Which English learning method is right for me?

Learning a foreign language does not mean the same effort for everyone. In addition to a certain flair for languages, a great deal of interest and motivation are probably the most important prerequisites for successfully broadening your language horizons. Anyone who has made the decision and would like to learn English is already faced with the next decision: finding out which type of learning is best suited to their individual everyday life and which form of learning will bring about the desired progress the quickest. You may already have theTips for learning English betterread.

Learning English: Overview of learning methods, advantages / disadvantages

Here you will also find a helpful list of the individual learning methods and learning opportunities when learning a foreign language. These can basically be divided into three topics: Self-study, language courses and language stays.

The following table explains the advantages and disadvantages of each method of learning English in more detail. This list is extremely helpful if you would like to learn English but are still unsure about how to go about it.

 Learning style, learning method  Advantages  Disadvantages
Self-study, online learning

(Learning English on the computer, tablet or smartphone in between, in small chunks, flashcards with vocabulary, independent learning / memorizing)
  • Low costs
  • Flexible learning times
  • Can be easily combined with professional activities
  • Individual learning pace, no excessive demands
  • Location-independent learning, even off-peak times or times on the go are well utilized
  • Requires a high degree of self-discipline
  • Depending on the offer, inadequate structure of the material taught
  • No social contacts
  • No contact person for questions
  • Little variety
  • Spoilt for choice when searching for suitable online tools or teaching materials

Language courses

(Learn English through an English language course or intensive course, English diploma course)
  • Can be easily combined with the job
  • Diploma / course confirmation (as an enclosure for job applications etc.)
  • Teacher gives tips and clarifies questions
  • Social contacts are established and maintained
  • Commitment helps to achieve set goals
  • Relatively high costs depending on the course
  • Teaching materials, teaching style and learning pace are predetermined

Language stays

(learning English through language stays with host families, international internships, work placements)
  • Fast learning success thanks to daily language use
  • Cultural impressions create lasting memories
  • Can be combined well with travel
  • A deeper connection to the foreign language is created
  • Numerous social contacts facilitate language learning
  • Diplomas / Course confirmation
  • Difficult to reconcile with work
  • Loss of earnings during a stay abroad
  • Usually high costs (flight, rent, possibly language course on site)
  • Large expenditure of time

The table clearly shows that what is a clear advantage for one person can be a clear disadvantage for another. For example, the freedom to organize your own time is a great asset in self-study, as it gives you a great deal of flexibility. At the same time, however, it is not infrequently the reason why the desired success in learning English fails to materialize due to a lack of self-discipline. Conversely, the binding nature of a language course also has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, there is more pressure due to possible teacher expectations, on the other hand, the binding class group creates a social bond and language progress is often much quicker thanks to clear guidelines from the teacher.

All roads lead to Rome - this proverb certainly applies to learning English. The important thing is that everyone finds the best way to reach their goal and learn English with a lot of joy and motivation!

Overview of schools for learning English