Which are the Best Language Schools in Germany?
This page details the leading German language schools in Germany’s six largest cities. From Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt to Hamburg, Cologne and Stuttgart, we profile the language courses that will have you speaking German in no time!
On the whole, many German citizens have a good grasp of English. However, they still trail far behind their Scandinavian and Dutch neighbours regarding their ability and willingness to speak English, especially among the older generation and within the public sector (i.e. at the immigration office). This can sometimes make life tricky if you are an expat in Germany with no German-language skills.
While there are a plethora of language-learning apps and online courses, nothing quite beats an in-person, immersive language course to help you get started on your German language journey. But with a seemingly endless number of language schools in Germany, it can seem almost impossible to identify exactly where to study! To help you out, we have profiled the best German language schools below…
Criteria for selecting the best German language schools
When assessing the best language schools in Germany, we have only considered schools that meet the following key criteria:
✅ German Language Visa compatible
Perhaps most importantly for our readers, we have only considered language schools that offer courses that fulfil the application requirements for the German Language Visa. In short, this means ‘intensive’ German language courses that include daily classes amounting to a minimum of 18–20 hours of lessons per week.
💡 Top tip: If you are applying for a German Language Visa, always tell your chosen language school when enrolling for a course – they will then be able to prepare a suitable language school contract for your visa application.
✅ Consistent, high-quality reviews
Unfortunately, we have not had the opportunity to try out every language school on this list. Therefore, we have scoured online reviews across multiple platforms to find the most highly-rated, consistent language schools as verified by their students.
✅ Central locations
Language learning is often something that expats need to fit around their daily lives in Germany. If you are working, studying or parenting full-time, you need a language school that is accessible. Therefore, we have only considered language schools that are located in city centres or well connected by public transport.
✅ Sociable atmosphere
For many newcomers to Germany, a language course is where you make your first friends. If you pick the right course, it can be highly sociable and great to spend time with other newcomers that are in the same boat as you. Therefore, we have only considered language schools that have a sociable, inclusive approach to language learning.
If you run a language school in Germany and feel that you meet these criteria, then apply to be included in our list below by emailing info@welcome-hub-germany.com.
The Best Language Schools in Berlin
1️⃣ speakeasy Berlin
Location: Warschauer Str. 36, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Price: From €289 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.8 / 5 (615 reviews)
Standout features:
Small class sizes usually of 8 to 10 people.
Conversation-based approach to language learning.
Free online tutoring support for students.
Free language workshops and online resources.
Regular events and outings in Berlin with classmates.
Experienced with the necessary visa paperwork.
2️⃣ die deutSCHule
Location: Karl-Marx-Straße 107, 12043 Berlin, Germany
Price: From €287 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.8 / 5 (843 reviews)
Standout features:
Focus on inclusivity and incorporating equitable language into language learning.
Experienced with the necessary visa paperwork.
On-site cafe and roof terrace.
One of the most consistently well-reviewed schools in Berlin.
Location: Frankfurter Allee 40, 10247 Berlin, Germany
Price: From €380 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.5 / 5 (224 reviews)
Standout features:
Experienced with the necessary visa paperwork (including a flexible refund policy should your visa be denied).
Weekly cultural excursions including tours, barbeques, concerts, film screenings, etc.
Assistance with finding suitable accommodation in Berlin.
On-site beach volleyball court!
Weekly free German tutoring sessions.
Location: Invalidenstraße 19, 10115 Berlin, Germany
Price: From €370 per week (intensive course comprised of 30 lessons per week).
Google rating: 4.6 / 5 (70 reviews)
Standout features:
On-site accommodation available for students including three meals a day.
Daily after-class activities focused on real-world application of German.
Leisure programme included in course (excluding entrance fees). Activities include cinema trips, club nights, sports, theatre visits, etc.
Weekly excursions to Potsdam, Dresden, Leipzig, Baltic Sea and more.
5️⃣ DAS Akademie
Location: Torstraße 125, 10119 Berlin, Germany
Price: From €520 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.7 / 5 (162 reviews)
Standout features:
Focus on real-world application of languages.
Emphasis on speaking in role-play scenarios, games and group activities.
Small class sizes with an average of 6 students.
Offer support with finding accommodation.
Experienced with the necessary visa paperwork.
The Best Language Schools in Munich
1️⃣ DeutschAkademie
Location: Schwanthalerstraße 10, 80336 Munich, Germany
Price: From €425 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.9 / 5 (980 reviews)
Standout features:
Experienced school with over 6000 students a year.
Free online tutoring for current students.
Small class sizes with no more than 12 students.
Precise placement tests to ensure you are in a course that is the right level for you.
Money-back guarantee if you are unhappy with the course.
2️⃣ speakeasy Munich
Location: Sonnenstraße 16, Munich, Germany
Price: From €319 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.8 / 5 (49 reviews)
Standout features:
Small class sizes averaging 6–8 students.
Practical, real-life approach to language learning.
Free online learning support for current students.
Free grammar workshops and workshops on life in Germany.
Regular social events and excursions.
Experienced with the necessary visa paperwork.
Location: Heßstraße 90, Munich, Germany
Price: From €499 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.9 / 5 (477 reviews)
Standout features:
Free trial lesson.
Offer support with finding accommodation.
Additional cultural activities and excursions.
In-house internships are available.
4️⃣ TANDEM Munich
Location: Kurfürstenplatz 5, Munich, Germany
Price: From €640 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.7 / 5 (117 reviews)
Standout features:
Small class sizes averaging 6 to 8 students.
Extensive social programme including outings to museums, beer gardens, movies, exhibitions, tours, etc.
Offer TANDEM partnerships with German speakers for ongoing language learning.
TANDEM app with over 5 million members globally.
Free visa assistance is available from the school.
The Best Language Schools in Frankfurt
Location: Steinweg 7, Frankfurt, Germany
Price: From €689 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.7 / 5 (126 reviews)
Standout features:
32 hours of extracurricular activities including city tours, book clubs, movie nights, yoga and wine tasting.
Skills workshops, conversation classes, homework support.
Small classes of 4 to 8 students.
2️⃣ ZDSK - Zentrum für deutsche Sprache und Kultur
Location: Rödelheimer Bahnweg 31, Frankfurt, Germany
Price: From €349 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.5 / 5 (223 reviews)
Standout features:
Small class sizes of 8 to 14 students.
Cafeteria, terrace and lounge.
Offer support with finding accommodation.
3️⃣ DeutschAkademie
Location: Schumannstraße 27, Frankfurt, Germany
Price: From €330 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.9 / 5 (38 reviews)
Standout features:
Free online tutoring for current students.
Small class sizes of 7 to 12 students.
Money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the course.
The Best Language Schools in Hamburg
Location: Lilienstraße 15, Hamburg, Germany
Price: From €239 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.7 / 5 (61 reviews)
Standout features:
Small class sizes averaging 6–8 students.
A communication-based approach focused on German for the real world.
Free online tutoring with speakeasy teachers.
Free workshops on grammar and life in Germany.
Regular social events and excursions.
Online library with additional learning resources.
2️⃣ Sprachschule AKTIV Hamburg
Location: Großer Burstah 25, Hamburg, Germany
Price: From €549 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.7 / 5 (165 reviews)
Standout features:
Small class size of no more than 10 students.
Free trial lesson.
Offer support with finding accommodation.
Additional excursions outside the classroom.
3️⃣ DeutschAkademie
Location: Mönckebergstraße 11, Hamburg, Germany
Price: From €350 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.9 / 5 (581 reviews)
Standout features:
Free online tutoring for current students.
Small classes of no more than 12 students.
Money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the course.
Location: Gänsemarkt 44, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
Price: From €498 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.7 / 5 (226 reviews)
Standout features:
Small average class sizes of 9 students.
Free learning counselling tailored to your learning goals.
Additional cultural events and excursions.
The Best Language Schools in Stuttgart
1️⃣ Sprachschule AKTIV Stuttgart
Location: Schloßstraße 49, Stuttgart, Germany
Price: From €499 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 5 / 5 (238 reviews)
Standout features:
Small class size of 5 to 12 students.
Free trial lesson.
Offer support with finding accommodation.
In-house internships are available.
Visa assistance is available from the school.
Location: Friedrichstraße 35, Stuttgart, Germany
Price: From €458 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.5 / 5 (271 reviews)
Standout features:
Small classes are available of 5 to 10 students.
Weekly cultural and recreational events.
Offer support with finding accommodation.
Visa assistance is available from the school.
Learning and exam coaching.
Location: Nadlerstraße 21, Stuttgart, Germany
Price: From €550 per month.
Google rating: 4.7 / 5 (51 reviews)
Standout features:
Conversation-based approach to language learning.
Free trial lesson.
Extensive e-learning and modern technology are incorporated into learning.
Best Language Schools in Cologne
1️⃣ International House Cologne Insula
Location: Vogelsanger Str. 61, Cologne, Germany
Price: From €600 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.8 / 5 (112 reviews)
Standout features:
Trial lessons are available.
Small class sizes of no more than 12 students.
Outings to markets and cafes to practice in real-life situations.
2️⃣ inlingua Cologne
Location: Herzogstraße 32, Cologne, Germany
Price: From €540 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 4.8 / 5 (100 reviews)
Standout features:
Conversation-based approach to language learning.
Small classes of no more than 6 students.
Extensive e-learning and modern technology are incorporated into learning.
Guidance counsellors to help optimise your learning.
3️⃣ Sprachschule AKTIV Cologne
Location: Neumarkt 1c, Cologne, Germany
Price: From €499 per month (intensive course).
Google rating: 5 / 5 (202 reviews)
Standout features:
Small class size of 5 to 12 students.
Free trial lesson.
Field trips and extracurricular activities.
Offer support with finding accommodation.
Visa assistance is available from the school.
We hope you have found this rundown of Germany’s best language schools helpful. For further information on how to move to Germany as a language student, check out our German Language Student Checklist and Language Visa Application Guides.