Best Language Courses in Germany

A German-language course will help you take things to the next level, whether you're an international student studying in Germany and want to learn German to earn your degree or you're a working professional and want to improve your German skills. Learning any language in a native-speaking country guarantees a deep understanding of the local culture. Although newbies to the German language may find the communication barrier challenging, locals will appreciate their efforts, allowing them to integrate more effectively.

Here are the best language courses in Germany in 2023:

GLS Language School

A green oasis in the heart of Berlin, GLS Campus Berlin is the only language school in Germany with a 14000 square meter campus, including on-site accommodation. There are 60 classrooms, 50 student apartments, 70 hotel rooms, a restaurant serving German food, and cafeterias on campus that are second to none in Europe. GLS offers German courses on all levels every Monday.

If you plan to study at a German university, GLS will prepare you for your entrance exam: TestDaF is the language entrance exam for university studies in Germany. GLS has received the Star School Germany award five times. The awards are presented annually in London and honor the best language schools worldwide.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

You can study German culture through one of six academic tracks and take intensive German courses in Germany; CIEE offers German for beginners classes to help you understand German culture and language. Higher-level speakers can sign up for courses that teach them professional presentations and topics such as German news and music.

You can continue your studies with CIEE in London, Rome, Paris, Madrid, or even Cape Town after studying in Germany. In addition to study abroad opportunities, CIEE offers teach-abroad positions and international faculty training sessions.

The Middlebury School

The Middlebury School has earned a reputation for offering a wide range of study abroad experiences worldwide, including intensive German courses in Germany. As a student in Berlin, you will learn German with an emphasis on integrating into German society. You will commit to your language studies and cultural immersion as you volunteer, intern, or participate in extracurricular activities.

In addition to a rigorous curriculum and adherence to the Middlebury Language Pledge, Middlebury School in Germany offers cultural and linguistic immersion. Students have the best chance of acquiring fluency and engaging in the local environment by speaking only German while abroad. For this program, you must take at least six semesters of college-level German courses.

Alpha Aktiv Language Academy

The Alpha Aktiv language school is located in the heart of Heidelberg. The academy offers a pleasant and personal learning environment. As a result, students will enjoy every aspect of their stay while studying in comfortable surroundings. Besides developing language skills, the program's goal is to develop students' specialist and international knowledge and give them an insight into the culture of the studied country.

Students enrolled in the super-intensive course receive the same high level of instruction as in the intensive course, plus an additional 10 hours for language development and improvement. They also get ten extra hours of pure conversation. After only 80 class hours, you will be able to speak German in everyday situations.

Did Deutsch-Institut Hamburg

Located in the heart of Hamburg, Did Deutsch-Institut houses well-lit, spacious classrooms with state-of-the-art communication equipment. The concept of University Summer Courses was developed collaboratively between instructors from Did Deutsch-Institut and lecturers from the International School of Management (ISM).

The four-week courses offer students worldwide an excellent opportunity to create an academic project in the area of culture and civilization under the supervision of university lecturers at ISM while improving their existing German language skills. In these courses, students will discuss economically relevant topics relevant to the chosen course destination - Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Munich.

Through a combination of language courses, university seminars, and excursions, international participants are able to gain a deeper understanding of Germany’s language and culture: In seminars and workshops, as well as in afternoon free-time activities and weekend excursions, cultural theories become practical, and German skills are put to the test in authentic situations.

DKH Sprachschule Language School

The DKH School is one of the best opportunities for students who want to do a course in Hannover. This modern school allows you to do various courses from A1 to C1. The courses are designed for students who want to learn German in a short amount of time. They provide instruction in listening, reading, speaking, writing, and grammar. Communication is the main emphasis so you can build up your vocabulary and develop your fluency and confidence.

This course will enable you to express yourself spontaneously and clearly in everyday situations and to be understood. You will also be able to express your views about advantages and disadvantages, understand the main information of complex texts as well as the less important details, and you will be able to write simple personal or official letters. At the end of the intensive course, every participant receives a certificate of attendance with a detailed work report and attainment level.

Hermann Hesse Kolleg

Located in the heart of the medieval town center in Horb am Neckar, Herman Hesse offers excellent learning conditions with shops, cafes, parks, riverside meadows, and the Black Forest nearby.

For students who wish to enhance their communicative skills, this course offers more than just grammar and conversations. Students learn how to live in Germany, shop, use community services, interact with locals, write letters, do banking, and enjoy the local culture, whether it is food, concerts, or the theater.

If you're looking for an ideal starting point for a year abroad, whether studying, working, or interning, this course will provide you with more than 26 hours of learning German per week. From dawn to dusk, you will communicate in German with our experienced homestay families. Every Saturday, field trips and excursions are included in the course.

Sprachcaffe Language School

Sprachcaffe provides a dynamic course that gives students the boost they need to become more confident in their language skills. There is a great deal of emphasis on fluency in the school's courses.

Teachers use discussions, debates, games, role plays, and authentic learning materials. Classes also revise and build on previously learned grammar, and students' vocabulary is developed.

A four-day schedule ensures you learn the language effectively while allowing time for extra-curricular activities in the morning or afternoon.

Related: Find more information on how long it takes to learn German.

German Language Course Visa

If you're an international student planning to complete an intensive German language course lasting 3-12 months, you will need a German language course visa.

This type of educational visa is issued specifically for language learners. The language course you choose must include at least 18 hours of lessons each week.

In some cases, the language course visa can be extended for up to one year. However, keep in mind that the extension is only possible if your intention is not to pursue further education in Germany.

If you plan to pursue further studies in Germany after completing a German language course, you must return to your home country to apply for a student visa. You cannot apply for a student visa while staying in Germany.

The validity of a German Language Course Visa depends on the course's duration, which can range from three months to one year. It is not possible to extend the visa while in Germany.

Cost of Language Courses Visa in Germany

The German Language Course Visa application fee is 75 Euros, which may be less for minors under 18 years old. Payment must be made in the local currency, and the exchange rate will apply at the time of application.

Payment methods vary by country, so it's essential to check with the local German Embassy. Some Embassies require cash payment, while others accept credit cards or demand drafts.

Please note that if your visa application is unsuccessful, the fee is usually non-refundable.

Duration of Language Courses in Germany

The length of a German language course can vary depending on the provider and your language proficiency. While most courses range from 4 to 8 weeks, if you have prior knowledge of German or learn quickly, you may be able to finish the course early.

Studying German in Germany is a great way to improve your language skills while enjoying new experiences and making friends. You'll have the chance to learn in a fun and immersive environment, combining education and leisure time.

Benefits of Attending a Language Course in Germany

• Economic growth. You can be part of the workforce of one of the world's most powerful and stable economies, with a large economy and a strong import/export presence.
• Access high-quality education. German universities are renowned for their high-quality education and have a global reputation. Six of the top 100 institutions in the Academic Ranking of World Universities were located in Germany in 2008.
• Easy to learn. Learning German is easier for English speakers due to the shared linguistic origins of both languages, with many English words derived from German. As a result, grammar rules are also similar between the two languages. Compared to learning a Romance or non-European language, native English speakers may find it easier to learn German.