top of page
Search

How to Kickstart Your German in January

January is one of the most powerful moments in the year to start learning German — but only if you approach it strategically. Every year, motivated learners begin German in January, yet many lose momentum by February. The difference between those who succeed and those who stall is not talent, but structure, timing, and the right learning format.

This in-depth guide answers the five questions that matter most:

  • What does “kickstarting German” actually mean?

  • Why is January uniquely effective for language learning?

  • When should you start — and how soon should you expect progress?

  • How should you learn German to make real, lasting progress?

  • Which option is better: weekly classes or an intensive German course?

Along the way, we’ll show you how learners at A1–B1 level can make January the month German finally starts to feel manageable — and even enjoyable.


ree


WHAT Does It Mean to “Kickstart” Your German?

Kickstarting your German does not mean:

  • memorising hundreds of words

  • rushing through grammar explanations

  • or “doing a bit of German” when you have time


A proper kickstart means:

  • building a clear foundation in grammar and sentence structure

  • learning vocabulary that you can actually use

  • starting to speak German early, not waiting until you feel “ready”

  • understanding how German works, not just copying phrases


For beginners (A1), this means:

  • mastering basic word order

  • learning present tense verbs properly

  • understanding gender, articles, and cases early


For A2 learners, it means:

  • consolidating grammar (Perfekt, separable verbs, cases)

  • moving from survival German to real conversation


For B1 learners, it means:

  • becoming independent

  • speaking more fluidly

  • understanding normal-speed German

A January kickstart is about setting the trajectory for the rest of the year.


WHY January Is the Best Time to Start Learning German

January works better than any other month for three key reasons.


1. Psychological reset

In January, learners are more open to:

  • new routines

  • intellectual challenges

  • structured commitments

German is a language that rewards discipline and clarity, and January provides the mental space to approach it properly.


2. Fewer competing priorities

Compared to spring or autumn:

  • fewer social disruptions

  • fewer holidays

  • more predictable schedules

This makes it easier to commit to weekly classes or a short intensive course without interruption.


3. Early momentum changes everything

Learners who:

  • make visible progress in January

  • feel more confident by February

are far more likely to:

  • continue learning

  • move up levels

  • actually use German in real life

January progress compounds.


WHEN Should You Start — and When Will You See Results?

When should you start?

As early in January as possible. The first two weeks of January are the most powerful window for building momentum.


When will you notice progress?

That depends on how you learn:

  • Weekly classes:

    • noticeable improvement within 3–5 weeks

    • steady confidence growth

  • Intensive courses:

    • clear progress within 10 days

    • often a jump of half a CEFR level

The earlier you start, the more of the year you benefit from that foundation.


HOW to Learn German Effectively (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)

Most learners struggle not because German is “too hard”, but because they learn it inefficiently.


What doesn’t work:

  • apps as your main method

  • random YouTube videos

  • grammar without application

  • studying alone without feedback


What does work:

  • small-group learning with expert guidance

  • clear grammar explanation from experienced native tutors

  • structured progression by level (A1 → A2 → B1)

  • regular speaking practice

  • accountability


At Olesen Tuition, our approach is deliberately designed to avoid the most common learner mistakes:

  • we explain grammar clearly and logically

  • we keep groups small so everyone speaks

  • we focus on real German, not textbook-only language

This is why our students consistently progress faster — and why we are the highest-rated German language school in London.


COMPARISON: Weekly German Classes vs Intensive German Courses

Choosing the right format is crucial. Neither option is “better” — they serve different learners.


Best for:

  • beginners who want steady progress

  • learners balancing work or studies

  • those aiming for long-term fluency

What you get:

  • 90-minute classes once a week

  • time to practise between lessons

  • gradual confidence building

  • strong grammar foundation

Weekly classes are ideal if you want German to become a habit rather than a short project.


Best for:

  • learners who want rapid progress

  • people stuck between levels

  • those preparing for travel, relocation, or work

  • motivated beginners who want a strong start

What you get:

  • 10 consecutive weekdays

  • focused immersion

  • daily speaking and listening

  • rapid consolidation of grammar

Many learners use an intensive course as a launchpad, then continue with weekly classes — one of the most effective combinations.


WHICH Level Should You Join in January? (Quick Check)

  • A1:You’re a beginner or know only a few phrases

  • A2:You can introduce yourself and manage simple situations

  • B1:You can handle daily life but want more fluency and confidence

If you’re unsure, starting slightly lower is usually better — confidence accelerates learning.


Why Learn German with Olesen Tuition?

When learning German, who teaches you matters.


Olesen Tuition is:

  • the highest-rated German language school in London

  • focused exclusively on German

  • taught by experienced native German tutors

  • led by Jens Olesen, an Oxford-educated tutor with over 25 years’ experience


We offer:

  • weekly German classes (A1–C1)

  • January intensive German courses

  • small groups only

  • in-person teaching in Hampstead and live online

We are also known for our German language blog with over 600 posts, especially valued for clear explanations of grammar — something learners consistently struggle to find elsewhere.


Final Thoughts: Make January Count

If learning German is on your list this year, January is not the time to “try it out”. It’s the time to set it up properly.

Choose:

  • weekly classes for consistency

  • intensive courses for momentum

  • or both, for the strongest results

A strong January foundation will shape your German for the rest of the year.

Start German properly — and let this be the year it finally works.

Comments

bottom of page