German courses in Germany

Types of language courses in Germany

Language schools offer standard programs, the main purpose of which is to improve the level of the language. The type of standard course (Part-time, General, Intensive, Super Intensive, Crash courses) depends on the intensity (number of lessons per week).

• Part-time courses are attended mainly by university students or foreign employees of German companies who study in their free time in the evening or on weekends.
• Crash courses — courses of maximum intensity — are suitable for those who want to improve their language proficiency in the shortest possible time. In most schools, this type of program differs only in the number of lessons, but, for example, the Carl Duisberg schools offer crash courses that are regular intensive courses with 10-15 private lessons added to them.
• One-to-one — private lessons. Their intensity depends on the school and the requests of the student.

While standard courses are found in every center and differ little from one another, specialized programs can be unique and vary greatly from school to school.

German for professionals (German for executives / Business German). Such programs are aimed at mastering the language necessary for negotiation, business correspondence, and making presentations. In most schools, such courses do not cover the professional vocabulary and terminology of a particular area.

Study & Live in Your Teacher's Home. This program is found in many countries of the world^[5]. Students choose a course depending on their goals, and during the chosen period of time, live in a house with a teacher and study the language. This option is usually more expensive than regular courses, as the price always includes accommodation and meals.

German + University (University Pathway). The main goal of these programs is to prepare students for university admission. As part of the course, they usually prepare for an international language exam, and after passing it, the school helps to enter a university (by finding a suitable university and assisting with the application).

Teacher training. Some schools, such as DID (Deutsch in Deutschland) or GLS (German Language School), offer courses for teachers and those who aim to work in the field of education. In addition to language training, students study teaching methods, learn how to make lesson plans, and discuss approaches to organizing the pedagogical process.

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University language courses in Germany

Studienkolleg. These programs prepare foreign students for admission to universities in Germany. They take place at universities and help fill in any educational gaps — you cannot enter German universities for a bachelor’s degree immediately after 11th grade, requiring you to pursue one year of studies in your homeland or at a Studienkolleg. Some Studienkollegs offer courses to prepare for the TestDaF or DSH language exams. The course lasts 1-2 semesters. For admission, you need to confirm language proficiency at the B1-B2 level and be a graduate of the 11th grade.

University language courses. Language learning is possible not only at language schools, but also in German university courses. For admission, you need to have B1 proficiency, although some universities accept students without knowledge of German. Often, these courses are for those who are going to study at the bachelor's and master's level, but there are also those in which you can study without pursuing a degree, such as the GISMA Business School.

Summer schools. Universities also organize summer language courses. Admission requirements for such programs vary: an A1 level is enough to attend standard courses, but if you are preparing to pass a language exam, your proficiency must not be lower than B1. Such summer courses are available at the Universities of Munich and Heidelberg.

Pathway programs. These programs prepare students for admission to a university or Studienkolleg, and are available both at universities (GISMA) and language schools (GLS, DID). As part of the course, they prepare for international language exams. After passing the exam, the course organizers help students find a suitable university and submit an application.

More about the types of language courses

Features of admission to language schools in Germany

Submission of applications to language schools in Germany is available throughout the year. Usually, courses start 1-3 times a month. In the application, you can specify the expected start and end dates^[6]. For admission, you need to fill out the application form on the website or send it by e-mail. In some schools, you need to pay a registration fee (from 26 USD). You will then receive a course booking confirmation and a receipt for payment. The school then sends a confirmation of the transfer of funds and an invitation letter.

Before paying, you should clarify the entrance requirements of the school. Standard language courses do not require knowledge of the language — upon arrival, students take a test, according to the results of which they are assigned to a group. But in order to be admitted to specialized and examination programs, your knowledge of German should at least be at the B1 level.

There are a few more nuances that need to be taken into account. When choosing a course, it is important to make sure that the school meets state standards. If the center is not accredited, you will be denied a visa. In addition, when you sign a contract, you need to carefully read the clauses that relate to the return and retention of funds. Each school has its own conditions: some withhold only the registration fee, and others — the cost of a two-week program.

Learning process in German language courses

The educational process is organized the same at most schools. Classes are held in the first half of the day, and in the evening after extracurricular activities, there is time for homework. The communicative methodology is taken as a basis — the teachers encourage you to speak German as much as possible. Students discuss topics in pairs and groups, and teachers monitor pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. If something remains unclear, DID has study centers that you can visit in your spare time to consult with teachers.

Accommodation options for studying in Germany

Some schools include accommodation and meals in the cost of the program — keep this in mind when comparing prices for different courses.

Additional expenses

Check the school website for additional costs.

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