Top 10 Language Schools in Berlin

There are so many language schools in Berlin that it is sometimes hard to know where to start.

EDIT: This article was updated in June 2020, and all information is accurate as of the time of writing - you can find COVID-19 related information below.



Throughout the year, but particularly during summer, Berlin is inundated with hordes of language learners from all corners of the globe who descend on the city to immerse themselves in the German language. Some come for a month's holiday; others plan to work or study in Berlin. They range from being just teenagers to retirement age, some with scholarships and others paying their own way. Many arrive with some prior Deutsch knowledge, while others are total beginners. I think this is what I love most about the Berlin language school experience: its diversity.

There are so many language schools in Berlin that it is sometimes hard to know where to start. Prices range dramatically from around €189 per month to more than €1000. With so many options out there. Thus, I decided to come up with a list of the 10 best language schools in Berlin. Given the wide difference in prices, I have split them into three budget categories and have given my top picks in each price range. I have decided not to rank the schools in order of best to worst. Each of the schools has different strengths and suit different needs, personalities, budgets, and learning styles, and I would happily take a course at any one of these schools for different reasons.

Across the board, I was really impressed with the quality and dedication of the teachers, and I didn't perceive a significant difference between the lower- and higher-priced schools. I did have the impression, however, that among the more expensive schools, the students themselves seemed a bit more focused and their language skills were a bit more advanced than their counterparts in the cheaper schools. My theory on this is that the more expensive schools attract a greater number of longer-term students who are learning German in order to study at university and that this extra incentive, as well as an academic frame of mind, contributes to a more motivated and concerted approach to language learning - but that's just my theory!

While researching towards this article, I visited many of Berlin's language schools, spoke with the directors, teachers, and students, toured the schools, and sat in on a class in order to get the most balanced impression of each school. Important considerations for me when deciding on my top 10 were the quality of teachers, class size, the range of class options available, facilities, student impressions, and the convenience of location as well as extras like cultural programs and accommodation options.

In order to know whether the school is right for you, I recommend contacting them to organise a trial class before you commit to a full month of tuition. For more information on each school check out our

See all the Berlin language schools

So, here are my picks for the Language schools in Berlin...

COVID-19 Update

Low Budget (Under €350 per month for a 4-week intensive course)

Please take into account that all the information below reflects "business-as-usual" offers. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, the language schools in Berlin had to make temporary adjustments. Most of them run their in-person courses with even fewer participants and follow strict health-protecting measures. In addition, many of the language schools also introduced brand new online classes that can be taken from anywhere in the world. To get more detailed information on individual schools, please click on the school's name in the list below.

Four Week Intensive Course (80 x 45min lessons) = €228

Lively atmosphere

Cafeteria serving great coffee and snacks as well as an outdoor terrace

A very mixed group of international students with no clear dominant culture.

A mixture of tourists and long-term students

Accommodation is available as well as insurance

Experienced, qualified, and native German-speaking teachers

Test DaF preparation and examinations can be taken here

Colourfully painted classrooms will appeal to some while prove distracting for others.

Up to 17 students per class (on the higher side)

Discounts if you book longer

A free test class is offered so you can try out the school before you commit

Four Week Intensive Course (64 x 45min lessons) = €242

Discount if you bring a friend (€222 per person)

Central location right near Alexanderplatz

Classrooms are bright and well-sized

Maximum group size of 12 students

Experienced, qualified, and native German-speaking teachers

A big focus in class on oral communication - grammar exercises and rules are reinforced practically with various role play, small group conversations, and games.

Four Week Intensive Course (60 x 45 Min Lessons) = 259 €

A brand new location has been designed in a way that focuses on the needs of the students

Great teachers who create interesting classes rather than a slavish devotion to the textbook

No hidden registration fees, and significant discounts the longer you book

Really lovely design elements with a mixture of antique and bespoke furniture, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Classrooms also double as a gallery space, with some great pieces adorning the walls.

Intensive, Super-intensive, Evening, and one-on-one classes available

Also offers English classes.

Good location close to convenient transport connections.

Test Center for telc (at least twice per month)

Four Week Intensive Course (64 x 45min lessons) = €300

A small school with a friendly, personal atmosphere

Intensive German courses offered as well as evening courses in a number of other languages

Small kitchen for tea and coffee

Experienced, qualified, and native German-speaking teachers

A range of courses available including intensive, semi-intensive and evening courses

Most language levels covered

Small groups mean plenty of individual attention

A number of other languages are offered

Four Week Intensive Course (80 x 45 Min Lessons) = 340 €

Great location

Classes consist of a good mixture of communication and written work

All levels offered, with beginner classes starting every month

Students with prior knowledge of German can start any Monday

Class sizes of 6 - 14 students.

Teachers are experienced and qualified native speakers

In addition to German, they also offer courses in dozens of other different languages

They offer an interesting and varied cultural program

Medium Budget (€420 to €680 for a 4-week intensive course)

Four Week Intensive Course (80 x 45min lessons) = €420

All courses are available in both a morning and afternoon session

Experienced, qualified, native German-speaking teachers

Minimum student age of 18 with an average age between 23 and 26

The school has been running for 30 years and has an outstanding reputation

They have a small and very cute cinema room where classes can watch movies

The maximum class size is 12 students with an average size around 8

Accommodation options are available

In addition to German, they also offer English, Italian, Spanish, and French courses

An interesting cultural program is also on offer which is led by teachers

Four Week Intensive Course (80 x 45min lessons) = €440

Experienced, qualified, native German-speaking teachers

Class size of 5-6 students on average

All course levels are offered at morning and afternoon sessions

A medium-sized school with a friendly personal atmosphere

A room with couches and tea/coffee making facilities is available for students.

Accommodation can be organised

A cultural program is offered with 1 or 2 activities per week

In addition to German courses, they also teach Spanish, English, Italian, French, and Portuguese.

Four Week Intensive Course (100 x 45min lessons) = €550

Brand new location with fresh modern design

An academic environment with the main focus being intensive language preparation for students wishing to study in German universities

Huge classrooms with plenty of light

Experienced, qualified, and native German-speaking teachers

Great use of technology with interactive whiteboards in each classroom

100 tuition hours per month (most other schools offer between 60 and 80)

Interesting and varied cultural, sightseeing, and free time program

Accommodation available

Can assist with visa and health insurance issues

Four Week Intensive Course (80x45 min lessons) = €650

Central location right in the heart of Berlin

An established school with locations all around the world

Class numbers capped at 12 with an average of 6-10

Includes access to the inlingua online learning tool with over 8000 exercises to help improve your language study

In-house cafe on the ground floor serving food and great coffee

Exam preparation available

During the warmer months, a cultural program is offered with 5-6 activities per week

Various accommodation options available

Can assist with visa and insurance issues

Four Week Intensive Course (80x45min lessons) = €680

Amazing facilities on their 9000m2 campus

Founded in 1983, GLS has a sterling reputation and a long history

On-site studio apartments, restaurant, and cafeteria

Maximum 12 students per class

Certified Test DaF examination centre

Library and Bookstore

Generously sized, bright classrooms

Most classrooms equipped with Smartboards.

An extensive cultural program offered

Offer many other languages in addition to German

Great atmosphere

Wonderful large open green spaces to relax in between classes - very unique!

Experienced qualified native German-speaking teachers

High Budget (Over €700 for a 4-week intensive course)

Four Week Intensive Course (96+8 x 45min lessons) = €920

An extra 2 hrs per week of "Lernstudio" consisting of individual learning with a tutor, learning in workshops, and learning in projects

Experienced, qualified, and native German-speaking teachers

Quiet, good-sized classrooms with plenty of natural light

Some classrooms equipped with a built-in projector

Textbooks, ring binder, notepad, and drink bottle included in the course price

Every morning in the break a baker comes to the school with yummy treats

Great location in Berlin Mitte

Student room with computers available

Maximum 15 students per group with 12 participants on average

Discounts available the longer you book

Help with residence permits and health insurance

Accommodation available

Extensive cultural program with museum visits, excursions to neighbouring cities, and pub nights.

Four Week Intensive Course (120 x 45 min Lessons) = €1380