German Classes

The German Society of Pennsylvania has a long history of language instruction. Part of the Society’s original mission when it was founded over 250 years ago was to help German-speaking immigrants learn English; now, the language program has transformed into a place where English speakers learn German.

Our students have many different reasons for learning German, whether it’s for business, to connect with their heritage, to keep up the language they learned in high school, or just for personal enrichment. We offer classes at all levels to meet your needs.

Our highly qualified instructors have a diverse array of backgrounds. They are native German-speakers, translators, and professional teachers of the German language who have an admiration and respect for the Germanic culture. They instruct not just in the language, but also in the literature, culture, business, customs, and everyday life of German-speaking countries. We make every effort to create a "total immersion" atmosphere in the teaching of the language.

Evening Adult Classes

Registration for the Spring Semester is now open. Classes will start the week of April 13th. For more detailed information, click on the registration link.

NEW: Goethe-Zertifikat Prep course - A1.2 online!

This course follows the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is part of our Goethe-aligned certification track, specifically designed to lead into the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exam and offer a clear, structured pathway to an internationally recognized certificate.

Our certified instructor will teach this course online Mondays, starting the week of April 13th from 6:00pm- 7.30pm.

We are only accepting up to 6 students, so don't wait to sign up!

NEW for Spring 2026: Business German I

We are thrilled to launch Business German I, a brand-new course in our Spring 2026 language program! This practical and engaging course is designed for professionals and learners with little prior German experience who want to build confidence using German in workplace and business settings. Students will develop real-world communication skills for situations such as professional introductions, networking, office communication, travel arrangements, client interactions, and scheduling meetings.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your language skills for work, prepare for international business situations, or simply explore German from a professional perspective,

Business German I offers a unique and career-focused way to learn.

Choosing a Class & Class Materials

Classes range from beginning to advanced level German with an emphasis on spoken German. We recommend that you sign up for a class based on your prior German experience and instruction, i.e. German classes taken, time spent in German-speaking countries, level of Duolingo, German-speaking family members, etc. We can recommend a level based on a description of this experience. On the first day of class, your instructor will advise you if you are placed in the correct class; we allow you to switch levels at no cost for the first three weeks of the semester.

Students are currently required to purchase their own textbooks. Students will be given the ISBN number(s) of their required textbook(s) upon registration. Prices range from $30-$70. Make sure to register early to ensure that your textbook arrives in time for the start of classes.

Cost/Payments

Tuition: Regular 12-week courses are $360 plus $12.60 in credit card fees for a total of $372.60.

Membership:  $30

Please note the cost for 10-week course is $225 plus $7.88 in credit card fees for a total of $232.88.

We do not offer refunds for unattended classes.

You can also mail us a check to our address to avoid credit card.

* As a nonprofit, we are committed to ensuring that every contribution goes as far as possible in supporting our mission. To help us cover rising credit card processing costs, a 3.5% fee will now be applied to credit card transactions. We deeply appreciate your support and want to offer the option to waive this fee by sending a check to our mailing address instead.

Class Cancellations

If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, each student will be notified via phone and email as early as possible. At the next meeting, the instructor and students will then decide when to reschedule the missed class.

Certifications

At this time, the German Society does not offer any language proficiency certification testing. If you are applying for a job or program that requires a certificate of proficiency, please check the Goethe Institute's website. If you've taken German classes with the Society and need an official letter stating the amount and level of German instruction you've received here, please contact the office.

Registrations for the 12-week Winter Semester are now open!

Classes will start the week of January 12, 2026 and will go until the week of March 30th.

Private Tutoring

The German Society offers private tutoring sessions that are geared toward specific German needs or fast track studies.

Our instructors are available to prepare students for:

• travel to Germany for vacation
• travel to Germany for business
• professional development opportunities
• graduate school translation exams (any discipline)
• communicating with German relatives/in-laws
• speaking, reading, writing for fun

The Society and its tutors typically recommend 1-2 hours per week of instruction. More intensified studies are also available. Private lessons cost $45 per hour. We require that students commit to and pre-pay for a course of at least six lessons.

All tutoring sessions are currently taking place online. Tutoring is available year round. Please note that it may take up to two weeks after the initial inquiry for a student to be placed with an appropriate tutor.

If you are interested in tutoring, please email or call the Society (215-627-2332) with the following information: 

Name

Phone number

Email address

Previous German experience (if applicable)

Your goals related to learning German

Your availability for lessons

Approximate length of tutoring commitment

Please contact the German Society to inquire about availability BEFORE making payment.