Best language schools in Germany 2025

Nowadays, Germany is recognized as a prestigious and highly sought-after destination for obtaining high quality education. Language schools in Germany offer a wide range of programs tailored to students across various age groups. Usually, the student’s age range at German language schools is from 8 to 18 years for younger learners and 25-27 years for older students.

A Wide Array of Language Programs in Germany

Foreign students are provided with the opportunity to choose a language school in Germany from a great variety. Many schools offer intensive German language programs, which stipulate at least 20 hours of lessons per week. These programs are organized throughout the year.

The Learning Experience at German Language Schools

Upon arrival at a language school in Germany, a compulsory test is conducted to determine their language skills and baseline knowledge. Then they are divided into small groups based on their language knowledge, regardless of their age or nationality. To encourage immersion, students from the same country are often placed in different groups to minimize communication in their native tongue.

Class Structure and Language Programs

Classes at these German language schools are conducted in small groups, in which the number of students usually varies from 10 to 15 students. In case of more intensive programs, the number of students is even less at classes, with 5 to 7 students. German language schools provide studying for every skill level, from beginner to advanced. The duration of these courses varies from one week to 18 months. Usually, lessons are conducted from Monday to Friday in the mornings.

Types of Courses Offered

German language schools offer a wide choice of courses, including:

• Intensive General German Programs

• Vocabulary-focused Courses

• One-on-One Sessions

• University Admission and Exam Preparation Courses

Depending on the program, teaching methods may be combined. For instance, specialized programs may blend group and individual lessons. Some programs even include the popular Study&Live option, where students reside in their teachers' homes, offering full immersion into German language, culture, and lifestyle.

Exam Preparation and Summer Camps

The courses aimed at preparing for entrance exams, such as TestDaF and DSH, are very popular among foreign students. The duration usually varies from 4 to 6 weeks. In addition, summer language camps offer foreign students a great opportunity to combine studying German with enjoying extracurricular activities.

Specialized and Advanced Courses

For students interested in obtaining specialization, many language schools offer in-depth courses in fields like medicine, law, business, economics, and technical disciplines.

High-Caliber Teaching Staff

Core advantage of German language schools is the professionalism and experience of their teaching staff. These schools employ highly competent specialists who are native speakers and hold appropriate educational credentials. Furthermore, faculty members regularly participate in refresher courses to stay updated and meet the high standards of European education.

Whether you're a beginner interested in improving German language skills or an advanced student looking for specialization, the top language schools in Germany provide a range of options to comply with your goals and preferences.

Laura Galindo

Marketing Director

What are the most important factors parents should consider when choosing a school?

That the school views their students as individuals instead of cash flow. Unfortunately, there are institutions whose main priority is to sell their programs and lose sight that this is a big step for the students and their families. Embarking on a new journey in a new country can be frightening, so having the support of the staff members and students will be vital to a successful studying-abroad experience. 

SMAPSE is glad to provide a curated list of the top 7 language schools in Germany, offering comprehensive courses for foreign students:

Carl Duisberg Centren

Located in four vibrant German cities—Munich, Berlin, Cologne, and Radolfzell—Carl Duisberg Centren attracts thousands of international students annually.

DID Deutsch Institut

This school has a status of one of the largest educational centers in Germany. Also DID Deutsch Institut is distinguished by its high-quality and well-structured  courses. The acronym DID stands for "Deutsch in Deutschland" or "Germany in German."

Augsburger Deutschkurse

Founded in 1963, this Augsburg-based school is one of the oldest educational institutions in Germany. Main focus is made on intensive German courses, the school enjoys a certified status and is conveniently located in the city center. Every summer, more than 300 students arrive on its campus.

F + U Academy of Languages

Although only established in 2013, this Berlin-based institution has quickly occupied high positions in the rankings of language schools in Germany. Located near key attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and Gendarmenmarkt, the school is also close to numerous shopping options and a convenient public transport hub.

German Language School (GLS)

Also located in Berlin, GLS offers a state-of-the-art campus featuring over 130 rooms and studios, an indoor swimming pool, a cafeteria, sports facilities, and more. Each year, the school welcomes over 600 students aged 7 to 18 from over 23 different countries.

TANDEM Köln

Founded in 2003 and situated in the popular Suedstadt district of Cologne, TANDEM Köln offers modern classrooms, a library, a cinema hall, and a garden. Its strategic location near shops and public transport makes it especially convenient for students.

Study&Live in Your Teacher's Home

This educational program stipulates that a foreign student accommodates in a German host family during the period of studying. Such courses provide invaluable cultural insights and constant language practice with native speakers.

Entering one of the best language schools in Germany, international students are required to demonstrate a basic level of language knowledge. Schools usually provide the opportunity to attend courses tailored to language levels, from A1 to C2.

When a school is chosen, it is necessary to fill out the online application form and wait for a response. If there is an available place, the school will contact you for making a payment and applying for a visa.

The cost of attending language programs in Germany varies from 100 to 400 euros per week. These tuition fees usually cover the studying program, educational materials, and extracurricular activities. For instance, an 8-week course at Carl Duisberg Centren costs around 1170 euros, excluding additional costs like host family accommodation and meals.

Some language schools in Germany even offer free courses, although these are highly competitive and generally require strong German language skills. Often based in colleges or universities, these programs may include options like the Au-Pair program for students under 26, which allows international students to live with a host family in Germany.

For more information or assistance, please contact SMAPSE experts. They're always available to answer any questions you may have.