Tayo is an Expat living in Berlin (Germany).
She works for Fidor Bank AG, as AML/Compliance Analyst.
“I was missing a lot of classes because of time.“
Before starting with my program she attended two different traditional schools but did not like their method of teaching:
“I hardly understood the teachers. All the teachers I came across explained their teachings in German. If I don’t understand what you are saying, how do I learn? Especially with the beginning classes (A1 and A2). This was a big challenge for me. The classes were very rigid and I found it hard to follow up. Also, I was missing a lot of classes because of time. I work full time and finding the time was difficult.”
“He decided to give me my PR based on the German I spoke with him.”
A few months into my program she started to notice some real results:
“The first time I saw a clear result was when I went to the foreign office to apply for my permanent residence(PR). To get a PR, proof of B1 is required but I did not have this. I ended up speaking German with my case-worker, and he decided to give me my PR based on the German I spoke with him.
Also, my colleagues that I could not speak with for years complimented how my German had improved within months of Herr Professor.”
“I should have registered for Telc Deutsch für Zuwanderer which is much easier but I mistakenly registered for a higher level B1.”
She started my program “From Zero to C1 in 25 Minutes a Day” at A2.
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 herself when speaking.
A few months ago she wanted to give it a try and take the official A2/B1 (Deutsch-Test-Für-Zuwanderer) TELC exam but mistakenly ended up taking the official B1 TELC exam:
“I realized I registered for the wrong exam when I got the exam questions :D. Normally, I should have registered for Telc Deutsch für Zuwanderer which is much easier but I mistakenly registered for a higher level B1, and the structure was entirely different from the model test I used to practice. You can imagine the shock when I saw the exam questions. I honestly thought I was going to fail the exams.”
She passed her official B1 TELC exam with an incredible 96% score in Speaking and 100% in Writing:
- Reading: 67,5/70 (90%)
- Listening: 60/75 (80%)
- Writing: 45/45 (100%)
- Speaking: 72/75 (96%)
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.
Tayo,
What did you try before starting with my program “From Zero to C1”?
I attended two different traditional schools. I did not like their method of teaching, I hardly understood the teachers, also I did not have time to attend the classes regularly. I also subscribed to two different learning apps but since they were not structured, it was difficult to make significant progress.
What was your biggest challenge you faced with learning German?
Understanding what the teachers were saying. All the teachers I came across explained their teachings in German. If I don’t understand what you are saying, how do I learn? Especially with the beginning classes (A1 and A2). This was a big challenge for me. The classes were very rigid and I found it hard to follow up.
Also, I was missing a lot of classes because of time. I work full time and finding the time was difficult.
What kind of program were you looking for?
A flexible program. As a mum and a full-time employee, I did not have the time to go to a physical class. So I wanted something very flexible, structured and intensive and this is what Herr Professor gives you.
What was your goal when you started?
To be able to understand and speak with my son’s teachers and my colleagues. I also wanted to do my B1 exam.
What struck you the most the first time you came across my program?
I ran into Herr Professor on my Facebook Ads, I registered for the verb juggling, and I liked it so much the first time I listened to it. The podcast was clear, easily understood, well explained and enjoyable. I looked forward to receiving the emails. After a week, I was positive this is what I need to help me achieve my goal. I decided to enroll in “From Zero to C1”, and I’m glad I made that decision.
What was the big difference between my program and the way you learned German before?
The fact that you do your explanations in English. I could understand the rules behind the grammar clearly, and this helped my learning a lot.
What are some of the results you’ve achieved so far going through my program?
The first time I saw a clear result was when I went to the foreign office to apply for my permanent residence(PR). To get a PR, proof of B1 is required but I did not have this. I ended up speaking German with my case-worker, and he decided to give me my PR based on the German I spoke with him.
Also, my colleagues that I could not speak with for years complimented how my German had improved within months of Herr Professor.
How did you prepare for your B1 exam?
I went through the A2 and B1 in “From Zero to C1” lessons 1 to 15 thoroughly. I listened to it over and over again. I also used the “Traditional Exercises” recommended by Manuel to practice for exam exercises. I also used memrise included in the lessons a lot to improve my vocabulary.
How long did it take to prepare for your B1 exam?
Roughly about three weeks, because I was already used to listening to lessons and verb- juggling every day. I did not need a long time to prepare for the exams. I only had to look for how TELC exams are structured online (model test) then I practiced according to how it was structured.
What was the most difficult part of the exam?
The listening and reading was the most challenging part for me. I realized I registered for the wrong exam when I got the exam questions :D. Normally, I should have registered for Telc Deutsch für Zuwanderer which is much easier but I mistakenly registered for a higher level B1, and the structure was entirely different from the model test I used to practice. You can imagine the shock when I saw the exam questions. I honestly thought I was going to fail the exams.
Which specific resources helped you the most along the way?
The recorded lessons with different students (Dan, Krystian and Mauricio are my imaginary friends D); I love the fluency tests, I never miss the verb-juggling, memrise that were already structured according to the lessons, the “Traditional Exercises” and the advanced Speaking Coaching I joined later (this really built my confidence in speaking).
How did you stay focused and motivated through the program?
What motivated me was my son. I wanted to start speaking German to his teachers at Kita as soon as possible. There was a communication gap between us, and this made me unhappy. I’m happy we can have a discussion now.
How did you manage to combine a full-time job and learning German on the side?
I was learning side by side along with my daily activity. This is one of the advantages of Herr Professor. You don’t need to be in a physical class to learn. So I listened while on the train, while cooking, even while working. Sometimes, I was not even paying attention but subconsciously, I was learning.
What did a typical daily learning routine look like?
Honestly, I did not have a structured routine. My work allowed me to learn so I decided that instead of listening to music, I’d rather listen to Herr professor. I only made sure I gave myself some time (about 30 minutes daily, could be more some days) to play around on memrise and IWDL.
How much time did you spend daily on average for your learning?
I would say about 1 to 2 hours
What did you emphasize the most when learning?
Listening, listening, listening, then I used the fluency tests to test myself to ensure that I was also speaking.
What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
Lack of motivation on some days. I tried not to go more than three days without learning because it would be difficult to get back into it. My goal kept me focused, also the constant reminder from Manuel.
What was the most important thing that helped you become more fluent in speaking?
Joining later the advanced Speaking Coaching program helped me a lot. I noticed a significant improvement. Of Course, the way Manuel structured his learning materials too helped a great deal. I made sure I followed the steps in the lessons.
What helped you the most to overcome the fear of speaking to others?
Feedbacks from my colleagues and friends. They kept telling me how proud they are of my growth and this pushed and encouraged me more.
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?
We can actually speak this language, but you need to find the right resources to help you achieve this. For me, Herr professor’s lessons helped me a lot. I never thought I would be able to speak this language after trying so many times but it’s happening and I’m proud of it. So start slowly, be positive and open-minded about it, don’t rush things, and don’t give up.
“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.
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