Register now for our 2025 winter term!
- Multiple levels
- Small class size – max. 12 students
- Native-speaking & experienced instructors
- Affordable tuition – $380 per level
- 4 terms per year – each 10 weeks long
- Convenient downtown location or online
Learn German and study at ILI in Washington, DC or Online.
Study German with the German Language Program at ILI consisting of four 10-week terms throughout the year. We offer 8 different levels from beginner to advanced. Classes take place once a week in the evenings. Our teachers are all native-speaking and experienced. The German Language Program integrates speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We maintain small class sizes to enable adequate time for conversation in every class. To find your level, please refer to the level description or use our self-evaluation guide. If you have further questions, please call Jane Edwards, ILI’s Foreign Language Coordinator, at 202-686-5610 extension 105. Enroll now!
Live, Instructor-led In-Person or Online German Classes
Learn German in person or online from a live instructor using Zoom. All online classes are instructor-led, in real-time, allowing for the same live interaction as our in-person classes. Some of our classes are a combination of in-person and online students. We have 360-degree cameras in the rooms enabling online participants to feel part of the class. This hybrid class environment allows students to engage with each other and the instructor and to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking the German Language.
Schedule Register Now!
Register now for our 2025 winter term!
| 2025 Term: | Session Dates: | Registration Deadline: |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Jan. 13-Mar. 22, 2025 | Monday, Dec. 29, 2024 |
| Spring | Apr. 7-Jun. 14, 2025 | Monday, Mar. 24, 2025 |
| Summer | Jun. 30-Sep. 6, 2025 | Monday, Jun. 16, 2025 |
| Fall | Sep. 22-Dec. 6, 2025 | Monday, Sep. 8, 2025 |
German Level Description
Offered on: Wednesdays: 6:15-8:45 pm. Enroll now!
The emphasis of this beginner class is on pronunciation, vocabulary building, basic grammar, and basic conversation. This course is for those students with little or no ability in the language. Introduction to basic listening, reading, speaking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course. Dialogues, readings, and cultural notes included are depicted in what life is like in Germany today. Previous German not required.
Objective: To introduce German to students who never took the language at school or had German in their lives at all. This course aims to provide beginning students with a practical basic command of the language.
Learning Outcome: At the end of this course, students will be able to engage in basic conversations about most common everyday situations and write simple notes and phrases. Such functional skills as self-introduction, seeking and finding information, expressing interests, looking for housing, shopping, discussing family, friends, cultural celebrations, and entertainment options, telling time, and making plans will be acquired.
Topics: Regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, simple past tense, possessive adjectives, plural forms of German nouns, gender of nouns, alphabet, colors, numbers, telling time, ask basic questions, use of the definite and indefinite articles, prepositions, pronouns, nominatives, accusatives, word order and cases, expressions of time and season, and imperatives.
Textbook: Colloquial German by Routledge, 2nd edition, $55 including tax.
The emphasis of this beginner class is on pronunciation, vocabulary building, basic grammar, and basic conversation. This course is for those students with little or no ability in the language. Introduction to basic listening, reading, speaking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course. Dialogues, readings, and cultural notes included are depicted in what life is like in Germany today. Previous German not required.
Objective: To introduce German to students who never took the language at school or had German in their lives at all. This course aims to provide beginning students with a practical basic command of the language.
Learning Outcome: At the end of this course, students will be able to engage in basic conversations about most common everyday situations and write simple notes and phrases. Such functional skills as self-introduction, seeking and finding information, expressing interests, looking for housing, shopping, discussing family, friends, cultural celebrations, and entertainment options, telling time, and making plans will be acquired.
Topics: Regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, simple past tense, possessive adjectives, plural forms of German nouns, gender of nouns, alphabet, colors, numbers, telling time, ask basic questions, use of the definite and indefinite articles, prepositions, pronouns, nominatives, accusatives, word order and cases, expressions of time and season, and imperatives.
Textbook: Colloquial German by Routledge, 2nd edition, $55 including tax.
Offered on: Thursdays: 6:15-8:45 pm. Enroll now!
This course is the continuation of the Basic 1 level and for students who have taken formal instruction a while ago, or have previous informal exposure to the language. Building on the introductory level, students will learn to conduct simple conversations on a range of everyday subjects. Listening, reading, speaking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course.
Objective: Students will build on their vocabulary, grammar, listening, and communicative skills by acquiring more sophisticated forms and applications to be able to express their ideas and desires easily at a basic beginner’s level.
Learning Outcome: Upon completing this level, students will be able to converse comfortably on most everyday routine situations speaking in the present and past tenses. They will be able to say or express their ideas, sentences and desires easily at a basic beginner's level. They will learn enough vocabulary to continue with German Basic 3.
Topics: The past participle, present perfect, dative, genitive, conjunctions, comparatives, interrogatives, adjectives, and adverbs, demonstrative pronouns, accusative pronouns, da- and wo- compounds, prepositional contractions, ordinal numbers, stem changing verbs, independent and dependent clauses, and complementary infinitives.
Textbook: Colloquial German by Routledge, 2nd edition, $55 including tax.
This course is the continuation of the Basic 1 level and for students who have taken formal instruction a while ago, or have previous informal exposure to the language. Building on the introductory level, students will learn to conduct simple conversations on a range of everyday subjects. Listening, reading, speaking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course.
Objective: Students will build on their vocabulary, grammar, listening, and communicative skills by acquiring more sophisticated forms and applications to be able to express their ideas and desires easily at a basic beginner’s level.
Learning Outcome: Upon completing this level, students will be able to converse comfortably on most everyday routine situations speaking in the present and past tenses. They will be able to say or express their ideas, sentences and desires easily at a basic beginner's level. They will learn enough vocabulary to continue with German Basic 3.
Topics: The past participle, present perfect, dative, genitive, conjunctions, comparatives, interrogatives, adjectives, and adverbs, demonstrative pronouns, accusative pronouns, da- and wo- compounds, prepositional contractions, ordinal numbers, stem changing verbs, independent and dependent clauses, and complementary infinitives.
Textbook: Colloquial German by Routledge, 2nd edition, $55 including tax.
Offered on: Tuesdays: 6:15-8:45 pm. Enroll now!
This course is ideal for those who have a basic foundation in German. Students will continue to build upon the competencies acquired in Basic 2 to improve their listening and speaking skills through structured dialogues and other practical activities. This level continues to expand necessary grammar skills that will enable students to understand, read, write and translate sentences and paragraphs. This course is well-suited for students who have completed at least one semester of college-level German or the equivalent at a language institute.
Objective: Continuing to build upon the previously learned skills, students will acquire additional vocabulary and grammatical forms to enable them to engage in complex conversations and to write proficiently Students will also be introduced to contemporary life and culture in German-speaking countries.
Learning Outcome: By the end of this course, students will be able to have a basic conversation based on daily routine activities. They will be able to say or express their ideas with a full command of adjectives, adverbs and prepositional phrases. They will be able to understand and be understood in three major tenses, present, past, and future with some combinations of imperfect, conditional and subjunctive, as well as the passive voice. The average student will have acquired an active vocabulary of approximately 1,200 words together with many more words in speech and writing. The student is ready for intermediate level courses.
Topics: Narrative, descriptive, and indirect forms of speech, comparisons, attributes, the past perfect, and the future, negatives, the subjunctive, reflexive verbs, modals, relative clauses and pronouns, passive and impersonal passive voices.
Textbook: TBA
This course is ideal for those who have a basic foundation in German. Students will continue to build upon the competencies acquired in Basic 2 to improve their listening and speaking skills through structured dialogues and other practical activities. This level continues to expand necessary grammar skills that will enable students to understand, read, write and translate sentences and paragraphs. This course is well-suited for students who have completed at least one semester of college-level German or the equivalent at a language institute.
Objective: Continuing to build upon the previously learned skills, students will acquire additional vocabulary and grammatical forms to enable them to engage in complex conversations and to write proficiently Students will also be introduced to contemporary life and culture in German-speaking countries.
Learning Outcome: By the end of this course, students will be able to have a basic conversation based on daily routine activities. They will be able to say or express their ideas with a full command of adjectives, adverbs and prepositional phrases. They will be able to understand and be understood in three major tenses, present, past, and future with some combinations of imperfect, conditional and subjunctive, as well as the passive voice. The average student will have acquired an active vocabulary of approximately 1,200 words together with many more words in speech and writing. The student is ready for intermediate level courses.
Topics: Narrative, descriptive, and indirect forms of speech, comparisons, attributes, the past perfect, and the future, negatives, the subjunctive, reflexive verbs, modals, relative clauses and pronouns, passive and impersonal passive voices.
Textbook: TBA
Offered on: Mondays: 6:15-8:45 pm. Enroll now!
This low intermediate level course presupposes a basic knowledge of German. This class is ideal for those who studied German a long time ago and need a refresher, and those who have studied basic grammar but don't feel as though they can adequately use it in conversation. Also, this course is ideal for those who grew up in German-speaking families but never took a formal German course. Listening, reading, speaking and writing skills, vocabulary, and grammar are integral components the course.
Objective: To introduce students to a variety of strategies for learning German at home or at the office and to practice at the institute. This program will focus on the development of all four language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing; together with a fifth skill, culture, which is an integral part of this program.
Learning Outcome: Students will be comfortable having a conversation based on daily events and to express their ideas in writing. Students will be familiar with appropriate vocabulary and will know the necessary grammatical structures to briefly discuss traveling, literature, and environmental concerns.
Topics: Students will review and expand their knowledge of verb conjugations, composite and verbal nouns, prepositions, direct and indirect object constructions, the imperative, infinitive usages, possessives, and conjunctions.
Textbook: TBA
This low intermediate level course presupposes a basic knowledge of German. This class is ideal for those who studied German a long time ago and need a refresher, and those who have studied basic grammar but don't feel as though they can adequately use it in conversation. Also, this course is ideal for those who grew up in German-speaking families but never took a formal German course. Listening, reading, speaking and writing skills, vocabulary, and grammar are integral components the course.
Objective: To introduce students to a variety of strategies for learning German at home or at the office and to practice at the institute. This program will focus on the development of all four language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing; together with a fifth skill, culture, which is an integral part of this program.
Learning Outcome: Students will be comfortable having a conversation based on daily events and to express their ideas in writing. Students will be familiar with appropriate vocabulary and will know the necessary grammatical structures to briefly discuss traveling, literature, and environmental concerns.
Topics: Students will review and expand their knowledge of verb conjugations, composite and verbal nouns, prepositions, direct and indirect object constructions, the imperative, infinitive usages, possessives, and conjunctions.
Textbook: TBA
Offered on: Tuesdays: 6:15-8:45 pm. Enroll now!
This course is for the student who is at a mid-intermediate level and looking for stronger reading comprehension and writing skills. Students at this level need to have a solid foundation of the language, and are looking to expand their knowledge of the more complex forms of German. Listening, reading, speaking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course.
Objective: To become much more comfortable understanding and using the proper verb tenses as they relate to moods while speaking German. This program will continue to focus on the development of all four language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing; together with a fifth skill, culture, which is an integral part of this program.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to comfortably explain past events in both past tenses during routine conversations and plan activities in future tenses. Students will acquire a wider use of idiomatic expressions and will become more comfortable navigating German Internet sites.
Topics: By studying about current aspects of daily, real-life situations in Germany such as visiting the doctor or dentist, as well as speaking on the phone and working online, students will review uses of the infinitive, auxiliary and reflexive verbs, relative clauses, the passive, and the possessive forms, accusative uses, and several verb tenses.
Textbook: TBA
This course is for the student who is at a mid-intermediate level and looking for stronger reading comprehension and writing skills. Students at this level need to have a solid foundation of the language, and are looking to expand their knowledge of the more complex forms of German. Listening, reading, speaking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course.
Objective: To become much more comfortable understanding and using the proper verb tenses as they relate to moods while speaking German. This program will continue to focus on the development of all four language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing; together with a fifth skill, culture, which is an integral part of this program.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to comfortably explain past events in both past tenses during routine conversations and plan activities in future tenses. Students will acquire a wider use of idiomatic expressions and will become more comfortable navigating German Internet sites.
Topics: By studying about current aspects of daily, real-life situations in Germany such as visiting the doctor or dentist, as well as speaking on the phone and working online, students will review uses of the infinitive, auxiliary and reflexive verbs, relative clauses, the passive, and the possessive forms, accusative uses, and several verb tenses.
Textbook: TBA
Offered on: Thursdays: 6:15-8:45 pm. Enroll now!
This is the final conversational review grammar-based course. This course is for students who are at a high intermediate level and don’t feel ready for the more advanced levels. Students at this level are able to handle everyday conversations with ease but are eager to expand their cultural and idiomatic knowledge of German, as well as wrap-up their learning of advanced grammar. Listening, reading, speaking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course.
Objective: This level will end covering all the grammatical structures needed to send the student into real-life situations speaking German and to get them ready for the more advanced courses with a full command of the language’s most important verb tenses. This program will continue to focus on the development of all four language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing; together with a fifth skill, culture, which is an integral part of this program.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able have a conversation with native speakers about different subjects using the right conjugations and right words when talking or expressing specific points of view. They will become familiar and comfortable using the more complex verb tenses and idiomatic expressions.
Topics: Students will acquire enough fluency to be able to express thoughts and ideas, give detailed information about various means of transportation, directions, and detailed descriptions of areas, cities and towns in German-speaking countries. Students will review and master grammatical forms such as complex infinitive constructions, conjunctions, subjunctives, adjectival modalities, the participle, relative clauses, the passive, negatives, comparatives and superlatives, indicatives and demonstratives.
Textbook: TBA
This is the final conversational review grammar-based course. This course is for students who are at a high intermediate level and don’t feel ready for the more advanced levels. Students at this level are able to handle everyday conversations with ease but are eager to expand their cultural and idiomatic knowledge of German, as well as wrap-up their learning of advanced grammar. Listening, reading, speaking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course.
Objective: This level will end covering all the grammatical structures needed to send the student into real-life situations speaking German and to get them ready for the more advanced courses with a full command of the language’s most important verb tenses. This program will continue to focus on the development of all four language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing; together with a fifth skill, culture, which is an integral part of this program.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able have a conversation with native speakers about different subjects using the right conjugations and right words when talking or expressing specific points of view. They will become familiar and comfortable using the more complex verb tenses and idiomatic expressions.
Topics: Students will acquire enough fluency to be able to express thoughts and ideas, give detailed information about various means of transportation, directions, and detailed descriptions of areas, cities and towns in German-speaking countries. Students will review and master grammatical forms such as complex infinitive constructions, conjunctions, subjunctives, adjectival modalities, the participle, relative clauses, the passive, negatives, comparatives and superlatives, indicatives and demonstratives.
Textbook: TBA
Offered on: Mondays: 6:15-8:45 pm. Enroll now!
This level is to gain an advanced command of German. There will be a review of previous material covered in the Intermediate 3 level, but the focus of this class will be on advanced topics: complex grammar, such as the present perfect conjugated with "haben" and "sein," the present perfect of separable and modal verbs, the passive voice, and more sophisticated vocabulary and themes in the German-speaking world.
Objective: This level will cover vocabulary and structures which will allow the learner to become autonomous when fulfilling functions such as shopping, dining out or describing one’s professional life or studies. While the content of this level will continue to enrich the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, learners will also have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of idiomatic speech and the culture and etiquette of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able have a conversation with native speakers about different subjects using the correct conjugations and appropriate vocabulary when conversing or expressing specific points of view. Learners will also be able to make purchases with an understanding of local practices. They will be able to express themselves accurately in a variety of different social and professional situations and will be acquainted with local customs such as appropriate etiquette when dining out.
Topics: Students will function with ease when making purchases of clothing and food, and be able to express likes, dislikes, tastes and to make comparisons. Students will discuss dining out and learn about various regional specialties. They will also describe their studies and their professional lives and have the opportunity to become conversant with different aspects of Germanic culture and customs. Current social, economic, historical, political and other topics from the German-speaking world will also form the basis of classroom discussions.
Textbook: TBA
This level is to gain an advanced command of German. There will be a review of previous material covered in the Intermediate 3 level, but the focus of this class will be on advanced topics: complex grammar, such as the present perfect conjugated with "haben" and "sein," the present perfect of separable and modal verbs, the passive voice, and more sophisticated vocabulary and themes in the German-speaking world.
Objective: This level will cover vocabulary and structures which will allow the learner to become autonomous when fulfilling functions such as shopping, dining out or describing one’s professional life or studies. While the content of this level will continue to enrich the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, learners will also have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of idiomatic speech and the culture and etiquette of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able have a conversation with native speakers about different subjects using the correct conjugations and appropriate vocabulary when conversing or expressing specific points of view. Learners will also be able to make purchases with an understanding of local practices. They will be able to express themselves accurately in a variety of different social and professional situations and will be acquainted with local customs such as appropriate etiquette when dining out.
Topics: Students will function with ease when making purchases of clothing and food, and be able to express likes, dislikes, tastes and to make comparisons. Students will discuss dining out and learn about various regional specialties. They will also describe their studies and their professional lives and have the opportunity to become conversant with different aspects of Germanic culture and customs. Current social, economic, historical, political and other topics from the German-speaking world will also form the basis of classroom discussions.
Textbook: TBA
Offered on: Wednesdays: 6:15-8:45 pm. Enroll now!
This level is to gain an advanced command of German. There will be a review of previous material covered in the Pre-Advanced level
Objective: The objective is to bring the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills up to the level where the students understand and control the most complex grammar and syntax. The students will focus on clarity and precision while using the language. A wealth of new and more complex vocabulary and idiomatic expressions will be introduced together with exposure to more cultural/social topics.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to converse on a variety of topics using accurate grammar and syntax. They will understand and express not only the straightforward but also opinion, common idiomatic expressions and point of view. Learners will become accustomed to using this vocabulary and grammar and syntax with ease. They will understand and be able to use more nuanced expression, and opinions.
Topics:The class will cover more complex articles and audio such as opinion pieces and editorials on topics such as history, politics, government, business, economics, international relations, foreign affairs, society, culture, science, and technology. They will also read poems and have an introduction to literature.
Textbook: TBA
This level is to gain an advanced command of German. There will be a review of previous material covered in the Pre-Advanced level
Objective: The objective is to bring the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills up to the level where the students understand and control the most complex grammar and syntax. The students will focus on clarity and precision while using the language. A wealth of new and more complex vocabulary and idiomatic expressions will be introduced together with exposure to more cultural/social topics.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to converse on a variety of topics using accurate grammar and syntax. They will understand and express not only the straightforward but also opinion, common idiomatic expressions and point of view. Learners will become accustomed to using this vocabulary and grammar and syntax with ease. They will understand and be able to use more nuanced expression, and opinions.
Topics:The class will cover more complex articles and audio such as opinion pieces and editorials on topics such as history, politics, government, business, economics, international relations, foreign affairs, society, culture, science, and technology. They will also read poems and have an introduction to literature.
Textbook: TBA
Program Details
$380 for a 10-week one level class per student. Au-Pairs can receive a 10% discount on tuition with proof of their status. Enroll now!
May be purchased at the time of registration or at the Institute before or on the first day of class. All prices quoted include a 6% DC sales tax and all prices are subject to change at any time. Tax-exempt organizations or individuals need to provide proof of sales tax exemption before being charged. No retroactive refunds of sales tax. Once received by the student, books and other materials are the property of the student and are non-refundable.
Regarding placement, we recommend that you go to our self-evaluation guide on our website. Kindly read through each description of each level. If you feel that you are able to fulfill all the tasks described in one level, then move on to the next level and so on, until you reach a description of tasks that you are unable to fulfill. That would correspond to the level of classes in which you should enroll. If, once enrolled, you should not feel comfortable at that level, you can transfer to another level, availability permitting. We do not offer placement tests.
Regular group classes meet once weekly in the evening (6:15-8:45 pm ET) or on Saturday mornings (10 am-12:30 pm ET) for 10 weeks. Each session is 2.5 hours. All class hours are U.S. Eastern Time (Standard or Daylight Saving). Classes cancelled due to holidays, instructors’ sickness, or other unforeseen circumstances are made up at the end of the regular term unless the entire class can arrange for a make-up on another day of the week.
In-person at ILI and online via Zoom. Our classes are usually held in person at Rhode Island Ave NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036. Classes are also offered online via Zoom. We are within walking distance from the Metro's Dupont Circle (South exit) and Farragut North stations. Parking garages are close by and parking on the street is available after 6:30 pm.
Minimum 3, maximum 12 students. We recommend signing up as early as possible so we can adequately plan for all classes. If the minimum enrollment of at least 3 students per class is not met, we will have to cancel that class after the registration deadline has passed. In case of a cancellation, students will be given the opportunity to change classes, postpone their enrollment or request a full refund.
Our program requires each student to participate in weekly quizzes, which will be graded, based on a “Pass” or “Fail” system. There will be a final quiz that will measure the sum of the instructional objectives for the course. Grades are verbally communicated to students at the end of each class/course, and are marked on the attendance/performance sheet. Students must have completed and passed at least 70% of the quizzes to move to the next level.
It is important for students to attend every class meeting. It is also important that they arrive on time for class. We cover a lot of material in each class. The instructor cannot repeat material for students who are absent or come late. Students will be marked absent when they do not come to class. Missed group classes may only be made up if the same level is being offered on another day and the class is not at full capacity. Students who arrive 15 minutes after the advertised starting time will be marked late. For every 3 times that the student is marked as late, it will count as a missed hour. If we notice that a student’s attendance is in danger of falling below 70%, we will issue an attendance report to the student.
Per request, we can issue certificates of completion after the term has ended. The certificate can be ordered at the front desk. In order to be eligible to receive a certificate or pass to the next level, you are required to attend a minimum of 70% of the classes and have a “Passing” grade. We will need a couple of days in order to verify your attendance and passing grade before issuing the certificate.
ILI’s foreign language group programs are accredited by ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training), and we also offer 2.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) per every successfully completed course, 5.0 for the accelerated courses. Upon request, our Certificates of Completion can include the CEU’s earned per semester.
No refunds are issued for any reason after the registration deadline for the term (see Schedule above). Classes cancelled due to holidays, instructors’ sickness, or other unforeseen circumstances are made up at the end of the regular term unless the entire class can arrange for a make-up on another day of the week. Individually missed group classes may only be made up if the same level is being offered on another day and the class is not at full capacity. Otherwise there is no make-up for individually missed classes.
The International Language Institute reserves the right to cancel any class if deemed necessary. Prior to commencement of class, students will be given a full refund. In the event of cancellation after the commencement of class, the pro-rata portion of the unexpended tuition will be refunded. The prorated amount of refundable monies will be determined by the ratio of classes completed to the total number of classes in the scheduled program. The International Language Institute reserves the right to assign substitute instructors whenever necessary.
Classes are cancelled in accordance with federal government closures for the entire day due to inclement weather. Please check public announcements on radio, TV and the internet; or call ILI at (202) 362-2505. Closures are also posted on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ILIinDC. We rarely follow early dismissals. ILI is closed for the following holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day. Group classes will not meet on these holidays and the missed class(es) will be made up at the end of the term.
Please contact our Foreign Language Coordinator, Jane Edwards, at (202) 686-5610 ext. 105 or at [email protected].