Frequently asked questions

German is no harder for an English speaker than other European languages. The two share Germanic roots, so a great deal of vocabulary is already familiar. Cases and word order take longer to settle than vocabulary does. Most beginners can hold a simple conversation after a handful of lessons.

Working from two 90-minute lessons a week, with roughly the same again in self-study between them: about three months to A1, five months to A2 and twelve months to B1. B1 is the level at which most professionals can follow a meeting, handle business correspondence and manage a telephone call in German. Our article on how long it takes to learn German sets out what each level means in practice.

There are no shortcuts, but pace is largely within your control. Two lessons a week with revision between them progresses far faster than one. Reading, listening and speaking German outside lessons makes the single biggest difference. An intensive German course compresses the same work into consecutive days.

Yes, grammar is part of learning any language, and German grammar is not unusually difficult. Cases, word order and inflection all appear in other Indo-European languages. In our experience, vocabulary comes first and much of the grammar settles into place around it. We look at this in more detail in is German grammar difficult.

We teach Hochdeutsch, or standard High German. It is understood throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and it is the German of business correspondence, broadcast media and every recognised examination.

At first, probably. We work on pronunciation and intonation from the first lesson, which reduces it considerably, and the more you listen and speak the closer you get. A slight accent is rarely a barrier: German speakers are well used to hearing German spoken by non-natives.

Yes. A good share of our students begin with no German at all. Beginners’ lessons include some explanation in English, and we move into German as your level allows.

Yes, and it is one of the reasons people start to learn German. Lessons concentrate on the German you will actually use: conversation at the table, visits to your partner’s family, and following what is being said around you.

Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and at weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. Lesson times can change from week to week to fit around your diary.

At your workplace or your home in London, or at our office at Warnford Court, 29 Throgmorton Street, EC2N 2AT, in the City. Lessons are also available online.

Lessons are 90 minutes. In our experience that is the length at which adult learners make steady progress without losing concentration.

Twice a week is what we recommend, leaving enough time between lessons for homework and revision. Once a week works, but progress is slower. Intensive courses run over consecutive days instead.

At any point in the year. There are no term dates and no intake periods.

Yes. We teach German online at all levels, anywhere in the world, within the same hours as our lessons in London. Online lessons are one to one, with the same tutor throughout. Full details are on our online German lessons page.

Lessons cancelled or rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice are not charged. Inside 48 hours the lesson is charged, because the slot can rarely be offered to another student at that notice. See our cancellation policy for the full terms.

One tutor is assigned to you and stays with you throughout. You are not passed between tutors from one lesson to the next.

Yes. All our tutors are native German speakers and fluent in English.

That depends on your level. From lower intermediate upwards we teach in German throughout. Beginners usually find some explanation in English helpful. Where the balance sits is your choice.

We provide all course material. You will need your own dictionary, and if you are preparing for an examination you will need the relevant course book, which we will recommend.

We recommend a conventional dictionary alongside online tools and AI assistants. Once we have assessed your German we can suggest one suited to your level.

Yes. We prepare students for Goethe-Institut examinations and for the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from A1 to C2, as well as university entrance and placement tests. Preparation covers reading, comprehension, written German and speaking.

An assessment of your German, a tailored learning programme, tuition, all course material, homework, and regular review of your level.

Yes. In-company German training is delivered in person at your London offices, either one to one or in small groups, and scheduled around the working day.

Up to six, grouped by level so that all learn at the same pace.

Yes. Content is drawn from the work your people actually do, such as client meetings, site visits, negotiations and reporting to a German parent company, rather than a general course book.

Yes. Corporate training is invoiced at the end of each calendar month.

Private lessons are £65 to £90 an hour, depending on the time of day and the length of your commitment.

No. Travel is included within Central London.

By bank transfer (BACS or SWIFT), credit or debit card, or cheque.

For private lessons, payment must reach us 48 hours before the lesson or the start of a course. Corporate training is invoiced monthly in arrears.

Use the enquiry form or call +44 20 7148 7846.