Make good use of your time and don't give anything up
Living and working in Switzerland often means needing to use German on a daily basis. But how can you learn German alongside your job when your working day is already so busy? The good news is that with the right strategy, it is entirely possible to take a integrate a German course for working people into your daily routine without neglecting other important areas of your life.
Don't sacrifice quality of life, manage your time wisely!
Many people believe that learning German is a full-time job and private life are incompatible. But that's not true. The key lies in intelligent time management and choosing the right learning method. Instead of sacrificing large blocks of time, you can use small time slots and make continuous progress – without having to give up your hobbies, family, or relaxation.
Microlearning: Small steps, big impact
One of the most effective approaches is known as micro-learning. Instead of studying for hours at a time, you use short moments in learning German in everyday life: 15 minutes during your lunch break, 10 minutes on the train to work, or 20 minutes before going to bed. These small learning units add up and are often more effective than infrequent, long sessions because the brain processes information better when it is repeated regularly.
Practical tips for microlearning:
Listen to German podcasts while commuting
Use language learning apps while waiting
Set your smartphone to German
Watch Netflix series with German subtitles
Structured courses: The turbo boost for your progress
While self-study is important, a structured German course for working people offers decisive advantages. A professional course gives you a clear learning plan, corrects your mistakes, and motivates you through interaction with other learners. Especially Evening German courses formats are ideal for full-time employees.
Online vs. in-person courses
Online language courses offer maximum flexibility. You save commuting time and can learn from home. Many platforms offer live lessons with qualified teachers, so you still get personal feedback.
Face-to-face courses have the advantage of direct interaction. Personal contact with teachers and classmates creates a motivating learning environment. In addition, fixed course times help to establish a routine—you consciously set aside this time for learning German.
Integrating German into everyday working life
You don't need special permits or flexible working hours to practice German alongside work . Start small and gradually build your confidence.
During working hours:
Set your computer's language settings to German. Read emails from German-speaking colleagues more carefully instead of just skimming them.
Listen to German conversations in the break area, even if you don't participate yet.
Volunteer to take on tasks involving German documents—it's practice with a purpose.
Evening courses are designed precisely for this reality. They typically start at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m., giving you time to finish work, grab something to eat, and still arrive at class on time.Most courses meet once or twice a week, which is feasible even with a demanding job. The regular rhythm creates commitment: you are more likely to stay on track if you have a fixed appointment.
Establish a sustainable routine:
The key is consistency, not perfection. Even if you miss a lesson or can't study every day, keep going. Many successful learners follow a simple pattern: they attend their evening German class twice a week and do 15-20 minutes of self-study on other days. That's only 2-3 hours per week in total, but done consistently over months, it leads to real progress.
Set realistic goals
It is important to have realistic expectations. Learning German full-time and other commitments means that progress may be slower than with an intensive course. But consistency beats intensity: it's better to study for 30 minutes three times a week than for a whole day once a month.
Set specific, measurable goals:
- Achieve an A2 certificate in three months
- Be able to engage in small talk fluently by the end of the year
- Read one German book every month
Conclusion:
Learning German Everyday life, work, and leisure don't have to be mutually exclusive. With smart time management, the right course selection, and continuous practice, you can achieve your language goals—even with a full-time job. The first step is often the hardest, but it's worth it!
How we ILS Aarau it at ILS Aarau
At ILS Aarau , we ILS Aarau the challenges faced by working professionals. Our evening German course programs are specially tailored to people who want to learn German alongside their job . We offer flexible course times, small groups for intensive learning, and a combination of in-person and online options.
Our experienced teachers design lessons that are practical and relevant to everyday life, so you can apply what you learn right away. Whether you are a beginner or advanced learner, we will accompany you on your journey to better German skills without you having to sacrifice your work-life balance.
Ready to take your German to the next level?