How to learn German step by step

German rewards steady practice. Plan for hundreds of hours to reach a comfortable level, and speak early even when it feels clumsy.

Good for: Learners at any level, including people who plan to live or work in a German-speaking country. Typical time: 600–900 hours in total, depending on where you start.

The usual order of steps

1
A1: first steps≈ 80 h
Greetings, numbers, everyday phrases and the sounds of German.
2
A2: daily life≈ 120 h
Shopping, travel and simple conversations; cases begin.
3
B1: independent use≈ 150 h
Talk about plans and opinions, read short texts.
4
B2: confident use≈ 200 h
Work and study topics, longer texts and meetings.
5
Exam preparation≈ 60 h
Goethe, TELC or TestDaF, if you need a certificate.

Free or paid?

Many good courses for each step are free; paid ones usually add a certificate, feedback from a teacher or a fixed schedule. Check the current price, dates and age limits on the provider’s own site before you pay.

Where to look for courses

Search these platforms for “German language”. Compare ratings, prices and the date of the last update before you choose.

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The hours are rough, typical figures, not promises. Plans are made by AI and may contain mistakes.