space.

Where can I find German classes in London?

Language Trainers provides both online and in-person German classes in London. Online classes are perfect for those with busy schedules or who prefer the convenience of learning from home. In-person classes are ideal for learners who benefit from face-to-face interaction and a structured classroom environment. We also offer a free trial German lesson for online learners, allowing you to experience our teaching methods without any obligation. Your first class is completely free and comes with no strings attached.

What are the best German schools in London?

London boasts several top-tier institutions for learning German. Language Trainers provides personalised and flexible German lessons. Our courses are tailored to your individual needs and can be taken online or in person. In addition, the Goethe-Institut London, a renowned cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, offers high-quality German language courses and cultural events. The UCL Centre for Languages & International Education, part of University College London, provides extensive language courses, including German, taught by experienced instructors.

How can I achieve German language immersion?

Achieving immersion in the German language involves surrounding yourself with the language and culture as much as possible. Attend cultural events like the London Oktoberfest or German film festivals, join language meetups to engage with fellow German learners and native speakers, and visit German restaurants such as Schnitzel Heaven to practice your language skills with staff and patrons. Additionally, consume German media by watching films, listening to music, and reading books or newspapers in German. Immersing yourself in these activities will complement your formal lessons and accelerate your learning process.