Learning German in St. Gallen
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.
Residence permit for foreign students
Detailed information on how to apply for a permit can be found in our brochure. We would be pleased to give you further advice and information. Please call us to arrange an appointment.
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St. Gallen, a picturesque city of 70,000 inhabitants, nestling between the foothills
of the Alps and Lake Constance, is closely connected with the development of the
German language. The earliest German manuscripts, for example, were written here
by monks. Studying in this university city therefore, links you to centuries of tradition.
Since
1954, the St. Gallen School of Interpreting and Commerce has been an international
adult education centre. Here, people meet and appreciate each other in a stimulating
atmosphere, which is conducive to language studies. We have a wealth of skills and
experience in teaching intensive German courses at all levels and of major importance
to us is the recognition we receive from thousands of successful and satisfied students
from all over the world. The much-quoted sentence: "I never would have learnt German
without the HDS!", both affirms and constantly challenges us.
Handels- und Dolmetscherschule St. Gallen
