A1 Basics Skype class

Learn Luxembourgish for complete beginners

Currently available Skype classes:

The A1 Basics Skype class is certified by the Ministry of Education in Luxembourg and qualifies for the 24 hours of Luxembourgish lessons needed to receive the Luxembourgish nationality if you've lived in Luxembourg for at least 20 years.

This class also qualifies for a refund of up to 750€ for Luxembourgish lessons from the Justice Ministry in Luxembourg for students who have passed the Sproochentest or received citizenship after 24 hours of lessons.

This is an absolute beginner’s class based on the Learn Luxembourgish book. 

How do I know this class is for me: If you don't know any Luxembourgish words yet and have no idea how to construct a Luxembourgish sentence, this class is for you.

How is the class taught: The class takes place online through Skype with a teacher once a week for 8 weeks in a row. Each lesson is 60 minutes long and is taught in English. After each lesson you will have access to online notes that summarize the activities of that day’s class. If you’re organizing a private class, it’s also possible to schedule lessons twice a week (to speed up the class), or, once every two weeks (to slow the rhythm of the class).

How much work is involved: Our goal at Learn Luxembourgish is to advance you in your language learning as quickly as possible, so you will have one class per week and in between classes you will be given preparation material for the next class.

How many people are in each class: We have several options for the number of students in each class.

• as a group class with a total of 5 students per class, 200€/person

• as a group class with a total of 4 students per class, 220€/person

• as a group class with a total of 3 students per class, 240€/person

• as a partner class with a total of 2 students per class, if you don’t know someone to take the class with you and you need us to find someone, 300€/person (but if you already know someone to take the class with, maybe your partner, for example, then the special price of 260€/person applies)

• as a private one-on-one class with just you and the teacher (in which case you can arrange the days and times of the lessons a bit more flexibly with the teacher), 450€

What is the preparation for each lesson: For each lesson and in their own time, participants study one chapter of the Learn Luxembourgish book (available online here, or in book stores in Luxembourg) so in preparation for lesson 1, you’ll need to read chapter 1 of the book and study the vocabulary pertaining to that chapter. We ship the book all over the world - please order it as soon as possible and ensure it arrives in time for your first lesson. Delivery in Luxembourg usually takes 5-7 business days. International delivery can take 2-8 weeks, even longer recently with Covid-19 related delays. Please make sure you have the book at home before you sign up to a course (there are no refunds if you sign up to this course without having the Learn Luxembourgish Book at home yet).

As a group on Skype you will then review the most important grammar/vocabulary topics and get a chance to speak and practise the material learned in that chapter. Participants learn how to form their own basic sentences to communicate at an A1 level for all 8 book topics (which are also the topics of the A1 level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Please note that our courses are intensive and that you will progress quickly if you take lessons once a week.

What are the requirements in order to participate in the course: if you don’t have it at home already, you’ll need to buy the Learn Luxembourgish book so you can prepare for your lessons. During your lessons, you’ll need access to a computer with internet, and Skype installed. You’ll be viewing lesson material on a web browser on your computer as well as being on a call with your teacher during your lessons. We recommend wearing a headset with microphone to reduce the background noise (the white cable that comes with most smart phones is sufficient). When travelling, some students also view the lesson material on a tablet while running Skype on their smart phone.

What are the topics covered in the course: greeting someone, and making basic small talk; introducing yourself and someone else; telling someone more about yourself; describing a person or a thing; talking about your job and daily routine; talking about your recreational activities and making appointments; asking for something; situating yourself and asking for directions.

This class creates awareness of how the Luxembourgish language works and provides a first introduction.

Which course comes next after the A1 Basics course? As long as you have attended and participated in all or almost all of your A1 Basics lessons, have kept up with the preparation materials and have a good grasp of the lesson material, the next course you can take is the A1 Conversation course. You will receive an email during your A1 Basics course with your teacher’s recommendation for your next course.

Important Details about our Classes (click for details - please read)

FAQ - What if you miss a lesson?

Some people are able to join the class even when traveling for work or for pleasure as all you need is an Internet connection and a computer or tablet. Sometimes people only connect on Skype through a mobile phone to listen to the class if they don't have a computer to access the virtual classroom. Our policy is that missed classes cannot be rescheduled or reimbursed. If you’ve missed a lesson, you can ask the teacher if they can meet you 5 minutes before the next lesson to answer any questions you might have about the notes of the lesson you missed. If you require more flexibility, we recommend booking a private one-on-one course, that way, you can custom schedule your lessons with the teacher.

FAQ - How long does it take before you're ready to take the Sproochentest, the language exam to acquire Luxembourgish nationality?

All our courses are laid out in such a way so as to maximize your time in order to pass the nationality exam if that is your aim: A1 Basics, A1 Conversation, TWAL A1, A2.1 Conversation, A2.2 Conversation and TWAL A2. Most people are ready to take the exam after that, if not, we supplement with additional classes. Some people can be ready to pass the exam with fewer classes, some people need more. About halfway through each class, we send out the teacher’s feedback and recommendation for the next class. Email us at any point and we can put together an individual plan for success based on your teacher’s assessment of your skills.

In my experience, 6 months to two years is a reasonable time frame to expect in order to be able to pass the nationality exam. I've seen shorter than that, and I've seen longer than that, but that seems to be the average of time that passes between the start of studies and the passing of the exam. Doing it in 6 months is possible but requires work, discipline and practice. We basically can go as fast as you can prepare your lessons. The best way to find out how fast you can go is just to get started.

This A1 Basics course is your first step in getting ready to take the exam.

FAQ - What if you change your mind and want to cancel your lessons?

There is a 50€ non-refundable deposit on this A1 Basics class in order to reserve your spot. Cancellations are accepted until immediately after the first lesson.

Timing of current classes not quite right? Want to organize private classes? Not sure about your level? Get in touch!