Learning German is an essential step for almost everyone who makes their home in the country, and it can also be one of the most enjoyable experiences of all. While it might seem daunting at first, German is a wonderful language to learn, and Germany offers plenty of ways to do so, with excellent language courses available in every city.
Why learn German?
No matter where you live in the world, it's essential to have a grasp of the local language. That's even the case if you already speak English fluently. In Germany, this rule certainly applies, and very few people can settle in without learning at least an intermediate level of German, even though the level of English in bigger cities is high.
Knowledge of the language promotes integration by facilitating communication and building relationships within the community. It helps you communicate with neighbors, colleagues, and friends, fostering deeper connections and a sense of belonging. Understanding the local language allows you to participate actively in community events, local politics, and social activities. It simplifies daily tasks, such as grocery shopping, using public transportation, and understanding signage. Dealing with bureaucracy, such as registering for residency, applying for permits, and accessing public services, is much smoother when you understand the language.
Many jobs in Germany require proficiency in the language. Even if not mandatory, knowing German increases your job prospects and career advancement opportunities. Surely, networking with German-speaking professionals can open doors for your professional growth.
It is possible to acquire a German language course visa in order to move to Germany for a short while for the sole purpose of learning German.
CEFR – What are the German language levels?
The level of an individual’s language skills in a foreign language is determined according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR levels). This framework, which is well-recognized in Germany, provides a standardized way of grading German proficiency, starting at A1 up to C2. Courses will start at one of these levels, depending on the learner’s previous experience which will often be judged by an onboarding or placement test.
Levels of German language skills: A1 to C2
How long does it take to speak fluent German?
Achieving fluency in German can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more, depending on various factors, such as your personal motivation, how you immerse yourself in a German-speaking environment or just talent. While some people simply pick up languages naturally, others struggle. Some have more time outside of work to memorize words or practice conversations. And some can afford private tutors alongside language courses.
What to know about German proficiency tests
Whatever level of German you choose to study, examinations will be part of the package. In all cases, there will be a combination of listening, speaking, and writing components.
- At levels A1 and A2, the tests aren’t particularly difficult. A2 differs from A1 by having slightly more in-depth questions. You will need to use and/or understand longer words in more complex sentences.
- B1 requires a vocabulary of over 2,000 words, knowledge of clauses, a good understanding of sentence structure and the ability to understand spoken German at TV or movie speed.
- B2 is similar to B1, but with a greater emphasis on speakingabout German life. Knowledge of German culture, politics, and economics may help here. And the level of accuracy required is taken up a notch, as well.
- The proficiency level C1 requires almost fluency in speaking as well as writing German. At this stage it's advisable to immerse yourself in German language. Practice makes perfect here, both for tightening up sentences, and mastering complex listening tasks.
- Finally, C2 takes C1 to another level, with extended essays and a need to come acrosslike a native German. At that stage you should speak virtually fluent.
Preparation is everything when taking language exams. To get a feel for what is required, head to the Goethe Institut, and use their specimen papers.
Is the German language required to study in Germany?
Yes – for courses in Germany, definitely. Being accepted for a university course in Germany will often require students to prove their level of German as a prerequisite, and student visa applications can also depend on this.
The best-recognized certificate to prove that you have good enough language skills to study in German is the Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF). You can take preparatory courses for this German proficiency test with institutions like the Goethe Institut, but you can also find exam guidelines and example papers online.
The best language schools in Germany
Berlitz Sprachschule
Berlitz Sprachschule is an international German language school with more than 500 centers in 70 countries. You will find a Berlitz Sprachschule in most major German cities. The school offers individual and group lessons for adults and children and provides integration courses and preparation courses for internationally recognized German language qualifications.
Deutsche Akademie
The Deutsche Akademie offers the largest online German grammar training tool in the world, for non-native speakers or those who wish to improve their grammar.
The online course from this institution is free for anybody to use. The website offers more than 20,000 German grammar and vocabulary exercises and 800 hours of interactive learning. The course was designed by teachers and fulfills the standard of the European Framework of Reference for Language. This means it fulfills the standards for language training in Germany.
BWS Germanlingua
The BWS Germanlingua language school offers courses in general German, business German, English courses and German exam preparation. Their language schools in Berlin, Cologne and Munich are affiliated to the International Association of Language Centers and offer German language training at six different levels. Each level fulfills the standards set by the Common European Framework of Reference for languages. Standard German courses require attendance of 20 hours a week. Reading, writing, listening and speaking German in small groups form part of the curriculum.
German language schools by city
To find further language schools, visit the websites of providers like the Goethe Institut, or general course directories.
How much does it cost to learn German in Germany?
An average group class for learning German at a private school costs around € 10 per hour. Fees for paid courses range from € 790 per CEFR level.
But the fees vary widely. Some courses charge as little as € 200 per level, while elite colleges can charge € 1,000-€ 1,500. It's best to inquire with your university or employer to find a good place to learn German cheaply.
If you find a language tandem/exchange partner, learning the language from a native speaker is free, and if you register for a course at a nearby Volkshochschule (community college), you will have access to very cheap courses (but often in large classes).
Great for beginners – Learn German online or with a free app
Using a website or free app to learn and improve your German can be cost-effective and convenient, especially if you are not yet in Germany. Learners can try:
- DuoLingo
Duolingo is a website and app-based language learning program. The language proficiency assessment exam is done digitally. The Duolingo website and app is free to use and download.
- Rosetta Stone German
This internationally recognized language learning program can be accessed from any device. Users can start off with a free trial of learning foundational concepts and undertaking practical tasks.
- Wie Geht's German
A platform for learning German from beginner to advanced levels, Wie Geht's is a user-friendly website that starts by teaching basic vocabulary for common words.
- Slow German
Slow German is hosted by a native German speaker, Annik Rubens, and there is a choice of free podcasts or paid for services. The site teaches basic German grammar and vocabulary through current events and dialogue.
- Brainscape
Speakers can learn using flashcards online and via mobile apps. The site is great for learning German verb conjugations and verb recognition exercises.
It takes time and practice to master a new language, but using the proper tools might make the process a little bit simpler.
