Finding German classes in Chicago that are both effective and affordable can be tricky. Classes are typically in groups, meaning you have limited opportunities to speak. On top of this, you’ll often find certain students dominate the conversation, or ask the teacher endless questions!
LanguaTalk offers a more convenient and effective alternative: 1-on-1 online German classes with experienced native tutors. You won’t find these tutors available for face-to-face German lessons in Chicago. LanguaTalk finds the best tutors from around the world. They offer conversational German classes at cheaper rates because they don’t have to travel to you and they often live in countries with a lower cost of living.
Probably you’re thinking: but are online classes really as effective as face-to-face? You can book a no obligation 30-minute trial session (for free with most tutors) and see for yourself. Classes take place via video call, allowing you to communicate with your tutor and share learning materials, as if you were in the same room. And you can book classes for whenever it suits you.
Below, you can filter to tutors who have availability that fits with your Chicago time zone. Then watch videos, check reviews, and book a trial session.
If you have questions, you can click the 'Help' button in the bottom right. There, you’ll find answers to every question imaginable, and the option of contacting our support team.
Silvia C
Silvia C
I am a qualified German/Swiss German teacher with seven years of online language teaching experience. Since 1999, in the UK, I have worked in different fields. I started my career as a violinist (Bachelor in Music Pedagogy, Advanced Diploma of Performance), performing as a freelance musician in orchestras (Switzerland) and as a chamber musician, and teaching and preparing young students for ABRSM Grade Exams in the UK. Then, I got into the London film and acting scene and did various supporting gigs at UK Film Studios and on sets in London. In 2017, I trained as a Language Teacher in connection with staying in South Korea, which gave me a new perspective regarding new technologies and online teaching, being geographically independent. In July 2024, I graduated in Law and aspire to train as a barrister, working in courts.
I appreciate being able to communicate with students around the world. I have prepared students for Goethe A2 - C1 exams and Swiss Citizenship Exams, lessons are individually tailored to help students reach their language goals, and we work with German learning books, online videos and texts, media and literature (Easy Readers). There are fewer teaching materials for Swiss German, we use Hoi zäme or voCHabular, both Züridütsch materials or Sali Zäme, Basel dialect. There are also Bern dialect books or song texts, but it's always a bit of a search and mix and match. If you like a clear structure I suggest you learn German up to about B1 and then try your luck at Swiss German!;)
See Reviews From StudentsLuca C
Luca C
Learning German must be fun and if you can stay focused, motivated, you will make progress and succeed. That is my job, to help your reaching your goals. First, we will get to know each other so that I know what kind of learner you are, what you like, what your goals are and then I will design the perfect lesson plan for you. You need to learn German for school, study, work or to pass exams? No problem, I can help you. My main goal is that you can use the language, in everyday life, the language must be alive and from the first lesson, I can assure you, you will start to communicate in German.
I have been teaching this wonderful language for 11 years and I am certified by the “Goethe Institut”. I love languages and music. I think that learning makes us grow and be better people. We learn something everyday and that keeps us alive.
I am looking forward knowing you, bis bald, tschüss
See Reviews From StudentsWhilst not always the case, German classes in Chicago are typically more expensive than online learning options. This is due to the costs associated with using a classroom, as well as travel time and expenses for teachers. Online classes, on the other hand, eliminate these overheads. Additionally, online instructors often live in countries with lower living costs, which can further reduce the price of online classes.
Many students initially have reservations about participating in online German classes, thinking the experience will be vastly different from in-person classes. However, they often discover that online classes can be just as engaging and effective. In an online German class, you’ll interact with your teacher and classmates as if you were all in the same room. The teacher may share resources (like articles or videos) and will collaborate with you in real-time using tools like Google Docs or Dropbox Paper, ensuring an interactive learning environment. The biggest benefit is convenience: there is no need to travel, and you can book lessons for when it suits you.
If you prefer in-person learning over online classes, LanguaTalk might not be the best fit for your needs. For local classes, you can search through community boards or local service listing websites. However, we encourage you to explore the convenience and effectiveness of online classes. You can start with a free trial session to experience the benefits first-hand, such as access to a broader range of experienced teachers and potentially lower costs.
While some teachers on LanguaTalk may offer in-person conversational classes in their local area, the majority specialize in online teaching. This approach is more convenient for them, allowing flexibility and the comfort of working from home. Most teachers are not based in Chicago and are spread across the globe, so if you're looking for a class with LanguaTalk, you should anticipate an online learning experience.
If you're new to LanguaTalk, we'll provide you with a credit for a free trial session. Many, but not all, tutor offer these for free. If a tutor does not offer a free trial, the trial price will be 30 percent of their full lesson price, allowing you to still try a session at a reduced cost.
Trial sessions last 30 minutes. They allow you to determine if the tutor is a good fit for you and get a sense of what online learning is like. The tutor will assess your level and try to understand your needs and interests so that they can tailor any lessons you choose to take. You'll be encouraged to speak as much as possible in German, but you can also speak in English if needed.
If, after your trial session, you don't feel that the tutor is right for you, you can book a trial with another tutor for 30 percent of their full lesson price.
LanguaTalk offers personalized 1-on-1 German lessons with top-rated tutors. Here's how to get started:
1 - Find a tutor that meets your needs by reviewing their videos, reviews, pricing, and availability.
2 - Book a trial lesson. Many tutors offer a free 30-minute trial, while others offer a discounted trial price.
3 - Have personalized lessons with your chosen tutor via video call. Or try a different tutor if desired.
You don't need to provide credit card information to book a free trial session. Please only book a trial if you're seriously considering taking lessons. Tutor prices vary, and you can use the filter to find one that fits your budget. You can pay for individual lessons or purchase a package for a discount (view a tutor's pricing options on their profile).
We're confident you'll enjoy learning on LanguaTalk. Our platform is trusted by students worldwide because of our transparency. We ask students to rate each lesson, and we display these ratings on tutor profiles.
99.8% of lesson ratings are 5 stars. This is because we only accept the top 10% of tutor applications, unlike other platforms.
To access our full list of FAQs or get assistance from our friendly team, click the 'Help' button in the bottom-right. You can also watch students sharing their experiences learning on LanguaTalk below.
Most students take 55-minute lessons. However, some tutors also offer the option of 30-minute lessons. If this option is available, it will be noted on the tutor's profile (below their pricing and above the 'Buy Lessons' button).
In general, 55-minute lessons are recommended for most students. 30-minute lessons may be suitable if you're taking lessons for your child or if you have an intermediate level and only want conversation practice.
One of the benefits of online lessons is that you can learn anytime, anywhere. When you choose a tutor, simply check their calendar to ensure that they have times that fit your schedule. Some tutor may have limited availability due to high demand.
Lessons are taught one-on-one to ensure that you receive customized instruction. During the lessons, your tutor will use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including language exercises, conversation practice, and cultural notes, to help you reach your learning objectives.
All lessons take place via video call. Your tutor will normally give you a choice of calling tools, all of which are easy to use.