I want to learn German! How can I do it?
Learning a new language, especially one as hard as German, can be challenging. But do not lose heart!
There are several options for you to learn German - pick one (or more) and you will become a pro in no time.
The rule of thumb is that if you want to work in an environment that depends on German, you should strive to achieve B2 level of competence. For everyday communication A2 to B1 should suffice.
Studienkolleg at KIT
This university facility offers a wide range of German courses from A1 to C1 and is reserved for the students of the KIT.
- How? -> Registration for all courses starts in the beginning of October for the winter term and in the beginning of April for the summer term. More information on the registration period for the upcoming term can be found on the website of the Studienkolleg.
- When? -> Here you can find an overview of all courses.
- Costs? -> Free for all KIT students
- Where? -> KIT campus
- More information about the Studienkolleg
AStA KIT
AStA stands for Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss and is the university board that represents the students' voices at the KIT. Their activity covers a broad spectrum, one of the branches being language courses for students. On a side note, they are also your contact for various issues regarding your student life and are worth checking out.
- How? -> Registration at the AStA office, suitable for students who already speak a little German
- When? -> They start in September, courses from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm
- Costs? -> Around 500€
- Where? -> Registration at the AStA office, courses at Evangelische Studierendengemeinde or Deutschsprachiger Muslimkreis Karlsruhe e.V.
- More information about the AStA KIT and the German courses
Tandem
Tandem is a cooperation between two native speakers who want to learn another language. In a casual atmosphere, anywhere and anytime you and your partner manage to meet up, you can practice your German skills in a leisure manner at a little price of teaching another person your mother tongue.
- How? -> Tandem board in the cafeteria or the Internet
- When? -> Anytime
- How much? -> Free
- Where? -> Your choice
- More information:
- Tandem offers by the Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe
- Find your tandem partner at tandem.net or tandempartners.org
Language schools
Language schools are an another option to learn a language in a more institutionalized context. It may cost you more than other options, but it also offers lots of flexiblity.
- How? -> There is a number of different language schools in Karlsruhe
- When? -> Courses usually begin every few months
- Costs? -> Costs can range between 400-600€ for an A1 course with 100 lessons á 45 min
- Where? -> In and around Karlsruhe
- Try your luck at the
- Sprachakademie Karlsruhe
- Dialog Sprachschule
- Sprachenstudio Kast
And many more...
Volkshochschule (VHS)
A Volkshochschule is a type of charitable organizations that you can find in any large German city. Its primary focus is adult and continuing education and it offers a wide variation of different courses, German courses being one of them.
- How? -> Before yo can register for a course you have to complete a student guidance and placement test
- When? -> Test always from Monday to Thursday at 1:00 p.m
- Costs? -> Student guidance costs 10 euros, if you register for a German course, the amount will be deducted from your course fee. The fees range between 400-500€ for an A1 course
- Where? -> Different locations, for example the vhs building in Kaiserallee 12e, Durlach or Ludwig-Erhard-Schule in Englerstraße 12 in Karlsruhe
- Find out more about the VHS and its courses here