How will you and your children adapt to living in a country where, as famously said by Mark Twain, "some words are so long they have perspective"? While the German language does have a tendency to create seemingly unpronounceable compound words like Rechtsschutzversicherungsgesellschaften (which means legal protection insurance companies), not every word is as long or as difficult to say. Learning German can be manageable with the right resources and support.

This comprehensive guide emphasizes that assistance is available to help both parents and children master the language of renowned figures such as Goethe, Freud, and Einstein. It covers various topics related to learning German, including:

• The misconception that English speakers can easily "wing it" in German
• The importance of considering the region you settle in, as English was not widely taught in former East Germany
• The potential difficulty of being understood by individuals over the age of 40 in the eastern part of the country

With the guidance provided in this guide, you can navigate the complexities of learning German and overcome any linguistic barriers you may encounter.

In other locations, it is highly probable that the majority of younger individuals will possess the ability to converse in English, but this cannot be taken for granted. Roughly 65% of Germans claim to have proficiency in English, however, apart from recent immigrants, your neighbors will primarily communicate in German. Notably, approximately 100 million Europeans regard German as their first language, making it the second most prevalent native tongue in Europe after Russian. Moreover, German is the official language of seven countries. With an estimated 200 million German speakers worldwide, it holds a significant position among the world's languages. It is almost self-evident that learning German will greatly enrich your long-term experience in Germany, enabling you to build friendships, comprehend media content, improve career prospects, as well as fully participate in conversations in office settings or cafes. In fact, 60% of expats living in Germany express that it can be challenging without knowledge of the language. Furthermore, if you have aspirations of obtaining German citizenship in the future, you will need to demonstrate your language proficiency as a qualifying requirement.

There is an abundance of assistance available for individuals who are eager to learn, and each day presents an opportunity for personal growth, whether you are at home, work, or out and about. It is advisable to invest time in familiarizing yourself with the language before relocating, as it will greatly facilitate administrative tasks upon arrival such as searching for accommodation, opening a bank account, setting up utilities, and even job hunting. The internet is an excellent resource for finding useful words and phrases, and there are online platforms that take language learning to new levels. Numerous reputable language-learning apps on computers and smartphones can also help you get started. If you are aiming to go beyond the basics, formal courses will provide an excellent foundation. The online options for immersive language learning are vast, ensuring you can find a program that fits within your budget. Reputed schools offer solid online German classes as well. As everyone learns differently, it is advisable to explore the teaching styles employed by each program before making a commitment.

The language software market offers a wide selection of popular titles, with prices ranging from €30 to €150. These software packages provide comprehensive courses for learning various languages, including German. However, if you lead a busy lifestyle and are constantly on the go, you can also learn German conveniently through smartphone apps. To facilitate your learning experience, we have compiled a list of the top ten free German learning apps for you to choose from.

Once you have settled in Germany, you will have countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich culture and further enhance your language skills. Whether it be through your daily life interactions or by enrolling in professional German lessons, you will have ample chances to improve your usage and understanding of the language. Engaging in conversations with strangers will become easier, as you will gain the confidence to seek assistance with vocabulary and grammar.

Showing a willingness to communicate on the locals' terms will undoubtedly endear you to the community. In the main German cities, you will find a range of both international and local language schools, all offering various courses to cater to beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. Furthermore, you can access online resources from the comfort of your own home, providing additional learning support.

It is important to note that the costs of language courses can vary based on the specific school, level of proficiency, and type of course selected. To help you make an informed decision, we have included a list of German-language schools below.

When it comes to becoming proficient in German, there are options available for studying either at a college or online. However, to fully immerse yourself in the country and its culture, it's important to participate in activities that the locals enjoy. In Germany, the majority of schools are state-run and are actually free. Alternatively, parents have the choice to enroll their children in fee-paying private schools or international schools. To better understand the differences between state, private, and international schools, you may also refer to our guide on selecting a school in Germany.

If you decide to enroll your child in a state school, their grade placement will depend on their proficiency in the German language. Those who do not speak German at home and have not attended a German kindergarten may often repeat the first or second grade. However, it is important to note that there is no negative stigma associated with this. As the number of non-German students has been steadily increasing over the years, certain adaptations have been implemented to facilitate their integration into the school system.

Children who were not born in Germany or whose parents do not speak German at home may also have the opportunity to receive additional language support through preparatory classes, bilingual classes, intensive courses, or remedial classes, depending on the specific state and availability.

At an international school, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the German language on a daily basis, which helps them become increasingly familiar with it. Initially, German is translated into English to ensure clear communication and avoid misunderstandings. However, as time goes on, the reliance on English is gradually reduced until the lessons are mostly conducted in German. In order to cater to students' varying levels of language acquisition and individual needs, a qualified school typically offers different language courses.

To assist children in becoming more acquainted with the German language, there are several effective techniques. For instance, exposing them to German media, such as setting their Netflix Kids to German content or reading them German books, allows them to hear and see the language in context. Additionally, teaching them fun and interesting German words like "Schmetterling" (butterfly) or "Drachen" (dragon) can make their learning experience more enjoyable. Furthermore, encouraging them to go on play-dates with their new German-speaking friends provides valuable opportunities to practice the language in real-life situations.

It is important to note that children have a remarkable ability to adapt, and with consistent exposure and practice, they will likely surpass their parents in their German language skills in no time.

Beginning to learn German at a young age, alongside diligent studying and hard work, greatly increases the likelihood of achieving native-level proficiency in speaking and writing the language within a few years. After two years of German language courses, learners can assess their language level through an official language test.

For business professionals relocating to Germany, it is essential to quickly adapt to the local business culture and language in order to conduct efficient and effective business dealings without misunderstandings. Look for a language course that can tailor your studies to meet your specific business requirements. Expatica offers a valuable guide on learning German for professionals and businesses.

If your goal is to study at a German college or university or acquire German citizenship, you will need to demonstrate your language proficiency. The German Language Diploma Level 1 (Level A2/B1) is a prerequisite for foreign citizens who wish to attend a Studiekolleg, while the German Language Diploma Level 2 (Level B2/C1) is required for university admission. To become a naturalized German citizen, applicants must possess at least a B1 language certificate or diploma. One of the widely recognized certificates is the B1 Zertifikat Deutsch, which is administered by the Goethe-Institut.

The B1 Zertifikat Deutsch is an examination designed for individuals over the age of 16. This exam is jointly offered by the Goethe-Institut, Austrian Language Diploma, telc GmbH, and the Learning and Research Center of the University of Freiburg (Switzerland). It follows the guidelines set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and assesses one's ability to independently use the German language in everyday conversations and work-related situations. The main emphasis of the exam is on communicative competence, making it a valuable proof of German language skills for employers.

In addition to the B1 Zertifikat Deutsch, there are other examinations offered by various language schools that are also recognized as evidence of competency at the B1 level. When selecting a language school, it is advisable to choose one that offers examinations resulting in a TestDaf, DSH, Goethe, or Telc-Test certificate. Lingoda provides a helpful guide to these examinations, including their respective prices.

If you are interested in learning German in Germany, there are numerous renowned language schools located in major German cities. You may also want to explore if any top German universities offer German language courses. Expatica's listings of German-language schools can be a useful resource in finding the right educational institution.

One prominent international language school is Berlitz, which has over 470 centers in more than 70 countries. They have centers in most German cities, providing a wide range of language learning opportunities.

We are pleased to inform you that the Berlitz language school provides a range of options to cater to the language learning needs of both adults and children, aged 7-17. Whether you prefer individual or group lessons, we have you covered. Additionally, we offer seminars tailored specifically for businesses upon request.

In addition to our regular language courses, Berlitz also offers preparation courses for a wide range of internationally recognized language examinations. This means that you can receive expert guidance and support to help you achieve your desired results.

As for our locations, we have a network of language schools across Germany, including Aachen, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Bremen, Braunschweig, Chemnitz, Cologne, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Flensburg, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Hamburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Lubeck, Kiel, Magdeburg, Munich, Munster, Nordestedt, Ratingen, Rendsburg, Rostock, Stuttgart, and Wolfsburg. With such widespread presence, we make it convenient for you to access our language courses wherever you are located.

Furthermore, the BWS Germanlingua language school offers a comprehensive range of German courses. These include general German, business German, and exam preparation courses. If you're looking to improve your English skills, we also have English courses available.

It is worth noting that BWS Germanlingua is a full member of the International Association of Language Centres, ensuring that our courses meet the highest standards of quality. We follow the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) to determine the appropriate level for our students. This helps us ensure that you receive the most suitable instruction to meet your language goals.

Our standard German course consists of 20 hours of instruction per week. In these classes, you will engage in various language activities such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These activities are conducted in small groups, allowing for personalized attention and maximum interaction.

We are confident that our language schools and courses can provide the ideal learning environment for you to enhance your language skills successfully.

There is an average of 6-8 participants in a class at the Deutsche Akademie, with a maximum of 10 (12 in high season). The locations of the school are Berlin, Cologne, and Munich. The Deutsche Akademie is known for its affordability, central locations, and practical approach to language learning. The class sizes are intentionally kept small, with a range of 5-10 students, to ensure individual attention and maximum learning opportunities. Additionally, the language school offers assistance in organizing accommodation for students.

At the did deutsch-institut, an award-winning language school, there are four locations in Germany - Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. These branches are licensed test centers for the TestDaF, an examination required for admission to German universities. Consequently, the majority of students at the did deutsch-institut are academic learners who are preparing to study at a German university. The institute is recognized for its high-quality education and has been acknowledged for its excellence in language instruction.

The EVOLANGUAGE school provides foreign language classes and German courses in six cities. The school aims to create a supportive and immersive learning environment for students. The locations include Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart. With a focus on language immersion, EVOLANGUAGE provides an effective learning experience for individuals seeking to improve their language skills.

Our schools provide extensive language options and tailored solutions to students all year round. With highly qualified trainers, students can benefit from personalized attention and intensive language training in small class sizes. Our teaching materials and methods are constantly updated to ensure the most current and effective teaching experience.

We offer a variety of programs to cater to different needs and preferences. These include group lessons, intensive language courses in small groups, individual classes, online courses, exam preparation courses, business language courses, and language workshops covering various topics. Our locations are conveniently situated in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart, allowing easy access for learners in different parts of the country.

At the Fokus school, we have designed courses specifically tailored towards children, business and professional customers, examination preparation, and one-to-one courses. The prices for our courses are dependent on the chosen program, and we also offer the option to include accommodation through our language school.

For those interested in learning German and immersing themselves in the language and culture, the Goethe-Institut is Germany's renowned cultural institute, which operates worldwide. The institute actively promotes the study of German both abroad and within Germany, with the aim of encouraging international cultural exchange.

All of our language courses at Linguarama Deutschland offer a diverse and exciting cultural and leisure program, free access to our media resource centers, assistance with finding accommodation, and the opportunity to take examinations. We provide a range of intensive, premium, and specialized language courses for professionals, with classes available in the mornings, evenings, or weekends.

Our language centers are strategically located in a variety of cities throughout Germany, including Berlin, Bonn, Bremen, Dresden, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Gottingen, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Munich, and Schwabish Hall. Each center is conveniently situated near local businesses and attractions, such as museums and art galleries, offering students the chance to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture.

Since our establishment in 1977, Linguarama Deutschland has been dedicated to providing intensive German language courses. We have eight centers, all of which offer comprehensive programs designed to rapidly develop students' communication skills in German. Our intensive courses are available in Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, and Stuttgart, giving students the flexibility to choose a location that best suits their needs.

Additionally, Sprachschule Aktiv, our affiliated language school, has branches in major German cities as well as some smaller ones. This allows us to serve students in a wider range of locations, ensuring that language learning opportunities are accessible to individuals across the country.

At Linguarama Deutschland and Sprachschule Aktiv, we are committed to providing excellent language education and creating a positive learning experience for all of our students.

Sprachschule Aktiv is an esteemed educational institution that offers a comprehensive range of language courses. With a wide network of skilled freelance teachers across the country, we cater to students interested in private lessons. As a certified institution, we follow the guidelines outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, offering courses from A1 to C2 proficiency levels.

For those interested in trying out our courses, we provide the opportunity for a free trial lesson. Our school has convenient locations in Berlin, Frankfurt, Freising, Ingolstadt, Munich, and Regensburg.

At Tandem language school, we prioritize creating a personalized and relaxed learning environment. Our courses cover all aspects of language acquisition, including reading, writing, speaking, listening, and grammar. Our teaching approach is designed to be easily understood, with a strong emphasis on interactive methods. Participants are continuously encouraged to engage in conversation in the target language. To support our curriculum, we use up-to-date course books supplemented by authentic texts.

To ensure accurate grading, we offer 12 different course levels. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention and ample opportunities for interaction. Additionally, we offer one-to-one sessions for a more individualized learning experience.

For students requiring accommodation during their course, we offer the option to arrange housing through our language school. This provides students with the opportunity to stay with local families in city homes. It's important to note that an accommodation placement fee of €40 applies.

In summary, Sprachschule Aktiv is devoted to providing high-quality language education through our experienced teachers and comprehensive course offerings. We create a welcoming and supportive environment to enhance the learning journey of our students.

The language school offers a diverse range of courses that are structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference, ensuring that students are placed in the appropriate level based on their language proficiency. This comprehensive framework allows for consistent evaluation and assessment of students' language skills, providing a clear path for them to progress and improve.

Our language school has conveniently located centers in major cities across Germany, including Berlin, Bielefeld, Bremen, Cologne, Dresden, Frankfurt, Göttingen, Hamburg, and Munich. This wide network of locations allows students to choose the most suitable center based on their preferences and requirements.

By offering our courses in multiple cities, we aim to make language learning accessible and convenient for individuals throughout Germany. Each center maintains the same high standards of teaching and resources, ensuring that students receive a consistent and quality education regardless of their location.

Whether you are in Berlin, Bielefeld, Bremen, Cologne, Dresden, Frankfurt, Göttingen, Hamburg, or Munich, our language school is dedicated to providing a positive and enriching learning experience that empowers individuals to achieve their language goals.