What You Were Wondering About Our Group Courses
- Melanie

- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already been learning German in some way.
Many people tell me things like:
“I use Duolingo.”
“I practice with ChatGPT.”
“I’ve tried offline lessons before.”
And honestly — all of that can be helpful. Different tools and formats can support learning at different stages.
At the same time, many students also tell me something else. They say that learning still feels a bit fragmented. They’re not always sure what to focus on, whether they’re really progressing, or how everything fits together.
That’s often the moment when they start looking for something more guided — and more human.
How our group courses work
In our group courses, learning doesn’t happen in isolation.
You’re part of a small group (maximum five participants) that meets regularly and follows a clear learning path, guided by an experienced teacher who knows where the group is and how to move forward.
But just as important as the lessons themselves is what happens around them.
Each group has its own WhatsApp chat. This is where practical information is shared, questions can be asked between lessons, and materials or reminders are posted. For many learners, this sense of continuity and connection makes a real difference. Learning feels less like something you do on your own and more like something you’re part of.
As one student put it:
“I really enjoyed the small group classes. There was a lot of opportunity to participate, the pace was very good, and I feel like I learned a lot in a short time.”— Kaiti M.

Structure, pace, and flexibility
Our courses follow a clear structure, but they are never rigid.
Because the groups are small, teachers can adapt explanations, slow down when something needs more time, or move on when the group is ready. Questions are welcome, repetition is normal, and nobody is expected to simply “keep up.”
Many students join us after trying other courses and tell us that this balance — between structure and flexibility — is what finally made learning feel manageable.
“After attending several German courses in the Zurich area and online, my experience with Ich Spreche has been extremely positive. The teacher adapts the lessons to my needs in a way that truly makes a difference.”— M. C.

Learning that fits into real life
We also believe that learning should fit into your life — not compete with it.
Sometimes people realise that a group level isn’t quite right. In that case, we look for a better match and help you switch to another group (subject to availability). Sometimes life gets busy or travel comes up. If you have a planned break of two weeks or more, we simply pause your subscription for that time.
Learning German works best when it feels sustainable.
One student described their experience like this:
“I very much enjoyed my German course with Ich Spreche. The course material was appropriate for the class level and useful in daily life. The class size was very small, so everyone got plenty of practice. The teacher was patient, well prepared, and always happy to explain things again. I would highly recommend this course.”— Mindy S.
Thinking about joining a group?
Group learning isn’t about being fast or perfect. It’s about having a clear structure, regular guidance, and a small community that supports the process.
You can find our current group courses and schedules here:
A personal note
Before you go, one small personal note.
I know that starting or restarting German can feel frustrating — especially if you’ve already put in time and effort and still don’t feel where you want to be. I see this every day in conversations with students, and it’s something I take very seriously.
Our goal with these group courses is not to rush you or overload you, but to create a learning environment that feels clear, supportive, and realistic — so progress becomes something you can actually feel.
If you’re unsure, that’s okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. We’ll take it step by step.
— Melanie
Founder, Ich Spreche



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