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Deutschkurs

Best german classes for expats in Germany, 2026.

B1 unlocks permanent residency and citizenship. Pick a course that fits your visa deadline and your weekly schedule.

5 providersVerified monthlyRefreshed May 2026
5 results
Our pick
Lingoda logo

Lingoda

Berlinsince 2013

Live online classes with certified teachers. Group plans from €79/month, private 1-on-1 from €185/month. CEFR-aligned A1 to C2.

Best for Working adults who need live online classes

  • 1d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
€1,068
Setup
Free
Monthly
€89
+€888.12
Visit Lingoda
Goethe-Institut logo

Goethe-Institut

Munichsince 1951

Official German cultural institute. Online Group Course €459, 12-week Online Training €299, Intensive Online €929, Speak German €199, B1 exam prep €289. Certificates accepted for visa renewals and university entry.

Best for Visa applicants who need a recognized B1/B2 certificate

  • 1–14d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
Free
Setup
Free
Monthly
Free
+€-179.88
Visit Goethe-Institut
Babbel logo

Babbel

Berlinsince 2007

Self-paced German app with bite-size lessons. Best as a supplement to a structured class, not a replacement.

Best for Daily vocabulary practice on commute

  • 1d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
€179.88
Setup
Free
Monthly
€14.99
cheapest
Visit Babbel
Deutsche Akademie logo

Deutsche Akademie

Munichsince 2002

In-person intensive courses across major German cities. Recognized for visa extensions and university entry.

Best for Students who learn faster in a classroom

  • 1–7d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
€1,788
Setup
Free
Monthly
€149
+€1,608.12
Visit Deutsche
Volkshochschule logo

Volkshochschule

Berlinsince 1919

Subsidised local adult education centres. The cheapest path to a B1 certificate for permanent residency.

Best for Budget-conscious learners aiming for B1

  • 7–21d setup
  • English
  • Mobile app
  • No SCHUFA
12-month total
€1,440
Setup
Free
Monthly
€120
+€1,260.12
Visit Volkshochschule

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Notebook with handwritten questions
FAQ

Asked & answered.

2 deutschkurs questions.

Goethe-Institut and Volkshochschule are the two providers whose certificates are universally accepted. Goethe is faster but more expensive (around €1,300 for a full B1 track). VHS is cheaper but waiting lists run 2 to 3 months in major cities.
Lingoda and Goethe online certificates are accepted. Self-paced apps like Babbel are not — you need a recognized class with attendance records.