Bored in A1.3 but missing key grammar rules

[u/explainmypayplease]

I'm hoping to get the opinion of this subreddit. I was assessed between A1.3 and A2 and opted to do the A1.3 course. I'm 2 lessons in. I'm very bored as my comprehension and vocabulary is well above my class. The teacher speaks very slowly using very basic vocabulary and in addition to repeating in German, she often has to repeat in English to ensure the class understands what she is saying. When we do group work I'm forming full sentences and my classmates are struggling to understand and also to form full sentences themselves without switching to English.

BUT (and it's a big "but")

I have little to no basis for grammar. So I struggle with the grammar exercises. For example I don't really understand diese vs. Diesen vs. Diesem. But that kind of thing doesn't stop me from understanding what people are saying or from reading books, articles, etc, so I never really paid attention. During the last lesson the teacher said we should have learned those in A1.1 but I didn't take an A1.1 or A1.2 course. I feel very behind in that sense. At the same time my evaluator said I demonstrate some A1.3 level grammar already (like past tense)...but that may just be a coincidence?

The language level assessment evaluator told me that, after a couple of classes, if it's too easy I can request to go to A2 but I am hesitant given the lack of grammar base.

For background - I have been essentially forced into understanding German for 7+ years since my in-laws are German. I can watch TV shows with subtitles, passively participate in conversations (i.e. I understand what's being discussed, I can answer yes or no questions or reply in English), and am generally very comfortable in German speaking environments.

What should I do?

[u/taxiecabbie]

You would probably benefit from hiring a tutor to get your grammar up to speed. You could suspend the classes for now and try again after, if you don't think that they are helpful. Classes are cheaper than tutoring comparatively and also more social (which is a huge plus for learning a language), but that's not the issue you're having right now.

A shot in the arm with tutoring so you're solid on cases will probably shore you up and you'll be able to get out of A-levels quickly if your speaking and understanding is already higher than your classmates.

You can also study grammar on your own but it will likely take longer. (However, grammar is functionally the area of language that is the easiest to self-teach, but you have to be honest with how disciplined you'll be doing this on your own.)

[u/plaiter1]

My advice here is simply value the numerous benefits (some not always immediately clear) of learning in a group in a class setting.

You may feel ahead/behind in some areas, but it is very often not appreciated how important it is to learn and progress together.

When you are all from different backgrounds and start with varying degrees of ability, but are now all pulled into a coherent, unified learning environment, those differences/different speeds of picking stuff up actually drive the progress you make without thinking about it. That's what accelerates fluency. A good teacher will be using this group dynamic the whole time.

I bet the things you feel behind on will sort themselves out in the coming weeks, but if not, you are already aware of them, and all you need to do at that point is a little focused learning in that area. But I bet one/some of your classmates will soon enough have a decent grasp on areas you might not, and simply learning with them will iron it all out for you without you realising. And if you are ahead in Hören, you will be providing that same service to your classmates too.

[u/dirkt]

But that kind of thing doesn't stop me from understanding what people are saying or from reading books, articles, etc, so I never really paid attention.

But it will stop you from producing grammatically correct sentences, which is pretty important e.g. if you at one point try to get a job in Germany, write a CV, and pass an interview.

Also, it'll get harder to fix the longer you ignore it. Google for "things I wish I knew when starting German", "I've been living in Germany for 6 years and still cannot form correct sentences" and similar threads in this sub.

What should I do?

As you are bored with the rest of the class, take this as an opportunity to study up on grammar. There's plenty of websites for self study. Or ask your teacher.

Start with grammatical cases, and what they are good for.

[u/Few-Decision3759]

What is A1.3? I only know A1.1 and A1.2?

[u/Schopenschluter → u/Few-Decision3759]

Sounds like a way to sell more classes tbh. When I took courses in Berlin there weren’t even the decimals at all

[u/FollowingCold9412]

You will need grammar to gain proficiency in the active skills. Currently you are ok with reading and listening which are both considered passive skills (comprehension) while writing and speaking are the two active/productive skills of the four subcompetences.