German language courses are not just a subject at the HDS; they form a whole department. Our committed team of around 20 tutors have excellent academic, personal and social skills, which are in accord with our educational principles and teaching methods. Teaching the sophisticated German language calls for skills of a high order!
The aim of all the courses is to enhance the students' participation in the social life of a German-speaking area by improving their language skills. This is why we learn through communication, encouraging listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in equal measure. Successful completion of the course requires considerable personal effort, home study and daily analysis of the German language. We aim particularly to encourage socially-minded and independent learning, because the acquisition of a foreign language is an ongoing process.
Each of our course quarters lasts 10 weeks. The maximum class size is 15. To find out which course would suit you best, you can take one of our written and oral assessment tests at the HDS or arrange a personal consultation. This is completely free of charge and without commitment. For a quick assessment of your German language skills – based on the Common European Framework Levels A1 to C2 – you can take the online placement test offered by the Goethe Institute.
There are also useful supplements to the group courses, such as private lessons and the German learning resource centre. We are also happy to organise special courses for companies, organisations or individuals.