Studju tal-Lingwa fil-Ġermanja

Learning German in Germany

One of the fastest ways to learn a language is to live in a country where it is spoken. A student attending a language course in Germany has the chance to immediately use the structures learned in class at the supermarket, on public transport or in the dormitory kitchen. That is why language education in Germany is seen as a strategic pre-university step, especially for students aiming for a German-taught bachelor's or master's degree. On this page, we at Weroglobal Student have summarised course types, fee ranges and visa matters in light of the information in our partner sources.

Course Types

• General German: The core programme that develops the four basic skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) together.
• Intensive German: A programme with more weekly lesson hours, aimed at those who want to progress quickly.
• Exam preparation: Courses focused on exam techniques for the TestDaF, telc and Goethe certificates.
• University preparation and academic German: Focuses on following lectures, note-taking and academic writing skills.
• Professional German: Programmes targeting the language used in working life.
• One-to-one lessons: Private programmes shaped around personal goals.

In one language school example from our partner sources, the standard course is stated to be generally 20 lessons per week and the intensive course 30 lessons per week. Courses are mostly offered at all levels from A1 to C2; you are placed in the appropriate class through a placement test on the first day, and courses usually start on Mondays. Programme lengths can range from 4 weeks to 1 year.

Exam Preparation and Transition to University

As stated in the source, universities teaching in German generally require a certificate at TestDaF (4×4), DSH-2 or Goethe C1 level. Exam preparation courses therefore work not only on grammar but also on reading speed, academic writing and managing time during the exam. Since it can take months for a student starting from scratch to reach this level, it is important to plan the language course alongside the university application calendar: first a foundation is built with general and intensive courses, then preparation for the target exam begins.

Which City?

Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Cologne are the cities most frequently mentioned in the sources for language study; for those looking for a quieter environment, university towns such as Heidelberg are also among the options. Berlin is known for its cultural diversity, Munich and Frankfurt for their economic strength. Bear in mind that costs may be higher in big cities and that it is important to act early when looking for accommodation in places like Berlin.

Fees: Ranges Stated in the Source

Language course fees vary according to the school, city, season and weekly lesson intensity. Our partner sources give the following average ranges by programme:

• General German, 4 weeks: €600 – €1,200
• 12-week programmes: €1,800 – €3,500
• 24-week programmes: €3,000 – €6,000

Looking at weekly averages, a range of approximately 150 – 400 € is stated for general German and 250 – 600 € for intensive German, depending on duration. The more weekly lesson hours, the higher the fee. These amounts are for general information and may change according to schools' current price lists.

Accommodation and Additional Costs

The source gives the following ranges for monthly accommodation costs:

• Homestay: 300 – 600 €
• Dormitory: 250 – 500 €
• WG-type shared flat: 350 – 700 €
• Hotel or serviced apartment: 500 – 1,200 €

While a homestay offers an ideal environment for daily German practice, shared flats are preferred by those who want a more independent life. For additional costs, the source projects 150 – 400 € for a plane ticket, 60 – 100 € for the visa, 50 – 150 € for books and materials and 400 – 800 € for monthly living expenses. All amounts may change from term to term.

Language Visa and Work

The source states that a national (type D) visa application is made for programmes exceeding 90 days. For short courses, different visa types come into play; which visa you apply for is determined by the length of the course and your purpose. The right to work during language studies also depends on the visa type: limited work may be possible under certain conditions with long-term visas, while the rights of students transitioning to university may differ. The best approach is to review the current visa requirements together during the application process.

Who Is This Programme For?

• Those planning to study at a university in Germany (bachelor's or master's)
• Those aiming to obtain a TestDaF, telc or Goethe certificate
• Those aiming for a career or professional recognition in Germany
• Those who want to combine a language and cultural experience in a short period

You can get support from Weroglobal Student language school advisors to create a course plan suited to your language level, target exam and budget.