Language Courses

Learn German with Goethe House Wisconsin!

Whether you are an absolute beginner or well on your way to mastering the German Language, we have a class for you! Our Classes are varied and communicative. Speaking, listening, reading & writing are practiced in situations based on real-life.

Each Class is oriented to topical and inter-cultural subject matter. Themes based on regional culture provide a variety of opportunities to approach the subject of German-speaking culture.

Our classes are taught by qualified instructors who either have a university degree in German as a modern language, German studies, or a teaching degree. Our instructors also have qualifications in methodology, and are experienced in teaching German. Our instructors will keep you informed of your learning achievements on a regular basis, and can advise you as to how you should approach your continued learning most effectively.

Goethe House Wisconsin’s classes are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means that the language skills you acquire in our courses can be measured objectively and are internationally comparable.

Learning is an individual process. How much time you need to attain a certain level depends on various and individual factors: your commitment, your time input, and your taking advantage of additional practice resources. Should you already have studied one or more languages, you may learn German faster. It makes a big difference if you participate in a language course in your home country or in Germany, where you will be exposed to the German language outside the classroom. – Goethe Institut

As a rough guideline Goethe Institut estimates it will take the following amount of instruction to complete each language level:

A1 : approx. 60-150 hours
A2 : approx. 150-260 hours
B1 : approx. 260-490 hours
B2 : approx. 450-600 hours
C1 : approx. 600-750 hours
C2 : approx. 750+ hours

Classes meet once per week for 9 weeks unless otherwise noted. The course fee is $250 for standard 9 week courses.  

  • German 101-105 are A1 Level classes
  • German 201-205 are A2 Level classes
  • German 301 and above are B1 Level classes
  • German 501 and above are B2 Level classes

 

Not sure which class is right for you? 

Contact the Goethe House Office and inquire about Free Placement Tests.

 

CEFL Reference Levels

Basic User
101 – 105       A1
Can understand & use familiar everyday expressions & very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce self and others & can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows & things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Basic User
201 – 205       A2
Can understand sentences & frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple & routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.  Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Independent User
401+               B1+
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

CLASS SCHEDULES

Summer 2025 Schedule:

  • German A1 102b — special continuation of A1 102 – 90-minute classes on
    Thursdays, June 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17, 24, 31, and Aug. 7, 14 ($190)

Fall 2025 Schedule

  • German 101 A1 Level — Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning September 16th ($250)
  • German 103 A1 Level — Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning September 18th ($250)
  • German 104 A1 Level — Thursdays6:00-8:00 pm beginning September 18th ($250)
  • German 202 A2 Level — Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning September 16th ($250)
  • German 204 A2 Level — Tuesdays 5:30-7:30 pm beginning October 7th ($250)
  • German 205 A2 Level — Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning September 18th ($250)

Winter 2025 Schedule:

  • German 102 A1 Level  — Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning January 23rd ($250)
  • German 104 A1 Level  — Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning January 21st ($250)
  • German 202 A2 Level  — Tuesdays 5:30-7:30 pm beginning January 21st ($250)
  • German 203 A2 Level  — Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning January 23rd ($250)

Spring 2025 Schedule:

  • German 102 A1 Level — Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning April 3rd ($250)
  • German 103 A1 Level — Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning April 3rd ($250)
  • German 201 A2 Level — Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning April 1st ($250)
  • German 203 A2 Level  — Tuesdays 5:30-7:30 pm beginning April 1st ($250)
  • German 204 A2 Level  — Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm beginning April 3rd ($250)

 

Cancellation Policy:

If there are not enough students registered to run a class, the Executive Director will contact the student(s) in the week prior to the session’s start date to discuss other class options. Textbook and credit card processing fees are non-refundable. If a student withdraws 7 or more days prior to the first class session, they may choose credit toward a future class or request a full refund by emailing jaessing@ghwisconsin.org. For example, if the class begins on Monday evening, you may withdraw without obligation up to the class time on the same day of the previous week. No refunds will be offered following the first full class. Class absences do not qualify for refunds.

 

Register through an epayment form.

Exams:

Goethe House Courses are based on the levels defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. On successful completion of a level our students can choose to take the corresponding Exam through the Goethe Institut Chicago. Goethe House Wisconsin is not an official testing site. Testing must be done at a Goethe Institut.

Goethe Institut Chicago exams are available to all interested parties and can be taken regardless of age and nationality. They are designed to demonstrate knowledge in German as a second language and/or as a foreign language. Goethe Institut Chicago offers Exams for all levels of ability ranging from A1 – C2.