The German language is spoken by more than 120 million people in an area that encompasses Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg as well as parts of Belgium, Northern Italy and Eastern France.

German is also a key language in the EU for business, government and higher learning. It is an established fact that communication abilities in German improve one's job opportunities in Europe, especially when working with individuals or companies based in the growing economies of EU's new member states in Eastern Europe. According to a recent survey of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), German is the second-most-often taught foreign language in Europe. In Eastern Europe, 13 million students are currently studying German as a second language and even in Japan 68% of students take German!

Yet another reason to learn German is the cultural aspect of the language. German is culturally one of the most important languages in existence. It was the mother tongue of artists such as Goethe, Mozart, Beethoven and Klimt, as well as the philosophers Hegel, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. Scientists from the three major German-speaking countries, Austria, Switzerland and Germany, have earned 34 Nobel Prizes in Physics, 38 in Chemistry and 31 in Medicine alone. Three of Germany's most important writers--Thomas Mann, Heinrich Böll and Günter Grass--received the Nobel Prize in literature. The German language claims, even nowadays, 10 % of the world book market.

Berlin is the perfect place to learn German. This vibrant metropolis is full of creative energy and offers a spectrum of cultural activities to be envied by any capital.

Berlin allows you to gain a profound insight into German language, culture and history from many different aspects. The atmosphere peculiar to Berlin--historical and modern, eastern and western European--guarantees visitors a unique and enriching experience.

An international classroom situation with students from all over the world makes learning German fun and interesting. You will also have the opportunity of getting to know the city and making new friends. Berlin is indeed a cosmopolitan center. That means while you're immersing yourself in the German language, you will more than likely have the opportunity to take a break and hang out with people or in cultural venues from your home country.

To really get to know Berlin you need a key. That key is the German language and this key is waiting for you at the Sprachenatelier.

Our German teachers are trained professionals for DaF (German as a second language) and are German university graduates. The methods used are up-to-date and communicative and are based on the use of modern teaching materials such as computers and the Internet. All classes are taught in German. This applies to beginner classes as well. Knowledge of German is not a prerequisite for our beginner courses.

Our intensive German courses consist of small international groups of between eight and twelve students. We offer every level of instruction, from beginner courses (A1) right through to advanced courses (C1). [You can find further information about levels here] Almost all our teachers speak English as well as other foreign languages and can assist with problems you may have outside of class. In the classroom, however, only German is spoken.

In addition to our broad spectrum of course levels, Sprachenatelier also offers more specialized classes such as intensive test preparation courses or courses that focus on typical problem areas such as 'gender', which is particularly troublesome for new learners. Ask us about all the courses we offer and we will be glad to meet your specific learning needs. 

In our intensive German courses, you will be presented with a variety of modern modes of communication. Each group has its own needs, and to cater to this, our German teachers use all the materials at their disposal.

Even in our German courses for beginners we deal with grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary building. This is done of course in a communicative manner. Other important elements of the German course consist of reading and writing exercises as well as listening comprehension.

When learning a new language, it is equally important learn about the culture of the language's native speakers. In our German courses, students are given a plethora of exposure to German history, politics, literature, art and films. This is an integral part of the course.

Sprachenatelier can advise you on all questions regarding your stay, your visa and other necessities. This information is also available in Spanish and English and other languages. We have a range of 20 languages in all that we teach.

There is hardly a university subject that cannot be found in Berlin. The four large universities in Berlin--Freie Universität Berlin (FU), Humboldt Universität Berlin (HU), Technische Universität Berlin (TU) and the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin)--are amongst the most important traditional education institutes in the capital.

To study at a German university, you need either the DSH or the TestDaF examination. Our school helps with the preparation for both.

Last but not least is the fact that Berlin is one of the most affordable cities in Europe. Apartments and rooms are much cheaper to rent than in other European capitals. Going out on the town is also easy on your wallet. Nonetheless, Berlin's night life as well as its music, film and art scenes rival that of any other major city in the world. Berlin's cosmopolitan cuisine has earned the city the nickname, the "kitchen of the world"