1. inlingua Sprachschule Berlin
The gist. This school started in 1968 as part of a big global network, and it teaches German alongside many other languages.
What sets it apart. They use their own books and teaching methods from Bern to help you speak quickly. You can also take official German tests here, like telc and TestDaF, which are exams that prove your language level.
Best for. People who need morning or evening classes to get ready for official German tests.
My teacher was very patient and helped me feel ready to pass my B1 test. The staff is great and they help you book your classes fast. Check your spam folder because their emails sometimes go there.
2. Alpadia Language Schools
The gist. This school in the Schöneberg area has taught German since 1996. They focus on immersive learning, which means you hear and speak German all day.
What sets it apart. Almost everyone who takes the telc exam here passes. They have a 97 percent success rate and even help you find a job or get into a German university.
Best for. Students who want to pass official tests, go to college in Germany, or start a career in Berlin.
The staff are very friendly and the test rooms are comfortable, which helped me stay calm. I learned a lot of German, made great friends, and the teachers smiled every day. My classes were great, but my books arrived late because they were updating the lessons.
3. GLS Sprachenzentrum
The gist. This is a huge school in Berlin that started in 1983, and it teaches German to students from all over the world.
What sets it apart. The school has its own big campus with hotels and restaurants. You can prepare for official tests here and use their private online network to meet other students.
Best for. People who want flexible day or evening classes and need to study for official exams.
My teacher made lessons fun and used German songs to help us practice speaking. The classrooms are big and modern, and the school hosts fun events after class. I felt so safe in class that I even gave a short talk in German.
4. speakeasy Berlin
The gist. This friendly school started in 2011 and focuses on getting students to talk to each other right away.
What sets it apart. They have their own study app called MySpeakMate and offer free extra help with real teachers. You can also join free grammar workshops or go on group trips to museums.
Best for. Students who want to pass the telc exam or need intensive classes to get a student visa.
I took my exam here and loved how organized everything was. My teacher made lessons easy to understand, and the school has free tea and cucumber water. The classes are very active, and they helped me feel confident speaking German quickly.
5. Sprachenatelier Berlin
The gist. This creative school in Friedrichshain teaches German inside a beautiful, historic Art Nouveau building.
What sets it apart. They mix language lessons with fun arts like theater, photography, and writing, and they also offer free tutoring on Fridays to help you practice.
Best for. Creative people who want to learn German and prepare for exams in an artistic setting.
The teachers are very friendly and gave me extra study sheets after class. I loved the weekly trips on Wednesdays because they helped me make friends. It was so easy to take my prep course and my official telc test in the same building.
6. Hartnackschule Berlin
The gist. This classic private school in Schöneberg has taught German to all levels since 1915.
What sets it apart. They are an official test center and run a free speaking club called SprachCafé. They also have a mobile app where you can check your grades and schedule.
Best for. Learners who need to pass official tests or want to work in German healthcare or schools.
I took my classes online but still felt supported by the patient staff. The lessons keep you motivated, and the school made me feel safe during my tests. My teacher was very kind and knew how to keep us focused and happy.
7. Deutschkurs Berlin-Spandau: iQ Lingua Sprachschule
The gist. This school in Spandau teaches German for daily life and professional careers.
What sets it apart. They use an AI study partner named Linn to help you practice, and they also have special classes for jobs in IT, medicine, and shipping.
Best for. People who need German for work or want to study for official exams.
I made fast progress because my teacher was so excited about teaching. The intensive course was great, and the teacher worked hard to keep us talking. The teaching is good, but the office can be slow and a bit messy with planning.
Deutschkurs Berlin-Spandau: iQ Lingua Sprachschule
4.6 · 179 reviews · 17 courses · since 2018
8. Volkshochschule Berlin Lichtenberg
The gist. This is a public community school that has offered low-cost German classes since 1919.
What sets it apart. They run official integration courses, which are state-funded classes to help you settle in Germany. They also have special classes for mothers that match school hours.
Best for. People who need official integration classes or cheap, family-friendly schedules.
The teachers are friendly and professional, and the pace is perfect for beginners. I liked the clean classrooms, but getting an appointment can take a while. The office can be frustrating because of long lines and slow email replies.
9. Volkshochschule Berlin Mitte
The gist. This is a large public school in central Berlin that offers cheap, government-funded German classes.
What sets it apart. They are an official test center and run classes for mothers inside local schools, and you can also study online using their cloud platform.
Best for. Adults who need official integration certificates or flexible classes near their kids.
My teacher was very professional and helped our whole group pass the B2 exam. The classes have a warm feel, and the teachers really care about your progress. The teaching is great, but the office staff can be slow and sometimes make mistakes.
10. BWS Germanlingua
The gist. This school started in 1984 and has locations in Berlin, Munich, and Cologne.
What sets it apart. They help you get into German universities or find paid job training. They also have their own apartments you can rent while you study.
Best for. Students who want to move to Germany for college, job training, or official tests.
I really liked my classes because the teachers were patient and creative. The lessons and the housing made my stay in Berlin very easy. The school is great, but some of the daily classes felt a bit repetitive.
How HearSay works with language schools
A good class teaches you a lot, but it can be hard to find time to practice speaking before your next lesson. That is where HearSay helps.
- We match our practice to your school lessons so you practice what you actually learned in class, not random words.
- You can practice speaking hands-free while you walk, travel, or cook.
- Our short daily sessions fit easily into the gaps between your classes.
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If you are not in Germany yet, you can still start learning today. Start with HearSay to build your speaking confidence before you even pack your bags.