Study German abroad

Studying German in Germany combines structured classroom lessons with daily real-world practice — in cafés, shops, public transport, museums, and host families. 

U.S. Foreign Service Institute estimates around 750 classroom hours to reach professional working proficiency in German (CEFR B2–C1), and full-day immersion abroad compresses that timeline significantly compared with one or two weekly lessons at home.

 

SPRACHCAFFE Languages Plus, founded in 1983 and accredited by the FDSV (Fachverband Deutsche Sprachreise-Veranstalter), runs German language schools in Frankfurt and Munich. Courses run from 1 to 52 weeks, follow CEFR levels A1 to C2, and prepare students for the Goethe-Zertifikat and telc Deutsch exams. Junior camps are open to ages 13 to 17; adult courses to 18 and above. 

The SPRACHCAFFE Frankfurt school holds a 4.6 / 5 rating across 168 Google reviews.

Juniors & Adults

True Daily Immersion

Practice German naturally beyond the classroom.

Cultural & Travel

You speak German all day - with classmates, locals, and on excursions through Germany.

Career & Salary

Strong German skills enhance career opportunities and increase your potential for professional advancement.

Certificates

Preparation for Goethe-Zertifikat and telc exams.

The class is excellent; well-organized, thorough and well-paced. The teacher is friendly, supportive and has a lot of patience. I enjoy the classes and will continue to study at Sprachcaffe. I am a resident of Frankfurt.

Mary Amstrong [Frankfurt, Germany]

German for Every Age

When you study German in Germany, the language enters daily life. Teenagers practise during meals, excursions, and supervised activities; adults use German in shops, on public transport, and in professional contexts. Daily exposure accelerates listening comprehension and speaking fluency more than equivalent classroom hours at home, particularly at the B1-B2 transition where authentic input matters most.

SPRACHCAFFE offers two distinct formats:

  • Junior camps (ages 13-17) combine 20 lessons per week with 24/7 supervision, full-board accommodation in residences, and an organised programme of sports, excursions, and cultural activities.
  • Adult courses (18+) include standard courses (20 lessons per week) and intensive courses (30 lessons per week), with accommodation options including host families, shared student apartments, and on-campus residences.

All courses are CEFR-aligned (A1 to C2) and include exam preparation for the Goethe-Zertifikat (issued by the Goethe-Institut) and telc Deutsch (issued by telc gGmbH) - both recognised by German universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide.

Communication is key

Learning German works through two parallel channels: structured classroom instruction and real-world communicative practice. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), developed by the Council of Europe, defines language proficiency around communicative competence — what learners can actually do with the language at each level (A1 to C2), not just what grammar they know.

At SPRACHCAFFE schools in Frankfurt and Munich, classroom lessons (20 to 30 per week of 45 minutes) build grammar and vocabulary step by step, while daily life in the host city, host family, or shared accommodation provides the communicative practice that moves passive knowledge into active fluency. Students typically report a shift from word-by-word translation to direct thinking in German between CEFR levels B1 and B2 — the point at which research on automaticity in second-language processing (DeKeyser, 2007) shows that comprehension and production stop requiring conscious effort.

Adult Courses vs Kids Camps

Adult German courses

SPRACHCAFFE adult German courses (ages 18+) in Frankfurt and Munich are designed for professional development, university preparation, relocation, and personal growth. Standard courses include 20 lessons per week of 45 minutes each; intensive courses add 10 more lessons per week for a total of 30. Average class size is around 10 students. All learners take a CEFR-aligned placement test on arrival and are grouped by proficiency level (A1 to C2). Course durations range from 1 to 52 weeks, with exam preparation available for the Goethe-Zertifikat and telc Deutsch, including telc C1 Hochschule for university admission.

Accommodation options: host families, shared student apartments, and on-campus residences.

More about German courses for adults here.


Junior German camps

SPRACHCAFFE junior camps (ages 13-17) in Frankfurt and Munich combine 20 lessons per week with full-board accommodation in supervised residences, 24/7 staff presence, and an organised activity and excursion programme. Class sizes average around 10 students, grouped by CEFR level and age. Camps typically run for 2 to 4 weeks during school holidays.

More about German camps for juniors here.

the teachers do not remain the same throughout the course but they are all prepared and Engaging, Especially Aysha . it is an experience which I would like to do again in the future. The structure is well maintained and The cooking is good. No complaints : D

Salvatore G. [Frankfurt, Germany]

Frankfurt vs. Munich

Aspect Frankfurt Munich
City Character Modern, international and business-oriented Traditional, elegant and culturally rich
Atmosphere Fast-paced and dynamic Relaxed, safe and well-structured
International Environment Strong financial centre with global companies Strong mix of local tradition and international influence
Ideal For Teenagers Urban experience with supervised programmes Safe environment with cultural depth and clear structure
Ideal For Adults Business German, finance, career-focused learners Cultural immersion, academic goals and long-term stays
Academic Focus Close to financial institutions and global firms Strong university presence and academic reputation
Lifestyle Skyline, museums, river Main, urban diversity Parks, historic centre, Alpine proximity, strong traditions
Cultural Experience Contemporary art, multicultural districts Bavarian culture, classical architecture, festivals
Public Transport Efficient and well-connected Very organised and easy to navigate
Overall Feeling International career hub Safe, traditional city with strong identity

Advantages of learning German abroad

  1. Fast progress - Real-world immersion accelerates your learning. You practise German everywhere, every day.
  2. Culture first - Frankfurt and Munich put you inside German life. You don't just study the language. You live it.
  3. Career boost - German fluency and a recognised CEFR certificate open doors across Europe and beyond.
  4. Global connections - Your classmates come from all over the world. Many become lifelong friends.
  5. Trusted quality - SPRACHCAFFE has operated since 1983 (40+ years) and is accredited by the FDSV (Fachverband Deutsche Sprachreise-Veranstalter). The SPRACHCAFFE Frankfurt school holds high rating across Google reviews. Qualified teachers, CEFR-aligned curriculum, and structured progress from day one.

The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1 and A2: Fit in Deutsch are German exams developed by the Goethe-Institut specifically for young people aged 10 to 16. Both certificates are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are recognised by schools and education ministries worldwide as proof of beginner-level German proficiency

source: goethe.de

Find out more

Most German universities require proof of German proficiency at CEFR level B2 or C1 for German-taught degree programmes. According to uni-assist (the central application service used by over 170 German universities) and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the four most commonly accepted certificates are:

  • TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache), issued by the TestDaF-Institut - typically TDN 4 or higher in all four sections for most undergraduate and master's programmes
  • DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang), issued by individual German universities - DSH-2 or DSH-3 is the standard requirement
  • Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2, issued by the Goethe-Institut
  • telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, issued by telc gGmbH and recognised by most German universities for higher education admission

For English-taught programmes, German is not formally required, but a B1 level is recommended for daily life and integration. SPRACHCAFFE offers structured exam preparation for Goethe and telc certifications at its schools in Frankfurt and Munich.

How long does it take to learn German in Germany?

The U.S. Foreign Service Institute classifies German as a Category II language for English speakers and estimates approximately 750 classroom hours to reach professional working proficiency (CEFR B2-C1). Intensive immersion in Germany - 20 to 30 lessons per week combined with daily real-world use - typically allows learners to progress one CEFR level every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on prior experience.

The time needed to improve your language skills depends on your starting level, learning intensity, and consistency. With regular study and guided practice, noticeable improvement can be seen within a few weeks. Reaching the next CEFR level usually requires several months of structured learning. Intensive courses accelerate progress because you practise daily and use the language actively. Language immersion and real communication strengthen retention significantly. For academic or professional goals, steady weekly practice over a longer period ensures sustainable results. Clear milestones and measurable objectives help you stay motivated and track your development effectively.

A balanced international nationality mix creates a motivating and authentic learning environment. Students typically come from across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other regions worldwide. This diversity encourages communication in the target language, as learners naturally use German as their shared language. In summer months, the mix is especially international, while in other seasons European participants may dominate slightly. Small group sizes ensure interaction with classmates from different cultural backgrounds. This multicultural atmosphere strengthens intercultural competence, builds global friendships, and supports confident speaking practice in real situations both inside and outside the classroom.

German courses are suitable for teenagers, university students, and adults at different life stages. Young learners benefit from structured guidance and supervised programmes that combine language learning with cultural activities. University students often prepare for academic pathways or exchange programmes.

Adult learners frequently focus on career development, relocation, or personal enrichment. Courses are adapted to the age group to ensure appropriate teaching methods, topics, and learning pace. Whether you are 16, 25, or 50, structured levels and personalised support ensure that learning remains effective, motivating, and aligned with your individual goals.

Germany offers a stable, safe, and academically respected environment for language development. The country combines high educational standards with cultural diversity and strong economic relevance. German is widely spoken in business, engineering, science, and international trade. Daily exposure to the language in real-life situations strengthens communication skills quickly. Students benefit from structured academic systems, modern infrastructure, and clear certification pathways aligned with CEFR standards. Cultural experiences, historical cities, and regional diversity enrich the learning process.

Most effective are German courses abroad to chose from Munich or Frankfurt in Germany. Studying in Germany means combining language progress with academic credibility and long-term professional opportunities.