At Seattle Speaks German, we are committed to helping you begin speaking German from your very first class. Our comprehensive courses are designed to equip you with the tools and support necessary to enhance your proficiency, whether you're planning a visit to a German-speaking country or considering a move. Our goal is to provide a strong foundation and boost your confidence in your new language journey.
How do we teach German online?
Read more about the following topics:
Our Teaching Approach
Proficiency Levels
Textbooks
Virtual Classroom
What's Included in Your Course Experience
Course Schedule
List of current courses and their content
Private Lessons
Our Teaching Approach
We emphasize active speaking in our classes, enabling you to build your German skills through meaningful, task-based exercises. Rather than just learning vocabulary and grammar in isolation, you'll apply them in real-world scenarios—like planning a trip, giving recommendations, or solving everyday challenges in German. This research-backed approach ensures you build a solid foundation rather than just memorizing phrases.
Our curriculum is carefully selected and continuously updated to suit the online learning environment. Beyond grammar, we focus on effective learning strategies tailored to your needs and provide insights into the history, geography, and culture of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
With years of experience teaching German, I specialize in modern, interactive online learning that keeps students engaged. My courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ensuring structured progress with up-to-date materials that complement your course book. I continuously refine my teaching approach to bring you the best online learning experience, incorporating interactive exercises, real-world materials, and modern teaching techniques.
Whether you're a beginner or resuming your German studies, we encourage patience and enjoyment in the learning process. Finding fun in learning German will help you achieve your goals by leaps and bounds!
Proficiency Levels
Our courses and private lessons adhere to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which classifies proficiency from beginner (A1) to mastery (C2). Typically, achieving a level such as A1 or A2 requires completing eight courses at Seattle Speaks German, with each course comprising 12 hours of live instruction and 8 hours of homework. Individual factors like prior language learning experience and motivation significantly influence the pace of progression.
Textbooks
For our online classes, we utilize the "Das Leben" series from Cornelsen, designed for both online and face-to-face instruction. These textbooks include a workbook for homework exercises and are complemented by audio and video content accessible via the free PagePlayer App. Depending on your course level, you'll need "Das Leben A1," "Das Leben A2," or "Das Leben B1," each priced at $46. We recommend ordering from this website. For advanced students, we use "Vielfalt" from Hueber, with advanced classes available exclusively through private lessons.
Virtual Classroom
Our virtual classroom is a valuable tool that complements our Zoom meetings. It offers an overview of lessons, helps you track your progress, provides meaningful exercises, and facilitates connections with fellow learners. Each student receives a personal account to access these resources.
What's Included in Your Course Experience
- Office hours - Weekly drop-in support sessions for extra help
- Word lists - Available to listen to, print, or work with offline
- Extra grammar review slides - Access materials on your own time
- Modern whiteboard/slideshows - Shared after each class (no recordings!)
- Virtual classroom - Track progress, exercises, connect with fellow learners
- All coursebook bonus materials - Extra resources included
- Community of learners - You're not learning alone
Course Schedule
Group courses are organized into quarters, with each Fall Quarter introducing a new beginner course for students with no prior German knowledge. Subsequent quarters offer continued progression through higher levels.
Embark on your German learning journey with us and experience a supportive, engaging, and culturally enriching environment.
Here is a list of current courses and their content.
Try a Class - German for Beginners (Free Preview)
Meet your teacher · See how the course works · Take part in a mini-lesson
Curious about learning German online? In this free preview class, I’ll walk you through how I teach, what our Beginner Level 1 course looks like, and what tools we use at Seattle Speaks German. You’ll get a real sense of how it all works and even try a short interactive exercise like we do in class.
We’ll meet live on Zoom, and there is plenty of time for your questions at the end.
Free of charge
Live on Zoom (details sent after registration)
Maximum of 12 participants
Registration closes the day before the event or when full
Enrollment for the Beginner Level 1 course opens August 25
Please note: A spot in the preview class does not guarantee a seat in the Beginner Level 1 course. To secure your spot in the full course, be sure to register early.
Greetings & Getting Started
Beginner Level 1
For this course no previous knowledge of German is required!
„Wie heißen Sie?“
(What's your name?)
Imagine you are visiting a German-speaking country. What better way to show your interest and curiosity than learn the language? In this course you will learn to use basic phrases with confidence and ask your own questions. If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You will learn:
This course introduces to the language and everyday culture of German-speaking countries. Join us to get started with German in a supportive atmosphere to gain confidence speaking. You will expand your vocabulary and learn new grammar. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. If you have any questions please get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, we hold open office hours — this is a special time we’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben - A1
Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 12.
At the Café & Restaurant
Beginner Level 2
„Was trinken Sie?“
(What are you drinking?)
Imagine you’re in Germany, and you stop to have lunch at a café. When the waiter comes, you order what you’ve chosen from the menu. When you’ve finished your meal, you ask for the check, pay and give a tip. You do all of this in German. That’s what will be possible after taking this course! If you have travel plans to Europe, or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You'll learn:
This course continues the introduction to the language and everyday culture of German-speaking countries. Join us to continue learning German in a supportive atmosphere to gain confidence speaking. You will expand your vocabulary and learn new grammar as well. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. Note: For this course a little bit of German knowledge is required — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch!
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, we hold open office hours — this is a special time we’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben - A1
Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Work & Leisure Time
Beginner Level 4
For this course some previous knowledge of German is required!
„Arbeit & Freizeit“
(Work & leisure time)
Imagine you’re moving to a German-speaking city and starting a new job. You have to get oriented in a new building and greet your new colleagues. Deciding who to address formally or informally isn't easy! Perhaps you would like to continue your favorite sport or other leisure-time activities and meet new people. You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You'll learn:
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To talk about a company
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To get oriented in a building
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To name rooms and items in the office
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To greet people in professional life
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To say what leisure-time activities you like and what you are able to do
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To talk about hobbies and sports
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To talk about a location or city
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To say where you have been
This course continues the introduction to the language and everyday culture of German-speaking countries. Join us to continue learning German in a supportive atmosphere to gain confidence speaking. You will expand your vocabulary and learn new grammar. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. Note: For this course a little bit of German knowledge is required — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me for that.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, we hold open office hours — this is a special time we’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben - A1
Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Home & Family Life
Beginner Level 5
For this course some previous knowledge of German is required!
„Wie wohnst du?“
(How do you live?)
Imagine you are visiting your friend or your partner's family in a German-speaking country. What better way to show your interest and curiosity than learn the language? In this course you will learn to talk about housing and your family. If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You will learn:
This course introduces to the language and everyday culture of German-speaking countries. Join us to get started with German in a supportive atmosphere to gain confidence speaking. You will expand your vocabulary and learn new grammar. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. If you have any questions please get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me for that.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, we hold open office hours — this is a special time we’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben - A1
Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Long time no see!
Intermediate Level 1
"Lange nicht gesehen!"
(Long time no see!)
Imagine you're planning a high school reunion or another big event in a German-speaking city. You have to write invitations and organize where and when to meet. You have to plan the trip, compare options and availabilities. At the event you have to talk about yourself and pass on information. You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You'll learn:
This course consolidates knowledge from previous courses and builds the foundation for the A2-proficiency level. You will expand your knowledge about important vocabulary and grammar. As always, the spoken communication is the priority. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. Note: For this course basic German knowledge is required — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Just contact us.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, I hold open office hours — this is a special time I’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben A2
Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Housing & Media
Intermediate Level 2
"Wohnen & Medien"
(Housing & Media)
Imagine you're planning to move to a German-speaking city. You need to read housing advertisements, view apartments and ask detailed questions. Many people are on the move nowadays and are simultaneously always available and online. What do you think about this modern way of living? You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You'll learn:
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To talk about housing
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To look for an apartment
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To comment on house rules
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To talk about what is forbidden and allowed
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To talk about cellphones and media
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To comment a chart
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To express your opinion
This course continues to build the foundation for the A2-proficiency level. You will expand your knowledge about important vocabulary and grammar. As always, the spoken communication is the priority. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. Note: For this course basic German knowledge is required — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Just contact me.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, I hold open office hours — this is a special time I’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben A2
Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Alltag und Abenteuer
Intermediate Level 5
"Alltag und Abenteuer: Vom Tagesablauf bis zum Sommerfest"
(Everyday Life and Adventure: From Daily Routines to Summer Festivals )
Imagine living your daily life in a German-speaking country—how do you describe your morning routine or chat about the tasks you need to do at home? What if you’re at a summer festival and want to join in the excitement, talk about music, or ask for prices at a stand? You’ll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! Whether you’re planning a trip to Europe, preparing for a cultural experience, or just looking to deepen your German skills, this course is for you.
You'll learn to:
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Describe and talk about daily routines.
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Talk about household tasks and responsibilities.
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Engage in conversations about music and festivals.
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Ask for prices and negotiate discounts effectively.
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Express moods and excitement using appropriate vocabulary.
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Understand and write clear, concise reports.
This course continues to build the foundation for the A2-proficiency level. You will expand your knowledge of essential vocabulary and grammar, while maintaining a focus on spoken communication. The course is held via Zoom and includes access to a virtual classroom.
Note - For this course the following is required:
- Basic German knowledge — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me.
- The textbook Das Leben A2. You can order the book here. You can read more about the textbook here.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, I hold open office hours — this is a special time I’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben A2
Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Grün gedacht & selbst gemacht
Intermediate Level 6
"Grün gedacht und selbst gemacht. Nachhaltigkeit und Kreativität im Alltag"
(Green Thinking and Homemade: Sustainability and Creativity in Daily Life)
Picture yourself living sustainably in a German-speaking country—how do you discuss environmental issues with your neighbors or explain the benefits of repairing instead of replacing? What if you want to participate in a local repair café, offer to trade items with someone, or give clear instructions for a DIY project? You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! Whether you're passionate about environmental protection, interested in the growing sustainability movement in German-speaking countries, or simply want to expand your practical German skills, this course is perfect for you.
You'll learn to:
- Describe environmental conditions and discuss environmental protection
- Express conditions and consequences using appropriate structures
- Offer and decline exchanges or trades effectively
- Talk about goals and sustainability initiatives
- Discuss repair cafés and community sustainability projects
- Explain what you need for specific purposes
- Understand and formulate clear instructions and tutorials
- Handle complaints and returns professionally
This course continues to build the foundation for the A2-proficiency level. You will expand your knowledge of essential vocabulary and grammar related to environmental topics and practical skills, while maintaining a focus on spoken communication. The course is held via Zoom and includes access to a virtual classroom.
Note - For this course the following is required:
- Basic German knowledge — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me.
- The textbook Das Leben A2. You can order the book here. You can read more about the textbook here.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, I hold open office hours — this is a special time I’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben A2
Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.