Harish is an Expat living in München (Germany).
He works at AMVS Global Gmbh as a Senior Software Engineer.
The biggest challenge he faced when learning German was to find the time with his busy working schedule:
“Initially the main challenge was the timing, as the only possible slot is after office hours so I had to hurry to the class after a complete busy day. As usual there is no time after the class to practice stuff.“
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.
Step-by-step he has been improving his German by developing a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure and growing his confidence in expressing himself when speaking.
A few months ago he gave it a try and took the official B1 TELC exam (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer).
He was able to pass it with an incredible 92,5% score in Speaking:
- Reading: 40/45 (88,9%)
- Listening: 40/45 (88,9%)
- Writing: 17/20 (85%)
- Speaking: 92,5/100 (92,5%)
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.
Harish,
What did you try before starting with my program “From Zero to C1”?
Initially I started learning through the German language schools and tried learning through Youtube videos and also through the apps. Later I found your daily Verb-Juggling podcast and that was the starting point for choosing your program “From Zero to C1”.
What was your biggest challenge you faced with learning German?
Initially the main challenge was the timing, as the only possible slot is after office hours so I had to hurry to the class after a complete busy day. As usual there is no time after the class to practice stuff.
Secondly, the initial classes were completely in German, and as I don’t know the basics it self, it was a bit difficult that time.
What kind of program were you looking for?
I was looking for a program just like yours:)
What was your goal when you started?
Main goal was to communicate in the daily life and not to depend on others for the simple things. Starting from the super markets till the government offices, communication at least basic was important.
What struck you the most the first time you came across my program?
I was effectively utilizing my 2 hour travel time (to and from work) thus reducing the time spent for practicing at home, and of course giving valuable time to family.
What was the big difference between my program and the way you learned German before?
In your program I’m having the facility to revise the lessons as many times as required and no need to think of what others will think if I ask more questions in the classroom.
What are some of the results you’ve achieved so far going through my program?
Grammar improvement
Key tips and memorizing techniques
Vocabulary
And finally including all…. My B1 certificate
How did you prepare for your B1 exam?
Gone through the preparation material
Got the tips from my colleagues who have passed the exam earlier
Speaking with everyone who knows German
Going through the B1 material in “From Zero to C1” course and practicing with that everyday.
Taken exam preparation sessions with you at the end to finalize the things
How long did it take to prepare your B1 exam?
Though I was learning German for 6 months… With gaps…1 year
Actually time it took for preparing my exam is 2 months.
What was the most difficult part in the exam?
To be frank, after going through the preparation materials, and using the tips by my colleagues and the sessions with you, I didn’t find it that difficult. However I felt letter writing is somewhat difficult.
Which specific resources helped you the most along the way?
Your audio lessons from the program “From Zero to C1”
Verb-Juggling podcasts
Few classes from my German course
How did you stay focused and motivated through the program?
Whenever I was feeling lost, I used to see your emails and start once again.
How did you manage to combine a full-time job and learning German on the side?
Utilizing my 2 hour commute.
How did a typical daily learning routine look like?
Starting from morning 7.30 till evening 7 it’s difficult all the day in work and traveling, thus effectively utilizing the available time.
How much time did you spend daily on average for your learning?
1-2 hours during the day and when I was going to German classes, 3 hours per day.
What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
Biggest obstacle was to practice the things we learned and also not getting a person to correct the things if I’m doing anything wrongly
What was the most important thing that helped you become more fluent in speaking?
Trying to speak everyday and utilizing every opportunity to speak with whom so ever it is:) and not to be shy or afraid.
What helped you the most to overcome the fear of speaking to others?
What I observed here is people will welcome you heartfully if you try to speak in German even if it is wrong. That gives more motivation for me every time. Observed mostly in government offices.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to learn German but finds it hard to find the time due to his busy life?
If they like your daily Verb-Juggling podcasts, to go and try your course for sure and don’t hesitate to speak in German.
“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.