Michelle is an Expat living in Rommerskirchen (Germany).
She works as a care assistant at Carpe Diem.
She started my program “From Zero to C1 in 25 Minutes a Day” at A1.
My Program offered her a structured learning system that she could easily integrate into her busy life.
Step-by-step she has been improving her German by developing a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure and growing her confidence in expressing her ideas when speaking.
A few months ago she gave it a try and took the official B1 Telc exam.
She was able to pass the exam with an incredible 89% score in Speaking:
- Reading: 65/75 (87%)
- Listening: 67,5/75 (90%)
- Writing: 33/45 (73%)
- Speaking: 67/75 (89%)
|
|
But even more important are “real” results you can see for yourself in your day-to-day life, as Michelle had when eventually she could find a job in Germany and the language was not an obstacle anymore:
|
|
Here’s an interview I did with her so you can learn from her journey going through my program.
Let’s jump right into it.
Michelle,
What did you try before starting with my program “From Zero to C1”?
I went to some lessons for adults given at my kids school. It was just one hour a week. We just worked through a book. I also took some private lessons with 2 friends ,once a week.
What was your biggest challenge you faced with learning German?
I found it too time-consuming to drive to the lessons as I was already having to do lots of driving as we live far from the kids school. I also never seemed to be able to make time to sit down and do German homework. I think it was because I couldn’t see any benefit as didn’t seem to be learning anything.
What kind of program were you looking for?
I wanted something that was not time-consuming and that explains why you said things a certain way. If I understand something ,I find it easier to learn.
What was your goal when you started?
To understand what people are saying to me and to be able to communicate.
What struck you the most the first time you came across my program?
How well you explain everything and how easy it is to incorporate it into daily life.
What was the big difference between my program and the way you learned German before?
I didn’t feel pressured to do anything. I could work at my own pace. You also explain the Grammar well and I found it easier to learn knowing the reason. Instead of learning many lists of words, I could work it out myself.
What are some of the results you’ve achieved so far going through my program?
I feel more confident speaking and I don’t feel stressed going to appointments anymore as I don’t have to worry if the person can speak English . I can also communicate much better at work. Life in Germany is generally just easier if you know German.
How did you prepare for your B1 exam?
I listened to all your key principles and vocabulary and looked at the cheat sheets. I also went through your information about passing the B1 and did some practice papers.
How long did it take to prepare for your B1 exam?
I started 4 months before, but then there were holidays and work, etc. I ended up cramming everything in during the last month.
What was the most difficult part in the exam?
The reading and writing, because I only practiced them before the exam.
Which specific resources helped you the most along the way?
Your daily podcasts. They are amazing. I do 3-4 every day while I walk my dog. I also listen to the vocabulary lists. That’s why my listening is good as I listen to lots of German. I also listen to the radio in the car and always try to understand what they are saying during the newscast.
How did you stay focused and motivated through the program?
My motivation was to get my B1 certificate as I want to apply for citizenship. It also made my life easier, the more German I could understand and speak.
How did you manage to combine a full-time job and learning German on the side?
I work in a care home, so everyone was only speaking German to me. The amount I understood was constantly increasing.
I also listened to your lessons when walking the dog every day and doing housework.
What did a typical daily learning routine look like?
Honestly, most days it was just the verb juggling. Then I would start and go through all the podcasts from the lessons.
How much time did you spend daily on average for your learning?
20 minutes
What did you emphasize the most when learning?
Grammar. I wanted to be able to speak correctly.
What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
Speaking. I wanted to work again and missed working . I got a job and just had to speak as no-one spoke English and nobody laughed at mistakes.
What was the most important thing that helped you become more fluent in speaking?
Learning more words everyday and not thinking of what I want to say in English and then translating it in my head first before speaking, but thinking in German.
What helped you the most to overcome the fear of speaking to others?
The fact that I had no choice at work and everyone was very patient and never made me feel uncomfortable or incompetent.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to learn German but finds it hard to find the time due to his/her busy life?
Just do a little bit every day and listen to as much as possible.
“From Zero To C1 in 25 Minutes a Day” is my All-Inclusive, complete, step-by-step, no fuss, hassle free 75 Lessons online program (yes, only 15 lessons for each Module A1/A2/B1/B2/C1) for Busy Professionals like you, so you can go from scratch to become fluent and confident to join meetings with your colleagues, negotiate with your clients and give presentations in front of your bosses IN GERMAN. Even if you have a busy working schedule.
If you’d like to be added to the Waiting List of “From Zero to C1”, enter your information below, and you’ll be the first to know when I re-open the course.