italki vs. Deutsch Gym: Review
Deutsch Gym vs. italki.
Which is better? Which suits your budget and schedule more? Which of them helps you speak German confidently and fluently the fastest?
In this Deutsch Gym vs. italki review, we compare prices, features, and pros and cons to help you decide!
Deutsch Gym vs italki: Side-by-Side Breakdown
italki and Deutsch Gym offer two completely different learning experiences.
Deutsch Gym is a platform for students to practice speaking with each other under the guidance of a moderator.
On the other hand, italki is a platform where users can choose and book 1-on-1 sessions with private tutors. It’s much like Preply.
To give you a more comprehensive look, we compare every aspect of Deutsch Gym and italki in the table below.
italki vs Deutsch Gym Comparison
italki vs Deutsch Gym Comparison
| Features |
italki |
Deutsch Gym |
| Format |
Private Tutoring Platform (A platform where users can book 1-on-1 classes from a roster of hundreds of private tutors.) |
Group Conversation Practice Calls |
| Class Description |
Private Tutoring via video conferencing |
Learners engage in casual conversation based on the theme/topic given that day. Students participate with audio only. |
| Member Count per Class |
1-on-1 private tutoring |
Group sessions of 3 members |
| Teachers |
Some native instructors, some non-native
*509 instructors for German are currently available on italki’s website.
*Tutors are categorized as either:
- Professional Teachers (certified)
- Community Tutors (often not certified)
*Users can see tutors’ CEFR proficiency level in the languages they teach and speak.
|
Native Germans |
| Class Duration |
30, 45, 60, or 90 minute classes depending on tutor. |
60 minutes |
| Schedule |
Classes must be booked at least 12 hours in advance. Students can book individual lessons or packages. Schedules depend on tutor availability, visible on their profile page. |
Classes are held 1–2 times every day at fixed schedules for each CEFR level. Members can join any of them without limit. |
| Platform |
italki Classroom (proprietary video conferencing program) or Zoom, Facetime, Skype, or WeChat, depending on the tutor. |
Discord |
| CEFR Levels |
Based on tutor |
German A2 to C1 |
| Extra Features |
Chat with your tutor at any time. |
Free German Ebooks with 100+ conversation topics. |
| Prices |
Classes are $25–40 per hour on average.
Trial lessons are around $5–20.
*Tutors set their prices. Professional Teachers tend to charge more.
*Students buy credits and can book individual sessions or lesson packages.
|
Starts at €65/month (~$71/month)
*Currently on a 70% sale for €32/month ($35/month)!
Buy 3, 6, or 12-month memberships.
*Members can join as many classes as they want during their membership period.
|
| Pros |
You can watch tutor intro videos. Easily filter tutors by price, schedule, and languages they speak. |
Few members per class. No session cap. Join lower CEFR levels for practice. No video required. |
| Cons |
Lesson packages expire after 6 months. Class quality depends on tutor. Trial lessons aren’t free. |
Does not cover A1 and C2. No free trial. CET time zones only. |
| Community |
No sense of community due to 1-on-1 structure. |
Intimate atmosphere fosters a close-knit community where members often find friends. |
| Customer Support |
Standard customer support. |
Direct support from the founder. |
Conclusion
What’s more suitable for you really depends on your needs and budget.
If you think the focused, 1-on-1 guidance of a private tutor is better for you, then italki is a solid choice. It’s great if you have specific learning needs or don’t usually succeed in a class setting.
The main drawback, however, is the potentially long process of looking for the right tutor for you.
Meanwhile, Deutsch Gym is all about practicing your German speaking skills with other learners of the same proficiency level.
It’s a tangible way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and apply the grammar and vocabulary you’ve learned in actual speech! It’s why many people join Deutsch Gym during their first few months of moving to Germany.
A quick recap below:
italki vs Deutsch Gym Highlights
italki vs Deutsch Gym Highlights
| Features |
italki |
Deutsch Gym |
| Native Instructors |
✓ |
✓ |
| Academic Focus |
✓ |
X |
| Flexible Class Schedules |
✓ |
✓ |
| 1-on-1 Tutoring |
✓ |
X |
| Speaking Focus |
X |
✓ |
| Personalized Customer Support |
X |
✓ |
| No Video Required |
X |
✓ |
| No Need to Book in Advance |
X |
✓ |
| Unlimited Classes |
X |
✓ |
| Affordability |
X |
✓ |
This review is part of our deep-dive series on the most popular German learning platforms. Check out our full overview of the best apps to learn German, or read our individual reviews of Babbel, Preply, and Lingoda to find the right fit for you.
