This document outlines a new approach to learning German called smarterGerman that claims to be 80% faster than traditional language groups. It argues that language groups are highly inefficient because they have too many students with different goals, speeds, and levels providing opportunities for errors. smarterGerman instead focuses on individual or couple tutoring in clear English using memory techniques. This allows for full attention, near 100% understanding, and 50% exposure to native language input. The document claims this approach can achieve a B1 language level in 30 hours of study for 2,800 Euros, much faster and cheaper than the typical 6 months and 1,200-7,200 Euros needed for language groups.

1. How to Learn
German
in 30 Days
The Revolution of German Learning
by smarterGerman
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

2. „… a gifted person ought to learn
English … in thirty hours, French
in thirty days, and German in
thirty years.“
–Mark Twain
He meant „thirty days“.
–Michael Schmitz
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

3. Some Facts
There are 14 mio German learners world wide
Most of them learn in a group setting
Language of instruction in Germany: German
It usually takes 6 mo or 480 lessons from A1 —> B1
B1 from scratch (group) costs 1.200€-7.200€ +
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

4. The Sad Truth
Language Groups are highly inefficient
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

5. The Cause of the Problem
10 students >> 10 goals and interests
different learning speed
no significant individual correction (+ pronunciation)
lots of bad German from fellow students/you
grammar explained in German
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

6. Why are groups so popular?
•
•
•
•
•
low monthly/hourly rates (mo: 80€-1.200€ / h: 1€-15€ )
a lot of lessons for one’s money (up to 400h)
shyness to speak
German = difficult = long time
many students = good school
Not a single good reason
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

7. What is wrong with it?
•
•
•
•
•
lower rates << lower quality
more lessons = worse
speaking means to overcome shyness
German is not difficult at all
expectations are low
It’s time for a change
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

8. How sG gains 80% Speed
Individual or couple tutoring only
Instructions and explanations in clear English
Focus on elemental but sufficient structures
Using memory-techniques
Intelligent course design << psychology, rationality
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

9. sG
any group
full attention
minimal attention
~100% understanding
0-75% understanding
memory techniques
inefficient techniques
50% native input
10% native input
30h until B1
360h until B1
2.800 €
1.200€-7.200€
(immediately)
(2 months)
(progressive)
(6 months)
© 2013 Michael Schmitz

10. Read more….
www.smartergerman.com