Become a Fluent German Speaker
German is the biggest native language of Europe with nearly 100 million native speakers and one the world's major languages. It is a native tongue of Germans, Austrians and a majority of Swiss and thus a language of some of the world's wealthiest nations. German diaspora is spread around many European countries (as well as outside Europe) and there are tens of millions of non-native German speakers living all across Europe. German is a language of great past philosophers, writers, scientists, engineers and composers.
In Europe, German has always been a popular choice for a second language. There was a time in the not so long past when German was used as a "lingua franca" of Central and Eastern Europe. But today interest in learning German grows mainly outside of Europe as German is becoming a language of global importance. German is now one of the main languages of global trade, tourism, engineering, science as well as classical music and thus essential for people working in these fields no matter which continent they live on.
Distance learning technologies make it possible today to learn German fluently even if you have never attended a German class in school. You can use free (or paid if you like) German learning resources and tools available on the Internet and connect through Skype with native-speaking German tutors (language exchange partners) or professional teachers to practice your communication skills or participate in virtual classroom lessons with other students from all over the world.
In addition to distance learning technologies and tools, there are also German online tests that anybody can use to assess their knowledge. They will be evaluated instantly online and for free. You can take them as many times you like. When it comes to German language proficiency tests there is no need to travel to Germany either in order to take them. The Goethe Institute maintains 150 branches in 90 countries around the world where you can take exams. They issue standard language certificates accepted by all universities, institutions and employers in Germany. The Goethe Institute and its partners also provide paid German classes that should help you prepare for an examination.