All german studios Cologne group courses are based on the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from beginner level A1 to advanced level C1. These levels describe the knowledge and language skills a person should possess at each level. We are happy to assist you in achieving your desired language level within this framework.
If you're unsure about which level suits you best, don't worry! Take our free placement test here. Depending on your prior knowledge, the test takes a maximum of 30 minutes and helps guide you in selecting the appropriate language course. If you're still uncertain, we're more than willing to arrange a free placement interview with one of our teachers for you.
You might be wondering what the letters A, B, and C represent. It's quite simple: they serve to classify your language level. In general terms, A stands for beginner level, B for intermediate level, and C for advanced level, with the transitions being gradual. Within our intensive courses or super-intensive courses, evening courses, and private lessons, we further divide each of these levels into sub-levels. For example, level A1 consists of sub-levels A1.1 and A1.2.
For a clear overview of the level sequence, please refer to the graphic below. The course progression depends on the number of lessons per week. In the intensive course with four sessions per week, you'll learn German much faster than in the evening course with only two sessions per week.
It is not easy to assess your own language level. That's why german studios Cologne offers you a free online placement test. You can also use the following overview to personally assess your language level:
What better way to begin learning a new language than diving straight in and mastering the fundamentals? Our intensive course runs Monday through Thursday, helping you gain confidence in handling everyday situations such as shopping at the supermarket, asking for directions, ordering food and drinks at restaurants, and making plans with others. You'll also expand your vocabulary for daily use.
Here's an overview of what you'll learn:
You've mastered the basics, and now you're ready to take the next step. In the A1.2 course, you'll learn to express your thoughts and opinions in more detail, as well as how to discuss problems. You'll also practice talking about topics like work, the weather, and the environment.
Here is your curriculum:
At this stage, you’re already familiar with the essential words and grammar rules. However, you might still feel that you’re missing some vocabulary or grammar in everyday situations. Don’t worry—this course will help you expand your knowledge in various daily contexts. You’ll systematically enhance your vocabulary by covering topics such as leisure, work, and food.
Here is an overview of the topics for A2.1:
This course teaches you how to express your opinions and requests. You’ll also learn how to give advice and convince others. You will tackle everyday life issues and experiences in order to expand your vocabulary. Furthermore, you will focus on how to make plans for the future!
A handy summary for your A2.2 intensive course:
Congratulations - If you’re doing this course, it means you are already at the advanced level! Your basic vocabulary will now be systematically expanded. Topics include relationships, politics, and society, as well as studies and work, which can be very useful.
Your summary of B1.1:
At this level, you’ll keep building your vocabulary, even in areas that go beyond everyday conversations. For instance, you’ll learn terms related to politics and history and how to express your views on these subjects. Additionally, the course will focus on refining your understanding of more complex grammar structures.
These are the topics you will cover in your intensive course B1.2:
Speaking naturally and spontaneously requires consistent practice. This course focuses on engaging with a broad spectrum of current, real-life topics at an advanced level, such as nutrition, social media, and migration. You’ll also practice different communication situations, including making phone calls, writing short texts, participating in discussions, and delivering presentations.
Please note: To complete all topics of B2.2, you will need two months in the intensive course. You can join at any time.
In this course, you will develop the ability to express yourself accurately, both orally and in writing. You will discuss positive and negative emotions with your peers, summarize infographics, and refine your writing skills, such as composing comments on audio texts. Additionally, you will learn how to create cohesion in texts and longer statements, ensuring a clear and coherent narrative.
Overview of all topics in the B2.2 intensive course:
Please note: To complete all topics, you need four months in the intensive course. You can join in any month.
In the C1 course, you will build a comprehensive vocabulary in abstract topics, enabling you to express yourself fluently and precisely in both speaking and writing. You will also expand your vocabulary with synonyms and advanced language to enhance your expression. Complex grammatical structures will be introduced in the coursebook and reinforced through various exercises in the workbook.
Topics covered in the C1 course:
Our placement test provides a good initial assessment of which level suits you best. The graphic below also gives you a good overview of the topics covered at each level.
Are you new in Cologne? Or perhaps you've been here for some time, but the language barrier is still a challenge? The A1.1 course will help you tackle the basics of the German language. You’ll learn how to ask and answer essential questions for everyday situations. Additionally, you’ll familiarize yourself with the German alphabet, numbers, and many verbs in the present tense.
Here’s an overview of the topics in your A1.1 course:
You’re new in Cologne and have already taken an A1.1 evening class? Or perhaps you already know some basic German vocabulary? In this follow-up course (marked with a "+"), you will complete the second half of the A1.1 level. For instance, you'll practice using the perfect tense with "haben" and "sein"—a handy tool for talking about your weekend!
This is your summary for A1.1+:
Would you like to master everyday conversations? Let’s go! You’ll learn how to make requests, provide information, and express your wishes and opinions.
This is what you are going to cover in your A1.2 class:
In the follow-up course to your A1.2 evening course (marked with a "+"), you will cover the second half of the A1.2 level. Here, you'll learn how to navigate everyday life in Germany with ease. You'll continue practicing how to ask for information and express your wishes. Additionally, topics such as small talk, household chores, and celebrations will be explored. Life in Cologne is fast-paced, so we’ll need to discuss it all!
Here’s a summary of topics for your A1.2+ course:
Great job! At this point, you’ve likely mastered some of the most common vocabulary and grammar structures. However, you may still feel like you're not quite ready to take conversations to the next level. In this course, we’ll explore more in-depth scenarios you might encounter in daily life. You’ll also learn a variety of adjectives and how to decline them, which is a crucial step toward enriching your language skills.
Here is your outline for A2.1:
In this follow-up course of your A2.1 evening course (marked with a +) we will conquer the second half of the A2.1 level. You are going to deepen your basic knowledge and vocabulary and extend the linguistic resources needed for your everyday life in Köln. Let’s get started!
Your topics in your A2.1+ evening course:
As you continue at this level, you'll gain the ability to comment on various topics, express your satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and dive deeper into everyday subjects. Your vocabulary will expand significantly, and your understanding of German grammar will become more advanced. If there's anything specific you'd like to focus on, feel free to share your suggestions—your input is always welcome!
This is your curriculum for A2.2:
In the follow-up course to your A2.2 evening class (marked with a +), you’ll cover the second half of A2.2 and continue refining your ability to use complex sentence structures in everyday situations.
This course will help you express your opinions and desires with more confidence, while also learning how to convey enthusiasm or dissatisfaction. You’ll expand your vocabulary with terms that are practical and relevant to different aspects of daily life.
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll cover in your A2.2+ evening course:
Great news! If you have reached this level, you are already at an advanced stage in your language learning. At this point, you will enlarge your vocabulary base and will build on your confidence with more complex and more formal use of grammar.
Here are the topics for your B1.1 evening course
In the follow-up course to your B1.1 evening class (marked with a +), you will complete the second half of the B1.1 level and deepen your understanding of complex grammar. As a result, spontaneous speaking will become much more natural! This course will also broaden your vocabulary, helping you engage in smoother and more dynamic conversations.
What you are going to cover in B1.1+:
At this stage, you will learn to discuss a broader range of topics, including abstract subjects like art and culture, while continuing to refine your grammar. This will allow you to express yourself in more complex and nuanced ways. Gradually, you’ll expand your language skills—why not try practicing with your friends?
Here are the themes and topics covered in the B1.2 evening course:
In the follow-up course to your B1.2 evening class (marked with a +), you will continue to broaden your vocabulary and fine-tune your ability to express yourself on more intricate subjects. You’ll practice articulating opinions, disagreeing politely, and discussing topics beyond everyday conversations.
Here is an overview of your topics in B1.2+:
Spontaneous communication is a skill that requires practice, and that's exactly what we focus on in this course. You’ll discuss a wide range of topics at an advanced level, including practical scenarios from everyday life, as well as academic or professional situations like making phone calls, engaging in discussions, or giving presentations. By listening to and understanding real-world podcasts, you’ll sharpen an essential skill, and the reinforcement of previously learned grammar will prepare you for the next level.
Overview of the topics in the B2.1 evening course:
In the follow-up course to your B2.1 evening class (marked with +), you will cover the second half of the B2.1 level. This course will continue to focus on improving your speaking skills, whether it's over the phone, in one-on-one conversations, or group discussions. We will tackle various advanced topics and delve deeper into complex grammar, allowing you to express yourself confidently in both formal and professional contexts.
Overview of the topics in the B2.1+ evening course:
In this course, you will refine both your spoken and written expression. You will work on presenting projects, writing formal letters, and discussing personal experiences. Additionally, you’ll practice how to share your opinions in conversations and build convincing arguments. If you’re looking to apply for a job, we’ll also cover how to write a professional German cover letter. The course will focus on practical language use that you can apply to real-life situations.
Here’s an overview of the topics covered in the B2.2 evening course:
In the C1 evening course, you'll focus on expressing yourself clearly and confidently in both spoken and written German, particularly on abstract topics.
You'll refine your ability to articulate complex ideas and adapt your language to formal contexts.
Building on your mastery of everyday language, this course will help you perfect your formal expression, ensuring that you're always prepared with the right words. Additionally, you will expand your vocabulary by learning synonyms and more sophisticated language to enhance your fluency.
Here’s an overview of the topics covered in the C1 evening course: