Easy German
Winter School lite

December 8 to 20, 2024


Brush up your German with us in the heart of Berlin this December! Our Winter School lite is a 10 day in-person program that focusses on improving your spoken German.

Applications close on September 8

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Date

Dec 8 → Dec 20, 2024

The program starts in the afternoon of Sunday, December 8 with an informal welcome and ends on Friday, December 20 around noon. Travel to and from Berlin should take place before/after those dates.

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Program & Curriculum

Our program focusses on boosting your conversational German skills. In the mornings you will visit conversation classes at our partner school GLS Sprachenzentrum Berlin. GLS is a certified language school in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, right on famous Kastanienallee, where we shoot most of our Easy German videos. After a placement test, you will join a class at GLS that matches your language level.

On some days, you will spend the afternoon or evening with the Easy German team and your classmates. You will explore Berlin to practice your German among friends and with strangers on the streets (just like in our videos) and get to be a part of our video and podcast productions.

Good to know: The amount of conversation classes at GLS is the same in our Winter School lite is the same as in the Easy German Summer School. However, the Winter School lite includes fewer planned afternoon and evening activities. We encourage you to explore Berlin’s many museums, cafés and sights during your free afternoons.

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Intensive German Course

The Winter School includes 30 hours of German classes at our partner school GLS Sprachenzentrum Berlin (4 lessons per day á 45 min). The intensive course trains German for everyday communication and is taught in tandem, with 2 teachers responsible for every class, and alternating at every break. German is the only language spoken in class, from the first day on.

Classes take place from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. in international groups with a maximum of 14 students per class, including GLS students who are not part of the Easy German Winter School.

Two weeks is not enough for you? Participants who would like to extend their stay in Berlin have the option to book additional classes at GLS before or after the Winter School.

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Activities with the
Easy German Team

Please note:
We are still planning the exact program for this year’s Winter School lite. Activities are subject to change.

Scavenger Hunt

Explore Berlin and challenge yourself to interact with strangers in the street, Easy German-style.

Easy German Meetup

Meet other German learners from our community and practice German together.

Christmas Market

We’ll explore one of Berlin’s Christmas Markets and savor a warm Glühwein or Punsch together.

 
 

Video Shoot

Join us behind the scenes and shoot a new Easy German video with us. Up for a challenge? Take the mic and conduct an interview on the street.

Podcast Production

Visit Manuel in our recording studio and learn the basics of podcast production. At the end, you’ll have produced your very own podcast segment.

 

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Language Levels

Our immersive program includes conversations and activities in intermediate to advanced German. In order for all participants to get the most out of the experience, we require applicants to acquire an A2 level or higher before the start of the program.

If you're unsure if you meet this requirement, you can do a free A2 level test here.

How to determine your exact level? Before the Winter School lite starts, you’ll be invited to complete both a written (online) and oral (in-person) placement test with our partner school GLS. You will be placed in a class that matches your exact level at the beginning of the program.

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Inclusion & Diversity

The Easy German Winter School lite is open to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, personality type, or age.

We support the LGBTQ+ community and strive to create a safe and supportive space where all participants feel welcome, respected, and empowered to share their experiences and grow together in their language learning journey.

We mean it. All participants are required to conduct themselves in a respectful and non-discriminatory manner. We reserve the right to dismiss participants failing to uphold these principles, without compensation or refund.

Price

The tuition for the Easy German Winter School lite is 890 € (incl. VAT). To enable participants from all backgrounds and walks of life to join, we reserve an equal number of spots at a reduced price and at a supporter price. If the regular price is beyond your means, you can apply for the reduced price in your application. If you’re in a position to support others, selecting the supporter price helps us maintain a diverse group of learners.

Regular Price

€ 890

Supporter Price

€ 1240

Reduced Price

€ 540

The price includes:

  • Tuition for classes at GLS

  • Class materials

  • Expenses connected to our planned activities

Not included:

  • Travel to and from Berlin

  • Accommodation in Berlin
    (our partner GLS can help you arrange accommodation)

  • Meals and drinks

All prices include applicable VAT.
Payment details will be provided via email once your registration is confirmed.
Terms & Conditions

Applications close on September 8

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Application Process

Our goal is to create a unique and personal learning experience for all participants. To provide everyone with a fair chance to buy a ticket, the registration process consists of several steps:

 

  • You’ll be able to apply for a ticket on this page until (including) September 8, 2024.

    There are only a few spots left. Every application will be considered equally. To be eligible, simply ensure your application is submitted within this timeframe.

  • Given the expected high volume of applications, we likely cannot accommodate all applicants. Our aim is to assemble a diverse group of participants.

    While Easy German members will receive priority in the application process, membership alone does not guarantee a spot.

  • We will inform you via email about the status of your application by September 11, 2024. If selected, you will have 7 days to confirm and complete your registration.

    To avoid delivery issues, please add these addresses to your contacts or known senders:
    1) school@easygerman.org
    2) noreply+automations@airtableemail.com

  • In September 2024, our partner GLS will send you an invoice via email and help facilitate your payment. You will be able to split your payment into 2 partial payments.

    Your registration is confirmed once your payment is complete.

    If you’d like to extend your stay in Berlin and take additional classes at GLS before or after the Winter School lite, GLS will help you book these classes. They’ll also be able to help organize accommodation on or off campus in Berlin, should you be interested.

  • In the weeks leading up to the Winter School, you’ll receive detailed information about our program, what to pack, and everything else you need to know. You’ll also be asked to complete an online language-level placement test in preparation for your courses at GLS.

    If you have any questions in the meantime, we’re always available via email.

 

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FAQ

  • The program lasts 11 days, starting with an informal welcome in the afternoon of Sunday, December 8, 2024.

    Classes start on Monday, December 9, 2024.

    The program ends after classes (around noon) on December 20, 2024.

    We recommend that you arrive in Berlin on December 7 (or earlier) and depart in the afternoon of December 20 (or later).

  • To apply for our 2024 Winter School lite, fill out the application form on this page on or before September 8, 2024. Please refer to the registration process above for detailed information.

  • Yes, you’ll be able to name another person in your application. If selected, we’ll try to reserve spots for both of you.

    Note that the other person also needs to send their own individual application and name you!

    Both applicants must fully pay for and participate in the Summer School. For logistical reasons, we cannot accommodate family members or friends who are not participants during individual activities.

  • We are offering a limited number of tickets at a reduces rate for participants who genuinely cannot afford the full price. As everyone’s situation is unique, these reduced tickets are not tied to student status, retirement, or any specific criteria.

    To apply for a reduced ticket, we kindly ask you to provide a brief explanation of why you are unable to afford the regular price during the application process.

  • Yes, if you are not selected for a reduced price but would still like to be considered for a ticket at the regular price, you will have the option to indicate this during the application process.

  • The supporter price is a higher registration fee option for those who can afford to contribute more. This helps us offer reduced price tickets to others and ensures our event is accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances.

    Choosing this option not only supports the community but may also increase your chances of securing a spot, as it’s likely fewer people will apply for this ticket type.

  • Yes, Easy German members receive priority in the selection process for the Summer School. However, membership is just one of several factors considered and does not guarantee a spot.

  • Accommodation can be arranged through GLS at Hotel Oderberger or a studio apartment on campus.

    Additionally, GLS offers homestay options off campus.

    If you are interested in learning more about the accommodation options with GLS, please choose that option in the registration form and we will connect you. Note that some options can be quickly booked out.

    You are also free to arrange your own accommodation at any of the many hostels, hotels, rooms and apartments available in Berlin.

  • Our partner GLS can issue a formal invitation to the course if this is needed to apply for a visa.

  • You can cancel your participation up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the program. If you have to cancel at a later point, we can not guarantee a full refund.

    We recommend obtaining travel or event insurance that covers cancellations due to sickness or other unforeseen circumstances to protect yourself financially in case you are unable to attend.

  • We expect around 40 students to participate in this year’s Easy German Winter School. We will split up into smaller groups for some of our activities.

    Note that your morning classes at GLS will take place with other GLS students who are not participating in the Easy German Winter School lite.

  • If you want to join us later in the program, need to leave a bit earlier or want to skip a day in between the Easy German Winter School lite, that’s not a problem. Please note that we cannot issue partial refunds or offer reduced pricing in these cases. If you know that you will miss certain days or events, please let us know in advance.

  • For logistical reasons, it is not possible to bring along a partner, child or friend to the classes or afternoon activities, unless they are also fully registered for the Winter School lite.

  • The Easy German Winter School lite is focused on conversation and activity-based learning. We want you to work on your spoken German and give you the chance to practice your German in a fun and active environment.

    Our immersive program includes conversations and activities in intermediate to advanced German. In order for all participants to get the most out of the experience, we require applicants to acquire an A2 level or higher before the start of the program.

    If you're unsure if you meet this requirement, you can do a free A2 level test here.

    A placement test, consisting of a written and an oral part, before starting the program is obligatory for all participants. You will complete the online test about one month before the Winter School lite. You will have an additional interview with a teacher at GLS before you start your classes on the first day.

  • You’ll finish the intensive course with a GLS certificate, documenting course level and course duration. If you need a certificate describing your language skills in detail, you can take a GLS exam = level end test (€ 100) every Thursday. This certificate contains grades for reading, writing, grammar and speaking.

  • The price of the program does not include travel to and from Berlin, accommodation or meals and drinks. The necessary budget for each of these things will depend on your individual circumstances.

    For travel, make sure to factor in any expenses related to your passport or visa, as well as travel insurance.

    For accommodation in Berlin, you should budget:

    • At least 30 € per night for a bed in a shared dormitory
    • At least 70 € per night for a budget hotel room
    • At least 100 € per night for regular hotel room

    (Our partner GLS can help you arrange accommodation on or off campus.)

    For meals and everyday expenses, you can expect these prices:

    • Street food meal (curry sausage, kebab etc.): 4 - 8 €
    • Restaurant meal (with drink): from 13 €
    • Cup of cappuccino: approx. 4 €
    • Beer at a pub: approx. 4 €
    • Single-trip subway ride: 3 €
    • 5 km taxi ride: approx. 20 €

  • You can Terms & conditions here.

  • Classes are held at GLS Sprachenzentrum on Kastanienallee 82 in Berlin. Our activities will take place in different places in Berlin.

    Good locations for you to find accommodation will be directly at GLS Sprachenzentrum or around Prenzlauer Berg, Wedding, Pankow, Friedrichshain or Mitte.

    The closest subway station is Eberswalder Straße. The closest tram stop (Schwedter Str.) is located right in front of the school.

 

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Ready to Join?

Applications close on September 8

Can't join this year, but would like to be informed about future programs? Subscribe to be notified.