Krystian is a Key Account Manager at Logocos GmbH in Düsseldorf (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.
Step-by-step he has been improving his German by developing a better understanding of grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure and growing his confidence in expressing himself when speaking.
He’s actually not only a student of mine but also one of the case studies featured in “From Zero to C1 in 25 Minutes a Day” where you can listen to all podcast sessions we had throughout the A2 and B1 course.
He was able to pass his official B1 Telc exam with an incredible 88% score in Speaking and 100% in Writing.
- Reading: 67,5/75 (90%)
- Listening: 65/75 (87%)
- Writing: 45/45 (100%)
- Speaking: 66/75 (88%)
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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.
Krystian,
What did you try before starting with my program “From Zero to C1”?
I studied briefly an A1 course and partially A2 while still in Bulgaria. I needed some basic knowledge before I moved to Germany.
What was your biggest challenge you faced with learning German?
Starting from ABC at the age of 36 with a language that was supposed to be my 5th was a huge challenge. There was always a psychological blockage for a brand new language, especially having in mind that I was sure I could manage professionally with english. Reality after several months and years in Germany did prove something else
What kind of program were you looking for?
I needed an easy-going, comfortable program that matches my working schedule. and since I was opposed to starting real school studies, I was searching for online options that could mainly help me start speaking, or at least eliminate my blockage.
What was your goal when you started?
I lived first in Dusseldorf, where there is a big expat community. However I soon realized that knowing the language of the country you live in is rather a must. So I could deal with all administrative and daily communicational issues. Being in contact with new people, especially with children and being part of their new ‘native’ environment. So basically my goal was to start speaking.
What struck you the most the first time you came across my program?
A very friendly tutor, a very relaxing method that matches exactly the people like me. The idea of podcasts was very nice and I have listened to many of those while driving.
What was the big difference between my program and the way you learned German before?
I studied in English high-school with the typical method. With lots of words’ writing, dictations and 6-7 academic hours per day. A truly hard-working method which of course brought profound knowledge. The method of Herr Professor was mainly targeting my communication level, both listening and speaking. it gives a basis for those who want to get deeper into grammatics etc.
What are some of the results you’ve achieved so far going through my program?
I have successfully passed the B1 Telc Exam with 270.5 out of 300 points, which equals 90%.
How did you prepare for your B1 exam?
To be honest I had no preparation at all. I did finish B1 level with Herr Professor some while ago and never studied additionally. It was all from my daily life and actual working life at my current German employer. I was planning to try B2 as I consider myself somewhere between B2 and C1. B2 sample exams I have passed with around 75%.
How long did it take to prepare for your B1 exam?
Only from daily life.
What was the most difficult part in the exam?
TELC as probably Goethe too has Listening comprehension as a toughest part that could bring less points.
Which specific resources helped you the most along the way?
The podcasts were great including the word juggles. I am happy that I also took part in the B1 podcasts and probably could have helped other students too.
How did you stay focused and motivated through the program?
Understanding the logic of the German language as an objective.
How did you manage to combine a full-time job and learning German on the side?
I was grateful to be rather flexible during my working hours so I could go through my lessons and listen to podcasts.
What did a typical daily learning routine look like?
Reading, listening to German TV, podcasts … just integrate in daily life.
How much time did you spend daily on average for your learning?
Minimalistic time, not more than 30 minutes or just 1 podcast, depending on free time.
What did you emphasize the most when learning?
On understanding how the language is constructed and try to remember the key functions.
What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
To ignore the fact that you make mistakes, especially with der, die, das or verbs’ positioning. We are all foreigners and have other languages as our leading one. Now I can proudly say that Germany is my 4th main language.
What was the most important thing that helped you become more fluent in speaking?
Same as above, to overcome the fear of making mistakes. To open yourself to locals and to use it daily. It helped me a lot to make all correspondence with German authorities, companies and providers.
What helped you the most to overcome the fear of speaking to others?
Time mostly and the fact that German is finally a very logical language. It is actually very close to Polish in terms of Dativ, Akkusativ, Genetiv. Understanding those is already a huge step. Knowing German now gives me strength to start 2 new languages to add to my collections, languages 6 and 7 – Italian and Dutch. Step by step, sky is the limit!
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?
The sooner someone understands that living in Germany is connected with knowing its language – the better. Do not be afraid of talking and making mistakes. Germans tolerate foreigners. Working with Germans helps a lot too.
“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.