December 20, 2018
The new year is almost upon us, and, along with plans to eat less, move more, be a better listener and stop wasting time online, many folk will be looking to learn a new language. While leaning Slovenian is obviously the first priority for many of our readers, others have been there, done that, and are looking the next tongue to master.
GERMAN
Those seeking to learn German are well served by the Goethe Institute, which is now accepting applications for classes. One thing to be aware of when browsing the list of courses, available on the website in Slovene and German, is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) systems, which classifies the various levels of language proficiency. The key point here is that A1 is a basic user of the language, a person who can express simple needs and wants, if the person they’re talking to is patient and willing to help. This system goes up to C2, categorized as “mastery or proficiency.”
The Institute has around 30 different classes, offered to all levels and ages, with some flexibility in the schedules you choose, and with most starting in mid-January and running for ten weeks. The many options include a 10-week course for children aged 13–15 from January 15 to March 19, meetings Mondays 16:00–17:30, at a cost of 170 EUR, with the level set at A1.1. For adults there’s a similar class, at the beginner level of A1.2, meeting twice a week on Monday and Wednesday, 16:00–18:30, costing 495 EUR, and running from January 15 to March 21. Another 10-week course at this level that meets just once a week, Monday 18:45–21:00, from January 15 to March 19, and costing 295 EUR. Check the website for more details.
The Goethe-Institut Ljubljana can be found at Mirje 12.
FRENCH
The Institut français has no classes starting in January, but a vast range that begin in the first week of February, with most running for 15 weeks until mid-June, although curses in Maribor do not start until March (details).
Classes for all levels under the "Formule Classique" system will run from for 15 weeks, from early February to min June, with 2x2 school hours a week (or 180 minutes), with the price being 458 EUR, although only 405 EUR for students, the retired and unemployed (details here).
For those with less time to spare, there are also the "Formule Allégée" courses, which only meet once per week for two school hours (90 minutes). These are also available for all levels, and cost 238 EUR or 210 EUR, depending on age and employment status (more information).
Finally, and running on a similar schedule, meeting once a week, are some classes dedicated to French conversation, again running from February to June, and costing 238 EUR or 210 EUR (details).
The Institut français (Francoski inštitut v Sloveniji) can be found at Breg 12, 1000 Ljubljana.
