Where can I find an affordable or online German course in Berlin?
Volkshochschule (VHS) courses are affordable, and parent courses are even cheaper if you have a child. Depending on your situation, you can join an Integrationskurs or ask the Jobcenter or Arbeitsagentur for support. Online, try Preply and Lingoda.
Courses at the Volkshochschule (VHS, adult education centre) are generally affordable. If you have a child, look at the VHS parent (Eltern) courses: a course two days a week can cost 25 euros.
Depending on your residence status, you can take a state-funded Integrationskurs (integration course). These can be cheap or free. The BAMF website has the details.
If you're registered with the Jobcenter or the Arbeitsagentur, you can ask for support with a language course. If you work, ask about evening or online courses.
Private language schools cost more: midday courses can be around 275 euros a month. The same school gets both positive feedback and complaints about crowded classes. The teacher makes a big difference, so ask for a trial lesson if you can.
Online, Preply has private teachers for one-to-one lessons and Lingoda has small online groups. If you complete Lingoda's Sprint programme according to its conditions, you can get money back. Read the refund conditions before you start.
You can take telc exams at various language schools. The price depends on the school.
Where you can get help
- Make it in Germany: Integrationskurse
Overview of integration courses, including courses with childcare and for women.
- BAMF: Integrationskurs mit Aufenthaltstitel ab 2005
Integration course for foreigners with a residence permit issued since 2005.
- BAMF-NAvI: Kurssuche
Search for integration and language courses near you.
- Deutsche Welle: Learn German
Free online German courses for all levels.
- Make it in Germany: Deutsch online lernen
Online options for learning German and recommended levels.
This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.
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