Argo is a Real Estate Agent at Pema Real Estate now working in München (Germany).
He started my program “From Zero to C1 in 25 Minutes a Day” at A2.
My program offered him a structured learning system that he could easily integrate into his busy life.
I told him that just completing my A2 Module would be enough to even pass a B1 exam and become more fluent and more confident with German.
He took my word for it and trusted the “From to Zero to C1” learning system.
After finishing my A2 module he gave it a try and was able to pass his official B1 Goethe exam with an incredible 100% score in Speaking.
- Reading: 90/100 (90%)
- Listening: 80/100 (80%)
- Writing: 83/100 (83%)
- Speaking: 100/100 (100%)
|
|
Here’s a complete interview I did with him so you can learn from his journey going through my program.
Let’s jump right into it.
Argo,
What did you try before starting with my program “From Zero to C1”?
I have not tried anything specific. I believe that for everything, there is an advanced system for a goal that you have, so I do not trust the old education system. So, I started looking for this system.
What was your biggest challenge you faced with learning German?
When I started, my biggest challenge was learning the accusative and dative case.
What kind of program were you looking for?
As I said before, I always believe that for everything there is a more advanced system to reach the goal.
I believe in the Pareto Principle, where 80% of outputs result from 20% of all inputs for any given event. So, as I own a Company and I have a lot of work to do, I know that there is a system that can give me 80% of the result with 20% given time.
What was your goal when you started?
For every purpose, we must have a WHY. My WHY was very strong and clear: “When I start living in Germany, I want to integrate into German culture as quickly and easily as possible, with a perfect German language.”
But, no matter how strong your WHY is and how hard you work toward that goal, if you don’t have a great system, you will go nowhere.
As James Clear said: successful and unsuccessful people share the same goals, but a good system makes successful people successful.
What struck you the most the first time you came across my program?
Everything is structured. You do not need to think too much about what to learn first. Just follow the instructions.
What was the big difference between my program and the way you learned German before?
I started a German course two years ago in my country, it was overwhelming. Maybe my WHY wasn’t so strong and clear as now. But as I said before, I don’t like the old system of learning.
What are some of the results you’ve achieved so far going through my program?
With this program, I managed to pass the B1 Goethe exam ONLY with the A2 program from Manuel and with 100 points in speaking.
I can watch German movies and YouTube videos without a problem now.
Also, I can read German articles without a problem. Of course, sometimes I need to translate some words, but generally, I understand what is in that article.
How did you prepare for your B1 exam?
I did several B1 Goethe mock exams. Also, I learned and practiced a lot from the resources in “From Zero to C1”.
How long did it take to prepare for your B1 exam?
It took me a month to prepare for the exam.
What was the most difficult part in the exam?
The hardest parts for me have been listening and reading. In the reading part, there were some questions that I didn’t understand. So I got stuck on some questions.
In the listening part, I thought I worked poorly, but in the end, I got 90 points.
Which specific resources helped you the most along the way?
Herr Professor’s “From Zero to C1” program, the exercises provided in the program and listening to a lot of podcasts. Also, I used Anki Flashcards to learn new words.
How did you stay focused and motivated through the program?
You only need to improve 1% a day. We tend to think that massive success requires massive action. Small improvements are not noticeable at the beginning, but in the long term, you will see a big difference.
So, I started with this mentality, 1% a day with this incredible program, I made a lot of progress. (I learned this from the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear)
About motivation, as I told you before, you need to know your WHY.
How did you manage to combine a full-time job and learning German on the side?
Since I run a company and have a lot of work to do, I am rarely free.
But this program is very well structured, so that you can return and learn whenever you have free time.
What did a typical daily learning routine look like?
Usually, one level in the Herr professor program for me has lasted 7 to 10 days.
First, I learn the lessons and rules at that level.
Since I commute every day for 1 hour and a half, I use that time to listen to podcasts.
The next few days, I will repeat the lessons. Sometimes I also read a German article, or choose to write something.
I also learn new words through Anki Flashcards. Manuel recommends Memrise, but I like Anki Flashcards more. I learn 5 new words every day.
How much time did you spend daily on average for your learning?
I listen to podcasts for 1.5 hours a day.
I learn/read/write (it depends) for an average of 1 hour a day.
Also, at the end of the day, I learn the new words from Anki Flashcards for 10-15 min.
What helped you the most to overcome the fear of speaking to others?
By making a lot of mistakes first, and still making a lot of progress, that’s how I gained confidence in speaking.
You never lose. You either win or you learn.
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?
Do you know what a kid does when he starts walking?
Whenever he has the opportunity to walk, he will do it. You know why? Because he is very excited and he knows his WHY.
Even if he fails at every try, he will stand up again and will try again. He will improve every day by 1% a day.
So, know your WHY, start small, and even if you have only 20 minutes a day to learn, do it.
With this program, you will achieve a lot.
“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.
If you’d like to be added to the Waiting List of “From Zero to C1”, enter your information below, and you’ll be the first to know when I re-open the course.