Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedMy specialization is to prepare individuals for rigorous tests like the SAT I and II – German, AP German (Advanced Placement Test), and for the challenging German language admission test at universities in Germany. However, I have successfully taught German at all grades, in a traditional classroom, individually or online. I just love teaching and consider myself as patient and able to tailor my lesson plans to the needs of the student. I spent two decades of my professional life teaching English in Germany, authoring and co-authoring textbooks for the English classroom. Since I have been living in the United States I enjoy teaching German from beginner to college level. My teaching experience ranges from children at the elementary school level to adults who need German language skills for their careers or enrichment. During my stay in the US, I had the opportunity to develop curricula for teaching German in public schools as well as private schools and wrote articles in the field of German literature. Undoubtedly, my academic background (MA in German and English and a Ph.D. in education) helps me provide solid work for my students. Back in Germany as well as here in the States, I had ample opportunities to teach individual students German or English as a Foreign Language. The age range was as young as 8 while my oldest student was 78. I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge and skills in the German language to anybody curious about learning this language online with anybody in the world. Willkommen! Welcome. What is my approach? First of all, I listen carefully, very carefully. I believe it is important for an excellent job to know precisely what my client wants to accomplish. Understanding this is the prerequisite to giving good advice, guidance, and then, of course, a plan, a kind of strategy to follow to reach these goals. There is no dogma; there is only one main criterion: success.
Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedMy specialization is to prepare individuals for rigorous tests like the SAT I and II – German, AP German (Advanced Placement Test), and for the challenging German language admission test at universities in Germany. However, I have successfully taught German at all grades, in a traditional classroom, individually or online. I just love teaching and consider myself as patient and able to tailor my lesson plans to the needs of the student. I spent two decades of my professional life teaching English in Germany, authoring and co-authoring textbooks for the English classroom. Since I have been living in the United States I enjoy teaching German from beginner to college level. My teaching experience ranges from children at the elementary school level to adults who need German language skills for their careers or enrichment. During my stay in the US, I had the opportunity to develop curricula for teaching German in public schools as well as private schools and wrote articles in the field of German literature. Undoubtedly, my academic background (MA in German and English and a Ph.D. in education) helps me provide solid work for my students. Back in Germany as well as here in the States, I had ample opportunities to teach individual students German or English as a Foreign Language. The age range was as young as 8 while my oldest student was 78. I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge and skills in the German language to anybody curious about learning this language online with anybody in the world. Willkommen! Welcome. What is my approach? First of all, I listen carefully, very carefully. I believe it is important for an excellent job to know precisely what my client wants to accomplish. Understanding this is the prerequisite to giving good advice, guidance, and then, of course, a plan, a kind of strategy to follow to reach these goals. There is no dogma; there is only one main criterion: success.
Wolfgang makes learning fun! When he discovered that I loved reading mysteries he sent me level appropriate short 'Krimis' that allowed me to expand my vocabulary and grammar knowledge. When I mentioned that I had written a cozy mystery novel, he sent a German suspense story that needed an ending. I've never looked so forward to doing a homework assignment in my life. I can't wait to see what comes next. He is also very accessible and quick to respond to questions. I'm having a blast and look forward to becoming fluent in German under his tutelage.
Wolfgang is an excellent, experienced teacher, who tailors his teaching method based on the learning style of his student. He is extremely knowledgeable of both German and English grammar, history, and linguistics, and is therefore able to comprehensive explanations and show parallels between German and English that help with understanding and retention. He selects a variety of materials, e.g., stories and news articles, to make lessons engaging, fun, and challenging.
For the past few years, I have been working with Dr. Wolfgang Soldan. I must say that the experience has been very rewarding for me and my pursuit of learning the German language! Wolfgang is one of the most knowledgeable people I have come to know, and I have yet to ask a question he can't answer, (keep in mind I speak with several native German speakers on a regular basis, many of which cannot explain what Wolfgang makes so simple!). Wolfgang has not only been able to answer all my questions as my German advances, but he started with me as a complete beginner! He has taught me the basics and continues to advance my German knowledge through challenging and fun exercises, as well as jokes, articles and many other sources. His knowledge of the English language and the history and relationship of German and English is unmatched. In the time I have spent with Wolfgang learning German, I have come to consider Wolfgang not only as great instructor, but also as someone I look forward to meeting on a weekly basis. His punctuality, preparedness of lessons, and content tailored to your specific learning style are only the beginning of the great experience you will have if you choose to work with Wolfgang. If you are interested in learning from someone that makes learning a new language fun, creates an environment that engages you and drives you to be better, is always available, and never makes you feel bad about not understanding something, then please give Wolfgang a try! Whether you need to brush up on advanced German or start from scratch, you will not be disappointed!