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:
You have just arrived in Cologne and want to start learning German? Then our Intensive German Course A1.1 is perfect for you! In this course, you don't need any prior knowledge, and you will learn German from the very beginning.
The key topics at a glance:
The A1.2 Intensive Course builds upon what you've learned in the A1.1 Intensive German Course. In the A1.2 course, you will deepen your knowledge and learn additional helpful content for your everyday life in Cologne:
Now you're an advanced beginner and can already formulate basic sentences in German independently! Do you want to learn how to make a doctor's appointment or ask for something? Then the A2.1 Intensive Course is perfect for you.
The main topics at a glance:
You are just one step away from the B1 level! Here, you will learn how to organize a trip or an event:
Welcome to the B1 level! You've already mastered familiar everyday situations and now want to deepen your knowledge. Here, you will learn more complex topics and grammatical structures to enhance your existing language skills.
The main topics at a glance:
At this level, you will significantly expand your vocabulary and learn to discuss abstract topics that are not part of our everyday lives.
The key topics at a glance:
Now you're at the advanced level! It's time for complex texts and challenging grammar topics:
Even at this level, your German language skills will be intensively and effectively deepened. The B2.2 level consists of two modules and is completed in two months. These modules are not interconnected, meaning you can attend them in any order.
The key topics at a glance:
You've now become a true German expert! Exciting content awaits you. The C1 level includes 4 modules that rotate every month. In this course, no new grammar is learned, but rather the material is deepened. This means you can learn the content in any order. If you've booked a multi-month package, you'll be automatically enrolled in the next level each course month!
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.
Here, you take your first steps in the German language! Don't worry if you have no prior knowledge. You'll learn German from scratch in this course. This course focuses on the German alphabet, the first numbers, and other exciting everyday topics.
The key topics at a glance:
The follow-up course to A1.1, A1.1+, covers additional beginner topics and expands your foundational knowledge:
Now we're moving on to the final stage of the beginner level! You will learn how to express your wishes, and you'll also get to know Germany, Austria, and Switzerland better!
The most important topics at a glance:
This is the follow-up course to A1.2. We delve deeper into the topic of "Everyday Life in Germany" and discuss subjects such as events, parties, and household chores. Additionally, you'll learn how to ask for information.
In the A1.2+ course, you will learn:
You already have a good foundation in the German language, but everyday interactions might not be entirely smooth yet? Welcome to the A2 level! Here, you'll learn how to schedule appointments and make suggestions. This course also covers many interesting grammar topics, such as when to use "mein", "meines", "meiner" or "meinem".
In the A2.1 course, you will learn:
In the follow-up course to the Semi-Intensive course A2.1, you will continue to expand your basic vocabulary. You will also learn, slowly but surely, how to form longer sentences and use them in everyday situations.
The key topics at a glance:
In this course, you will refine your existing language skills. Do you have any ideas about which topics you would like to cover in this course? Feel free to approach your teacher with your suggestions – we always welcome them!
In course A2.2, you will learn:
The follow-up course after A2.2 offers you a deepening of what you've learned and new vocabulary from additional topics such as media and press, international experiences, and education!
The main topics at a glance:
Now you have completed the A-levels and are in the intermediate stage! Here, many exciting topics await you, such as profession and leisure, housing, and personality traits. Additionally, you'll learn how to invite your friends for a meal and what you should consider when doing so.
The follow-up course after the B1.1 course offers you more exciting abstract topics. Additionally, you will expand your knowledge of complex grammatical structures.
We continue with more abstract topics: you will expand your vocabulary and your repertoire of discussion topics.
In the B1.2 course, you will learn:
Don't you think electric cars are environmentally friendly? Learn in this course how to disagree with someone and express your opinion on more complex topics.
The main topics at a glance:
Welcome to the B2 level! Here, the focus is primarily on improving your communication skills and expanding your vocabulary. This enables you to engage in spontaneous conversations and interact with native speakers on various topics.
In the B2.1 course, you will learn:
The focus here continues to be on improving your communication skills. You can now engage in fluent conversations not only in your personal life but also in your professional environment with friends and colleagues.
In the B2.2 course, you will cover the following key topics:
This level consists of 4 modules. In our school, B2.2 is part of the advanced stage, so there's no fixed order or starting point. In the B2.2 course, you won't encounter new grammar rules but rather various topics. To complete B2.2, you should attend all modules in any order.
These modules rotate each month. So, you can join at any time and start with any part. In this course, your oral and written expression will be refined, and you'll also learn how to create a job application letter.
The C1 level comprises 8 modules that rotate each month. These modules are not interconnected, meaning you don't have to learn the content in any specific order. You can start with any module and continue until you've attended all of them. If you've booked a multi-month course package, you'll be automatically enrolled in the next level each course month.
In the C1 course, you'll learn: