Frequently Asked Questions
Everything worth knowing before you start learning German with me. Still unsure after reading? Write to me at [email protected] and I will answer myself.
Pricing and Plans
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment methods vary from country to country - the checkout is adaptive and automatically shows every option available where you live. In Europe that is whatever Stripe offers in your country, for example cards, PayPal, Klarna, iDEAL, SEPA direct debit or Revolut Pay. Apple Pay and Google Pay work on supported devices. Outside Europe you will typically see major credit and debit cards plus popular local options.
Best Practices to Avoid Payment Problems:
- Foreign Currency Transactions - payments are processed in Euro. Your bank must allow foreign currency payments.
- Recurring Payments - Subscriptions require automated recurring billing. Some banks block this by default.
- International Payments - Ensure your bank allows international payments.
If none of the available options work for you, reach out to me. We'll find a way.
Best Practices to Avoid Payment Problems:
- Foreign Currency Transactions - payments are processed in Euro. Your bank must allow foreign currency payments.
- Recurring Payments - Subscriptions require automated recurring billing. Some banks block this by default.
- International Payments - Ensure your bank allows international payments.
If none of the available options work for you, reach out to me. We'll find a way.
Can I pay via IBAN, wire transfer, or bank transfer?
A classic manual wire transfer is not offered. But in many European countries the checkout offers SEPA direct debit - you pay directly from your bank account with your IBAN.
If you can't use any available payment method, reach out to me. We'll find a way.
If you can't use any available payment method, reach out to me. We'll find a way.
How do I get a refund?
The monthly and yearly plans include a 7-day free trial - use it to make sure my method is right for you. For the 3-year plan, try the first lesson of any level free before you buy. Once billed, no refunds.
Cannot pay this month? Do not sit it out. Reach out asap and we will find a solution. If you go silent, you will be unenrolled after 3 reminder emails.
Cannot pay this month? Do not sit it out. Reach out asap and we will find a solution. If you go silent, you will be unenrolled after 3 reminder emails.
Can I upgrade from monthly to yearly or 3-year?
Yes - just reach out to me directly and I will take care of it.
Please note: there are no refunds and no prorating for the time you already paid on your current plan. So if you already know you want the yearly or 3-year plan long-term, it is cheaper to switch sooner rather than later.
Please note: there are no refunds and no prorating for the time you already paid on your current plan. So if you already know you want the yearly or 3-year plan long-term, it is cheaper to switch sooner rather than later.
I want to change my plan. Can I just buy the new one?
No, and please do not check out a second time. A new checkout does not replace your current plan. It creates a second, separate subscription, so you would be charged for both plans every month. You would also only ever see one of the two in the customer portal, which means you could not stop the other one yourself.
Write to me and I will move you to the plan you want.
Write to me and I will move you to the plan you want.
Do you offer longer plans?
Yes.
3-year plan (visible on the pricing page, Monthly/Yearly/3 Years toggle): saves 54% vs paying monthly. Try the first lesson of any level free before you buy.
Not sure yet? Try the 7-day free trial on the monthly or yearly plan first to make sure my method is right for you.
3-year plan (visible on the pricing page, Monthly/Yearly/3 Years toggle): saves 54% vs paying monthly. Try the first lesson of any level free before you buy.
Not sure yet? Try the 7-day free trial on the monthly or yearly plan first to make sure my method is right for you.
How long do I have access?
You get access as long as your plan says. I got monthly, yearly and 3-year plans. Monthly and yearly renew automatically - make sure to cancel in time if you won't continue. The 3-year plan ends automatically.
How does automatic payment work?
All payments are taken automatically - you won't receive payment reminders or links. If you subscribed Oct 1, 10am, you'll be charged Nov 1, 10am.
Make sure:
a) Sufficient funds in your account
b) Credit card details are valid (update in account settings)
c) If payment fails, call your bank immediately (especially Indian banks)
Been unenrolled? Don't panic - your progress is saved. Contact me to restore access.
Make sure:
a) Sufficient funds in your account
b) Credit card details are valid (update in account settings)
c) If payment fails, call your bank immediately (especially Indian banks)
Been unenrolled? Don't panic - your progress is saved. Contact me to restore access.
Can I get an invoice?
Yes! Invoice is sent automatically after purchase. Save that email as PDF yourself.
Need company details on invoice? Enter everything BEFORE you finalize purchase. On checkout there's a link for businesses to enter VAT ID.
Need changes after purchase? Only option is refund + repurchase with correct details.
Need company details on invoice? Enter everything BEFORE you finalize purchase. On checkout there's a link for businesses to enter VAT ID.
Need changes after purchase? Only option is refund + repurchase with correct details.
Do you accept Bildungsgutschein?
No. That would be a bureaucratic nightmare and they wouldn't pay anyway since my courses aren't certified and they prefer live classes.
However, you can currently work with my courses for free (A1-B2 as of June 2025). Use them next to your Jobcenter-supported courses. Those teach in German only which I don't recommend based on 25+ years of experience - German should be taught in English (or your mother tongue).
However, you can currently work with my courses for free (A1-B2 as of June 2025). Use them next to your Jobcenter-supported courses. Those teach in German only which I don't recommend based on 25+ years of experience - German should be taught in English (or your mother tongue).
Can I get a second free trial?
No. The free trial is one per person, once. My system spots repeat trials immediately and I block the account for good.
Trial ended too soon? Reach out to me and we will find a solution.
Trial ended too soon? Reach out to me and we will find a solution.
Can I buy without the free trial?
Yes. Reach out to me and I will send you a personal payment link.
That is the only supported way. Orders placed on old checkout pages that still show up somewhere on the internet are refunded right away and the course access is removed - I have to keep my books clean for tax reasons.
That is the only supported way. Orders placed on old checkout pages that still show up somewhere on the internet are refunded right away and the course access is removed - I have to keep my books clean for tax reasons.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. If the full price is a real stretch, there is a reduced rate, and you can start it right away without an application or an income check.
See the reduced rate
It runs on trust. It stays possible because most learners pay the full price, so I am taking you at your word that you will move up when you can. If even that is out of reach, write to me and I will see what I can do.
See the reduced rate
It runs on trust. It stays possible because most learners pay the full price, so I am taking you at your word that you will move up when you can. If even that is out of reach, write to me and I will see what I can do.
Levels and Progress
How long does a course take?
My courses take as long as they take. You got 24/7 access for as long as your membership is active. How long it takes for you to work through them is totally up to you, your education, your intelligence, your language learning aptitude, your motivation, your situation, your age, possibly your gender etc.
Nobody can predict how long it will take YOU to finish a level. Learning German at SmarterGerman is NOT about finishing a course but understanding and implementing the knowledge presented to you.
Do not rush anything in your course. Your deadline is made up to begin with. The only exceptions are exams for visa or citizenship.
The most important thing when learning any language is to enjoy doing so. In many language schools intensive courses often take 2-3 months but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone will have reached the designated level by then. If I take a look at the integration course stats of the BAMF, roughly only 50% of students pass B1 after 6 months of intensive classes.
So, try to worry less about how long things take but do your best, work smarter and follow the advice of your teacher.
Nobody can predict how long it will take YOU to finish a level. Learning German at SmarterGerman is NOT about finishing a course but understanding and implementing the knowledge presented to you.
Do not rush anything in your course. Your deadline is made up to begin with. The only exceptions are exams for visa or citizenship.
The most important thing when learning any language is to enjoy doing so. In many language schools intensive courses often take 2-3 months but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone will have reached the designated level by then. If I take a look at the integration course stats of the BAMF, roughly only 50% of students pass B1 after 6 months of intensive classes.
So, try to worry less about how long things take but do your best, work smarter and follow the advice of your teacher.
How do I know what's my language level?
Quick Guide by Hours:
- Under 200h = A1
- 200-400h = A2
- 400-600h = B1
- Over 600h = B2/C1
Completed Duolingo/Babbel? That is A2 level max.
Want a precise answer? Take my free placement test - takes about 10 minutes and tells you exactly where you stand.
Every plan includes all course levels (A1-C1), so you can move freely between them whenever you like.
- Under 200h = A1
- 200-400h = A2
- 400-600h = B1
- Over 600h = B2/C1
Completed Duolingo/Babbel? That is A2 level max.
Want a precise answer? Take my free placement test - takes about 10 minutes and tells you exactly where you stand.
Every plan includes all course levels (A1-C1), so you can move freely between them whenever you like.
How long does it take to reach each German level?
Based on the CEFR framework, here are realistic time estimates to reach each level (assuming 10-15 hours per week of focused study):
A1 (Beginner): 80-200 hours (2-5 months)
Basic phrases, introduce yourself, simple questions.
A2 (Elementary): 200-400 total hours (5-10 months)
Routine tasks, simple conversations about familiar topics.
B1 (Intermediate): 350-650 total hours (9-16 months)
Travel independently, describe experiences, understand main points.
B2 (Upper Intermediate): 600-1000 total hours (15-25 months)
Fluent conversations, understand complex texts, express opinions.
C1 (Advanced): 800-1200 total hours (20-30 months)
Near-native understanding, nuanced expression, academic/professional use.
C2 (Mastery): 1000-1500+ total hours (25-38+ months)
Native-like fluency, effortless understanding of everything.
For details, see my blog post on German language levels.
A1 (Beginner): 80-200 hours (2-5 months)
Basic phrases, introduce yourself, simple questions.
A2 (Elementary): 200-400 total hours (5-10 months)
Routine tasks, simple conversations about familiar topics.
B1 (Intermediate): 350-650 total hours (9-16 months)
Travel independently, describe experiences, understand main points.
B2 (Upper Intermediate): 600-1000 total hours (15-25 months)
Fluent conversations, understand complex texts, express opinions.
C1 (Advanced): 800-1200 total hours (20-30 months)
Near-native understanding, nuanced expression, academic/professional use.
C2 (Mastery): 1000-1500+ total hours (25-38+ months)
Native-like fluency, effortless understanding of everything.
For details, see my blog post on German language levels.
Do your courses prepare me for exams?
My courses provide everything you need to reach the designated level but aren't exam-specific.
For exams I've created prep courses for A1 and B1 (most important exams). A2 is useless; B2 tips are in the B2 course itself. C1 course is closest to exam format.
You can also search online for model exams for your level and institution (TELC or Goethe).
For exams I've created prep courses for A1 and B1 (most important exams). A2 is useless; B2 tips are in the B2 course itself. C1 course is closest to exam format.
You can also search online for model exams for your level and institution (TELC or Goethe).
Can I get a certificate?
No - such a certificate wouldn't be worth the paper. You need a Goethe, TELC or OSD certificate as those are the most acknowledged worldwide.
You can PREPARE with our courses and take those exams as an external examinee. Our courses prepare you as well as theirs.
Proof of completion? While not worth much, I'll reluctantly issue one if you really think it benefits you.
You can PREPARE with our courses and take those exams as an external examinee. Our courses prepare you as well as theirs.
Proof of completion? While not worth much, I'll reluctantly issue one if you really think it benefits you.
How many hours should I study?
You CAN study 24/7 - you're 100% flexible with no teacher or classmates to wait for.
Study as much as you CAN and ENJOY. If you only have 30min a day, that's how long you study. If you're tired, take a break. If things flow, keep going.
Reference numbers: At 3h/day + homework: 2 months for A1, 2 months A2, 2 months B1, 3 months each for B2 and C1.
Quality beats quantity and speed. Rushing produces crappy German. Take your time, digest what you learn.
Study as much as you CAN and ENJOY. If you only have 30min a day, that's how long you study. If you're tired, take a break. If things flow, keep going.
Reference numbers: At 3h/day + homework: 2 months for A1, 2 months A2, 2 months B1, 3 months each for B2 and C1.
Quality beats quantity and speed. Rushing produces crappy German. Take your time, digest what you learn.
Courses and Method
When does the course start/end?
All my courses are proper online courses for self learners - they start when you want to start and end when you want to stop. You can work whenever and wherever you want. There are no live events or meetings with a real tutor included.
If you want to swap notes with other learners, the community is open to all members.
If you want to swap notes with other learners, the community is open to all members.
What do your courses teach?
All my courses teach you everything needed to reach the designated level. It's the same stuff you'd learn at Goethe, Berlitz or any other professional language school - just packaged far more interestingly and explained a lot clearer.
Is there speaking practice?
Yes! I've created techniques to practice speaking on your own: Preaching (A1+), Reading aloud (A1+), Presentations (A2+), Oral translation (B2+). They'll prepare you for real conversations.
From A2 onwards I also recommend languagegym - ridiculously cheap for what you get. Use it to gain confidence speaking. Teaching is in the courses, and all correction is delivered by integrated AI tools that provide excellent quality feedback on your German.
From A2 onwards I also recommend languagegym - ridiculously cheap for what you get. Use it to gain confidence speaking. Teaching is in the courses, and all correction is delivered by integrated AI tools that provide excellent quality feedback on your German.
Do I need extra materials?
No! All courses are complete. Any additional materials I recommend are completely optional.
Courses are not available offline. No downloads like vocab lists because lists are irrelevant for memorizing - they're only useful as overview, which is how I use them.
I'll save you 50+ hours - everything you need is in one place.
Courses are not available offline. No downloads like vocab lists because lists are irrelevant for memorizing - they're only useful as overview, which is how I use them.
I'll save you 50+ hours - everything you need is in one place.
Do you offer private tutoring?
Currently not offering 1:1 coaching - I'm focusing on improving courses and supporting online students.
In my opinion, 90% of learners don't need a private tutor. My online courses do the job at a fraction of the cost.
If you really want a tutor, I recommend:
- Alessio Bona (German Grammar Genius course creator)
- Andrea from Lively German (for exam preparation)
In my opinion, 90% of learners don't need a private tutor. My online courses do the job at a fraction of the cost.
If you really want a tutor, I recommend:
- Alessio Bona (German Grammar Genius course creator)
- Andrea from Lively German (for exam preparation)
When and where are the classes?
SmarterGerman offers online courses for self learners. No live classes, no tutor or classmates involved. In my professional opinion, most people don't need one if they have a well-structured course.
100% online - learn wherever you have internet, whenever you want. No traveling to school, no annoying classmates, learn at your own speed.
Not disciplined? Either you are or you aren't - there's nothing you can do to become more disciplined. But that's fine! When you feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, a) give it time - moods pass, and b) reach out to others in my Community.
100% online - learn wherever you have internet, whenever you want. No traveling to school, no annoying classmates, learn at your own speed.
Not disciplined? Either you are or you aren't - there's nothing you can do to become more disciplined. But that's fine! When you feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, a) give it time - moods pass, and b) reach out to others in my Community.
Can your courses take me from A1 to B2 on their own, or do I need a separate grammar resource?
On their own. That is exactly what they are built for. One membership covers every level from A1 to C1, and each level teaches everything you need to reach it, grammar included.
You do not need a grammar book or a second course running next to mine. Grammar is taught where you actually need it and explained until it makes sense, not handed to you as a table to memorise. If you want extra grammar drill, my Grammar Genius course is part of the same membership.
Anything else I ever recommend is optional, never required.
You do not need a grammar book or a second course running next to mine. Grammar is taught where you actually need it and explained until it makes sense, not handed to you as a table to memorise. If you want extra grammar drill, my Grammar Genius course is part of the same membership.
Anything else I ever recommend is optional, never required.
How is SmarterGerman different from other German courses and teachers?
Most of the well known teachers do solid work, so I will not talk anyone down. Here is what I do differently.
I teach adults who already speak English. Your English is a bigger asset than you think, and I put it to work from day one instead of treating you like a blank page. That alone cuts a lot of learning time.
Understand what can be understood, memorise what cannot. Everything that has logic gets explained until the doubt is gone. The rest is anchored with memory techniques that need zero special talent, so German sticks instead of fading by next week.
Everything sits in one place. A1 to C1, exam prep for A1, B1 and DSH, plus AI tools that correct your writing and your speaking. No shopping for textbooks, no hopping between apps and channels.
Real self study, properly built. No live classes, no classmates to wait for, no fixed times. I have taught German since 1999 and built the course I always wanted to hand my own students.
I teach adults who already speak English. Your English is a bigger asset than you think, and I put it to work from day one instead of treating you like a blank page. That alone cuts a lot of learning time.
Understand what can be understood, memorise what cannot. Everything that has logic gets explained until the doubt is gone. The rest is anchored with memory techniques that need zero special talent, so German sticks instead of fading by next week.
Everything sits in one place. A1 to C1, exam prep for A1, B1 and DSH, plus AI tools that correct your writing and your speaking. No shopping for textbooks, no hopping between apps and channels.
Real self study, properly built. No live classes, no classmates to wait for, no fixed times. I have taught German since 1999 and built the course I always wanted to hand my own students.
Do your courses cover all four skills, or mainly grammar and vocabulary?
All four. Reading, listening, writing and speaking are trained at every level, with grammar and vocabulary running through all of it.
Reading and listening come with texts and audio pitched at your level, from the first lesson on. Writing is practised throughout and corrected by my integrated AI tools, which give you proper feedback on your German. Speaking is trained with techniques you can do on your own: preaching and reading aloud from A1, presentations from A2, oral translation from B2. Vocabulary is built with memory techniques rather than word lists.
Grammar is the skeleton, not the whole body. A course that only teaches grammar and vocabulary leaves you unable to speak, which is precisely the problem I set out to solve.
Reading and listening come with texts and audio pitched at your level, from the first lesson on. Writing is practised throughout and corrected by my integrated AI tools, which give you proper feedback on your German. Speaking is trained with techniques you can do on your own: preaching and reading aloud from A1, presentations from A2, oral translation from B2. Vocabulary is built with memory techniques rather than word lists.
Grammar is the skeleton, not the whole body. A course that only teaches grammar and vocabulary leaves you unable to speak, which is precisely the problem I set out to solve.
How many hours of content do the courses contain?
I do not measure my courses in hours of video, because hours of watching teach nobody German. What counts is how much you actually work.
For scale: the path from A1 to B2 holds roughly 4,900 individual lessons and exercises. Nobody runs out of material.
For planning: reaching B2 takes most learners somewhere between 600 and 1,000 hours of total study, whichever course they use. At around 3 hours a day, expect about 2 months each for A1, A2 and B1, and about 3 months for B2. Your speed depends on you and your circumstances, never on the length of my course.
For scale: the path from A1 to B2 holds roughly 4,900 individual lessons and exercises. Nobody runs out of material.
For planning: reaching B2 takes most learners somewhere between 600 and 1,000 hours of total study, whichever course they use. At around 3 hours a day, expect about 2 months each for A1, A2 and B1, and about 3 months for B2. Your speed depends on you and your circumstances, never on the length of my course.
Access and Technical
I can't log in or see my course!
Don't worry.
Request a new password at smartergerman.com and check your inbox AND spam folder. Common problems: typing "gmial" instead of "gmail" or ".co" instead of ".com".
If that doesn't help, send me a message.
Been unenrolled? If you missed payment instalments, reach out to me and I'll send you a fresh link to reactivate. First time is free, 2nd time costs 10 (easily avoidable - you get 3-4 reminder emails).
Request a new password at smartergerman.com and check your inbox AND spam folder. Common problems: typing "gmial" instead of "gmail" or ".co" instead of ".com".
If that doesn't help, send me a message.
Been unenrolled? If you missed payment instalments, reach out to me and I'll send you a fresh link to reactivate. First time is free, 2nd time costs 10 (easily avoidable - you get 3-4 reminder emails).
Is my progress saved?
Yes, of course. Take a break for weeks or months - when you come back, everything is still there. Worst case (platform migration): just click through lessons to restore your position.
Can I use the course on mobile?
Yes! The mobile version is beautiful. Use Chrome to avoid technical issues with my custom tools. Unfortunately there's no offline version available.
Teachable's iOS app works for reading and listening, but my custom tools won't work inside it.
Teachable's iOS app works for reading and listening, but my custom tools won't work inside it.
How do I get support?
All members get technical support via my community. The community is also where learners share progress, swap study notes, and chat about German. I drop in when I have time, but it is a peer space, not tutoring.
Live Q&A sessions happen irregularly when I have time and are open to all members.
Live Q&A sessions happen irregularly when I have time and are open to all members.
I don't have an active subscription anymore. Do I still have access to the community?
No. Community access ends when your All Courses subscription ends. If you want to come back, apply through the community application form on the homepage. The questionnaire is the same as for any new non-customer applicant.
What if I have a technical issue?
Don't panic! Never invest more than 10 minutes on a technical issue.
Try these fixes (99% success rate):
- Clear browser cache
- Try a different browser (Chrome works best)
- Disable VPN or Ad-Blocker
- Check for company firewalls
Still stuck after trying all measures? Report it - I respond immediately to technical issues.
Try these fixes (99% success rate):
- Clear browser cache
- Try a different browser (Chrome works best)
- Disable VPN or Ad-Blocker
- Check for company firewalls
Still stuck after trying all measures? Report it - I respond immediately to technical issues.
