Ranking of the best online German courses for 2022

The availability of international travel, the possibility of earning money in European countries, cooperation with foreign partners and the need for information from foreign primary sources require knowledge of foreign languages ​​from a person of the 21st century.

The number of people who communicate today in German has reached the 100 million mark. In 8 countries of Europe, his knowledge removes the barrier of communication.

A person has the opportunity, both freedom of perception of information, and earnings in various fields: from a position for hire, to a creative, intellectual direction.
The most convenient format with time savings and an individual schedule is online study of the subject.
The specifics of language knowledge, the advantages of online German courses with an overview of the best Internet sites are discussed in the material of this article.

How to choose

For the competent selection of distance courses, certain criteria should be followed.

Professionalism of teachers

The teaching staff is most often described in detail in the form of individual questionnaires on the website. Preference should be given to long-term experience, practical activities, merit and participation in the leading teams of significant educational institutions.

Classification

The existing Common European Framework of Reference - CEFR system characterizes the level of foreign language proficiency with the corresponding competence standards. The development of the system dates back to 2001 and is designed to help in teaching foreign languages.

In accordance with the European classification, it is customary to divide language knowledge into the following categories:

• A1 - a minimum for understanding and communication with a good supply of vocabulary, basic grammar and phonetics, allows you to fill out questionnaires, talk with a native speaker on the topics studied, perceive concise answers and announcements in public places, make short statements, read and understand comments on products (drugs, products).
• A2 or level 1 allows you to be ready to communicate with a native speaker in the context of familiar topics, independently master educational information, write simple messages, take written surveys, perceive the meaning of statements, descriptions, instructions.
• B1 or level 2 means the ability to simply communicate with the native speaker, understanding his position, listening to various information, both general and specialized, subject to the preparation of a thematic set of vocabulary, the ability to work with catalogs, record lecture material at a slow pace, and also work with correspondence, professional articles with a minimum of assistance.
• B2, level 3 characterizes readiness for conversations on a wide range of topics and speeches on a given topic with answers to questions, understanding of news media information, a detailed description (menu, abbreviation, terms, advertising) in standard living conditions, the ability to draw up summaries, highlight the main idea from a new text or appeal.
• C1, level 4 involves the ability to communicate in the framework of business and informal meetings, discuss various topics using a range of language constructs, the ability to write any essay and review, highlighting positive and negative aspects in characteristics, understanding abstract turns and analyzing events with comments on personal position.
• C2, level 5 speaks of advanced knowledge of the language with an understanding of cultural allusions, slang, documentation, the ability to search for the necessary information, take notes, analyze with an opinion or conclusion, consult on specific topics and answer questions.

A set of specific language knowledge, without specific characteristics for a particular language, suggests appropriate "can do" skills according to each level.

Documentary aspect

The conclusion of contracts at the beginning of corporate training and, if necessary, the return of funds, will make the process transparent and trustworthy.

Individual or group lesson

For learning a foreign language, the most effective method is an individual approach. However, group skills may be needed under certain conditions, for example with family members or colleagues. Experts do not welcome the collective method due to its low efficiency.

Duration

The optimal intensity load is considered to be a schedule with 2.3 lessons per week, lasting at least an hour. Express training may consist of 5 lessons per week, but this mode is approved in case of special need.

Programs

Individual correction of programs during training is the most effective. The starting platform, depending on the level and skills of the student, saves time and money. The template approach does not provide a quick tangible result.

Terms of payment

Bundle payment with a significant discount, as well as the ability to use the funds on the personal account of the training platform in accordance with the changes in the programs that have arisen, are a big plus.
Separate resources practice training on gift certificates. Payment for individual lessons with a change in the standard for duration also indicates loyalty to the client. The ability to return funds in case of early termination of classes is always considered a hallmark of the best schools, as a rule, some commission is withheld.

Contacts and communication

A convenient option is the opportunity to take a trial lesson with a teacher selected from the list on the site. Some sites practice conducting trial lessons with methodologists.
You should also agree in advance on the conditions of support throughout the process, possible schedules for rescheduling lessons, and timely communication with the tutor.

Errors when choosing

Depending on the individual's ability for languages ​​and the initial level of knowledge, the learning process may vary in duration and complexity. It is important to clearly define the purpose of the study and the required format.

Willingness to change the program in the course of studying the subject, contacting a native speaker or developing additional skills will certainly require additional investments.

Overview of the best online German courses

Paid Platforms

Studger

One of the German-only schools with an online test on the website in 3 directions out of 30 questions.

It gives you a chance to conveniently determine your starting opportunities and move on to individual training in one of the following courses:

• for beginners - from the blocks of phonetics, introductory grammar, lexical basis, written and oral foundations;
• general - with level B1, emphasis on practice in grammar, overcoming the barrier of communication, linguistic and cultural aspect and final testing;
• for advanced - with topics up to C1, in-depth practice and grammar, writing at the level of essays, essays, pronunciation;
• for examinations - from structure to core modules in reading, writing, listening, with intermediate and final testing;
• for those leaving for permanent residence - with an emphasis on communication and preparation for targeted tests, expanded vocabulary, end-to-end, final testing;
• express training on an individual basis with the development of communication skills, enrichment of vocabulary and thematic areas;
• for travel - from specialized training of specialists to modeling thematic situations with a profile of free orientation on topics and a sufficient vocabulary base, as well as acquaintance with the culture of the country;
• with a native speaker - an effective option with immersion in the language environment and in-depth phonetics, extended practice;
• business - from correspondence to negotiations with sufficient knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, practice of self-presentations.

The resource can be called one of the most filled programs in terms of number.

• 100% guarantee of the level of knowledge gained, a lot of examples of successful students who have realized themselves in international and foreign labor practice;
• regular updating of educational material with a focus on proven and popular sources;
• fascinating form of presentation;
• extended loyalty line – discounts, bonuses;
• with free regular thematic webinars;
• provision of an expanded set of materials;
• assigning a personal manager for organizational issues to the student;
• with full technical support;
• the presence of a balance freeze;
• maintaining detailed and clear statistics of the classes;
• good discounts for package payment;
• with a money back guarantee;
• assignment of bonuses, gifts for productive participation in quizzes, marathons.

• not found.

Contact Information:
☎ 8-800-700-75-70
https://studger.ru

Melene

The school conducts online classes via Skype. Most of the course instructors are university teachers.

• all training is individual;
• the number of lessons per week and their duration is negotiated;
• with automated accounting of lessons;
• availability of educational literature and materials in electronic format;
• a variety of methods, selections depending on the goals and knowledge of the student;
• with the necessary conclusion of contracts for training;
• several directions - with a native speaker, colloquial version;
• careful selection of tutors with a high percentage of non-cooperation due to lack of competence;
• high productivity;
• the basic platform provides for training from scratch or from superficial knowledge, with step-by-step improvement in phonetics, vocabulary, grammar;
• the children's program is designed for education from the age of 12, is based on a special methodology focused on children's perception and includes a level of readiness for the USE;
• an in-depth program for passing the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache guarantees a level of knowledge B2, at which the ability to perceive speech by ear is developed, an expanded stock of speech turns, the risk of phonetic, grammatical errors is minimized;
• the intensive for travel focuses on vocabulary with the necessary knowledge of the phonetic and grammatical aspect up to level A1, for simplified navigation in new language conditions;
• brief questionnaires and professional merits of teachers are presented on the site;
• the beginning of training takes place with a simplified registration procedure;
• availability of the first free lesson through the application;
• you can ask a question online;
• uniform pricing policy for all languages;
• there is a gradation in the duration of the lesson from 45 to 90 minutes with corresponding favorable prices;
• the level of preparedness of the student affects the cost of education, the higher - the more expensive;
• discount for intensive training schedule;
• the system of each free 21 lessons with a one-time payment;
• a large selection of payment methods;
• great financial offers when studying at a friend's school with discounts for both people;
• in case of early termination of the educational process at the initiative of the student, the remaining unused funds can be returned, taking into account the current commission;
• phone call for free in Russia.

• the presence of a European fee when studying with a native speaker up to 600 rubles for 90 minutes.

Contact Information:
☎ 8-800-200-33-61
http://www.melene.ru

Ninnel

The online school with 10 years of teaching experience is one of the top ten educational portals and has more than 6,000 clients.

The resource includes the following programs:

1. for the children's course - schoolchildren from the 1st to the 11th grade with preparation for the exam;
2. for traveling people with basic aspects of tourism themes and communication skills;
3. for passing international exams - Goethe Institute or TestDaf / DaZ with an introduction to the specifics of the exam;
4. the business direction provides for an emphasis on a particular industry with the study of the relevant terminology, the free formation of thoughts into lexical turns and the full perception of business information;
5. conversational format removes restrictions on free communication in the language environment;
6. the basic segment considers all the rules of vocabulary, grammar, phonetics, laying the foundation for further specialization;
7. a course with a native speaker takes place with a teacher from Austria or Germany and allows you to go through a deep language immersion with the study of vocabulary and cultural aspects;
8. corporate training provides for language adaptation to the tasks of the company with the improvement of basic knowledge.

The popularity of the platform is confirmed by the number of students.

• only individual format with high returns;
• the presence of a trial lesson lasting up to 30 minutes to determine the level of preparation, scheduling classes and determining teaching methods;
• jointly with the tutor the choice of the duration of classes in 45, 60, 80 minutes;
• with the maintenance of an electronic schedule of classes by the student;
• payment system from one lesson to the course;
• the possibility of transferring, canceling classes with prior notification;
• freedom of decision on early termination of the study with a refund;
• an account upon registration entitles you to a free trial lesson and opens an internal account of funds;
• the student receives the full amount of necessary video and electronic materials from the tutor with the additional possibility of acquiring paper versions;
• there is a German conversation club PUR DEUTSCH with a communication schedule to gain language communication skills;
• the possibility of passing online tests on the site for three levels of training of 15 questions with professionally prepared tasks;
• the presence of a conversation club on a free basis for school students, in order to improve conversational skills at a convenient time with a small staff and interesting topics;
• the opportunity to participate in clubs for non-members of the Ninnel School at a price of 400 to 500 rubles per lesson;
• the conversation club is conducted in parallel with the lessons, 1 topic is to be analyzed per week, which significantly expands the vocabulary;
• there are gift certificates.

• missing.

Contact Information:
☎ 8-800-100-33-25
http://www.ninnel.ru

Deutsch-Zentrum

The specialized training center was founded by the German N. Clasen and is designed for all ages with online programs via Skype.

• training is conducted by both Russian-speaking teachers and native teachers;
• study according to the original communicative method;
• individual selection of programs;
• much time is devoted to phonetics;
• with free testing and trial lesson;
• coverage of levels from A1 to C2;
• detailed information about teachers on the site;
• informative blog;
• representative office in St. Petersburg.

• prices are higher on weekends;
• the total cost is above the average prices for the segment.

Contact Information:
☎ 8-499-460-04-98
https://deutsch-zentrum.ru

TOPTUTORS

The resource specializes in teaching foreign languages ​​and school subjects, has over 50 tutors, has more than 2350 students and offers lessons for corporate training.
The following programs are being implemented:

1. the direction of the "general course" with preparation up to B1 develops language skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening equally;
2. "Conversational German" with an average duration of 200 hours and achievement of B2;
3. "language for tourism and travel" develops colloquial speech, makes the perception of "live" structures accessible, teaches free communication in standard typical situations of a foreign country;
4. the business program sets the task of free preparation of official correspondence and documents, as well as a decent level of communication in the dialogues and conversations of the business environment, considerable attention is paid to grammar.
5. The examination is carried out both according to the Unified State Examination, OGE, and according to the classified tests DSH, TESTDAF, START DEUTSCH

• the duration of the lessons can be 45, 60, 90 minutes of your choice;
• if you have any doubts about the candidacy of the teacher after the first trial lesson, you can make a second attempt with another tutor;
• the program is always consistent with the student and is individual in nature based on existing knowledge and experience;
• 60 hours in the language for business program;
• good teaching staff with author's profiles on the site;
• tutors are selected for the position in 3 stages;
• simplified registration scheme with an application for a trial lesson;
• convenient site navigation;
• training from scratch is allowed;
• when paying in bulk, it is cheaper;
• many positive reviews;
• more than 10 well-known companies that have passed corporate training.

• no activity freeze.

Contact Information:
☎ 8-800-200-66-11
https://www.toptutors.ru

Free Foundation

Video tutorials are available free of charge. These can be both complex lessons and separate specific series, for example, in grammar.

The main general disadvantages of the format are such points as:

1. lack of feedback;
2. there is no way to get the necessary advice;
3. adequate assessment of the level.

With great zeal, you can pick up lessons, study them and try to take free tests on the above sites.

Free course from LingoHut

The audio tutorial consists of 125 lessons on targeted topics and allows you to reach level A2.

• listening;
• vocabulary enrichment;
• stepwise complication;
• for auditory perception of foreign speech;
• parallel voicing and transcription.

• requires self-discipline and method.

https://www.lingohut.com/en/l59/learn-German

"German conversational course according to the method of Michel Thomas"

A series of project lessons is presented by narrow topics, for example, "German conversational", "how to learn words."

• there are links for paid online training;
• fast learning of phrases and words;
• enough grammar;
• there are profile groups in social networks with links;
• many positive reviews;
• you can subscribe to new materials;
• a short lesson of 11-12 minutes.

• no guarantee of results.

http://youtu.be/QTuQUbUC9Q0

German from A. Bebris

The author offers several video courses, in particular:

1. "German from zero to automatism";
2. "German by Formulas".

Programs are compiled with gradual complication and focus on one or another aspect of language acquisition.

• for home development;
• series of 70 and 211 lessons;
• available feed;
• explanation of transcriptions;
• vocabulary features;
• analogous methods;
• optimal pace for learning;
• duration up to 1 hour;
• Tutor has over 10 years of teaching experience.

• requires regular practice and time.

Comparison Chart of the Best Online German Courses
1.	Paid basis
	Course name	Resource	Bonuses	Cost, rubles
	German course	Melene	free first short lesson, discounts	initial level - 680/45 min; high level 780
	−”−	Studger	lessons without paying for an invited friend, promo codes	980÷1090
	−”−	Ninnel	−”−	640
	Courses for beginners and professionals	Deutsch-Zentrum	pronunciation	1200-1900
	German course	TOPTUTORS	2 trial lessons available	700
2.	Free Foundation
	Michel Thomas method	YouTube	-	-
	German from A. Bebris	YouTube	-	-
	German course	Lingo Hut	-	-

Conclusion

Despite the increased opportunities for international communications, the development of world tourism, the availability of long-haul flights, one small problematic aspect remains - this is the possibility of communication. The language barrier continues to make it difficult to fully enjoy the long-distance trip to foreign countries undertaken. The latest communications have made online learning a foreign language available in a comfortable format. An additional incentive for such a study may be the desire to receive fresh information from foreign primary sources, communication with friends around the world, a specialized direction in a profession that is in demand abroad.