The sheer volume and range of things to see and do in Germany’s capital mean there is always find something new to be involved in; whether history, culture, music or sport is your thing. This variety makes Berlin a popular location all year round for language learners.
Berlin’s lively nightlife is one of its main attractions (Photo: Matthias Ripp vis Flickr, CC BY 2.0)
When it comes to learning German, Berlin is an excellent location to select as it offers diversity in terms of courses available, budgets and activities. With such a variety of options available, it can be a little overwhelming to decide where to start, so we’ve done some of the hard work for you. Below we’ve selected five of the best language schools in Berlin, taking into account past student reviews, cost and breadth of programmes available.
Sprachinstitut Berlin
www.sprachinstitut-berlin.de/
Sprachinstitut offers a diverse range of German language courses, as well as English language programmes, at its language school in the popular Berlin-Mitte area. These language courses vary in intensity, duration, and level, with classes taught at absolute beginner to advanced level. There are semi-intensive and intensive courses, evening classes and exam prep courses, as well as conversational classes and grammar workshops. Through an initial language assessment test, your German level will be determined so that you can be placed in the appropriate programme. All lessons are taught by fully qualified teachers, native in the language they are teaching. Classes are kept small, with an average number of eight students per class, to allow teachers to focus on individual needs. The school is also happy to assist students in finding accommodation in the city, either in a homestay or local apartment depending students’ budget and preference.
Classes are fun and engaging at Sprachensalon (Photo: Sprachensalon)
Sprachsalon
www.sprachsalon-berlin.de/
Sprachsalon is a small German language school, its friendly and relaxed atmosphere making it a popular choice for language learners. Lessons are delivered to small groups of between six and twelve students, at beginner through to advanced levels. In addition to German classes, the school also offers language courses in Arabic, French, English, Hebrew, Russian, Italian and Spanish. All classes are taught by native speakers, with programmes taking place on a flexible schedule, with intensive, semi-intensive, evening classes, weekend courses or individual lessons to choose from, to fit in with students’ availability. Sprachsalon is similar in style to boutique language schools but without the price tag, making it an affordable choice that delivers courses at great value for money.
Sprachenatelier Berlin
www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/
Centrally located and easy to access by public transport, Sprachenatelier Berlin is an excellent choice for students who are eager to immerse in language, arts and culture. Classes are available at all levels, A1 to C2; with beginner classes starting every month and students with prior knowledge of German starting every Monday throughout the year. Lessons typically have between six and fourteen students, and the school also offers private tuition. Courses include evening classes and an extensive cultural programme that will introduce students to aspects of the history and culture of Berlin. The language school has expanded its programmes to include art classes which include drawing, mosaic and photography courses. Sprachenatelier is able to assist students in finding accommodation suitable to their needs and budgets: their own apartments, a room in a shared apartment, a hotel or a hostel.
Kapitel Zwei offers preparation courses with special discounts for all exam participants. (Photo: Kapitel Zwei)
Kapitel Zwei
www.kapitel-zwei.de/
Located near to Berlin’s Alexanderplatz, Kapitel Zwei offers German courses all year round to those looking to enhance their language skills. Classes have a maximum of 12 students, which previous students have praised for the personalised approach they received as well as the supportive, native German teachers. Prospective students can book the German courses as intensive or semi-intensive German programmes and additionally specialise in grammar, conversation or pronunciation training. Classes are offered at beginner through to advanced level, with exam preparation courses available to those at an intermediate and advanced level. The language school is excellent value for money, with a discount offered for students who enrol a friend, as well as on exams for all participants. Courses and exam preparations are currently being offered online, in addition to regular classroom lessons.
Carl Duisberg
www.carl-duisberg-german-courses.com/
A recognised language institute with schools across Germany, Carl Duisberg’s Berlin school is located in the central Berlin Mitte region of the capital. The language school offers a large variety of courses to ensure there is something to suit all language levels, schedules and interests. Courses include an extra two hours per week of Lernstudio, which consists of one to one learning with a tutor, focusing on workshops and projects. Carl Duisberg offers an extensive cultural programme with museum visits, excursions to neighbouring cities, and pub nights. Additional support available for students looking for accommodation, and the team are happy to assist with any visa and health insurance queries.