English Courses: Free and Paid Options for German and French Speakers
English is the most widely spoken second language in the world, and for many, it has become essential for study, work, and travel.
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Whether you are a German, Russian, or French speaker, mastering English will open doors to better opportunities and a wider cultural exchange.
The good news is that today, you don’t need to spend a fortune to start learning.
From free online tools to professional paid courses, there are countless ways to improve your English.
Let’s explore the best options for German, Russian, and French speakers who want to learn the language effectively.
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Why English Matters
- Career growth: Many companies require English for international communication.
- Education: Universities and professional training often use English as the main language.
- Travel: English makes traveling simpler, especially when moving across different countries.
- Culture: Movies, music, and books are often published in English first.
For German, Russian, and French speakers, English can be challenging because of differences in grammar, pronunciation, and word order.
But with the right resources, fluency is absolutely achievable.
Free Ways to Learn English
1. Free Online Courses
- BBC Learning English – Ideal for beginners and intermediates, offering grammar, listening, and pronunciation lessons.
- British Council Free Resources – Provides structured lessons, quizzes, and practice materials.
- Coursera and edX – Many universities (like Arizona State or University of London) provide free beginner English courses online.
👉 For Russian speakers, LinguaLeo (popular in Russia and Eastern Europe) also provides a free tier with exercises and stories.
👉 For German speakers, Englisch-Hilfen.de is a well-known website with grammar explanations in German.
👉 For French speakers, Bonjour de France – Section Anglais has resources that explain English using French grammar comparisons.
2. YouTube Channels for Free Learning
YouTube is one of the most powerful free platforms for learning English. Here are some of the best channels, with special recommendations for German, Russian, and French learners:
- English Addict with Steve – Lessons on grammar and speaking practice.
- BBC Learning English (YouTube) – Short, practical lessons with subtitles.
- EngVid – Dozens of teachers covering vocabulary, idioms, grammar, and business English.
- English Addict with Mr. Steve – Great for listening and vocabulary development.
For German speakers:
- Deutschlernerblog – Englisch Lernen (sections comparing English and German).
- English with Lucy (subtitles available) – Clear pronunciation, useful for Germans who struggle with sounds like “th.”
For Russian speakers:
- Puzzle English (YouTube) – Explains English concepts in Russian.
- English Galaxy (by Marina Mogilko) – Very popular among Russian learners.
For French speakers:
- AnglaisCours Club – Explains grammar in French and compares structures.
- Learn English with Bob the Canadian – Subtitles and slow pronunciation, very effective for French learners.
3. Language Exchange Platforms
- Tandem – Pairs learners with native speakers. Germans, Russians, and French users can practice with native English speakers while teaching their own language.
- HelloTalk – Similar concept, with chat and voice features.
- Meetup.com – Many cities host free English conversation groups.
Paid Options to Learn English
While free tools are excellent, paid courses often bring structure, accountability, and certification.
1. Language Schools
- British Council Courses – Available online and in many European cities. Certificates are internationally recognized.
- Wall Street English – Focus on real-life speaking and interaction.
- Cambridge English – Offers preparation for exams like IELTS, FCE, and CAE.
2. Online Learning Platforms
- Preply – Connects students with private tutors. You can choose teachers who speak German, Russian, or French for easier explanations.
- Italki – One of the largest marketplaces for one-on-one English tutoring.
- Lingoda – Very popular in Germany and France. Offers structured English courses with native teachers.
3. Apps with Paid Plans
- Duolingo Plus – Ad-free, with personalized lessons.
- Babbel – Very strong for German and French speakers, because it uses explanations in their native language.
- Busuu Premium – Offers structured lessons and feedback from native speakers.
Challenges for German, Russian, and French Speakers
German speakers
- Often struggle with word order (English has stricter syntax).
- Pronunciation issues with th and w/v sounds.
- Advantage: many cognates (similar words), like computer, problem, music.
Russian speakers
- Struggle with articles (a, an, the), since Russian has none.
- Difficulties with tenses, as Russian verbs work differently.
- Advantage: strong memory training, since Russians are used to learning new alphabets.
French speakers
- Struggle with false friends (e.g., actual ≠ actuel).
- Pronunciation differences, especially with “h” and “th.”
- Advantage: large overlap in vocabulary, since English borrowed many French words.
Study Tips for Faster Progress
- Daily practice is key – 15 minutes every day is better than 2 hours once a week.
- Mix methods – Apps for vocabulary, YouTube for listening, tutors for conversation.
- Speak early – Don’t wait until you “know enough.” Start using English in real conversations.
- Set goals – For example, “Reach B1 level in six months.”
- Consume culture – Movies, podcasts, and books in English help build natural fluency.
FAQ — Learn English: Free & Paid Options
Is it possible to learn English for free?
Yes. Start with British Council – LearnEnglish, add daily practice on apps like Duolingo/Memrise, and use YouTube lessons (e.g., EngVid). Combine this with language exchange on Tandem or HelloTalk.
What are the best paid options to progress faster?
Best resources for German speakers?
Try Englisch-Hilfen.de for grammar in German, structured classes on Lingoda, and vocabulary/pronunciation videos with subtitles on English with Lucy (YouTube). Paid study plans on Babbel work well for DE learners.
Best resources for Russian speakers?
Use LinguaLeo (popular in RU), the Puzzle English channel, and 1-to-1 tutors on Preply who speak Russian. For structured free study, check British Council resources.
Best resources for French speakers?
Start with British Council (FR), grammar explained in French on AnglaisCours Club, and structured lessons on Lingoda or Babbel.
How long to reach B1 (intermediate) level?
With consistent study (≈5–7 hours/week), most learners reach B1 in 4–8 months. Mixing methods (live classes + app + conversation) shortens this timeline.
Should I choose free or paid courses?
Combine both. Use free tools daily for exposure (YouTube, apps, exchanges) and add paid lessons for structure, feedback, and faster progress—especially if you need certification.
What’s the most efficient weekly study plan?
- Mon–Thu (25–30 min/day): App (vocabulary/grammar) + short video.
- Fri (45–60 min): Live class or tutor session.
- Sat (30–45 min): Listening + speaking practice (shadowing).
- Sun (20 min): Review + mini test.
How much do paid options cost on average?
Group classes: €10–€18 per class (Lingoda). 1-to-1 tutors: €10–€30/h (Preply/italki). Apps: €6–€15/month (Babbel/Busuu). Prices vary by teacher and plan.
What if I need IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge prep?
Choose providers with exam-focused curricula: British Council – English Online, Cambridge exam prep, or specialized tutors on Preply.
Conclusion
Whether you are a German, Russian, or French speaker, there are unlimited resources to learn English today.
Free options such as BBC Learning English, YouTube, and language exchanges are perfect for getting started.
Paid options such as Lingoda, Preply, or Babbel provide structure and faster results.
The best strategy is to combine both: use free resources daily for exposure, and invest in paid lessons when you need personalized guidance or certification.
Learning English is not about talent, but consistency. If you take the first step today — download an app, watch a YouTube lesson, or join a free language exchange — you’ll already be on your way to fluency.