[German][Zurich] Advanced intensive language course

Language Corner
1
So I am about to enter a period of unemployment and thought I could use the time to really advance my German. So I'm thinking of shifting from evening classes to daily intensive classes. I've got my last B2 class today, and my teacher is satisfied that I will have no difficulties at C1.

I don't see so many other learners in this situation (it seems people use intensive courses for a good start) so I'd be interested to know if there are others who have found this to be of benefit. Do the intensive classes pay off at the advanced level, or is the vocabulary jump something that's better done over time, independently? I think this level is too advanced for RAV to pay, so it'd be personal investment, so I want to choose wisely.

thanks in advance

2
Congratulations on reaching the end of B2. From now on, the RAV won't pay for your course, as you're considered competent in German. However, seeing as your brain is still in the learning zone, I'd say hit the intensive course at full pelt. They can become rather tiresome, but you'll be on the next level before November's out. Also, if you're about to be 'non-working', it's good to have that structure and discipline.

3
what will give you German - or any other language you'd like to learn - is hearing it spoken and at the same time make sure you are capturing most of what you hear.

So you could just hire a local student with the instruction that :

1. She will be the party that speaks, not you.

2. She will translate to you every content that you hear, sentence by sentence, and repeat it as much as needed.

A good idea of content for her to tell would be everyday questions or statements, one by one.

I apply this technique in Geneva with a couple UN girls that are in need of acquiring German, and they developed a very good 'ear'.

Regards

4
Will having your time tied up in a German course affect your RAV payments? You are supposed to be available for work & activley looking while on their books. I don't know the answer to this it just crossed my mind when reading your post. Good luck with both the German & the job hunt.

5
Thanks!

I had my first appointment with RAV yesterday, and the requirement is to apply for ten jobs per month, so I think I can satisfy their requirements (as well as my personal requirement of many more applications) and manage 4 hours of classes a day. Seeing as they pay for courses at lower German proficiency levels, I can't see them having any problems. Language or no language, we're all just as unemployed!

6
Don't. Tell. Them. Anything. Any course beyond B2 is considered a career investment and perversly that's not allowed, as you made an agreement to seek employment at your current 'level' or lower. The RAV mentality drove me nuts when I had the pleasure of their services, and this kind of strategic thinking on your part WILL result in penalty if they find out. Their reason will be you were not available for work / to seek work during those four hours a day. 4x5x4 = two weeks a month penalty from the Kasse.

Sure you want them to get wind of your intentions?

7
Yikes, thanks for the heads up - to be penalised for trying to communicate at a higher level with them and to become more employable would be quite tragic. I'll keep quiet and even regress in my German abilities.

At this point I'm planning on morning class for about three weeks in November and should interviews crop up (fat chance, from what I've experienced so far) then I'll forge my mother's signature for a sick note

Anyhow, I have yet to undergo their sanctioned language assessment. That's next week.

8
Hi,

just seen your post, and I am actually in the exact same situation. You said you would start with the intensive german class in November... did you? where and would you advise that course to me? (I think I have a similar level, never took the B2 exam but went to the C1 level class).

thanks a lot for sharing your experience with me!

Jale

9
hi,

In the end I decided that it would make sense to take evening classes twice a week. That way I can stretch money a bit further and still benefit from regular teacher support. So I take 1.5 hour classes on Mondays and Wednesdays. Three hours a week is still a good pace (I could do harder) - so I suppose I rely a fair bit on my own initiative and realisation that I need to advance. Hence the music, TV, books... C1 seems to be all about expanding the vocabulary. You are learning to say what you already can say, but properly and in several different ways. It's at this point that you need to practice and use the language.

10
ok thanks! I have seen some "conversation" classes in bellingua that look interesting... I'll probably go for that and try to expand my vocabulary proactively!

Cheers,

Jale

11
Good evening everyone

I need one advice!!

I recently moved in Zurich and I would like to take some private lessons of German language. I'm interested to learn the leanguage but I need a teacher quite flexible, as my job is taking most of my time!

Who can help me??!