Intensive A1 German Lessons at Goethe Institut

I did it. I just paid a fortune for a German language lesson that will most likely cover my three semesters if I was still in university.

Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile to invest in what I can take with me wherever I go. But more than the potentially newly acquired skill is also the relief from waiting. Learning something new, in my opinion, is the best way to pass the time while Greg and I process the required documents to be together for good.

There are various ways to study for an A1 certification for German language proficiency, but I took what to me would be most convenient with my work schedule and the commute distance. Luckily for me, Goethe Institut is just a stone’s throw away from where I am currently employed so going back and forth won’t be such a stretch considering Manila traffic.

Before eventually deciding to go with Goethe Institut in Manila, I toyed with the idea of self-studying to learn German. I found two useful resources for it but ultimately went for a formal class. There’s something about meeting new people while learning something new that excites me. So even if quite pricey, I decided to attend a formal course. (See Self-Studying German for Goethe’s A1 Exam and 5 wallet-friendly ways to learn German)

I wanted the Saturday A1 classes but was told that it is divided in three parts: A1.1 to A1.3. Each of these parts take three months to complete. Although lighter on the pocket, a 9-month route to learn basic German is tricky to squeeze in my schedule. With this year’s travel plans, it may not be the best option for me.

With all that considered, I went with the two-month intensive A1 course that takes place every weekday at four hours a day.

The coming months will be exhausting with about 12 to 13 hours of daily grind. Let’s see how I settle into a tighter schedule with paperwork to complete on top of travel arrangements and work commitments.

While at the institute, I also decided to purchase the books required for the course. I am giddy at the prospect of directing some of my energy towards preparing myself for my future home.

The books too didn’t come affordable. But both books came with easy-to-follow chapters and exercises as well as CD for listening exercises. In that way, maybe the selling price computes.

I’m anxious about the qualifying test that’s scheduled soon after the course finishes. But I know that it’s going to be fun preparing for it too!

Tschüs!