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

Enroll Now in Our Upcoming Fall Courses

Class Materials

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

Cost/Payments

Tuition:  Our regular 12-week courses are $360. Our 4E 10-week course is $225.

Membership:  $30

Due to economic setbacks, we no longer offer payment plans or prorated tuition. We do not offer refunds for unattended classes.

* 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. *

For those sending a check, please complete this form and include it with your payment.

Choosing a Class

Classes begin with 1A (complete beginners) and move up to 4E (advanced conversation). Classes are advance by letters within numbered levels (1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, etc.). If you are completely new to the German language, then you would sign up for 1A. If you have some prior knowledge of German, then we recommend you take our self-scored Placement Test to get an idea of what level you should start with. Please note, however, that you may move up or down a level within the same semester to find the correct course at no additional charge.

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.

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.