Learning German is a clear way for opening more doors for job opportunities and getting hired. There are various ways to learn German and improve your proficiency. Here we show you which possibilities you have to learn the German language cost-free or at an affordable cost.
German courses in official language schools, such as the Goethe Institute are often quite pricey, and you usually have to pay for them personally. The language courses in Volkshochschule or VHS. are another affordable alternative. Volkshochschule’s are available in almost every German city. If you have a job and need to advance your knowledge of German to handle your day-to-day work better, you may ask your boss if he/she is willing to pay for your German course within the framework of further education or “Weiterbildung”.
There are various ways to practice German independently and online:
- The website dw.com and the Volkshochschule VHS Here you can learn the German vocabulary and grammar and practice listening comprehension, reading and writing.
- At deutschakademie.de and deutsch-lernen.com you can complete online German courses of different levels free of charge.
- The Goethe Institut offers beginners and advanced learners various opportunities to learn and practice German. At the Goethe Institut you can also learn relevant vocabulary for specific professions.
- To practice speaking, there are often many volunteers in the so-called language cafes (“Sprachcafés” or language meet-ups) who can help you learn German. In the language cafés, you can meet other people and speak German with them to practice and learn new words. You may also find new friends in these cafes and meet-ups.
- There are also many language apps you can download and use to practice and learn German at your own pace or during your breaks or free time