Learn German in Cologne: Teaching
Let’s get you talking German in Cologne!
German Course Structure
The German school system in Cologne (Koln) is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The six language levels quantified under the European Common Framework of language levels from A1 to C2 are offered.
A placement test before the start of the course determines your current language level, and you will then be put into the appropriate course level. In general, courses for beginners (A0 level) start every three to six weeks, whilst participants with previous language knowledge can start a course on most Mondays of the year.
Classes across all levels cover the four core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, with plenty of grammar and vocabulary work included, in order to develop all the essential German language skills.
All German lessons are conducted in GERMAN.
Rate Of Progress
The curriculum is structured on a range of theoretical language levels, with a natural duration of between four/eight weeks at each level.
| A1 | 8 weeks |
| A2 | 8 weeks |
| B1 | 4 weeks |
| B1+ | 4 weeks telc B1 exam level |
| B2 | 8+ weeks telc B2 exam level |
| C1 | 8+ weeks telc C1 exam level |
Actual time taken to reach the following language level depends on student ability, application and dedication to the task. Assuming students complete all classes offered, without missing lessons, on the Intensive Course. The process can be made more rapid, by booking private classes in addition or as a stand alone course.
Course Content
There are classes in grammar, oral and written exercises, practice with video and audio material and conversation on subjects of general, social and cultural interest. The methodology is the result of years of experience in the intensive teaching of German. Special importance is given to the communicative aspect of the language and its use in everyday life. For this reason, the college encourages students to speak German in class, and whenever possible out of class as well.
A student of average linguistic ability should allow four weeks to complete the Beginner/Elementary level, covering basic grammatical structured knowledge to be able to communicate in the practical situations of daily life plus an introduction to German customs.
Approximately eight weeks will be required to complete the Intermediate level with its emphasis on grammar with reference to the past tenses and development of conversation skills (and at Intermediate 2 level, the subjunctive).
An additional 10 weeks covers the Advanced level (deepening grammatical skills, providing fluency in conversation and a deeper knowledge of German culture, also written expression and the creation of texts.
Finally, a further 10 weeks to complete the Higher level with a specialised level of grammar and the study of German literature, art, sociology and the history of Germany. In reality students choose to attend a short course or a longer “Languages for Life” course according to their linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.
Timetable
Year round – Monday 08.30 to 13.00 hrs
Tues/Friday 08.45 to 13.00 hrs
Summer alternative timetable may also operate –
13.30 to 17.45 hrs
First Day
Arrival at school for all levels: 09.00 hrs
Language level tests are held first thing to determine your class placement.
You’ll then meet the school team, receive your course details and get shown around the school.
The school aim to offer at least one class on the first Monday, but this may not always be possible, depending on the number of students arriving that week. Lessons will therefore start in earnest from Tuesday onwards.
Books & Materials
Course book and any further teaching materials are provided at additional cost (see PDF or Course Finder for current price).
German Course Goals
The Standard and Intensive courses in Cologne trains you to use the German language for business, studying or in a private sphere. In short term courses which we recommend comprises of a minimum of two weeks study in which you can put your newly acquired German knowledge into practice, or use your previous language knowledge more skillfully. Prospective students, or participants wishing to take a professional qualification in Germany, can attend a long term course and systematically increase their German knowledge to reach the required language level in a foreseeable time scale.
Besides group training, a very important focus of the Standard Course is self-study: in the media resource centre all the course participants have free usage of the school’s own digital language lab. Experienced tutors help participants to make optimal use of the wide range of material offered in the media resource centre.
In the Intensive Courses the advantages of group lessons are enhanced with two sessions per week (of 4 additional lessons) focusing on written and grammar skills, pertinent to your language level.
In the Combined Courses the advantages of group lessons are enhanced with one-to-one lessons: you make use of the diversity of communication in a group and focus on your own needs in one-to-one lessons.
Each week 5 or 10 private lessons can be booked.
In the Private Tuition programmes, the German school address your learning needs and personal targets based on a pre-course needs analysis. If requested, your own material can be brought into the training sessions. Private training courses which cover the whole day (40 lessons in a week) will include a meal together with your tutor, to increase your learning progress.
German exam preparation
Students are offered the telc exams at B1, B2 or C1 level.
Preparation classes are offered for 4 wks, prior to the exam date.
Students need to have completed the B1+ level at the school to sit the B1 telc exam and the same rule applies for B2 or C1 level students.
Additionally the school prepares students for the TestDaF exam, on request.
Cologne School Teachers
All of the teachers are native German speakers and they are all trained to teach German as a foreign language.
Cologne School Students
Students come from all over the world, predominantly Eastern & Western Europe, but also from as far afield as Australia, China, Japan and the USA. Fundamentally, if you want to learn German – you’re welcome. Age wise, students are accepted from 16 yrs of age (in the summer), but generally students are in their 20’s, 30’s or older and everyone is welcome.
There are many students that stay for one or two weeks and some who stay for several months. The longer you stay the better your German language skills will be!
