Jordi is an Expat living in Nürnberg (Germany).
He’s an IT Professional working as Director Domain Architecture at ADIDAS.
He started my program “From Zero to C1 in 25 Minutes a Day” at A2.
He went through my A2 and B1 Module.
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 his ideas in speaking.
A few months ago he passed his official B1 Goethe exam with a 96% score in speaking.
Here’s an interview I did with him so you can learn from his journey going through my program.
Let’s jump right into it.
What did you try before starting with my program “From Zero to C1”?
I mostly tried traditional classroom based courses, like the ones offered by VHS in Germany. On the one hand, it was always a challenge to find a course with the right schedule for me and on the other hand it was too slow as it was just one or two sessions per week.
What was your biggest challenge you faced with learning German?
Being able to learn at my own speed and with great flexibility in terms of schedule. I am fine investing 8-10 hours a week, but I cannot commit to fixed schedules.
What kind of program were you looking for?
Something very flexible in terms of schedule and very structured, so that one could clearly see progress.
What was your goal when you started?
My first goal was to achieve B1 level and pass the official Goethe exam and then progress towards higher levels of fluency.
What struck you the first time you came across my program?
I found it very structured, with clear milestones and self-validation of progress – the fluency tests are really great!
What was the big difference between my program and the way you learned German before?
The clear structure of the levels and modules and the sense of accomplishment at the end of each module is something I didn’t find in any previous training. The scope in terms of grammar and vocabulary are very well set at the beginning of each module and the student can validate progress at the end of the module with the fluency test. This way of working really boosts morale.
What are some of the results you’ve achieved so far going through my program?
Well, I passed the B1 exam! I can now as well have everyday conversations and understand the context of different types of communication.
How did you prepare your B1 exam to pass it with flying colors?
After finishing the last module in B1 level I prepared for 3 weeks by going again through all fluency tests in A2 and B1. I did as well some specific writing and speaking sessions as part of your Coaching Program.
How long did it take to prepare your B1 exam?
I started A2 in July last year and finished B1 around March this year. Then I invested a couple of weeks to pass the exam in April. So, starting at A2 it took me less than a year.
What was the most difficult part in the exam?
I think listening was the most challenging one. I could not understand some sections in some exercises. Definitely, I need to listen to more TV and radio in German!
Which specific resources helped you the most along the way?
The brief grammar summaries in each level are great are highlighting what is really relevant and explaining difficult elements of German grammar like adjective declination. And the fluency tests are definitely a must.
How did you stay focused and motivated through the program?
Actually the program helped a lot in staying focused and motivated given its structure. All modules follow the same pattern and the time you need to invest for each step is predictable. Again, the fluency tests keep you highly motivated.
How did you manage to combine a full-time job and learning German on the side?
For me it was a matter of blocking my time, particularly early in the morning and in afternoons. The podcasts are as well a good tool to take the most out of short periods of time.
How did a typical daily learning routine look like?
It varies a lot, but most of the time it is podcast listening during breakfast and commuting, and exercises in the afternoon.
How much time did you spend daily on average for your learning?
Somewhere between 1 and 2 hours.
What did you emphasize the most when learning?
Being able to validate your progress is something vital to me. This program is very good at it.
What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
Not being able to learn at my own speed was something that demotivated while attending regular classes. By joining this program I could go as fast as I wanted when time allowed.
What was the most important thing that helped you become more fluent in speaking?
After a couple of years living in Germany, my kids were actually my highest motivation for learning and helped me with fluency as well.
What helped you the most to overcome the fear of speaking to others?
I have still a long way to go in that sense, but obviously the more you practice the more comfortable you are at speaking. But to be specific, if you know the context of a conversation you are going to have, practicing it on your own and do a bit of vocabulary research is a good help.
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?
Easy, join HerrProfessor.com training!
“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.