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Fluenz vs Busuu

Thursday, November 7th

2024 German Lesson Reviews

Fluenz Review 3.5 Star Rating

Fluenz

3.5 Star Rating
  • Pricing: Complete program (Levels 1-5) for $398, individual levels and bundles also available
  • Lessons designed with English speakers in mind
  • Lessons include activities such as matching words, typing translations, and listening and writing exercises
  • No subscription fees, courses purchased are yours forever
  • Pre-recorded lessons guided by tutor Nora Naatz, a native German speaker
  • Five levels of German learning, from basics to complex conversations
  • Option for refund within 30 days of purchase
  • Generally positive user reviews

Fluenz, created by travel vlogger and entrepreneur Sonia Gil, is a language learning platform that helps you learn German in a way that leans on your knowledge of English. It doesn't offer a free trial, so you'll have to rely on user reviews and screenshots to decide if it's right for you. Your tutor, Nora Naatz, will guide you through activities and explain German grammar in relation to English. There are five levels to the program, each advancing in difficulty and complexity. You can buy the complete program for $398, but individual levels are available for purchase too. Some users have said that the sentences can be repetitive, but overall, Fluenz gets positive feedback for helping students achieve conversational German.

Busuu Review 3 Star Rating

Busuu

3 Star Rating
  • Starts at $4.17/month for annual Premium membership
  • German lessons from levels A1 to B2
  • Dedicated grammar review section
  • Earning stars keeps you motivated
  • Community-graded exercises
  • Cultural nuances taught in lessons
  • Vocabulary demonstrated by German locals
  • CEFR certificate for Premium users
  • Offline access for Premium users
  • Good for beginners

Busuu is an online platform that you can use to learn German from scratch. They offer several themed courses starting from beginner level (A1) to upper intermediate (B2). Using Busuu, you'll engage in activities like watching videos of native speakers, listening exercises, and writing tasks. You'll also learn important grammar concepts and German cultural nuances. We especially like the community feedback feature. However, we think their lessons could be a little more challenging. You can do some things with Basic, but the Premium subscription includes benefits like faster feedback and offline access. It costs between $4.17 to $13.99 per month, based on the duration of your subscription. Although Busuu is a great tool for beginners, you may need to use other resources like books and media to reach fluency in German.

Where Can You Find the Best German Lessons?

Learning a language opens doors to new possibilities, and German is no exception. The trend of learning German online has gained traction globally due to the convenience, adaptability, and diversity of available resources. Want to learn German online? There's a plethora of options to suit your learning preferences.

Whether you're fascinated by Germany's picturesque architecture, interested in its robust engineering and philosophical legacy, a fan of its classical music and literature, seeking to reconnect with your family roots, or interested in job opportunities in the country with the largest economy in Europe, studying German can enhance your life.

The Best German Lessons Compare German Lessons Compare German Lesson Reviews What are the best German Lessons Best German Lesson Reviews

German Lesson FAQ

You might be surprised to learn that about 130 million people speak German as a first or second language! It's the most widely used "mother tongue” in the EU and is an official language in seven countries (not just Germany!).
Yes, but fortunately they are all mutually understood (for the most part). Standard German is taught throughout Germany, but there are regional dialects that might be harder to grasp as a non-native speaker. Think about how a non-native speaker of English would experience moving from the accent used in the Midwest to the one used by people in Boston! You'll also find vocabulary and accent differences when you visit other German-speaking countries like Austria, Switzerland or Belgium.
English borrows a lot of words from German (e.g. kindergarten, bagel, iceberg), so learners often find it more familiar than they expected. But, because there are some big grammatical and pronunciation differences from English, German is ranked as a Category II language in terms of difficulty: not as easy as French or Spanish, for example, but easier than Greek or Japanese.
Experts recommend that you start with basic vocabulary. If you plan to use German in a specific way, like during an upcoming trip or to study documents from your ancestry, choose words and phrases that apply. You can also use the language settings on your favorite movies and TV shows to begin watching in German: it's a great way to pick it up naturally!
Studying any language online is going to be more affordable and accessible than trying to find an in-person class. While German used to be taught in most secondary schools throughout the US, it has dropped in popularity with the rise of other languages like Chinese and even ASL. Fortunately, there are many online German lessons that are effective and fun, and you can study at your convenience.
German is easier to learn than some languages because it mostly uses the same alphabet as English. There are a few characters and accented vowels that are particular to German. The good news is that, on a smartphone, you can usually hold down the base letter (like "b” or "u”) and accented options will be displayed, while on a keyboard there are shortcuts you can use.
Not at all. You can choose between a one-time fee for a defined package of lessons or a monthly subscription for ongoing access. You could pay under $100 for a whole level of German coursework, or under $20/month for unlimited lessons. Either way you choose, it will be much less money than paying for an in-person German class.
Most German courses have a way to preview the materials, either through a free trial period or through full sample lessons on the website. We encourage you to use every complimentary resource provided by the German lessons platform you're considering before committing to a paid program, because not all of them come with a satisfaction guarantee. You may only get your money back if you cancel within 30 or 60 days of purchase, or you might be able to cancel future monthly payments without getting a refund for what you've already invested.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

When comparing German to English, there are several unique challenges you might face. German is notorious for its long compound words, but it also has a high degree of phonetic consistency, which can simplify pronunciation for beginners. However, German grammar won't be so easy to conquer, thanks to three genders for nouns, four cases, and seemingly endless verb conjugations. But, the precision of German, with its structured syntax and the rhythm of its sentences, offers a distinctive learning curve that can be immensely rewarding to master.

If you're an auditory learner and thrive on hearing how German sounds, there are specialized programs designed for that. These help you familiarize yourself with the language's intonation and pronunciation. And if you enjoy interactive learning, there are engaging platforms where you can acquire new vocabulary and grammar through games, competing against other learners and earning rewards as you progress.

If you prefer a structured learning approach, there are courses that integrate video lessons, quizzes, and even writing exercises. This helps you improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in German, all of which are required to reach fluency.

Prefer real-time interaction? You can connect with native German speakers via tutoring services. This is an excellent way to learn the practical usage of the language and gain deeper insights into German culture.

Not sure where to begin? Consider these factors as you explore your options:

  • Your starting point. Are you a complete beginner or do you have some knowledge of German already? Choose lessons that correspond to your current level. If you already know some German, you might want to look for a course with a placement test.
  • How you like to learn. Do you prefer gamified apps, audio lessons to listen to while commuting, or text-heavy learning? Select a method that fits your lifestyle and learning preferences.
  • Different German dialects. Most online German lessons will teach High German, but some may include regional dialects like Austrian German, which has a distinct pronunciation and vocabulary nuances. While Germany has a diversity of dialects, High German remains the standard in educational and official communications throughout Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking areas.
  • Cost. Options range from free to paid subscriptions or one-time fees. Consider what you're willing to invest and what you gain from both free and paid lessons.
  • What other learners say. Checking reviews from past users can provide insights into how effective the lessons are and how quickly you might progress. You'll also want to know if there are any glitches with apps or software before you buy.

To guide you to the best German lessons that match your goals and preferred learning style, our team at Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed today's top offerings and provided candid feedback on what each provides. So, why wait? Begin learning German today!

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