Learning German in Berlin
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about learning the German language. One of them being that German is a very difficult language to learn. This simply isn’t true. German is a VERY, VERY difficult language to learn. As Mark Twain once put it in The Awful German Language: “Surely there is not another language that is so slipshod and systemless, and so slippery and elusive to the graspâÂ?¦ The inventor of the language seems to have taken pleasure in complicating it in every way he could think ofâÂ?¦There are ten parts of speech, and they are all troublesome.” And yet, it’s a language well worth learning. This being especially so if you can find a practical way of having fun in the process.
One guaranteed way to have fun learning German is to learn it in Berlin. Living and learning here is an enriching experience for anyone. And it’s not just about figuring out how to order a beer or reading subway maps (though you will be doing both). It has more to do with exploring a different way of life and a different way of thinking in a city known for its diversity and variety. So, if you are serious about learning German here and don’t mind a little hard work along with all of that fun you will be having, please keep a few things in mind.
You will have your most trouble with German in the beginning. In fact, realistically speaking, it will take you about a year to learn the basics of this complicated grammar. But once you have overcome this obstacle, the “immersion” process will take care of the rest. In other words, the time you may need can become a very expensive proposition. You will also have trouble deciding upon the language school to attend. There is a huge selection to choose from in Berlin and most of them are very good. That is where the following list of recommendations comes in. The language schools listed below are among the best known in town. Keep in mind that their offerings and prices vary considerably, depending entirely upon what type of a program (and intensity) you are looking for. So make contact, pack your bags and viel GlÃ?¼ck!
A language school with tradition, The Harnackschule was originally founded in Cologne in 1915, but has been based in Berlin since 1934. It is one of the largest language schools in town, specializes in “German as a foreign language” and also offers a wide variety of cultural excursions. It has a permanent staff of 70 employees and has a convenient central location at Nollendorfplatz. Have a look at www.hartnackschule-berlin.de.
If you are planning to later study at a German university and need to complete the DSH examination (Deutsche SprachprÃ?¼fung fÃ?¼r den Hochschulzugang auslÃ?¤ndischer Studienbewerber), the Akadamie fÃ?¼r Fremdsprachen offers a good preparatory program. “Practice makes perfect” here. In other words, the Akadamie strives to emphasize the necessary human contact so important in learning a foreign language. They are located directly in the city center (west). Find out more at www.akafremd.de.
Only a short walk away from the fashionable shops and galleries of the Kudamm (KurfÃ?¼rstendamm) and Berlin’s fantastic U-Bahn system, Die Neue Schule is one of the biggest and best-known schools in Berlin. Their staff is well-trained and also offers more individualized, intensive study programs. Die Neue Schule’s interesting host family program gives you the opportunity to deepen your language skills “after hours.” Find out more at www.neueschule.de.
If small, international learning groups are more your cup of tea, PROLOG – International House Berlin might be an interesting alternative. PROLOG strives to offer innovative language course techniques, having joined the International House World Organization in 2002, the aim of this network of 120 language schools being the sharing of expertise and new training ideas. PROLOG is located in the SchÃ?¶neberg district with excellent public transportation connections nearby. Read more at www.prolog-berlin.de.
If you want to be where the action is, then you can’t beat Logo! Sprachschule for location. Four short subway stops away from Alexanderplatz, Logo! is very close to many cafes, bars, restaurants and numerous cultural attractions. Small teaching groups are emphasized here, from four to a maximum of 8 students per class. All courses are designed to lead toward completion of the standard German language certifications and examinations. They also offer intensive courses.Take a look at www.logosprachenschule.de.
