Subhayan is an Expat living in Dresden (Germany).
He is a Senior Software engineer at Elevait Gmbh in Dresden (Germany).
He started my program “From Zero to C1 in 25 Minutes a Day” at A1.
My Program offered him a structured learning system that he could easily integrate into his busy life.
Step-by-step he has been improving his German by developing a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure and growing his confidence in expressing his ideas when speaking.
Last month he gave it a try and took the official B1 Goethe exam.
He was able to pass the exam with an incredible 94% score in Speaking:
- Reading: 83/100 (83%)
- Listening: 93/100 (93%)
- Writing: 94/100 (94%)
- Speaking: 94/100 (94%)
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Here’s an interview I did with him so you can learn from his journey going through my program.
Let’s jump right into it.
What did you try before starting my program, “From Zero to C1”?
Nothing , your program is the only one I tried and it worked for me.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while learning German?
Finding time to learn the language. Since I am working in IT, we need a lot of time to constantly upgrade ourselves. In this situation learning a new language is very difficult.
What kind of program were you looking for?
I did not really know what to look for. I just wanted something which can allow me to pick the language passively, without me actively putting in a lot of time and effort.
What was your goal when you started?
My goal has always been to speak fluently and also learn the language well.
What struck you the most when you first came across my program?
The way of learning is unique. Passively listening to podcasts and imbibing the language passively was not something I knew about. But it worked.
What was the biggest difference between my program and the way you had learned German before?
As mentioned earlier I did not learn the language earlier and your way of teaching is the only one I have been in contact with.
What results have you achieved so far through my program?
My speaking has greatly improved. My vocabulary has improved and I can now make small talk with natives. The way of learning is unique and greatly helpful.
How did you prepare for your B1 exam?
I just listened as often as possible to the podcasts (verb juggling and other podcasts) so that my vocabulary improves. And I practiced speaking by myself.
How long did it take you to prepare for your B1 exam?
Approximately 6 months
What was the most difficult part of the exam?
For me it was the hearing part and the reading part as the questions are quite tricky and confusing.
Which specific resources were the most helpful to you along the way?
Apart from the learning material from Herr Professor, I also used the “Spektrum Deutsch” course book and a couple books for exam practice.
How did you stay focused and motivated throughout the program?
No special way. I knew that I had to do this and just followed through.
How did you manage to balance a full-time job with learning German on the side?
This is the most difficult part. I am in IT and the job also involves a lot of learning/upgrading yourself on the side. However, for me it was also important that I also upgraded my language skills. So when I came home from work I tried to learn the language.
What did a typical daily learning routine look like for you?
Couple of hours after work every day in the evening. And listening to podcasts on the way to the office and back.
How much time did you spend on average per day learning?
In total, 2 hours. But I think I should have tried to find more time.
What was your biggest obstacle, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle was finding the time to study. As and when I booked the exam , I knew there was no turning back now. I had to do it. Hence I made it a point to give 2 hours every day to the language.
What was the most important thing that helped you become more fluent in speaking?
Listening to podcasts and trying to practice myself by participating in the fluency tests that are part of the course.
What helped you the most to overcome your fear of speaking to others?
I still have it. I would not say I have overcome it. But my colleagues are very helpful in that regard. They encourage me as often as possible.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to learn German but struggles to find the time due to a busy life?
Following a passive way of learning can be useful. Listening to podcasts on a daily basis. Practicing speaking to yourself. And when the exam comes, attempting some model tests can be very useful.
“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.