Language schools and courses in Berlin

Language schools in Berlin: I taught at inlingua for 3 years. It isn't terribly well run, but it's probably better run than most. It actually has less to do with the school and more to do with the teacher, and most teachers work for multiple schools, so it isn't that helpful to recommend schools. I would look for things like class size (inlingua tends to be small, and the prices are adjusted according to class size) and hidden costs (inlingua and berlitz make more on books than they do on lessons). Most schools let you take a 'probestunde'. Do this and see if you like the teacher.

Cheers for that. I had discounted inlingua because I used to work for them as well and I was shocked when a few students told me what they paid for a course - maybe that was in comparison to the pay we got! If only I had my old copy of the new books that they brought out just as I left I could have saved some cash and made it a lot cheaper. Also where I worked was in the south so maybe more expensive than Berlin.

Hello,

I'm coming to Berlin for eight weeks from Dec. 2006 to Feb. 2007.

I am going to study an intensive German language course for four weeks. I have looked on the internet and found a bunch of schools, but I am after some more recommendations... or some advice on past experiences.

Can anyone recommend more schools?

Tell me if my expectations are too high - but I expect to be able to converse on some level at the end of the four weeks.

Fiona

I tried 2 schools here, one was pretty good and the other I really disliked. But I think the quality of instruction will depend mostly on the individual instructor rather than the school itself.

Prolog in Schoeneberg - I give this school a thumbs down, classes too big, felt stuffy, cramped and disorganized and too much like "school" if you know what I mean. If you don't mind that feeling I guess you might as well go to the Volkshochschule (much cheaper). I had a few different teachers there, hard to generalise about them--some better than others.

Akkusativ in Kreuzberg - small, relaxed, friendly, pleasant atmosphere. Somewhat of an "alternative" vibe, strong focus on conversational German, classes felt more like a cosy chat. If you are looking for serious study I don't know if this would be the right place, but I know I enjoyed going there every day far more than I did at Prolog.

You can check out their website here http://akkusativ.de/ and see what you think.

Both of these are in really great neighborhoods with great cafes, etc. nearby.

I had a very good experience at Die Neue Schule.
Teachers were engaged, funny, smart..
not too rigid but not too easy either.

www.neueschule.de

I attend Sprachenatelier in the eastern Friedrichshain neighborhood and am quite happy. Classes can reach up to 12-14 people, but usually not that many show on any given day. The atmosphere is also relaxed. If you want daily classes, you can attend 9.30-13.00 Mon-Fri. Students get a half hour break, when people go for coffee or gather in the kitchen to chat. Prices start at 120 Euro for 2 weeks, but you get discounts if you sign up for longer periods.

http://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.com/

I did attend Logo in Prenzlauer Berg, but it was 220 Euro for 2 weeks. My class was only 4 people, which is great for attention and opportunity to speak, but not great for socializing. The atmosphere was a slightly more formal teaching environment.

http://www.logosprachenschule.de/

I went to the Hartnackshule in Nollendorfplatz. Its pretty good and its intended for people who are serious about learning German, especially those who want to go to school here. Kind of expensive but I dont think much more than most. Good luck.

yo!

i just got to berlin a couple of weeks ago from california and i need to learn german. soon! i'm on a budget and would like to try find a school with a good curriculum and teachers, but also attracts students who would be cool to chill with (mid-20-30's, traveling types, more open minded...). is that too much to ask for?
i saw die neue schule and akkusitiv in other people's posts...any opinions on those? good, bad, ugly???

as for me, i just came over from san francisco where i had settled for 6 months after coming home from peace corps in cameroon, west africa. i've been really digging all the history, art, and music i've checked out so far in my short time here and know that language is going to be the key to really getting into the pulse of life in berlin.

any suggestions?

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hello from another califonian!
When I first came to Berlin I enrolled in a University course and T.U. but for me it was a waste of money. Im now enrolled at BSI off of Shoneleinstrasse/kottbusserdamn? They offer intensive courses(cheapest I could find) and Im satisfied. You have a great atmosphere of all different people who really want to learn. who are young!
good luck

Hey!

Another Californian here! I'm from the Los Angeles area. Anyway, I'm living in Frankfurt right now, but will be moving to Berlin in January. I currently take intensive language courses at AWT Frankfurt; however, how much you learn depends on two things:
1) The amount of effort you are willing to spend on it
2) The teacher
You can control #1, but #2, you have not much control over, other than switching schools. I have been doing intensive language courses for 6 months now, and I am a bit burned out. I want to slow down for a few months and take classes 2-3 times a week instead of every day. Of course being married and having two small kids leaves little time for learning German...

Has anyone every used the software by Rosetta Stone? i know they have an online version- last i looked, it was like 40 bucks a month- not bad for committment-phobes like me. i did the free trial, but wasn't super-impressed, so i didn't actually sign up, but now i'm reconsidering. i know they have tons of languages that they offer, and that they are supposedly used by professionals in various foreign services arenas. Any thoughts?

i've actually been using the rosetta stone (software, not the internet version) and it is one of the best home learning courses i've tried. it's a great way to learn vocabulary and to get an idea of sentence structure. it uses repetition and images to help you actually remember the words. the problem is that since it mimicks the immersion process, there are no actual lessons on grammar which makes it difficult when you actually need to talk and form your own sentences.
i think it's a good way to start out and to get some basics down, but it doesn't substitute for a class.

B.S.I is what I heard good things about. YMMV

i started with ih prolog in schoeneberg on 2 jan 07 and so far i find it brilliant (www.ih-berlin.com).

I think #1 is correct when she says it depends on the teacher. My class has 2 teachers - the teacher from monday to wednesday (Angelika) is awesome. She relates well to the class and ensures we understand what she is teaching. The lessons are only taught in German. If the teacher is good, it works well - the students in my class come from the Ukraine (2), Italy (1), Japan (1), Australia (1) and one from Venezuela and with Angelika I believe we are all able to understand what is going on...

These are my thoughts after my first week with IH prolog...i will post again at the end of my course to tell you what i think about it then...

As promised, here are my thoughts on learning german at ih-prologue now that i have completed 4 weeks of german schooling...

GOOD
- excellent for vocab and grammar
- classes are only taught in german. i found this good. the teacher doesn't progress until everyone understands. most students know a few german words. many English words are similar to German words.
- between 5 and 10 students. This is a great number because everyone donates new words in each class setting and that is essential for vocab..
- not too much homework. allows you to enjoy your time in germany with family, friends, doing touristy things or just plain living...
- class contribution - everyone has a shot.
- good for making friends

BAD
- the course i did was not as intensive as i would have liked it to be (3 hours per day 5 days per week).
- 4 weeks is definitely not enough time to learn the complicated german language.
- each week students leave and new students arrive - 10 is the maximum in each class. there are pros and cons for new students joining the group...too much to write here...overall, the revision (albeit minimal) was welcomed
- the smoking room (whether you are a smoker or not) the smoking room is blue between 11.30 and 11.45 so the conditions to have a cigi are not ideal. In addition the door to that room is often open so smoke often drifts into the classrooms nearby.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE...
- i understand so many grammar rules now - i am very pleased about that...
- i am now able to structure sentences...I am a bit slow, but getting quicker.
- vocabulary has improved immensely.
- in social situations, i understand many words, but don't always catch the meaning of the conversation.

Ultimately, I think it is important to ask yourself what it is you want from your time at a German school.

I would say IH Prologue was good value for money.

if you would like any further information, please drop me a note.

f

wow, a lot of californians here. i moved a few months ago from santa monica.

anyway, i attended for two months at the "Akademie für Fremdsprachen" in Wilmersdorf for two months and liked it. But, the class felt a little bit slow for me and its more of a casual environment. I have now gone to the Hartnackschule for one month and have mixed feelings. Class size was much larger, the lessons seem more "ordered" and there is a specific lesson plan for the month. Even so, it felt a bit slow for me, so I am now jumping a level next month. So we'll see how I feel about the higher level course. I may be a little crazy about wanting to speak as fluently as quickly as possible. I did notice that other students were not as "enthused" as myself to actually learn German. Schade. In terms of price, Akademie is 250euros for the month, 9:15-12:30 M-F and Hartnackschule was 198euros, 9-12 M-F, but if you do their afternoon or evening class the price drops to 178. Both schools offer a discount if you prepay for several months.

Must say - after dabbling at 3 schools here, I'm now speaking my brutal German with lots of interesting accents - French, Italian, Spanish or wherever the other students come from!



I wanted to put in a good word for GLS on Kastanianallee in Mitte/P'Berg.

The school is very well run!! It is a campus of 5 (at least 3 newly redone) buildings, catering to many students that come for extended language-learning trips and stay on campus. Students get discounts in the restaurant and free Internet use. They run activities in the evenings and on weekends on and off campus. They have loads of students so there is a good chance of a course at the level and pace you want (intensive and crash for over-achievers). My teachers have lots of experience and seem professional. They switch at the "half time" break every day so that mixes things up and keeps you awake!

Website for more info: http://www.german-courses.com/

Of course, the area is full of bars, cafes and shops so it makes for good coffee breaks.

Hi there.

I've been going to IH Prolog in Schöneberg for almost three weeks. I'll give you MY pros and cons on the school.

PROS:
-The only language that's allowed to be spoken in class is German. This means you'll be exposed to more German.
-The teachers rotate during the week. This means you'll hear different Germans speak German.
-The classes are small. This means everyone has to get involved with the activities and that naturally, the teacher can keep an eye on you and your German.
-Very grammar-orientated rather than conversation-orientated, meaning you can develop a good language foundation.
-A lot of cultural activities and excursions.
-On the whole, the students are pretty young and so are the teachers.
-You'll be able to get a discount for public transport and certain cultural things.
-Morning classes start at 10am, meaning you can get more sleep. Also, you can opt for the afternoon classes.
-Hardly any homework. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
-Enrollment and everything like that can be done over the net.
-Every Monday there are new students... if making friends is your thing.
-Good transport.
-Free internet access.

CONS:
-The lessons are too short. My lessons are only about 3 hours per day, 5 times a week.
-I've heard other schools are cheaper.
-It's not likely you'll make German friends, because 99% of the people there are learning German.
-Because the teacher pays a lot of attention to individual language problems/difficulties, usually it's not possible to move on to the next part if one student isn't "getting it".

That's all I can think of for now. I hope this will help you decide which school is best for you.

I studied at Berlitz, and found it to be quite good. I liked the teachers and the students were all friendly. Kind of expensive, but hey, your mileage may vary.

I studied at Babylonia in Kreuzberg ( http://babylonia.blogstrasse.de/ ). It´s an alternative language school with a relaxed atmosphere (sometimes a little too relaxed), flexible payment structure loverly staff and cool students. I would highly recommend it.

Hello everybody,
would you like to learn einfach Deutsch! (simply German) in Berlin? I am a teacher of German as a foreign language with my own little school in Prenzlauer Berg. I'm specialised in individual or "two to one" courses (for friends with a similar language level). The classes consider your individual knowledge, your learning pace and your learning objectives. The lessons are held in your teachers flat. It is also possible to work on special topics to improve e. g. your pronunciation or consolidate the grammar. Please have a look at my website (also a summary in English) : www.einfach-deutsch.de

Hi, I am new in town and keen to start german lessons soon, perhaps next week (17 September).

Can anyone recommend a school to me? Ideally I would like to take classes every morning, M-F, and would love to find a place in walking distance from my apartment on Weinberg Park in Mitte close to the Zions Kirche.

I will do some research this week, but would love to receive a personal recommendation.

If posssible pease write directly to my email adress: mark_maybank@yahoo.co.uk

best wishes and thank you

Mark

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I think your walking distance requirement is asking a bit much, but you can get to this place by u-bahn.

http://www.akafremd.de/

I've no connection apart from that my girlfriend did Monday to Friday morning courses there for 260 euro a month. She was lucky and got a really great main teacher, but some of the others ranged from ok to downright rubbish. It was good that the school was very flexible about starting halfway through a course, letting you sit in on first class for free, etc, and also only paying for when you attended.

Like any school, forget the glossy bs and the reputation. It's the teacher who makes it good or bad. I did two courses at the Goethe Institut for 600 euros each. The first teacher was very good, but the second was a real lemon, and I ended up changing classes.

I had very good experiences at GLS in Prenzlauerberg. I did the intensive course, once with semi-private every day in addition to the intensive class, and once without. My teachers were fabulous, and the building was right opposite a tram stop and coffee shop. I think they've sinced finished their renovations, so they probably have better facilities now.

Don't know if you've found anything yet, but there are at least 2 language schools within walking distance to Zionskirche. The first is on Kastanianallee, don't know the number but it's closer to the Eberswalder end than the Rosenthaler end. It's right across from the Notaufnahme hair salon. The other is right on Rosenthaler Platz above the fitness studio.

Can't vouch for the quality of either of these schools, but I have a friend starting at the one on Kastanianallee soon. I'll post her review when she tells me about it.

Myself, I have been going to the Goethe Institute (near WeinmeisterStr. U-bhf). The quality of instruction is pretty good, but it is very expensive. For me this doesn't matter as the lessons are a part of my scholarship but I think equal quality can be found elsewhere for much less money. In fact, many people come to the Goethe for a month and then seek out a different language school and get another 2.5 months for the same price.

Has anyone tried Volkshoch Schule?
They have tons of branches all around town and it is the cheapest bet you can get.
For 10 weeks of classes (intensive course) you pay 219€. I am starting there in about 3 weeks..

A lot of schools, Volkshoch Schule definately included, do not often review their teachers so a lot of time it's a bit of a gamble when you enter a class. I decided to go to the VHS for my first month of intensive courses just to get the ball rolling, and although the teacher wasn't amazing, you do get your money's worth out of it if you make the effort in class and with any at home studying/practicing.

Hi Thanks I have am just coming to the end of one month at GLS which has been great and so nice that I can walk there.

Meanwhile I start work on October 15th and want to find an evening class, I know GLS offer courses, but can anyone say anything about the place above th Gym on Rosenthaler Platz (D.A.S. ?) I may try them as I think they are cheaper

Mark

Does anybody have any comments on Die Neue Schule?

Die Neue Schule is great. The curriculum is pretty intensive: I started with Ground Level I, and it was alphabet, numbers, some grammar, vocabulary and conversation on the first day and so on. You are expected to do your homework, but instructions are very clear and you learn new grammar and get a chance to practice your German every day. Every few days you cover a new topic, from talking about yourself to making appointments , giving directions,visiting a doctor, etc. The homework and past topics review is every morning, so you have to make it to class on time. Expect at least an hour or two of homework from the day one. The textbooks they use are great and they come with CDs.
My class was very international, with only one American guy and two other non-native English speakers like myself, so you had to speak German if you wanted to communicate with your classmates (mostly in their late 20th and early 30th). I felt that it was a truly intensive course and we covered in 4 week the same ammount of material you cover at Hartnackschule in over 3 months.

Just saw the topic merge and the mention of Akkusative in Kreuzberg. Stay away! The teachers are very hit-or-miss, and the woman who runs the school is completely insane, truly a nut case, and not particularly honest.

Ah thanks for the feedback MU. I like the sounds of having no or few other native english speakers to avoid the temptation of speaking it. German all the way!

I loved Die Neue Schule. I took level one and level two there and thought both of my teachers were excellent. There was almost always homework and the atmosphere was very engaged.

Hi - I'm new to Berlin but speak German somewhere between a beginner and intermediate level. Anyone have some direct experience with a good evening or weekend language program? I'd like to be more conversant, get some practice and better learn the grammar. Cost isn't a huge issue...

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Tandem in Berlin is good. The classes are very fun, i never thought learning German would be fun! It´s in P´berg which is nice becasue of all the cafes. The teachers are very friendly and helpful and the classes are small and they encourage everyone to have a go.

I started at SprachenAtelier today and I have to say I am a bit disappointed. Everyone there was either in college or just out, and we basically spent the 3 hours talking about how everyone got drunk on New Year's Eve. Not exactly what I had in mind. I'll give it more of a chance, though.

I have just moved to Berlin from the U.S. I have been here one week. I will be working here for 6 months and I am looking into language classes with Inlingua. I saw some old posts saying this was a good program. Does anyone have an opinion about their program now? I think I will be starting next week.

Hi,

Myself and my husband are moving to Berlin for 5 months from April and are looking to start conversational German classes when we get there. We don't want, or need, in-depth knowledge of the grammar structure or anything like that, just some classes to get us into the language. I have basic German but my husband has nothing. I would like to brush up and he would like to learn enough to get by. Everyone keeps telling us that Germans have great English but we would like to learn a bit of the language while we are there.

Does anyone know where we can find such classes? If they were reasonably priced too that would be great

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Anyone cares to recommend a good German school in Berlin?

I've heard good things about:

Harnackschule.com

Some also recommended:
http://www.babylonia.de/?page_id=18

which sounds really good too.

Anyone here has first-hand experience? I'm planning to do 1-2 months intensive (say 2hrs/day everyday) till I get confident enough to do stuff. Then I'll turn into a normal schedule (say 1hr 3-4 days/week). That's the plan at least. I've been using mp3s/flashcards for a while, but I don't think I can hold a conversation right now.

Thanks,
-J

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Er, "intensive"?

Better make that 4 hours every week day in a school and at least 50% again on your own doing homework, vocab etc .

2h/day is not intensive.

After reading through some of this, I think I have narrowed it down to die Neue Schule or Sprachenatelier. The pros for Die Neue Schule are that its really cheap, and I can go afternoons which is a huge plus since I like to sleep late. However its pretty much on the other side of town and about 7 or 8 miles by bike, so I'm not sure if I would do that or need to buy train tickets, in which case I would be spending more... Pretty much the only pro for Sprachenatelier is that it is only a few blocks away, but its also a bit more (100 euros) and only offered from 9 am. Could someone help me decide? Any opinions?

Also, do I need a visa for taking language courses even if I am staying in the country less than 3 months? All the sites have visa info but none say anymore about it-will they be checking or need to see one or something? Thanks!

Hi there,

I realise that this is probably covering old ground as there is already a lot of advice here re: German language courses, but I feel little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information about! So If someone could help with a few specific queries?

-I just moved to Berlin from Ireland for the summer & want to improve my (early stages ) German. I'm looking to do a reasonably intensive course for about 4/5 weeks. It would be great to find a school in Prenzlauer Berg if possible but I'm willing to travel to find the best all round package.

-I know its hard to pin down certain schools as being the "best" ( since teachers may work for different schools, and a lot depends on having a good tutor ) but has anyone had good experiences with any particular schools of late?

-Do courses begin a continuous basis? could one start almost immediately at their given proficiency?

Cheers,
Tom

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Hi Tom,
I started language classes at PROLOG on Monday, and it sounds like you're in the same boat I was just a week ago :-) I had studied German at GCSE but that was a while ago so I had forgotten nearly everything. I was worried that I'd be put in a class that was way too difficult but, after a short test (which I could barely answer any of!) they put me in a class of 6 at exactly the right level. The advantage of Prolog, which is one of the larger schools, is that it has so many classes running simultaneously they'll almost certainly have one that's right for you. I did try and register at Die Neue Schule initially but it is full for the morning sessions (it's a good sign they won't squeeze anyone else in, so maybe try if you don't mind attending 14:30-17:30). Cost wise, I'm paying 469 euro for 4 weeks, with books included. That's about in the middle price wise - you could save money by going to a "Volkschule" (a four week class is 139 euro, but it will be much bigger) or there are some which are 600 euro+. You're right that it depends on the teachers but the two I've had so far have been great, and yesterday someone else sat in as (I think) some sort of quality control. So in summary, I'm happy at Prolog.

Hope that helps - I'll be wandering along to the welcome drinks later if you fancy,

Ben

Thanks Ben, I decided to give Prolog a go and I have been really happy with my choice, the teachers are great and the atmosphere is really relaxed. They also organise lots of activities throughout the week. Overall its been a very positive experience!

Tom

I have presently attended Prolog in Schoneberg for the last 8 weeks and i give this school a big thumbs down, Waaaay Down! like previously mentioned, classes are too big, too stuffy, and the school is all about profit.. ( you never reach a real goal as students are continuously coming and going, and you have a new class every other Monday.. ie "Sprach Urlaubers") The office staff are cold and should be working in an Amt not a Sprachschule, etc.. Please before you waste an extravagant amount of money on this school it really is no better than the local state run VHS.