Speakeasy offers German courses at all levels: from the very beginner (A1) to the advanced (C1) level. Our teaching is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which describes what language skills a person should have achieved at each level. We are here to help you achieve your desired language competence level within this framework. Within our Intensive Courses, Super-Intensive Courses and Evening Courses the CEFR levels are split into different course levels. For an overview please refer to our graph below.
Are you still unsure, which level is the right one for you? Go ahead and take our free placement test.
You know you want to learn German, but you wonder what the letters A, B and C mean? It’s simple: They tell you how advanced your knowledge of a foreign language already is.
Generally, A means it’s the beginner level, B means it’s intermediate and C indicates the advanced level – but it’s a fluent passage between the levels. In accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, we at speakeasy group our courses into these different levels.
Please note the different progression in intensive and evening classes - it is due to the number of lessons per week. The intensive course with four lesson days per week has twice as many appointments as the evening course with two lesson days per week.
We’ve put together an overview so that you can easily check which topics and grammar conundrums await you in the different levels of the intensive course.
What better way to start learning a new language from scratch than jumping right in and mastering the basics? Our intensive course runs Monday through Thursday and helps build your confidence in navigating everyday situations, such as shopping at the supermarket, asking for directions, ordering food and drinks at restaurants, and making arrangements to meet people. You’ll also expand your useful everyday vocabulary.
Here’s a summary of what you’re going to learn:
You’ve mastered the very basics, and now you’re ready to take it to the next level. In the A1.2 course, you will learn how to discuss your thoughts and opinions in more detail, as well as how to express problems. You’ll also practice talking about topics such as work, the weather, and the environment.
Here is your curriculum:
At this level, you’re already familiar with the key words and grammar rules. However, you may feel that in many everyday situations you still lack the vocabulary or grammar needed. Don’t worry – in this course, you’ll expand your knowledge by tackling various everyday situations. You’ll systematically broaden your vocabulary through topics such as leisure, work, and food.
Here is an overview of the topics for A2.1:
This course teaches you how to express your opinions and make requests. You’ll also learn how to give advice and convince others. You will explore everyday life topics and experiences to expand your vocabulary. Additionally, you’ll focus on how to make plans for the future!
Here’s a handy summary for your A2.2 intensive course:
Congratulations – if you're taking this course, it means you are already at an advanced level! Your basic vocabulary will now be systematically expanded. Topics include relationships, politics, society, as well as studies and work, which will be very useful.
Here’s your summary for B1.1:
At this level, you will continue to expand your vocabulary – even on topics that aren’t necessarily part of everyday life. For example, you will learn vocabulary related to politics and history, and how to express your thoughts on these subjects. Additionally, this course focuses on developing more complex grammar skills.
These are the topics you will cover in your B1.2 intensive course:
Speaking naturally and spontaneously takes practice. That’s why this course focuses on discussing a wide range of current, real-life topics at an advanced level, such as nutrition, social media, and migration. You’ll also practice various communication situations, like making phone calls, writing short texts, participating in discussions, and giving presentations.
In the tables below you can see the themes and the grammar of the Intensive Course B2.1:
Please note: To complete all topics of B2.2, you will need two months in the intensive course. You can join at any time during the month.
In this course, you’ll learn to express yourself precisely in both spoken and written form. You’ll discuss positive and negative emotions with your classmates, summarize infographics, and practice your writing skills, such as drafting comments on audio texts.
Additionally, you will learn how to create cohesion in texts and longer statements, ensuring a clear and structured narrative.
Overview of all topics in the B2.2 intensive course:
Please note: To complete all topics, you will need four months in the intensive course. You can join at any time during the month.
In C1, you’ll develop a well-rounded vocabulary in abstract subject areas, allowing you to express yourself fluently and precisely in both spoken and written formats. You’ll also expand your vocabulary with synonyms and advanced language to diversify your expression. Complex grammatical structures will be introduced in the coursebook and can be practiced and reinforced with numerous exercises in the workbook.
Topics covered in the C1 course:
The speakeasy Evening Course divides a level into two parts; the course with the "+" always represents the second part of a level. For example, A1.1 is the first part of the A1.1 level. The second part is represented with a +: A1.1+. Below is a helpful overview with lots of useful information on the course contents of the various evening course levels.
Are you new to Hamburg? Or perhaps you've been here for a while but feel the language barrier is holding you back? The A1.1 course will help you tackle the challenges of learning German. You’ll learn how to ask and answer essential questions in everyday situations. Additionally, you’ll become familiar with the German alphabet, numbers, and many verbs in the present tense.
Here is a summary of topics for your A1.1 course:
You’re new to Hamburg and have already completed an A1.1 evening class? Or maybe you already have some basic German vocabulary? In this follow-up course to your A1.1 evening class (the “+” indicates this is a continuation), you will cover the second half of the A1.1 level. For example, you’ll practice the perfect tense with haben and sein—a very useful skill for talking about your weekend!
Here’s your summary for A1.1+:
Would you like to master everyday conversations? Let’s get started! In this course, you’ll learn how to make requests, provide information, and express your wishes and opinions.
Here’s what you’ll cover in your A1.2 class:
In the follow-up course to your A1.2 evening class (the “+” indicates this is a continuation), you’ll tackle the second half of the A1.2 level. This is where you’ll learn to navigate everyday life in Germany. You’ll continue practicing how to ask for information and express your wishes. Additional topics will include small talk, household chores, and celebrations. Life in Hamburg is fast-paced, and we’ll definitely need to talk about it!
Here’s your summary of topics for A1.2+:
Well done! At this stage, you probably already have a good grasp of some of the most frequently used vocabulary and grammar structures. However, you might sometimes feel a bit unsure when it comes to taking conversations to the next level. This course will dive deeper into common scenarios you may encounter. You’ll also learn many adjectives and how to decline them—a big step towards a richer vocabulary.
Here is your outline for A2.1:
In this follow-up course to your A2.1 evening class (marked with a “+”), we will cover the second half of the A2.1 level. You will deepen your basic knowledge and vocabulary and expand the linguistic resources needed for your everyday life in Hamburg. Let’s get started!
Here are your topics for the A2.1+ evening course:
As you progress in this level, you’ll learn how to comment on things, express satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and dive into various everyday topics. Your vocabulary will grow quickly, and your understanding of German grammar will expand as well. If there’s anything specific you would like to cover in class, feel free to share your suggestions!
Here is your curriculum for A2.2:
In the follow-up course to your A2.2 evening class (marked with a “+”), you’ll cover the second half of the A2.2 level and continue practicing how to apply complex sentence structures to everyday situations. This course will deepen your ability to express opinions and wishes. You’ll also learn how to express enthusiasm and dissatisfaction. Additionally, you’ll expand your vocabulary with many new words relevant to various areas of daily life.
Here’s a closer look at the content of your A2.2+ evening course:
Great news! If you’ve reached this level, you are already at an advanced stage in your language learning journey. At this point, you’ll expand your vocabulary and build more confidence in using complex and formal grammar structures.
Here are the topics for your B1.1 evening course:
In the follow-up course to your B1.1 evening class (marked with a “+”), you’ll complete the second half of the B1.1 level and deepen your understanding of complex grammar. Soon, spontaneous speaking will become much easier! This course will also expand your vocabulary, allowing for more fluid and confident conversations.
Here’s what you’ll cover in B1.1+:
At this stage, you will learn how to discuss a broader range of topics, including more abstract areas like art and culture, while continuing to refine your grammar. This will enable you to express yourself in a more complex and nuanced way. Step by step, you’ll expand your linguistic tools—why not give it a try with your friends?
Here are the themes and topics covered in the B1.2 evening course:
In the follow-up course to your B1.2 evening course (marked with a “+”), you will continue to expand your vocabulary and refine your ability to express yourself on more complex topics. You’ll learn how to articulate opinions, disagree politely, and engage in discussions about themes beyond everyday life.
Here is an overview of the topics in your B1.2+ evening course:
Spontaneous communication is an art in itself! That’s why this course focuses on discussing a variety of topics at an advanced level. You’ll also practice practical scenarios from everyday life, as well as academic or professional situations—such as making phone calls, engaging in discussions, or giving presentations. Listening to and understanding real-world podcasts will help you enhance an essential skill, and by reinforcing previously introduced grammar, you’ll be well-prepared for the next level.
Here’s an overview of the topics in the B2.1 evening course:
In the follow-up to your B2.1 evening course (marked with +), you’ll cover the second half of B2.1 while continuing to practice fluent and accurate speaking—whether on the phone, one-on-one, or in groups. You will engage in discussions on various topics at an advanced level, focusing on developing complex grammar so you can confidently express yourself in both formal and professional contexts.
Here’s an overview of the topics in the B2.1+ evening course:
(Please note: in order to complete this evening course level B2.2, you will require four course months - divided into four parts. However, it doesn’t matter in which order you complete the four parts.)
In the B2.2 evening course, you will refine both your spoken and written expression, focusing on practical situations such as presenting a project, writing formal letters, or discussing personal experiences. You will learn how to share your opinions in conversations and make convincing arguments. If you’re preparing for a job application, you will also practice writing a German cover letter. The course emphasizes real-world applications, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for various communication challenges.
Here’s an overview of the topics in the B2.2 evening course:
Please note: To complete all topics, you need eight months in the evening course. You can join at any time.
In the C1 evening course, you’ll focus on expressing your thoughts on abstract topics while adapting your language style to different contexts. Having already mastered everyday language, you will now refine your formal expression. You will expand your vocabulary with synonyms and advanced language, ensuring that you can articulate your ideas clearly and effectively. This course will deepen your understanding of complex grammatical structures, preparing you for sophisticated communication in professional, academic, and personal settings.
Here’s an overview of the topics in the C1 evening course: