Yes, you will learn to speak German in this class.
Even if you've taken a German class before, you either have a sneaking suspicion you're missing something or you were outright unsatisfied with the class. You probably have questions you couldn’t get answers to, or maybe you need more speaking practice.
You need a German class that gives you complete answers to your questions. A class that provides you with enough activities, but not so many that you feel overwhelmed. A class with activities that help you actually speak German.
Welcome to live, online German Classes with Nicole.
This is not your usual German class
Many German classes are curriculum-based. You work at break-neck speed through the curriculum, there are too many students in the class, you all take a test at the end that you're probably terrified of, and somehow you've...learned...some German...? Because the grade...tells you so...?
We don't do that here.
Here we use a framework for the class to give it structure and within that structure you find flexibility. Flexibility that allows you to get your questions answered, practice speaking, and enjoy the time you're spending learning German.
There are no textbooks here, only course books written specifically to help you learn to speak German.
Live, online classes
When you take German classes online with Nicole, you have a German class that’s as interactive as a regular class. You get to practice speaking German in a group of people who are there for the same thing: to gain skills to feel more comfortable speaking German.
What's an online class like?
Here's what a typical online class looks like:
We begin by greeting each other in German (Guten Abend!).
After an easy warm-up, we discuss the homework and I answer your questions.
Then we start the next topic and I walk you through all the parts: grammar, vocabulary, everything.
We go through the homework so you know what to do for the next week.
Lastly, you download your whiteboard and I send everyone an email with the homework in it.
Das ist alles! That's everything!
As interactive as you can get online
The last thing you need is one more hour spent sitting in front of a computer. Boring!
That's why I've spent years developing simple techniques for making your class as interactive as it can be. We have:
- the camera and microphone where we can see and hear one another, gesture, and express ourselves
- the whiteboard, where we can all write, draw, highlight, and mark up
- chat, where we can practice writing, share a document, or even share URLs
Everyone downloads the whiteboard at the end of class and I keep a copy of it, too.
Actual German books (not text books!)
The books we use have been written to help you learn to speak German. They’re all from German publishers and are readily available here in the U.S. The books help you have conversations in German and we can add topics at any time.
These German books have answer keys!
How many times have you been told not to use the book? Probably almost as many times as I will tell you TO use the book. Why would you buy a book only to be forbidden from using it? That makes no sense! It's your resource, so use the book! Use the answer keys! Have an answer key party!
No grades. No tests. No finals.
I promise.
It’s really this simple: no grades, no tests, no finals.
I promise.
Less pressure = more German skills
When you take away the preset curriculum and take away the grade, you take away all the pressure and all the worry. Then you can take all that energy you used to spend worrying and you can invest it in learning to speak German step-by-step.
That’s a win-win!
Finally understand German grammar
Yes, you can understand German grammar!
Nothing is more frustrating than having someone explain a German grammar concept to you, only to have it disappear the moment you walk out of the room. Not here! Because you'll save your whiteboards from every class, you will always have your notes with you.
If anyone wants to repeat the concept or dig a little deeper, then that's what we do. That is to everyone's benefit.
A reasonable amount of German homework
You can call it homework, you can call it German practice, whatever you want to call it is fine by me. There is always flexibility in the homework assigned so you can do as much or as little as you have time for/want to do.
You get community, too.
Meet other German learners just like you
I regularly hold a client meet-up. It's called a Kundentreffen. Everybody speaks German at their own level and you get to hear from other clients who are learning German.
Some clients have even become friends outside of lessons. How cool is that?!
If you want you can also join the Easy German Book Club. The client discount makes it even sweeter, but can you imagine reading a 35-page book and understanding everything?
First-Class Client Treatment
Clients get the best of everything and they get it first: their German time, the worksheets, activities and resources in the Client Corner, meet-ups, a discount on the Easy German Book Club.
Das ist sehr gut!
So who are you, Nicole?
Hallo, ich bin Nicole!
I first learned German when I was in my early 20’s. I had tried taking German in college and it was a DISASTER. I was constantly worried about the grade, the book we used was ridiculously confusing, and my teacher just couldn’t explain the concepts clearly.
Then in 2003 I moved to Germany and took a different kind of German course, one without a final grade, with books for learning German (not textbooks). I learned to speak German so well that when I speak German with native speakers, they think that I'm German. I'm not. (Although I do love a good bike commute.) I now speak German at a near-native level and I've received the Zertifikat C2, the highest level of German speaking certification available. I’ve been teaching German live and online since 2013. I’m also certified to teach German as a Foreign Language and I teach it the way I was taught to speak it.
If you're ready to sign up for a German class, scroll down to get yourself registered.
Your German class tuition includes:
- regularly scheduled classes
- use of the secure, online meeting room
- an email with homework after each class
- client meet-ups
- Access to the Client Corner with additional worksheets, courses and more German learning resources
- discounts on events like the Easy German book Club
- email support outside of class
The fine print:
Tuition doesn’t include your books, but it does include all the extra materials I share with you in the Client Corner and via email. (I have a LOT of additional materials.) Tuition is due per guidelines set for each individual class; there are no refunds. If you are unable to take a class, you may donate your spot to another learner. All German learners under 18 must have a parent or guardian copied on all emails. Now let's get back to German!
Future German Classes
Any future German class will be announced via the E-Post, which is the main newsletter here at GermanWithNicole.
To find out about any classes, please sign up for the E-Post:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Taking a German class
Feel free to read all the Questions and Answers or only the answers to the questions you have.
I've never learned a foreign language before. Can I take a German class, too?
Yes! I have worked with many beginners and can help you with every aspect of learning German from how to learn vocabulary to finding resources that are helpful to you.
I'd like to take a class with a friend/partner/spouse/my family. Can we all sign up?
You sure can! You can register multiple people for one course or everyone can sign up individually.
Are you going to get mad if I don't do my homework?
No, I won’t. I promise.
What are your other clients like?
My other clients are just like you and they speak German at all different levels. They have a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. You all have a common interest, so it's an easy way to break the ice when you first meet.
Everyone is welcome here and that's a philosophy my clients hold as well.
What do your current clients say about their lessons?
You can read what other clients (past and present) have to say on the testimonials page.
I have German customers. Will your class help me?
Yes, absolutely. We practice "Sie" (siezen) in class and you are welcome to call me "Frau Warner" if that helps you practice the formal part of speaking German.
I have dyslexia. Can I still learn German?
Yes, indeed! I can adapt worksheets for you using a couple of different tools, and the best news of all: German is much more predictable than English when it comes to writing it (orthography). I've worked with several people with dyslexia and I'm happy to work with you, too.
FAQs: in Class
Do I have to speak German all the time? Do you ever speak English with us?
If you're in a beginning class, then we speak more English at the beginning. As you acquire skills then we speak more German and less English. Generally I encourage you to say whatever you can in German and I'll help you with the rest.
I'm an introvert. Are you going to make me talk about myself?
No. While you do need to know how to hold a general conversation, which includes basic introductory things about you, I won’t be asking you the personal details of your life. That’s not my job.
My job is to help you communicate in German, so I welcome you to make up answers if that’s more comfortable for you. The goal is to speak in German, not exchange personal details.
How will I know I'm making progress?
This is really, really cool. You’ll notice you’re making progress:
- when German words come to you while you’re doing other activities
- when your in-lesson speaking improves
- when you begin to dream in German (that’s always a fun one) or perhaps
- when you notice you are figuring out more and more on your own
You’ll surprise yourself!
My accent is horrible. Can you help me?
Of course! I’m also a professional, classical singer so I’m well equipped to help you with German pronunciation. Whatever your native language is, I’ll help you learn authentic German pronunciation.
FAQs: Grammar & Vocab
Do I have to be strong in grammar to learn German?
No, you don’t. You can learn the regular grammar terms with me or we can use substitute terms that I’ve developed with other learners.
Accusative and Dative are a mystery to me. Can you help me? I'm so frustrated.
Absolutely! I will help you differentiate the two, practice the application of each, and you will learn which one to use when.
Do you teach slang and swear words, too?
Yes, in fact I teach just about everything in German. A language is a living thing, so when it’s appropriate, I include slang, Umgangssprache (colloquial terms) and swear words.
In general, you are welcome to ask me anything about German.
If you're interested in a German class but still have questions, fill out this form. Nicole will then contact you directly.
Please tell me how much German you already speak and anything else you'd like me to know.
