Intensive German Courses

What do I learn in the intensive German course?

In the intensive courses, all language skills (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking and writing) are systematically trained. In addition, attention is paid to the active mastery of grammar.

Because the lessons are activity-oriented, the course participants often have the opportunity to apply and practice the course content both orally and in writing. Varied social and learning forms such as partner work, role-playing or presentations help to loosen up the lessons and create a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom.

Through cooperative learning and working methods, the students are activated and have an above-average amount of speaking time in class. Thus, they transfer the lesson content into their own vocabulary through active use in class and improve their active German skills step by step.

Curriculum and books

The Humboldt-Institut’s curriculum is based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). It is independent of text books and is based on decades of teaching experience.

This means that the teachers – depending on the respective level and topic – work with a combination of different textbooks and materials. The aim is to provide students with the best possible learning material and to close individual knowledge gaps on each level.

The Humboldt Institute provides all course materials and books needed for the lessons to its students free of charge.

Certificates and exams

All course participants receive a Humboldt certificate after successful participation in the course, indicating the number of lessons taught and the level achieved. Grades are given for listening and reading comprehension, oral and written expression as well as for grammar skills.

The Humboldt-Institut’s intensive courses are well suited as preparation for officially recognized examinations such as telc Deutsch and TestDaF:

Lessons timetable

All intensive courses comprise 30 lessons of 45 minutes per week. Five lessons are taught every morning from Monday to Friday, one lesson on Monday afternoon and two lessons each on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

The exact lesson times can be found, for example, in the weekly schedule for Constance or in the weekly schedule for Berlin-Mitte .

Course duration

The courses can be booked from a duration of 2 weeks or longer. The total duration depends on the learning objective of the student and is fully flexible.

• The German courses of levels A1, A2 and B1 comprise 5 weeks each.
• The German courses of levels B2, C1 and C2 comprise 10 weeks each.
• For long-term courses of 10 weeks or more, we offer reduced course fees.

Starting dates

Each month there are several starting dates to choose from, suitable for students with previous knowledge.

For total beginners, there are starting dates every five weeks when a new course phase begins with level A1. For more information on the course levels, please visit the course system page.

Classes always start on Mondays. For students who have booked their German course including accommodation, the arrival day is Sunday.

Bank holidays

With a few exceptions, the intensive courses in Berlin and Constance also take place on public holidays. Holidays without classes are:

October 3, 2024
November 1, 2024 (only Constance)
December 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025 (Christmas break)

April 18, 2025
May 1, 2025
June 9, 2025
October 3, 2025
December 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (Christmas break)

Course locations

In Berlin and Constance, the Humboldt-Institut offers intensive courses for all levels as complete packages including accommodation, full board as well as leisure and cultural programs at two attractive locations:

On the one hand Germany’s capital Berlin, with more than 3.5 million inhabitants, which is the largest and most vibrant city in the country with a large variety of sights and cultural offers.

Constance, on the other hand, is an unhurried and laid-back city of 85,000 inhabitants and is rated as having the highest quality of life in Germany due to its gorgeous location on the shores of Lake Constance and its proximity to Switzerland and the Alps.

With the combination course, you have the opportunity to experience two uniquely distinct regions of Germany within a short amount of time. A bus transfer between the cities (Constance–Berlin or Berlin–Constance) is included in the course fee when booking two consecutive courses of a minimum of five weeks in each of the two cities.

German courses with accommodation – Immerse yourself in German with Humboldt

The intensive courses in Berlin and Constance are offered as a complete package, including accommodation and full board.

Both schools offer comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. The accommodation directly in the institute offers many advantages such as short distances to class, optimal learning conditions and a family atmosphere.

Due to the completely German-speaking environment in the schools, students are immersed in the language not only in class, but also during meals, free time, and excursions. This German immersion program allows for the practical application of what is learned in the classroom in everyday situations and contributes significantly to students’ learning success and motivation.

Three meals and a fruit basket are included in our package deal. Our kitchen team pays attention to a varied, healthy diet and cooks fresh every day.

Included services

All German courses with accommodation include

• Tuition and course material
• Small classes with an average of 10 students
• Accommodation
• Full board (in residence) or half board (host family)
• Daily leisure and cultural program
• Weekly excursions (entrance fees not included)
• Humboldt certificate

German courses without accommodation include tuition, course material and a certificate.

How can I book a course?

You can easily book our German courses online via our booking form or one of the green “Book” buttons. First select the desired course location, course, starting date and course duration.

Additionally, you can book accommodation and optional services such as airport transfers. You will receive a transparent price overview at any time during the booking process. After submitting the booking request, you will receive a confirmation from our booking office within one business day.

Learn German on educational leave (Bildungsurlaub)

The Humboldt-Institut’s German courses in Berlin and Constance are recognized as educational leave (Bildungsurlaub) in Baden-Württemberg, Berlin and Brandenburg.

After a detailed online placement test, you will find out your level and possible start dates for your course. Based on the results of your placement test, you will be placed in one of our regular classes that correspond as closely as possible to your current level. Depending on the start date, this may be an existing class.

During the course, all language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) as well as vocabulary and grammar are systematically practiced. Detailed information on teaching, methods and levels of the courses can be found in our course system overview.

The intensive courses can be booked as educational leave for courses lasting one week or longer. Please contact us if you would like to book a German course as Bildungsurlaub. We will provide you with all the necessary documents for submission to your employer.