You Ask. We Answer! 💬

From the first steps of registering at the institute and choosing the right course to exams and certificates, it is completely normal for learners to have many questions. Sometimes, the same question is on the minds of many of our learners, whether before the course starts or throughout the learning process.

That is why we have collected the most frequently asked questions and concerns from our learners and provided a clear and detailed answer to each one. This way, you can quickly find the information you need and learn about all the important details before taking your next step.

Whether you are currently thinking about learning German or you are already one of our learners, you will find answers here to questions you may have asked yourself. We also provide helpful information and tips to help you make the most of your learning experience with us.

1) “I’m interested in German. How do I get started?”

Are you interested in the German language and would like to learn German, but you are not exactly sure how to get started? Don’t worry!

If you have no previous knowledge of German, you can start directly with a beginner course at A1 level. There, you will learn the basics of German step by step – for example, basic words and expressions, important grammatical structures, and typical everyday situations.

If you have already learned German, we recommend taking a placement test (Einstufungstest) first. This test helps determine your current level of German and allows you to choose the course that best matches your existing knowledge. This way, you can start at the right level and make the most of the knowledge you already have.

The placement test is not an exam that you either pass or fail. Its purpose is simply to determine where you currently are in your learning process and which course is most suitable for you.

👉 Would you like to learn more about the placement test? Then take a look at point 2 of this blog. There, we explain in more detail how the placement test works and what you can expect.

What comes next?

Once you have found the right level for you, you can register for a suitable German course and start learning. During the course, you will not only learn grammar and vocabulary, but you will also have the opportunity to use your German in real-life situations and develop your skills step by step.

2) “How is the German language divided into levels?”

If you want to learn German, you may be wondering: “What language levels are there, and how are they structured?”

German language proficiency is divided according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR/GER) into six main levels:

·       A1 – Beginner

·       A2 – Basic User

·       B1 – Intermediate User

·       B2 – Independent User

·       C1 – Proficient User

·       C2 – Mastery / Near-native proficiency

Is each level divided into two or three sub-levels?

This depends on the respective course model. At our institute, you have the option of taking a level in two separate sub-levels, for example, A1 → A1.1 + A1.2. You can take the two sub-levels one after the other and develop your German step by step.

If you prefer, you can also take the entire level as a package (A1). In this case, you study both sub-levels as part of one continuous course. The package course has a longer duration and a different price compared with taking the individual sub-levels separately.

You can therefore choose between the two options, depending on which course model better suits your schedule and learning goals.

3) “How long does a German course take?”

One of the most frequently asked questions from our learners is: “How long does a German course take?”

The answer depends on various factors, such as the course level, course format, and number of lessons. Therefore, the duration can vary from one course to another.

If you start learning German at A1 level, you will learn the basics of the German language step by step. After that, you can continue developing your German through the following levels: A2, B1, B2, and C1.

4) “How many lessons does a German course include?”

The number of lessons included in a course depends on various factors and may therefore differ from one course to another.

The number of lessons depends, among other things, on the type of course, the number of course days per week, and the number of learners in the group. The specific course model can also affect the overall number of lessons.

Therefore, there is no fixed number of lessons that applies to all courses. Depending on the course offered, the overall duration and number of lessons may vary.

👉 Would you like to know exactly how many lessons your desired course includes? Then check the details of the respective course or contact our team directly. We will be happy to advise you and help you find the right course.

5) “Are online and in-person courses available?”

Yes! At our institute, you have the option of learning German online or in person. Both course formats give you the opportunity to systematically develop your German language skills.

If it is the same course or the same level, the online and in-person courses have the same price.

In addition, we also offer private lessons. If you prefer to learn individually and at your own pace, private lessons can be a suitable option. The price of private lessons differs from the price of the regular online and in-person courses.

👉 Are you still unsure which course format is best for you? Our team will be happy to advise you and help you choose the option that matches your learning goals and schedule.

6) “Which textbooks are used at the institute?”

One frequently asked question from our learners is: “Which textbooks do I use to learn German at the institute?”

This depends on your course level. For levels A1 to B1, we use the textbook “Miteinander in Österreich.” From B2 to C1, we use the textbook “Vielfalt.”

Both textbooks are published by the same publisher, Hueber Verlag, and are therefore very similar in terms of their structure and overall concept. Both are designed to support learners step by step in developing their German language skills and to combine different language skills in an integrated way.

So, if you have already studied with “Miteinander in Österreich” and later continue with “Vielfalt,” you do not need to worry. Because of the similar structure and comparable concept, you will generally adapt to the new textbook quickly and should not have major difficulties finding your way around it.

7) “How does online learning work?”

Would you like to learn German but are wondering how online learning works at our institute? In principle, online learning does not differ from in-person learning when it comes to the quality of teaching, explanations, support, and assignments.

Our teachers follow the same principles in online classes and carry out the same responsibilities as they do in in-person classes. The learning content is explained and worked on together, learners receive continuous support, and their progress is regularly monitored.

The main difference lies in the way communication and support are provided, as well as in certain organizational aspects, such as attendance tracking, communication with learners, and payment.

Our new LMS

To make online learning even easier and more organized, our learners now also have access to our LMS (Learning Management System).

The LMS supports us in organizing and communicating throughout the course and makes many processes easier. These include:

·       Attendance and absence tracking

·       Communication and learner questions

·       Submitting assignments and required tasks

·       Organizing and providing important course information

·       And other organizational tasks related to the course.

This gives learners a central place where they can find important information and complete various tasks throughout the course.

Which platform is used for online classes?

For our online courses, we use Microsoft Teams. All online lessons take place through this platform.

If you are interested in taking an online German course with us, you should therefore make sure that you have Microsoft Teams installed on your device and that you are familiar with how to use the platform.

👉 Would you like to learn more about our online courses? Check out our current course offerings or contact our team directly. We will be happy to help you find the right course for you.

8) “Can I change my course or course schedule?”

Have you registered for a German course but would like to change the course or schedule afterward? That depends on whether your course has already started or not.

If you have already started your booked course, changes are generally no longer possible. This means that you cannot change the course, course schedule, or course location, and you cannot leave the course once it has already started.

If, on the other hand, you have not started the course yet and have only made a booking, you can still choose other options. In this case, depending on availability, you may be able to change the course, schedule, teacher, or branch.

In short:

Changes can generally be made before the course starts. Once the course has started, however, changes or transfers are no longer possible.

9) “What can I do if I have a problem with my course?”

Do you have a problem with your course or are you unhappy with something during the lessons? Then you are always welcome to contact our team. We take your concerns seriously and will work with you to find a suitable solution as quickly as possible.

Our team is available throughout our working hours. Whether you have a question, want to report a problem, or are dissatisfied with any aspect of your course, you can contact us at any time during our official working hours.

If you also have negative feedback about your course, your teacher, or the institute, we would like to hear from you. Your feedback is important to us and will be taken seriously. We will review your concern and work to improve the situation accordingly.

At the same time, we encourage you to continue attending the course and give us the opportunity to respond to your feedback. This way, you can see for yourself whether the changes we make actually improve the situation and meet your needs.

Our goal is for you to feel comfortable with us and be satisfied with your course. That is why your feedback is an important part of the continuous development of our courses and services.

👉 Do you have a concern, question, or feedback? Don’t hesitate to contact our team. We are always happy to help!

10) “Which recognized exams are offered at the institute?”

Would you like to prove your German language skills with a recognized exam and are wondering which exams you can take with us?

We offer various recognized German language exams, which are suitable for different purposes depending on your learning goals and current language level.

Our exam offerings include:

·       OnSET – a standardized German placement test that can be used to determine your current German language level.

·       TestAS – a standardized aptitude test for students, which can be relevant for university applications and admission.

·       TestDaF – a recognized German language examination, particularly relevant for studying at a university in Germany.

Which exam is most suitable for you depends on your personal goal, language level, and the purpose of taking the exam.

11) “What is a placement test and when do I need to take one?”

Do you want to take a German course but are not sure which level is right for you? Then you may have already heard of the placement test (Einstufungstest). But what exactly is it, and when is it necessary?

A placement test helps determine your current German language skills and assign you to the appropriate language level. It is not about passing or failing an exam in the traditional sense. Instead, the aim is to determine which language skills you already have and which course would be the most appropriate for you.

Is a placement test important?

Yes, especially if you have already learned German and do not want to start at A1. The test helps you choose a course that matches your current level. This allows you to avoid repeating content you already know while also ensuring that the course is not too difficult for you.

If you have no previous knowledge of German, you generally do not need to take a placement test and can start directly with an A1 course.

When do I need to take a placement test?

A placement test is particularly necessary if you already have German language skills and would like to take a course at a level higher than A1.

In addition, the placement test is a requirement for registering for our medical course. If you would like to register for this course, you must take a placement test beforehand so that your current German level can be determined.

12) “What is the Studienkolleg and what are the requirements?”

Would you like to study in Germany in the future and have already completed your school education in Egypt? Then you may have heard of the Studienkolleg. But what exactly is the Studienkolleg, and why can it be important for your studies in Germany?

The Studienkolleg is an important preparation program for international applicants whose previous school qualification does not directly qualify them for university studies in Germany. It prepares you both academically and linguistically for your future studies at a German university or higher education institution.

What are the requirements?

To participate in the Studienkolleg through our institute, you should meet the following requirements, among others:

·       You should have at least A2-level German language skills.

·       The preparation can, for example, take place over six months in Egypt and six months in Germany.

·       Alternatively, you can complete the preparation online or complete the entire preparation in Germany.

·       A blocked account (Sperrkonto) of €12,400 is required for the visa or stay in Germany.

·       The Studienkolleg fees are €8,000.

·       You must have successfully completed the Egyptian General Secondary Education Certificate (Thanaweya Amma).

·       Your passport must be ready and valid.

Why is the Studienkolleg important?

The Studienkolleg is more than just a preparation course. It helps you prepare specifically for the requirements of studying in Germany. It focuses on both language and academic skills.

You will become familiar with the requirements of the German higher education system and develop the language skills you need for your future studies.

For many international applicants, the Studienkolleg can therefore be an important step toward successfully starting their university studies in Germany.

13) “Are there Sprachcafés, Spieleabende, or other activities?”

Would you like to learn German not only in class but also use the language outside the course in a relaxed atmosphere? Yes! We regularly offer different activities, including Sprachcafés and Spieleabende.

The activities take place weekly and give you a great opportunity to hear and speak German outside the regular classroom. You can use new words and expressions in natural situations, interact with other learners, and meet new people at the same time.

Why are these activities so useful?

Learning a language is not only about studying grammar and vocabulary. It is equally important to use the language regularly in practice. Activities such as Sprachcafés and Spieleabende allow you to use German in a relaxed atmosphere without the pressure of a traditional classroom lesson.

They can also help you improve your confidence in speaking and your communication skills, while giving you the opportunity to immediately put what you have learned in class into practice.

How can I register?

If you would like to participate in an activity, registration is initially made under your name. However, your registration is only considered a confirmed booking once the required participation fee has been paid.

This means that simply entering your name does not guarantee a confirmed place. Your participation is only confirmed after payment has been made.

14) “What are the working hours and how can I contact the institute?”

Do you have a question or need support and want to know when our team is available and how you can contact us?

Our official working hours are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. During this time, our team is available to answer your questions, handle your requests, and provide you with our various services.

Before 10:00 AM and after 10:00 PM, our team is not available to handle inquiries or other requests. Our branches also close at 10:00 PM and do not open before 10:00 AM.

How can you contact us?

You have several options for contacting our team:

·       By phone

·       Via WhatsApp

·       Through our LMS platform

Regardless of which communication method you choose, communication and the handling of your requests are only available during our official working hours, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

We Are Here for You!

Always remember that our entire team is here to support you. Whether you have a question, need assistance, face a problem, or simply do not know which step to take next, you can always reach out to us.

We want you to feel supported and well taken care of throughout your German learning journey and to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

You are not learning alone – we are with you every step of the way.

We look forward to accompanying you on your journey!