While I certainly have been learning German long before, I have really started studying the language first, when work in Germany became in to my focus as a possibility. How important it is to know the language was not something I realized, until I have learned a little bit more about the job prospects; that a job in Germany requires German language skills starting from B2 level of knowledge, but it may also require up to C2. (According to my understanding, the reason for this, is because most Germans don’t speak any other foreign languages, but don’t take my word for it.) Up until that point, I have struggled to keep studying the language, however due to unfortunate turns of events, I have more time for it. Way more than I wish for. (Actually… I wish a day would consist of 40 hours, and human lifespan would remain the same amount of years if not more, but it is neither here nor there.)
After learning about this requirement, I have decided to keep track in social media about the progress of my German studies, to show my commitment for the job. Not that it would gain any favors before reaching the required language levels, but it could serve as both a motivator, and indicator on how fast I complete a language. But there’s more.
Despite English isn’t my mother tongue, I am studying German in English. But the English → German course only goes to B1 levels, after which only daily refreshers remain. This means, even if I complete the entire course in Duolingo, it still barely enough! I have no info on Hungarian → German course levels, but my guess is it is not any better. At the time I have realized this, I already at the verge of applying to a proper language course, and after this I did apply for an in-class German language course. Despite all of this, I decided to keep studying with Duolingo, and to keep myself motivated I want to share the progress I make there. So with that in mind:
I have reached level 25 in Duolingo at March 10, 2025. Duolingo claims, that a level between 20–30 is “aligned with high A1 level of CEFR.”
In real life this means you can chat a little, if someone is patient and ready to help.
The levels actually overlap on every level limit, so a level 30 is both in the 20–30 level and 30–60 level. Or the lower-end isn’t inclusive—that seems more likely. Next time I will post my Duolingo progress at level 30. The Duolingo course promises levels up to 60–80, and potentially could go up to 160, if content were available beyond 80.
Whish me luck!
