Reviews from my German Students

Aiste
C1

Manish
A1

Tracy
B1

I have been learning German with Katja for more than 3 years now. Starting with elementary German (level A1) we are now steadily working our way towards level B2. I first started learning with her at the Goethe Institute and found her group lessons well planned, thoughtful and above all fun! When the Covid lockdown started I approached Katja to learn on a private lesson (1-2-1) basis which I then started and I could not be happier with my decision. I find her lessons tailored to my needs, always carefully thought out and planned to the progression we are making and homework is always set to reinforce what has been learnt in the individual lessons and always with an eye to what is realistic. On a personal level I find Katja always extremely friendly, patient, flexible and always willing to go at my pace which is a great help as my work demands as a practising lawyer mean that in some weeks I have less time to devote to German study than in other weeks – and she totally get that. I have also done a week’s intensive course with Katja involving 2 hours every day and was very impressed at how she planned and structured that week to take full advantage of the time available for some really accelerated learning and progress. I am extremely happy with my decision to learn German with Katja. It is instructive, challenging at times but above all she makes it great fun and I highly recommend her.

Peita M - Partner Vinson & Elkins, London

Katja is a very professional and talented teacher. She takes account of the individual student’s needs and goals in her approach and works with them to achieve them. She helped me greatly in the preparation for the Goethe C1 examination. The lessons were very focused and productive. I would recommend her without hesitation and would certainly seek her help again myself in my further studies.

Yana G. - Language Teacher

In every way Katja’s lessons are first class. She is punctual and friendly, patient and respectful, encouraging and challenging, focussed and warm, and she makes it clear she is on your side and wants to help you. I recommend her without reservation.

Paul M. - Psychotherapist & Author

We met Katja over 2 years ago when my son, Matthew, needed help with conversational German during his GSCE years. He worked with Katja on a weekly basis for four terms in two blocks working on all areas of the curriculum but particularly, speaking and listening. Matthew says, “If it hadn’t been for Katja I wouldn’t have got an A!” Matthew enjoyed his sessions with Katja and she was particularly kind and supportive to us both as Matthew’s father died suddenly at the end of Year 10. We had a good working relationship. Katja was approachable and able to be flexible over days and times to suit Matthew’s commitments over the two years. I would highly recommend Katja.

Helen A. - mother of GCSE student, London

I contacted Katja because I was concerned about my basic grammatical knowledge, whose holes had been exposed as I tried to progress to more advanced German for my Pre-U. The lessons are both efficient and fun, as any weak spots in understanding are targeted and sorted out straight away. I most enjoyed being able to move from different styles of exercise throughout the sessions, meaning that I never got bored and the time passed quickly. My confidence in German has increased massively, as I feel able to construct sentences (written and verbal) without second guessing myself anymore. I would definitely recommend Katja!

Holly L. - Pre-U Student, London

Katja helped me prepare for the Goethe Zertifikat B1 exam. It was a pleasure to study with her because she managed to make each session engaging and interesting, while making sure I was expanding my vocabulary and improving my grammar.  She also tailored our face-to face classes to my learning style and preferences. Katja not only provided me with the specific knowledge to pass the exam with flying colours, but also made me feel much more comfortable when speaking and writing in German.  Katja is very professional – she prepares each class thoroughly and has an interactive teaching method to make the most efficient use of the time.  I would definitely recommend her to anyone who would like to study German.
Valentina L. - Independent Consultant and Project Manager, London

After my colleague had recommended Katja, I have studied with her for 2 years and passed the B2 exam. Working with her was extremely useful and I can genuinely say that without her help, I would have never succeeded in the exam. She provides structure and methodology while teaching in a friendly and playful way. I would definitely recommend Katja to anyone who wants learn or improve his or her German.

Cyrus C. - Institutional Business Director, Old Mutual Asset Management, London

Katja prepared me for my oral IB exam. Her lessons are well structured with clear goals each time. They are also varied week by week, which made them good fun, whilst always focusing on the things I wanted to improve.  Katja was very patient and helped me to understand my mistakes. My spoken German has really improved and and this gave me the confidence I needed for the exam.

Laura W. - IB student, London

Katja tutored my son in preparation for his GCSE exam and he has been thriving ever since. The lessons are really well organised and Katja knows exactly how to make learning fun and achieve good grades at the same time. I can highly recommend her.

Tatjana W. - mother of GCSE student, London

I have taken lessons with Katja for 1 year now.  I have continued with the lessons – in no small part – due to the ease with which she conducts classes.  I am taking the classes because I am now living in Zurich.  The major benefit from learning with Katja is that there are no stupid questions, she works very hard to understand why you are asking the question or where your confusion may stem from.  I like that she is well organised and methodical with the lessons – taking time to mix up activities so you don’t get stuck or bored.  Her classes are never dull!  I have already recommended her to friends and would, of course, do so again.

Tony H. - General Counsel, Sterling Energy, London

Katja tutored 2 of my children for their GCSE exams and both of them got an A*. Clara said the lessons were efficient and focused on the key points for the exam. Alexander enjoyed the use of fun and interactive activities to revise and practice his speaking skills. I would highly recommend (and already have) Katja to anyone who is looking for a German tutor. In addition to being very experienced, she is very professional, conscientious, reliable, and focused. She is well prepared and makes the most out of each lesson.

Catherine D. - mother of Clara and Alexander, London

For about 1,5 years, I studied German in person with Katja. She was always well prepared and did a very good job in making sure every session was relevant and enjoyable. She prepared me very well for the B1 exam, which I passed with an average of 95.5 out of 100. Cannot recommend Katja enough for anybody who is serious about studying German.

Pascal V. - Institutional Business Director, Northern Europe, Old Mutual Asset Management, London

Katja is an outstanding German teacher. I have been working on my German with her for several years now in person as well as online and can not find words to express how pleased I am. She is extremely patient, flexible, accommodating, inventive and supportive. I would recommend her without hesitation.

Maria H. - Zürich

I have studied German with Katja for over 3 years, both in person and online via FaceTime. Either works well – whatever the format, Katja works hard to ensure the lessons are relevant to me and my German abilities and that they fit around my sometimes unpredictable schedule. Katja has taken me from a very basic level to the foothills of actual competence, and I would highly recommend her to anyone wishing to learn or improve their German!

Matthew D. - Associate Director, KPMG, Bristol

I have been studying with Katja for four years now. She is very organised in planning the lessons in advance, and she has made learning German a fun and enjoyable experience. I am motivated to continue to study German, thanks to her!

Jia H. - Associate, Allen & Overy, London

I am learning German for business reasons and I have been taking lessons with Katja for a couple of years now. She is patient, very helpful and targets each lesson based on the progress I make. I have improved a lot since we started 3 years ago. With Katja’s help I also passed my B2 exam easily. I would definitely recommend her to anyone wishing to learn German.

Marina P. - Director EMEA Distribution, Artisan Partners, London

Katja has been tutoring me in Business German for the last year and I have found her to be an excellent teacher: reliable, stimulating and practical. She has also been very flexible in working around a complex diary. I have very much enjoyed working with her.

David L. - Founder and CEO MET plc, London

Katja’s enthusiasm, passion and dedication is absolutely contagious. She is incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable in her field and has a unique ability to make her lessons effective and enjoyable.

Maryam T. - Executive Director, Global Finance & Strategy at Jo Malone, London

I’ve been having one to one lessons with Katja for nearly a year. I find her approach friendly, professional and flexible. I’m learning German for pleasure and to increase my understanding of German culture. I was a bit apprehensive being in a ‘classroom’ after about 25 years but Katja has skilfully made the experience enjoyable. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Colin M. - CEO Thamesbank, London

Katja is an excellent German teacher. I was looking for someone with broad experience and of highest standards, with lessons tailored to more emphasis on speaking. She perfectly fits the bill: confident in many different topics, flexible, and very engaging to help me develop my Business German. The lessons are fun and interesting, and I find these one-on-one conversations to be the most efficient way to expand my vocabulary, make me aware of my grammatical mistakes and to correct them. Highly recommended.

Ferenc C. - Vice President, Rating Advisory at Bank of America Merrill Lynch , London

I have studied with Katja more than a year (so far), and found her to be an excellent teacher. She quickly understands what you need and helps you achieve your goals in well timed lessons. Katja helped a lot with my grammar without making it boring and repetitive. She is very easy to get along with, while also being very professional – never missing a class and always on time. This is very helpful when managing a busy schedule! I can highly recommend Katja to anyone wanting to learn or improve their German.

Ralph M. - Designer, London

Katja is a fantastic German tutor! She is able to plan and conduct her lessons in a way that even a 15 year old teenager finds them interesting. Our son never liked his German lessons, but has now turned into a happy and occasionally even diligent German student. We are very lucky to have Katja as our German tutor.

Anja B. - mother of Felix, 15 year old student at Southbank International School, London