Home Compare German courses Learning German in Germany: courses, tutors and apps compared Last checked 27 September 2026
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In short If you are eligible, start with the state-funded BAMF integration course (Integrationskurs). It combines language lessons with an orientation course, and your cost share depends on your status. Your local Volkshochschule (VHS), the Goethe-Institut and Deutsche Welle's free online course are strong alternatives. Paid apps and tutor platforms work best as extra practice, not as a replacement.
New to this? Read the guide first: Learning German
Options for newcomers 1.
Lingoda Good if you need live classes that fit your schedule It offers live small-group online classes from A1 to C1 along CEFR levels, with a placement test.
Good for
Live classes with a teacher when no local course fits your schedule A structured CEFR path (A1–C1) Watch out
It is not an integration course and does not replace one It is a subscription, so check class credits and renewal terms 2.
italki Good for pay-per-lesson speaking practice One-to-one teachers with no subscription. You book lessons when you need them.
Good for
Pay-per-lesson flexibility without a subscription Conversation practice with native speakers Watch out
Teacher quality and prices vary, so read profiles and book a trial 3.
Preply Good for targeted one-to-one tutoring A large tutor marketplace, useful for exam or job-interview preparation.
Good for
One-to-one speaking practice Preparing for a specific exam or job interview Watch out
Tutor quality and prices vary, so try a trial lesson first 4.
Babbel Good for daily self-study alongside a course Structured app lessons with AI conversation practice. It works best as a supplement.
Good for
Self-paced learning in short daily sessions Complementing a classroom course Watch out
An app alone rarely gets you to an exam level. Use it alongside a course It is a subscription, so note the renewal date How we compared Criterion Weight Why it matters Recognised path to a certificate Most important Visas and naturalisation need recognised exams. Courses that lead to them come first. Live speaking practice Most important Speaking with a teacher or tutor, not only self-study. Flexibility Important Subscription or pay per lesson, and whether it fits around work. Cost Important Subsidised and free options come first. We don't publish app prices because they change often.
For visa or citizenship requirements, check which certificate is accepted before paying for any course. Conditions change. Check the current terms on the provider's website before you sign up. See our editorial policy .
Sources Rules can change. These are the pages we checked — they have the final word. How we check facts
Integration courses Official source · Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) · checked 27 September 2026