German language coach Macao

The course «German by heart»
The course is intended for those who wish to increase their German vocabulary. The course uses a simple method of memorizing words. At each lesson, the teacher coordinates the process of writing down and memorizing words, and also monitors the success of memorizing words. At home, you just repeat the words learned in the lesson. We start with learning 30 phrases in 1 lesson, then up to 90 phrases in 1 lesson. All phrases consist of 2-4 words and are very useful as they are often used in Standard German (Hochdeutsch). The first goal of the course is to learn about 2000 words from German into English and about 500 words from English into German.
Additionally, small German texts from everyday life are memorized. Each text you learn by heart is rehearsed in the lesson to improve your speed and fluency. The second goal of the course is to learn a dozen spoken German texts by heart. The course is designed for beginners as well as A1 and A2 levels. Maximal course duration – 4 months.
The lessons are conducted via a video call system (Skype or an alternative). One lesson lasts for 60 minutes and costs 50 euros. Payment in advance or for each lesson held. Payment options: PayPal or money transfer to a bank account in Russia in euros or rubles. The transfer fee is paid by the sender.
No trial lessons are offered. No admission tests are required. To discuss learning issues, it is necessary to conduct a free interview in the form of a video call. To schedule the interview, please send a message to [email protected]
You will be provided with all the learning materials – you will not need to buy any textbooks. More details: https://www.facebook.com/germanskype

The course „Pronunciation and Listening”
The course is intended for those who have acquired the basics of the German language (A2, B1, B2). Good listening comprehension requires concentration of attention and skills in pronunciation, rhetoric and syntax. Having learned these practical skills, you will be able to more easily understand video and audio materials in standard German (movies, documentaries, news, features, entertainment programmes).
You can study with me from any place in the world where there is a good Internet connection. The lessons are conducted via a video call system (Skype or an alternative). One lesson lasts for 120 minutes (60 minutes + 5 minutes break + 60 minutes) and costs 80 euros. Payments are made in advance or after each conducted lesson. Payment options: PayPal or money transfer to a bank account in Russia in euros or rubles. The transfer fee is paid by the sender.
No trial lessons are offered. No admission tests are required. We will need to arrange a free of charge interview in the form of a video call to discuss the issues concerning your learning. To schedule the interview, please send a message to [email protected] with a detailed description of your situation.
The course includes max. 10 lessons. The next lesson is arranged only after you have completed home assignments in full. You will be provided with all the learning materials – you will not need to buy any textbooks. More details: https://www.facebook.com/germanskype/

The Universal Conversation Course
The Universal Conversation Course will help you become a better conversation partner. Each lesson consists of two parts: grammar and vocabulary as well as conversational techniques.
Grammar and vocabulary
We will train grammar topics in the lesson orally. At home, you will complete tasks in written and oral form. We will only study grammar topics that will help you write and speak German sentences fast. I will teach you to express your thoughts simply and with correct grammar. Together we will identify the mistakes you make often, the reasons for their occurrence and try to minimize them. I will teach you the method of memorizing words. You will learn useful frequent expressions for each lesson.
Conversational techniques
You will learn how to accurately analyze the person you talk to and to adjust your speech to that person. You will learn how to quickly come up with many ideas for your speech. You will learn paraphrasing techniques. You will learn to lead a monologue on typical conversational topics for several minutes. You will learn to give interesting speeches about the world around you, about the future and the past, using examples, numbers, drama elements, names, titles, colours and humour. You will learn to give good advice and skillfully answer provocative questions. You will learn how to correct your speeches in order to avoid unwanted reactions from the people you talk to. You will learn to speak fast.
You can study with me from any place in the world where there is a good Internet connection. The lessons are conducted via a video call system (Skype or an alternative). One lesson lasts for 120 minutes (60 minutes + 5 minutes break + 60 minutes) and costs 80 euros. Payments are made in advance or after each conducted lesson. Payment options: PayPal or money transfer to a bank account in Russia in euros or rubles. The transfer fee is paid by the sender.
No trial lessons are offered. No admission tests are required. We will need to arrange a free of charge interview in the form of a video call to discuss the issues concerning your learning. To schedule the interview, please send a message to [email protected] with a detailed description of your situation.
The duration of the course depends on your learning performance. The next lesson is arranged only after you have completed home assignments in full. You will be provided with all the learning materials – you will not need to buy any textbooks. More details: https://www.facebook.com/germanskype/

The TestDaF Course
The course is intended for young professionals and students. The TestDaF exam preparation is a hard marathon. Finishing this marathon will significantly improve your command of the German language. If you successfully pass the three-hour TestDaF exam, you will receive a C1 level certificate, which is required when applying for good universities and colleges in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
You can prepare for the TestDaF with me from any place in the world with a good Internet connection. Classes are held through a video call system (Skype or an alternative). One lesson lasts for 120 minutes (60 minutes + 5 minutes pause + 60 minutes) and costs 80 euros. Payments are made in advance or for each conducted lesson. Payment options: PayPal or money transfer to a bank account in Russia in euros or rubles. The transfer fee is paid by the sender.
Please send an email request to [email protected] to receive an IQ admission test. After your successful completion of the IQ admission test we will arrange a video call interview to discuss the issues concerning your learning.
In the case of admission I can conduct only 24 lessons max. The duration of the course depends on your learning performance. The next lesson is arranged only after you have completed home assignments in full. You will be provided with all the learning materials – you will not need to buy any textbooks. More details: https://www.facebook.com/Testdaf-coach-676616389208727/

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Nikita Smirnov. Nikita passed the TestDaF on 20.02.2018 in Berlin.

When I started studying with Michail, I already had experience of various language courses in Germany, including private and state-run language schools. I tried intensive courses in both small and large groups and individual lessons. The main problem I faced in Germany was the lack of qualified teachers. Often, the teachers were without linguistic background and they used the retrograde method manifested in the command "open the textbook on page 22 and begin to complete exercise 33". I cannot say that this did not do any good, but I was being stuck on a plateau, from which I could not really move.

I was skeptical about Skype lessons, once a week, but thanks to the recommendations, I decided to try it. After the first lesson with Michail, I realized what real intensity is. I literally sweated from the stress, and this is not an exaggeration. The intensity of the classes cannot be compared with all previous relaxed "fellowship sessions" in German language schools. The intensity of the material is simply amazing.

The second undoubted plus - classes with Michail are very reasonably priced. I'm not even talking about the ratio of price/quality, when in one class you get more than in a couple of weeks of the "intensive" course in other courses. I mean rather that you pay not only for the actual time of the session but for the time outside of it, when Michail scrupulously analyses your errors, writes recommendations and adapts the further training strategy. And sometimes it takes much more time than it takes to perform the one lesson.

Furthermore, I often postponed the classes literally at the last minute, and it always was accepted by Michail. This flexibility is very important for me, but for Germany, this is not typical at all. Michail, in general, is very focused on the result - sometimes I felt that for him my successful passing of the exam was more important than for me.

Many people believe that classes with a native speaker are more fruitful, but I became convinced that this is not always the case. Michail's explanations are simple and understandable, while many native teachers, trying to clarify the incomprehensible moment in German, sometimes go into such a jungle that they confuse not only you but themselves as well, and in the end you say that you understood everything, just to stop this speech stream that has become completely incoherent. In addition, Michail has the advantage of an "outside observer", which allows him to more clearly identify, analyse and (most importantly) convey the characteristics of German culture, language, and mentality.

And then I will go to the most important advantage of the course of Michail. I would say that this is not only and not so much a language course but rather a "survivor's manual" in the German environment. Passing the exam is already an incidental (and somehow self-evident) result. I have already lived in Germany for some years and managed to part with many stereotypes and misconceptions about the Germans, their mentality and ways of life or of doing business. I overcame each such "parting" with a sort of “suffer" and frustration accompanied by the idea that I lost time and/or money. Therefore, I understand the value of Michail's observations and experience, which he "casually" shares during classes.

Concerning the minuses, I can only name a quite "authoritarian" manner of communication of Michail during classes. But this minus for me was a plus - instead of wasting time for meaningless discussions and philosophizing, I just followed the already well-developed methodology, which ultimately yielded the excellent results.

After the exam, I talked with other participants and learned about their training strategies. One of them very confidently told me what the inspectors pay attention to, what is important and what is not – embarrassingly for me this expert came for the third time to take the exam. In general, if the analogy with sprints is appropriate, then everyone trains in different ways: someone runs marathons, someone squats with a bar, and someone is wasting money on expensive sneakers. Michail trains you to run, but during the preparation, you understand that you had just got a "bonus" in the form of a rocket belt.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Alisa Emirova. Alisa passed the TestDaF on 19.07.2017 in Heidelberg.

I highly recommend lessons with Michail Bragin. This is without exaggeration the best teacher of a foreign language in my life. He is a linguist, he developed his own method. If I had met him before, I would have gone from A1 to C1 for eight months instead of three years and five language schools. I like that his lessons go easily, at a good pace without tediousness and boredom. At the same time, all aspects are studied carefully and thoroughly. Michail teaches how to work properly with the text, how to hear and to understand German speech and how to write. Most importantly, Michail approaches each student individually, finds out weaknesses, obstacles in learning and helps to break them. He is slightly more than 30, an intelligent, erudite man with a good sense of humor. He is a historian and an expert on Germany and can tell you interesting things about the German mentality and culture. I needed to pass the TestDaF urgently and he prepared to confident C1 in a month! Now I took his full course. In general, I can guarantee that progress will be rapid and confident.

Certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Martin Belan. Martin passed the TestDaF on 26.04.2017 in Bratislava.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Margarita Shibarshina. Margarita passed the TestDaF on 14.02.2017 in Berlin.

Classes with Michail are always fascinating and free-spirited. Michail explained each TestDaF task precisely, so I became very confident while completing the tasks. I did plenty of homework of varying complexity, which made the TestDaF tasks seem a lot easier. Michail was always contactable and quickly answered all my questions. In a matter of weeks, I managed to achieve the needed C1 level with Michail, even when it seemed to be impossible.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Evgeniya Koynova. Evgeniya passed the TestDaF on 24.04.2016.​
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So, these are my impressions of lessons with Michail. I liked the classes from the very beginning of our acquaintance. With Michail it was easy to find a common language; his manner of speaking and delivering information really suited me. It was nice because it is often difficult to relax during studies, and this is very important. From the first class I perceived the preparation for the test not as something obligatory, like a routine, but rather it was a pleasurable experience. In fact, it was difficult to prepare, but for me personally, it was very interesting. The first thing I want to say is about Michail’s approach to work. Michail and I were never distracted by extraneous chatter and excuses if I, for example, did not have time to do some homework. Always be factual! This is what the TestDaF and Michail require. I often postponed lessons or I while having a lesson with Michail I was in less inappropriate places for studying (KFC, staircase, McDonalds etc.) due to my lack of organization, but nothing could anger Michail; he was always composed and he taught me to be the same. We had a clear plan for the preparation, gradually transitioning from one part of the test to the next. When Michail became sure that I was strong enough in the performance of certain tasks, we went to the next task. In general, we were working productively, and my language level has improved remarkably. The day before the test, I read various scientific texts without a dictionary and without any problem. Especially helpful for me was the information which Michail gave to me about working with text (how to read, translate, what to look for, and vice versa). Generally, the classes have given me a lot. Clearly, I passed the exam very well, but, moreover, I began to see the learning process differently, the way I need to learn, what attitude I must have toward the work, how to organize time and speech. I do not know if Michail specifically planned a goal to convey to me these useful skills, but, in any case, it was a nice bonus.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Ekaterina Telegina. Ekaterina passed the TestDaF on 15.07.2015.

While studying in Switzerland, where German is one of the official languages, I was thinking to pass a language exam to have a documented acknowledgement of my German language skills. Once I chanced upon an ad about recruitment of students from Michail. Now I can confidently say that the lessons with him and, most importantly, the results were fully in line with his promises and my expectations.
Firstly, Michail explained to me very in a very comprehensible way the features of the test, its structure, drew my attention to the pitfalls of the various test tasks, and helped me to develop an effective strategy to solve all four parts of the exam. I can say that without this preparatory work, even a person with a good knowledge of the German language can get absolutely lost in the exam. Fortunately, thanks to Michail, in the exam I had a clear idea what to expect from the test and acted calmly and confidently, even if the topic which was discussed in the task was far from my areas of competence.
In addition to the preparation for TestDaF exam, we did very serious work on my level of language. Michail seriously expanded my vocabulary, and the process of communication in German became easier for me because Michail worked on my gaps in vocabulary and syntax. Sophisticated constructions finally began to build themselves automatically in my head, and now I do not need to think about grammar rules in fear of making a mistake.
To be honest, the most difficult for me was writing an essay because the number of connected texts in German I’d written before can be counted on the fingers of one hand. In my first essay, written as a homework assignment, my thoughts were terribly confused, verbs disappeared or I put them not where they were supposed to be, and not where the German TestDaF grader would expect to see them.
Yet it seemed unreal to write everything in an hour, because at first it took me half an hour just to come up with the introduction. But thanks to the methodical work on the mistakes under the direction of Michail, I managed to get rid of the majority of problems in just a few weeks.
In general, I think that for a long time I'll reap the benefits of these lessons, among which in my case, the certificate is not the most important thing. The main thing is the strong progress that has happened in my German in these few months. And there’s the fact that I now know what I should do to have progress in learning any language.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Alexander Nitski. Alexander passed the TestDaF on 11.09.2014.

I met Michail in April 2013. After passing more than two years of language courses at one of Moscow’s universities, I realized that I was still afraid to speak the German language, that I had a limited vocabulary, and I did not understand very well when listening. It would be very disappointing to give up learning the language after spending so much time, and I decided to enroll in a conversational course with Michail Bragin. The ultimate goal for myself was a TestDaf certificate because, firstly, the level B2/C1 would allow me to read, write, speak and listen at the professional level, and secondly, I wanted to get an internationally recognized assessment of the German language.
I have never regretted that I went to Michail. Almost immediately Michail helped me start work and get rid of some psychological discomfort.
The classes had a lot of features: We practiced pronunciation, learned to properly respond in different speech situations, and we discussed various topics related to the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. At the same time Michail always did everything so unpredictably and differently that not a minute was wasted. We trained formulas of the speech, practiced pronunciation together (but Michail took the time to make me utter correctly every sound), and dismantled the various aspects of life abroad. Sometimes I had to get out of my comfort zone to make a self-presentation in the German language at a furious pace - but now for me there is no difficulty. Michail actively uses psychological techniques in the classroom - he taught me personally to concentrate correctly, do not be afraid to speak to a small audience, and to actively listen. As a result, I became more confident (and not only in German). And, of course, the pronunciation lessons were not a waste - I can say that also greatly improved listening.
Michail always created relaxed atmosphere, trying to reach me and get me in a working mood - as a result, having lessons with Michail in the evening after my work, I killed two birds with one stone: I was engaged in a useful and productive activity and never thought about work! At the same time Michail was setting clear boundaries of what is permitted and encouraged the behavior that led to the comfort.
I really liked the pace of Michail: he did not allow me to be bored - any activity resembles an exciting thriller, where you do not have time to think about something extraneous and there is time only for specific actions. And he correctly prepared me to work on myself at home - there is always a lot of difficult and interesting work at home.
Michail values his own and others' time- he would not let me just sit and play for time, he always encouraged me for an immediate reaction. But at the same time, he was always ready to give a minimum of 15 minutes of your time later after class to answer questions or to finish what I could not accomplish. And I must say - we almost always had time for everything!
After six months of lessons, I decided to prepare for the TestDaF exam.
On the way to the exam there was a lot of difficult and interesting work: we worked on the words in dozens of different ways, I learned different techniques of reading, I listened to long interviews, I took down dictations, and I wrote exam texts. It was very difficult and challenging. And again, this was not the only explanation for the exam format, as is the case with the courses at the Goethe-Institute. Michail identified common difficulties (such as lack of words, listening comprehension, lack of writing practice) and worked on them. Sometimes he used a deductive exercise to clarify certain issues, which is why they are remembered much better than if they were simply told once. Michail always tried to provide original sources so that we, working with them, dealt with the problems themselves and memorized the way to solve it. He has always encouraged scientific method in his lessons.
I especially want to mention the fact that Michail was always ready to help. Michail is not just interested in money; he is interested in people and working with them. He encourages everyone to work on his or herself and grow!
Yes, I can say that for me these classes have become a real benefit. You are unlikely to find something better than this in Moscow.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Valeriya Sakharova. Valeriya passed the TestDaF on 15.07.2014.

First of all, I want to say that the preparation for TestDaF is a real marathon. Not everyone can endure this marathon and then, of course, the coach and your self-discipline play an important role.
More than a year ago, in the summer, I decided that I wanted to do a master’s in Germany, for which I needed to pass the TestDaF exam. At this point, had I studied German for four years in a philological department and I even passed a state exam on the German language, but a two-year break from work with the language after graduating from college led to a state where I couldn’t even put two words in German together. Only grammar was left sitting in my head. On the internet I happened to find a course on preparation for TestDaF led by Michail. The exam is designed for German language skills of at least B2. When I came to the first lesson with Michail, I decided to immediately tell Michail that I was not B2, that I could not speak, and that I had big problems with the listening comprehension. It is a tribute to Michail that he did not pay any attention to my panic and began to systematically prepare me for the exam. I was warned at once that the course would last at least six months (before classes began, I naively believed that I could go to the exam in November, starting classes in September.) Unlike most of the other courses offered by a variety of organizations to prepare for this test, Michail’s course not only gradually acquainted us with the structure of the exam, the features of the tasks, with the tricks and dodges, but also raised the overall level of German language. It was a long and difficult path, but for the first 9 months of hard work I had achieved the most desired 4445. I am grateful to Michail for all the time and effort he has put into me.
Finally, I note that after working with Michail over Schriftlicher Ausdruck I almost did not prepare for the essay part of English exams because I learned to generate ideas quickly and accurately. And in general, I have to say the fear disappeared. Oh, who would have thought at the beginning that I would get a 5 on Mündlicher Ausdruck? This seemed something unreal. Michail, once again thank you so much for the work with me to improve my German. You helped me to make my dream closer.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Kristina Shnyrova. Kristina passed the TestDaF on 13.11.2013.

Guys, you've read a lot on the forums, manuals and other informational mess about how to prepare for the TestDaF. For me the preparation is a mission accomplished, so let me give a small sketch of how it was with me. I have "scanned" a lot of articles on the subject, incorrectly thinking - "Well, I know absolutely nothing, and I will not be able to raise my level so fast." The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to pass the TestDaF successfully (a strong desire is the motivation for any climbing). The process of preparing for the exam with Michail became for me the real magic. I cannot say that I am very impressionable or superstitious person; on the contrary I always rely more on common sense and do not believe in "magic" transformations and solutions (which are being often offered in courses that promise extra results for an extra short time). But I believe in the efficiency, structure and logic. Michail became the man who united everything in himself. Such a solid, result-oriented, sincerely interested person I have never met. Despite the fast tempo, huge amount homework (don’t be afraid of homework- I am a person who never missed a homework assignment and I can say – you can do it, if you wish to do it!), classes are held in a light atmosphere and with breaks for laughter (at the subtle humor of Michail). This created a friendly atmosphere, favorable for lessons. There should be no fear.
As Michail once wrote to me: "Life goes on, rains will end, and the TestDaF will be passed." And so it happened. I cannot express in words how grateful I am to him for the strengths, knowledge, and skills he has taught me. Invaluable experience. Thank you.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Irina Samorodova. Irina passed the TestDaF on 14.06.2012.

"It is impossible to pass the exam TestDaF with my level of German, so I will not even try,” these were my first words to Michail (my coach) after his proposal to try and take the TestDaF. At the beginning of my training, I had no idea that within a few months I would hold in my hands a TestDaF certificate with good results. Michail was able to not only provide a solid foundation in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and style, but he also helped to deal with uncertainty and fear of examinations. Michail confidently led me to the goal. It's nice to deal with a coach who has a human touch, an interest in your success, and who is not indifferent to your problems – Michail was always ready to help, to explain something more than once. In general Michail is a rarity! I also note that in our lessons it was never boring: we laughed a lot and did not use boring, old books but rather only modern sources of information - German radio, TV, articles from scientific journals, etc. It's great when you learn the language which is spoken here and now, and when the coach is up to date with the times.
Thank you, Michail, for different classes and for the good results of my TestDaF! I can say with confidence that this is our common achievement and our most pleasant victory.

Reference and certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Daria Dariy. Daria passed the TestDaF on 14.06.2012

I found Michail Bragin’s website by accident. At that moment, I knew a little German, had some idea about grammar, but my vocabulary was almost zero and I could barely speak. The first lesson was unusual and scary, but thanks to Michail got accustomed to the program and started to enjoy learning the language very quickly. I really liked the fact that in the classroom we talked a lot, because conversation often remains a serious problem even for those who know the language quite well. Michail purposefully prepared me for the TestDaF, explained the specifics of the exam, taught how intelligently allocate time to perform tasks, and most importantly - he taught how not to get lost and to focus quickly, which helped me very much during the exam. The exam was not scary and the result, in my opinion, turned out good.
Michail, thank you for having transformed the study of language into an exciting and interesting quest, the end of which was very useful prize - a certificate that opens many new possibilities for the future.

Certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Margarita Kostyuchenko. Margarita passed the TestDaF on 13.11.2013

Certificate of the C1 level of German from my student Alena Malova. Alena passed the TestDaF on 13.02.2014