German in Hamburg

Hamburg

Hamburg is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with its architecture and scenic river setting. Known for being a creative area, it’s no wonder that Hamburg is the capital of comedy and German Indie Rock.

Hamburg is often called the Venice of the North due to its huge artifical lakes and multiple canals. This city is full of surprises, and you will definitely fall in love with the North after visiting its major city.

Founded in 2009, our partner school DID is located in the city centre, a 5 minute walk from the Jungfernstieg and close to tram station Dammtor.

The quality of teaching at DID is kept at a very high standard, with experienced teachers qualified in teaching their native tongue to those learning it as a second language. School capacity is around 75 – 150 students.

School facilities include:

A big roof terrace of 200m2 with a spectacular view on the Inner Alster (the biggest artificial lake in the city) and the Jungfernstieg.
15 brightly-lit classrooms with modern equipment and multimedia teaching materials
A computer room with 20 computers
A large library
Several multimedia rooom
A spacious cafetaria with vending machines for drinks and snacks
WiFi

The school is accredited by EAQUALS (European Association for Quality Language Services) and is a TestDaf official examination centre.

German language courses: the basics

Lesson duration: 45 minutes
Number of students per class: average of 10-12 students, maximum 15
Schedule: courses will mostly be given in the morning but can also be scheduled in the afternoon in peak season
Placement test: first day of lessons
Certificate of completion at the end of your stay
Regular progress tests
All teachers are qualified and experienced in teaching German as a foreign language

20 lessons per week

Minimum length: 1 week

You will have classes in the morning from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 10:30 and from 10:45 to 12:15, where you will develop the 4 basic skills: writing, speaking, listening and reading.

Language level: beginner to advanced

24 lessons per week

Minimum length: 1 week

You will have classes in the morning from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 10:30 and from 10:45 to 12:15 and on Tuesday and Thursday from 13:00 to 14:30. The course will address different themes: politics, culture and economics. You will learn how to communicate effectively and put your skills into practice.

Language level: beginner to advanced

28 lessons per week

You will have classes in the morning from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 10:30 and from 10:45 to 12:15 and on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:00 to 14:30. This course is ideal for quick improvements of your German knowledge, especially if you only have little time.

Language level: beginner to advanced

20 lessons a week

Course duration: 4 weeks

As an authorized centre for TestDaF exams, DID organize courses of 20 lessons a week to prepare students for the exams. You can find the starting dates of the course in the ‘Dates & Prices’ tab.

Language level: advanced (B2+ or C1)

This course will be given in blocks of 2 lessons in addition to the group courses (standard, semi-intensive or intensive). This individual course offers students the opportunity to follow a program completely adapted to their needs.

Our partner school organizes 2 activities per week and excursions during the weekends. which you can participate or not. These activities are optional and some may require a fee. All activities are subject to change and vary depending on the time of year. You can book directly on site: entry fees and transportation are not included.

Some of the many activities may include:

Guided visit of the city (the harbour, SPICY museum, the Hamburg Dungeon, the Speicherstadt, etc.)
Full-day excursions to Bremen, Lübeck, Berlin, the North Sea, etc.

Single room, shared bathroom, breakfast or half board

Travel time to school: the families live max. 45 minutes from the school by public transport.

Laundry: Some families ask for a fee of some euros for using the washing machine.

Single room, shared bathroom, no meals.

With this formula, which allows total independence and direct contact with Germanic culture, you will stay either with a resident or in a student flat.

Characteristics :

Single room
Shared toilet and bathroom
Shared kitchen
No meals included
Travel time to school: up to 45 minutes from school by public transport
Bed linen provided (unless otherwise indicated)

Single room, private shower room, breakfast

Features :

Single room
Private toilet and shower room
Breakfast included (buffet)
Travel time to school: about 15 minutes by public transport
Location: near the Hauptbahnhof station, 5 minutes from the city centre by public transport

Equipment/Services available :

Room with TV and wardrobe
Common kitchen
Laundry (paying)
Sheets and towels provided
Wi-Fi (user fees)
Reception available 24 hours a day
Computers available in the hotel lobby
Bicycle rental (user fees)
Possibility of accommodation in double rooms for participants travelling together. Please contact us.

Please note: at certain times of the year, youth hostels may change their rates. Consult us to check that the price mentioned is available during the desired period of stay.

Travel

Arrivals: Sunday (from 3 pm in residence, between 12 pm and 8 pm in host family)

Departures: Saturday (before 10 am in residence, between 8 am and 12 pm in host family)

Arrival airports or stations:

Airport of Hamburg (HAM): about 25 minutes (by metro)
Hamburg central station

Airport transfers available on request (fees apply, please see Dates & Prices tab)

Please note: do not make travel arrangements until we have confirmed your enrolment in your chosen course (about 4 days after deposit payment).

Visa Information

Do you need a visa for this programme? For more information please consult our page Visa information.

Do not hesitate to contact us by telephone or email if you require any additional information.

Dates & Prices 2024

Dates 2025

Start of the sessions: The majority of courses start every Monday, throughout the year, unless otherwise stated below. If Monday is a public holiday, the session starts on Tuesday.

Complete beginners must start on the following dates: 07/04, 05/05, 02/06, 07/07, 04/08, 01/09, 06/10, 03/11, 11/12

Public holidays and vacations (no courses will be given on these dates, nor made up later; no compensation will be granted): April 18, April 21, May 1, May 29, June 9, October 3, October 31 December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Prices 2025

All taxes included

Courses and accommodation with locals, single room, no meals
Duration	20 lessons	24 lessons	28 lessons
1 week	€ 560	€ 610	€ 660
2 weeks	€ 1.030	€ 1.130	€ 1.230
3 weeks	€ 1.445	€ 1.595	€ 1.745
4 weeks	€ 1.790	€ 1.990	€ 2.190
6 weeks	€ 2.600	€ 2.900	€ 3.200
8 weeks	€ 3.370	€ 3.770	€ 4.170
12 weeks	€ 4.630	€ 5.230	€ 5.830
16 weeks	€ 5.810	€ 6.610	€ 7.410
18 weeks	€ 6.430	€ 7.330	€ 8.230
20 weeks	€ 7.050	€ 8.050	€ 9.050
24 weeks	€ 8.290	€ 9.490	€ 10.690
32 weeks	€ 10.770	€ 12.370	€ 13.970
36 weeks	€ 12.010	€ 13.810	€ 15.610
Extra week	€ 310	€ 360	€ 410

Course supplement (per week)
High season courses (June 30 - August 15)	€ 35

Accommodation Supplements (per week)
Homestay, single room, breakfast	€ 60
Homestay, single room, half-board	€ 120
Youth hostel*, single room, breakfast	€ 125
Youth hostel*, shared room, breakfast	€ 35
Homestay in high season (June 29 - August 16)	€ 35
Homestay during the Christmas period (21/12 - 3/01)	€ 100

Transfer (per trip)
Transfer from the airport to the place of residence	€ 150
Transfer from the train station to the place of residence	€ 125

Others - to be paid on site
Educational materials - per month	Around €25
Berlin: Tourist tax (first 3 weeks only) - per week	€ 14
Frankfurt: Tourist tax (stays < 12 weeks) - per week	€ 14