Learning German but have no-one to practise your speaking skills with? Then you need to discover these 6 best online German tutoring services for German learners!
With the rise of online tutoring platforms in recent years, you can take private German classes that are even more convenient because you can access them from the comfort of your own home.
These lessons may be just what you need to improve your grades or get ahead in a difficult subject.
Check out the best websites for finding online German tutors below.
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1. LanguaTalk
The best overall
If you're looking for a top-notch German learning experience, LanguaTalk is the way to go.
Their team thoroughly screens all of their tutors to ensure that they are knowledgeable and can provide you with the best possible learning experience.
You can feel confident that you will find a tutor who can help you improve your language skills.
LanguaTalk is very selective when it comes to approving tutors—in fact, only 10% of applicants are accepted. You can learn more about the tutors on LanguaTalk and read student reviews to get a better idea of who you might want to work with.
Although many tutors may think that speaking ability is the most important thing because they themselves are native speakers, they are able to totally tailor their courses to students.
This means that the focus is not only on speaking, but also on other aspects of the language that are important to students, as necessary.
LanguaTalk is a great way to learn German. As there are tutors from multiple countries, you’ll find most German dialects are covered. However, if you’re looking to learn something highly specific, like Medical German, you might not be able to find what you’re looking for.
In addition, you may need to ask your tutor for additional resources, as the site itself has a limited selection.
Pros
- Tutors are carefully vetted, so quality is high and they can adapt to your specific needs
- You can book a free, 30-minute trial (no card required)
- Students can view tutors’ reviews
- The website is intuitive and accessible
Cons
- If you need to learn highly specialised German, you might struggle to find the right tutor
- You’ll need to ask your tutor for additional learning resources
2. DeutscheAkademie
A service dedicated specifically to the German language
If you're interested in a traditional German language class but don’t have the time or physical availability to attend one in person, DeutscheAkademie can be a great option.
The classes are broadcast live online, and you can participate among a group of likeminded students—usually anywhere from 7 to 12, including you.
DA also offers specialized courses, like those specifically to help you prepare for exams and others to focus on intensive study.
Their German offerings range in level from beginner to advanced, and they offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the tutoring that you receive.
You can even focus specifically on writing, German grammar, and even German pronunciation if this is an area of challenge for you. Courses are billed for the entire course at once, but the prices are highly affordable and often lower than what you would pay in person at a college.
Pros
- The service specifically focuses on German
- Multiple types of study to suit all needs
- Money back guarantee
Cons
- Lessons must be bought at the full-course level
- Those wanting one-on-one instruction must attend class with others
3. italki
A highly variable service
italki is a well-known name in the world of German tutoring. One of its key features is that it provides two types of instruction: professional and community.
With professional instruction, you can learn from qualified teachers who are native speakers of German. Community instruction, on the other hand, allows you to learn alongside other German language learners like yourself from a conversational native speaker.
The professional tutors have the credentials and expertise to teach German effectively. You'll pay a bit more for their services, but they offer comprehensive curriculums that will help you learn the language quickly.
Community instructors are often less expensive than those who have recognised credentials. They are typically native speakers who are willing to talk and provide immersion.
italki has more than 30,000 tutors available to help you reach your language goals. With such a wide selection of qualified teachers, it's easy to find the perfect match for your learning style and needs.
In order to learn German in a way that fits you, italki offers a variety of options both as a desktop website and as an app. You can choose the type of setup and tutoring that suits you, all tailored to your individual needs and level.
Pros
- Multiple types of tutors
- Website is full of extra resources
- Access is simple across platforms
Cons
- Community tutors do not have credentials and so might not create robust lesson plans
- The app functions better than the site
4. Verbling
Global tutor access
Verbling is an online tutoring service that provides German classes anywhere in the world. What distinguishes Verbling is the way its teachers charge for their services.
Verbling's pricing structure is unique in the online tutoring space, offering a more flexible and affordable option for students.
Tutors are not restricted by a set cost like other tutoring sites. Instead, they have the freedom to choose their own cost and adjust it as they see fit. This allows them to be more flexible with pricing and ultimately attracts more students.
If you're looking for a tutor, you'll likely be able to find someone within your price range due to the variable structure. You'll also be able to search based on where the tutor is located if you need specific dialectic help.
The website itself is well designed and easy to use. The app, however, can be a bit hit-or-miss. It has its good days and bad days, but a patch should be coming soon.
Looking for a way to improve your German skills? Verbling has tutors from all over the globe, so you're sure to find one that can help you with your specific interests. No matter what your current skill level is, their tutors can help you become more confident and proficient in German.
Pros
- Services available worldwide
- Website is a breeze to use
- Free trials are available
Cons
- The app is awaiting a patch
- Tutors are not vetted for credentials
5. MyLingoTrip
Native speakers use a tested lesson strategy
MyLingoTrip stands out in the way it structures German tutoring online.
One difference between MLT and other language schools is that you can book your German lessons on a per-lesson basis.
This means that you only pay for the lessons that you take, and each lesson is a one-on-one session with a native speaker.
The number of classes you take each week will determine your fee. The more classes you book, the lower your fee will be. This makes it easy and affordable to get the tutoring you want and allows you to plan ahead.
The minimum number of classes you can take is five, and you will be assigned a tutor based on your responses to questionnaires before you start.
While some students may be apprehensive about being given a teacher rather than picking their own, the tutors at this language school are all native speakers who have certifications.
Additionally, MyLingoTrip is a great online German tutoring service because all of the teachers adhere to a set, tried-and-true curriculum. This means that you can be sure you're getting a great education when you use this service.
Your experience learning German will be just like if you were taking a traditional in-person class, but from anywhere in the world! No matter where you are, you can learn German with the same high-quality instruction and engagement as if you were sitting in a classroom.
Pros
- MLT uses approved curricula
- Session booking is flexible
- The tutors are native speakers
Cons
- More specific help (like tech-centric German or dialects) may not be available
- No in-built video platform for tutoring
6. VerbalPlanet
For those who thrive on feedback
For German students who want to choose the best instructor and get feedback along the way, VerbalPlanet is the perfect tool.
By reading reviews and ratings from other students, you can be sure to find the right instructor for your needs and get help every step of the way.
The main focus for teachers on VerbalPlanet is providing comprehensive, quick, and effective feedback. This is an important aspect of improving language skills. By giving clear and concise feedback, teachers can help students learn and improve more effectively.
Tutors can help you stay motivated by using the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) to identify your strengths and expand on them.
Whereas most online German tutoring programs teach for an hour or more, VerbalPlanet instructors' courses last roughly 40 minutes on average. The shorter lesson duration allows you to stay focused and engaged throughout.
This is especially useful if you want to improve your language skills but find it difficult to fit language study into your day. By taking shorter lessons, you can make significant progress towards becoming proficient in German.
Pros
- Feedback is a huge component
- Discounts available for lessons in bulk
- Tutors are reviewed by students
Cons
- You may not qualify for a free trial
- The lessons can be short
Best Online German Tutoring Services For German Learners
It's true that there are many resources available online for those interested in learning German. German podcasts, German TV shows, and more can be found with a simple search, and many of these are available for free.
However, a full-service tutoring programme can help you synthesise these bits of knowledge into useful skills. There's no better time than now to start the process of improving your language performance.
Whether your goal is to speak German fluently for work or just to visit the country and survive without the stress, the best time to start learning German is right now. So check out LanguaTalk, our top recommendation for finding the best online German tutors.
The platform stands out for its ease of use, and unlike other sites, identifies the top 10% of talent. It also offers a 30-minute free trial session to new students, though a few tutors do opt to charge a small fee for this. Click here to see tutors' availability, videos and reviews.
