This site gives you the answers to the most frequently asked questions and help you chose before you've registered for a speakeasy language course.
It's super easy to register online for your chosen course! 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).
Once you've paid for the course there are no additional costs for registration. All you have to do is get your books: there is a coursebook and a workbook for each level from A1.1 until B1.2 and then a combined book from B2.1. The price for the books can be found in our price list!
Online payments can be made via credit card, bank transfer or Paypal.
There are a number of ways to shave money off 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. There is for example a €10 early-bird discount for those who register well before their next course starts or a €10 bring-a-friend coupon.
Discounts are not available online but can be redeemed at our office at Warschauer Straße 36. Make sure to ask us about the various discount options we have when you come by. Do note however, that individual discounts cannot be combined or accrued and can only be redeemed separately.
A little pressed for time? No worries as speakeasy have a whole bunch of courses running from 9am to 9pm weekedays so we're sure to find you a course that best fits you. If something comes up within a month we can also switch courses for you to a time that suits better (depending on availability).
All applications for refunds must be in writing 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 the issue with the course is time or the level of the course, we'd be happy to switch you into a more suitable stream.
We do not provide our own accommodation. However, we are happy to help you out with some useful advice!
Only students enrolled in our Super-Intensive Courses are eligible for a Language Student Visa. If you are enrolled in our 18-hour-a-week course we can send you a confirmation of study which you can use at the embassy to apply for your visa. More info can be found at our Visa webpage here.
Our crack analytics team puts the average number of participants between 8 and 10 students per class. Some of our course times and levels tend to be more popular than others, so it might happen that some courses are fully booked. Our courses start from a minimum number of 4 students. The maximum number of students in a group is between 12 and 14, depending on the classroom.
speakeasy language courses go for 4 weeks. Shorter stays in our courses (2-3 weeks) can also be accommodated but you need to let us know in person. Keep in mind that you can also get a better price if you book for more than one month in advance!
Each level from A1 up to B1 requires 2 months to complete. In other words, A1 requires 2 months and is usually split into A.1.1 and A.1.2 (one month each). The same applies to A2 and B1.
After that, B2 students require 3 months to get up to scratch and C1 students require a further 4 months.
All teachers at the school have a native-level proficiency in German and are certified to teach it as a second language. Our team includes educators from diverse backgrounds, each contributing their valuable experiences to the classroom.
The class language is always German though beginner courses (A1/2) receive additional in-class explanations in English where necessary, until the group gets accustomed to being taught entirely in German.
Classes at speakeasy are centred around.....wait for it....speaking! Fun, frivolity and group exercises are used as a springboard to get people more confident and chatting like crazy. Students who also want to learn for an exam can rest easy that the substantive content of each level will be fulfilled, which means that there'll be plenty of writing, listening and reading too!
We have an online portal to help you find your level of German before you register for a course. If you're still unsure, just come on by to our office at Warschauer Straße 36 and we'll find the most suitable level for you.
Would you like to sit in on a class at Speakeasy? Come on by and tell us first and we'll try our best to fit you in. Please do remember to come latest one week before a class starts, so that you can be sure that there is still time to sign up before the new courses begin.
We sure do! We have university-recognised exams running at our very own school. They take place once a month at speakeasy and there's no requirement for anyone wanting to take an exam at speakeasy to also be a student at the school. In addition to this, speakeasy also offers exam-preparation classes that help students ready themselves for the big day. We have a number of experienced trainers at the school that can help you to this end. We also have a large pool of examiners to choose from to ensure that your exam proceeds officially and by the book.
Our classes take place in our snazzy classrooms on 36 Warschauer Straße. Getting here is super easy by U-bahn, S-bahn and the M10. [Link to map]
If you find the level of the course you're isn't the best fit for you, just come and tell us and we'll switch levels for you-free of charge of course!
speakeasy students can purchase course books at the school. From A1.1 to B1.2, you’ll need a course book and a work book, from B2.1 it’s a combined book. Have a look at our price list to find out how much the books are.
Don't worry if you've slept in and missed a lesson! Our teachers make sure to record what exercises have been finished in class and which ones have been set for homework. If you happened to have missed a class just let us know and we'll get you the homework in time for your next lesson.
Normally a booked class needs to be taken in the month it is planned for. If you contact the school latest ten days before the class starts, however, we will do our best to accommodate the postponement request or give you credit for your next course. As always please remember to communicate such requests in writing (email is fine), verbal requests are not formal or binding.
Unfortunately, TELC exams cannot be postponed under any circumstances.
You bet! A whole bunch, in fact! We celebrate every 2 weeks with a traditional German get-together at a biergarten called a Stammtisch. We also host parties at speakeasy as well as film nights and excursions to Berliner institutions.