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Learn German in Germany: Discover schools, prices, and best seasons
Find out everything you need to know to learn German in Germany. Find out which are the best schools, agencies, etc.
Want to learn German in Germany? If you’re serious about getting comfortable with the language, there’s really no better way. Being surrounded by it every day helps you pick it up faster and more naturally. Plus, it’s not just great for your everyday fluency — it can give you a real edge in school and your career too.
To help you plan your German adventure, we’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know. How much do German courses cost? Will you need a student visa? Which schools or agencies are worth checking out? Stick with us — we’re answering all those questions and more to help you start planning with confidence.
How much does it cost to study German in Germany
Before you start looking into schools or agencies, there’s one big question you need to ask yourself: can you actually afford it? Moving to another country, even just for a few weeks or months, isn’t cheap. You’ll need to figure out if you can cover the cost of housing, daily expenses, and the course itself.
How much you’ll need to budget for your studies really depends on the city you choose and the program you go for. That said, the cost of living in Germany is generally moderate compared to other European countries. It’s more expensive than studying Italian in Italy, but cheaper than polishing your German in Switzerland. Here are some figures to give you a better idea:
| Approximate cost (€ EUR) | Approximate cost ($ USD) | |
| German Standard Course (20 lessons/week) – 1 week | 320 | 350 |
| German Standard Course (20 lessons/week) – 4 weeks | 1250 | 1350 |
| Intensive German Course (30 lessons/week) – 1 week | 420 | 460 |
| Intensive German course (30 lessons/week) – 4 weeks | 1680 | 1780 |
| Accommodation in student residence – 2 weeks | 460 | 500 |
| Accommodation in student residence – 4 weeks | 900 | 980 |
| High season supplement (June-September) per week | 70 | 75 |
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Best German language schools in Germany
Once you’ve figured out how you’re going to fund your German studies in Germany, the next step is choosing the right place to learn. More and more young people are heading there to study and work, so the number of language schools keeps growing. That’s great in terms of options — but it can also make the planning process a bit overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve handpicked a few options to make your decision easier. We’ve chosen three schools: one that offers student accommodation, one that focuses solely on courses, and another that specializes in teaching adults. All of them have solid reputations and years of experience helping international students succeed in Germany.
1. GLS Campus Berlin – With accommodation
Let’s start with a great option for those who want to live and study in the same place. GLS Campus Berlin offers 50 apartments and 72 student rooms right on site — and it’s also one of the most prestigious German language schools around. In fact, it’s been named ‘Best German Language School in Germany’ several times. You’ll find it in the vibrant Berlin neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg.
- Courses and levels: General, intensive and preparation programs for official exams such as TestDaF and TELC. For students of all levels, from A1 to C2.
- Accommodation and services: The campus even has two boutique hotels on-site, offering both private and shared rooms with all the comforts you’d expect. There’s also a café, a library, study rooms, and plenty of common areas where students can relax and connect with each other.
- Price range: 4-week intensive courses start at around 1,200 euros ($1,300). If you choose to stay on campus, accommodation adds about 1,100 euros ($1,200) per month.
Why choose it? Perfect for those who are looking for an immersive experience and don’t want to worry about finding external accommodation.
2. Humboldt-Institut – For adults
One school that consistently gets great feedback for its adult courses is the Humboldt-Institut. With over 40 years of experience teaching German, it operates in several cities and is known for its intensive programs and small class sizes.
- Courses and levels: They offer intensive courses in general German, exam preparation, and specialized programs focused on business or university studies. Classes are available at all levels, from A1 to C2.
- Type of instruction: Emphasis on grammatical accuracy and oral fluency.
- Age range: Exclusively for adults and professionals over 18.
- Price range: 4-week intensive courses are priced at approximately 2,200 euros ($2,390).
Why choose it? Because of its academic demands, students achieve results in less time.
3. Goethe-Institut Berlin – Without accommodation
It’s a globally recognized institution known for promoting German language and culture, with courses available in cities like Berlin, Freiburg, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and many more across the country.
- Courses and levels: Intensive, semi-intensive and exam preparation courses such as TestDaF and Goethe-Zertifikat. For all levels, from A1 to C2.
- Type of teaching: Balanced approach between grammar, listening, speaking and writing.
- Price range: Intensive 4-week courses cost approximately 1,100 euros ($1,195).
Why choose it? The quality of teaching is guaranteed and its certifications are recognized worldwide.
How to study German in Germany and work at the same time
Some students look for a way to study abroad while working to cover their expenses — and in Germany, that’s definitely doable. In fact, ‘minijobs’ are quite common there. You’ll often find students working in hospitality, retail, logistics, or even offering tutoring in their native language.
That said, it all depends on your nationality. If you’re a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area, you’re free to work during your stay without any restrictions.
If you’re from outside the EU, though, you’ll need a German student visa (Studentenvisum). To get one, you’ll have to enroll in an intensive course of at least 20 hours per week and show proof that you can support yourself financially. Once you’re in Germany, you can apply for a work permit — allowing you to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours a week during holidays.
Best seasons to study German in Germany
Have you almost decided you want to go but don’t know when? The answer depends on what you are looking for. All seasons have pros and cons.
If you go in the summer, you’ll enjoy better weather and a livelier atmosphere. Schools tend to be busier, and there are plenty of social and leisure activities to join. On the flip side, course and accommodation prices can be twice as high, and getting a spot at your preferred school can be more competitive.
In winter, you’ll find lower prices and a more laid-back vibe at the schools. The downside? It gets pretty cold in Germany that time of year. Plus, the days are shorter and there’s not as much going on socially.
If neither summer nor winter feels like the right fit, spring and fall offer a great middle ground. There are fewer students than in the summer, but still enough to enjoy a diverse, international atmosphere no matter where you go. Prices tend to be more reasonable than in peak summer months, and the weather is much more inviting for exploring than during the colder winter season.
Popular agencies to learn German in Germany
Before we wrap up this guide to studying German in Germany, there’s one more thing worth mentioning: study-abroad agencies. While going through one of these companies can be more expensive than planning everything yourself, it can also make the process a whole lot easier. They often take care of school enrollment, accommodation, and in some cases, even help with the visa process.
Just like with language schools, there’s no shortage of agencies offering study-abroad services — which can make choosing one a bit overwhelming. To help narrow it down, we’ve picked two that have solid reputations. Both have years of experience and consistently positive reviews from students online.
1. EF Education First
If you’ve been researching how to study in Germany, chances are you’ve come across this name. For over 50 years, they’ve been helping international students from around the world turn their dream into reality. They offer programs tailored to learners of all ages.
- What does it offer? You’ll find a range of flexible German courses — from general and intensive to business-focused options. Courses start every Monday year-round and are open to students of all levels. They also provide preparation for official exams like the TestDaF and Goethe-Zertifikat.
- Accommodation: Options both in host families and in residences.
- Activities and social life: Organizes excursions, events and activities.
- Visa counseling: Yes.
- Price range: From 295 euros ($320) per week. Residence accommodation from 250 euros ($270) per week.
2. StudyTravel
Another one we have seen good references from is StudyTravel. It has been organizing language learning experiences abroad for more than 25 years.
- What does it offer? General German courses, intensive courses and preparation for official exams such as the Goethe-Zertifikat.
- Accommodation: Options in student residences, shared apartments and host families.
- Activities and networking: Field trips, cultural visits and social events.
- Advice on visa procedures: Yes.
- Price range: Basic courses start at around 250 euros ($270) per week, while intensive programs can go up to 400 euros ($435) weekly. If you’re staying with a host family and opting for half board, expect to pay roughly 750 euros ($810) per month.
Frequently asked questions about where to learn German in Germany
It really depends on the city you choose, the type of course you go for, and where you plan to stay. On average, a four-week intensive course will cost between 1,100 and 1,700 euros ($1,195 to $1,780). When you factor in accommodation and other expenses, the total usually comes to around 2,000 to 2,500 euros ($2,170 to $2,710).
If you’re a citizen of an EU country, you won’t need one. But if you don’t hold an EU passport and plan to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need a student visa. To apply, you’ll have to be enrolled in an intensive course of at least 20 hours per week, show proof of sufficient funds, and have valid health insurance.
Yes, there are scholarships available — including those from the DAAD, which can cover intensive courses, health insurance, and sometimes even housing and living expenses. You can also look into funding from the Goethe-Institut and Erasmus+. Many of these programs require you to have at least an A1 or A2 level of German.
Yes, it’s possible. With a student visa, you’re allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. The most common option for international students is a ‘minijob’ — part-time work with limited hours and a monthly earnings cap of 520 euros ($590).
