FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions (...and the answers)

It's super easy to register online for your chosen course! There are two possible ways to book your course, either by using our easy-to-use course-configurator on the speakeasy website or by visiting us at the school and booking your course in person. We recommend that you register 10 days before the course starts to ensure yourself a place in class. Places can be reserved only if they have been paid for in full (see below for how best to pay for courses). If you have any questions regarding the booking process, just get in touch with us at info@speakeasy.hamburg or drop by our office.

Nada! Once you've paid for the course there are no additional costs for registration, photocopies used in class, water etc. We will gladly help you change class in the middle of the month, should you decide, for example, that the course level or timings are unsuitable (this, of course, depends if there are still places in the desired class). The only additional fees are for the issuing of an official enrolment letter, required only when applying for a language visa, and for the course books (see our prices here).

Online payments can be made via credit card, EC card or PayPal. Students who wish to pay in cash or with card can do so in person in our school office.

There are several ways to save on your course fees! On your first day at the school you will receive your personal speakeasy card, which you can use to redeem coupons and enjoy lower rates for your follow-up courses.

Discounts are not available online but can be redeemed at our school office. Make sure to ask us about the various discount options we have when you come by. Please note, however, that individual discounts cannot be combined or accrued and can only be redeemed separately.

We offer very attractive discounts to those students who decide to study at speakeasy for multiple months in a row. The longer the course period, the more that you will save.

A little pressed for time? No worries! speakeasy has courses running from 9am to 9pm on weekdays, so we're sure to find you a course that suits you. If something comes up within the month, we can switch your course to a time that works better for you (depending on availability).

All applications for refunds must be in writing and arrive at the school no later than 10 days before the course starts (via e-mail is also acceptable). If the student has applied in writing one week in advance, they are entitled to a 70% refund of the course costs. Please note that if your issue with the course is timings or the level, we'd be happy to change you to a more suitable class.

Because we bindingly reserve a spot for you, please be aware that cancellation or postponement of your course is not possible after the 10-day-deadline. Please also note that multiple-month bookings are considered as one single course of a longer duration. This means that cancellation or postponement is only possible 10 days before the first course month.

When booking a visa-related language course, special terms apply. Visa-related language courses cannot be postponed or cancelled. Postponement of the course is only possible in case of a delay in the visa application process, and a cancelation only if your visa has been rejected. Please carefully read our terms and conditions.

If you are looking for accommodation, we can provide you with all the necessary information you need to find a place for your time in Hamburg.

In order to apply for a language learning or study preparation visa you need to be enrolled in one of our Super-Intensive German Courses. The Super-Intensive Course with its 18 teaching units per week fulfils the visa requirements of the German authorities. After you have signed in, we can issue an official enrolment letter (with cost) that you will require later at the embassy or at the foreigner’s office (“Ausländerbehörde”) to apply for your visa. More info on visas can be found here.

Our groups have 4 to a maximum of 10-14 participants (depending on room size). The small size of our classes ensures that you will always have the right interaction with your teacher and opportunities to take part.

speakeasy language courses are 4 weeks long. Shorter stays in our courses (2-3 weeks) are also possible on short notice and at a discounted price, but you need to let us know in person. Keep in mind that you will receive a discount if you book for more than one month in advance!

Every level between A1.1 and B1.2 requires just 1 course month (4 weeks) to complete if you take part in our Intensive or Super-Intensive Courses. The levels B2.2 and C1 require 2 course months (8 weeks) and 4 course months (16 weeks) respectively to complete, due to their extended course content.

If you decide to take part in our evening courses, you will require twice as much time to complete a level.

All teachers at speakeasy are native speakers, qualified to teach German as a foreign language. Our teachers are from a variety of backgrounds and will use their experience to motivate and support you in class.

The class language is always taught in German, although our teachers are multi-lingual and can explain ideas in a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch and Russian (depending on your teacher). Beginner courses (A1.1) receive additional in-class explanations in English until the group becomes accustomed to being taught entirely in German.

Classes at speakeasy are centred around.... wait for it.... speaking of course! Dynamic conversation, games and spontaneous group exercises are used as a springboard to build our students’ confidence and get them chatting like crazy. Those who also want to learn for an exam can rest easy, since the required content from each level will be covered. There'll be plenty of writing, listening and reading!

We have an online language placement test to help you figure out your level of German before you register for a course (here). If you're still unsure, just come on by to our office and we'll determine the most suitable level for you.

Do you want to try out a class at speakeasy? Simply send us an email or come by the school. We'll try our best to fit you in. Please remember to, at the very latest, come one week before a new course month starts, so you can be sure that there is still time to sign up after you have done your trial lesson.

Please also be aware that we can only offer trial lessons in courses that have available spaces. Generally, the trial lessons happen during the third or fourth course week. A reservation for a trial lesson for a future date is not possible. They can only be arranged at short notice.

We sure do! We offer university-recognised telc exams at the school. They take place regularly and you do not necessarily have to be a speakeasy student at our school to sit an exam. Additionally, speakeasy offers telc exam preparation courses that help students get ready for the big day. We have experienced trainers, giving group and private classes, that can help you to this end.