German Classes in Berkeley and Online
Learn German in small groups of adults in downtown Berkeley or live online. Most terms run for six weekly one-hour lessons, pairing speaking and listening with grammar and cultural context. New to German? Start with Complete Beginner. Returning? Compare Low Beginner through Advanced below; each listing shows its dates, instructor, and tuition.
German Individual Classes
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The people behind the classes
Meet your German instructors
Meet the German teaching team. Each class listing above names its scheduled instructor; the biographies below describe the broader experience behind the programme.
Carolyn
Berkeley & online
Carolyn holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in German from UC Berkeley. She has taught German in the Bay Area since 2008 and has taught at PLA since 2019.
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Carolyn holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in German from UC Berkeley and studied German and Scandinavian linguistics and literature in Freiburg, Germany. She has taught German continuously since 2008 across the Bay Area, including UC Berkeley, the German School of Fremont, and Polyglottist Language Academy, where she has taught since 2019. Her experience spans children and adults at all proficiency levels.
She also has taught ESL, English composition, and worked in translation and proofreading. In McGraw Hill Higher Education’s World Languages department, she creates and edits online language textbook activities. Her research on how German nouns have changed over time reflects the depth of language knowledge she brings to teaching.
Anja
Live online
A native of Münster, Germany, Anja holds a Ph.D. in German Literature. Her student-centered lessons encourage learners to use German comfortably and creatively.
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Anja earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature in Germany, then completed a Ph.D. in German Literature in North Carolina. She has taught German language, literature, and culture in academic settings.
Her communicative approach helps students feel comfortable using German while engaging creatively with it. She designs personalized lessons and uses humor to make practice inviting. Her interest in travel and regional culture, from Austria to other parts of Europe, also informs the cultural side of her teaching.
The German programme
What to expect in a German class
Our adult German groups normally meet live for six weekly one-hour sessions. In each lesson, you practise speaking and listening, ask questions, and get feedback. Reading, vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context support what you say.
Choose a class at our downtown Berkeley school or join an online group. Each listing above gives its format, dates, instructor, and tuition.
Which German class should I take?
Starting from zero
Choose Complete Beginner. You will start with pronunciation, greetings, introductions, and simple sentences. No previous study is needed.
Know some basics
Low Beginner builds on a few phrases and basic sentences. High Beginner is for learners ready to expand everyday conversation, vocabulary, and grammar.
Comfortable in German
Intermediate develops longer conversations; Advanced offers practice with more complex ideas and material. Check each listing for its particular focus.
Unsure where you fit? Read Choosing a Class or ask us for placement advice before registering. Not every level runs in every term.
Why learn German?
Learning German can make travel in Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland more rewarding and help you connect with family, friends, or colleagues. It opens literature, film, music, and ideas in their original language. A weekly group gives you regular conversation practice and feedback as you pursue those goals.
Questions before you register
Do I need any German to start?
No. Choose Complete Beginner if you are starting from zero. If you have studied German before and are unsure of your level, ask us for placement advice.
Where do in-person classes meet?
At Polyglottist Language Academy, 2161 Shattuck Ave, Suites 234–235, Berkeley, CA. Online classes meet live; see the specific course listing for its schedule.
How long is a group course?
Group terms normally consist of six one-hour lessons. Check the individual listing for its dates, any skipped week, instructor, and current tuition.
Can I take individual German lessons?
Individual lessons may be available by arrangement. Tell us about your level and availability, and we can discuss options.
No class at your level or time?
Tell us your level, preferred format, and availability. We can help you find the next option.