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Language School Berlin · Updated: August 2026
English Courses in Berlin Compared
The short answer: the right English course depends on your goal, level, and budget. This page compares all formats in Berlin – one-to-one, business English, intensive and corporate courses, plus free options – honestly, including the alternatives VHS and language apps. Simmonds has taught with native-speaking trainers since 2004, in Berlin at Kurfürstendamm 30 and online.
One-to-one · intensive courses · corporate courses · in person on Ku’damm & online
Course comparison
All formats at a glance
All prices per 90 minutes, VAT-exempt (§4 Nr.21 UStG), no long-term contracts. 60-minute sessions are also possible (€60–70).
| Format | Group size | Level | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-to-one lessons | 1 person | A1–C2 | €90–110 online · €115 in person / 90 min. | Fast, individual goals; executives; discreet training |
| Business English | 1–5 people | B1–C2 | from €90 / 90 min., quoted to need | Meetings, presentations, negotiations at work |
| Intensive course | 1–3 people | A2–C1 | on request | Visible progress in a few weeks – before an assignment abroad or a new job |
| Corporate courses | 3–5 people | A1–C2 | €97.50–105 online / 90 min. · in-house on request | Teams & departments, level-matched groups, HR progress reports |
| AI English training | 1 person | A2–C1 | add-on to a course | 24/7 speaking practice with an AI avatar between live sessions |
| Free options | — | A1–C1 | €0 | Online lessons, vocabulary trainer, podcasts, and placement test without sign-up |
Not sure about your level? The free placement test above takes 15–20 minutes and uses scenarios from everyday working life in Berlin.
The Berlin market
Which Option Fits Whom?
There are four ways to learn English in Berlin: adult education centre (VHS), private language school, apps/self-study, or one-to-one training. The Berlin market is big – from chains like Berlitz to district VHS. What matters is what you want to achieve – the direct provider comparison (Berlitz, inlingua, Simmonds) is linked below.
since 2004of experience
10+native-speaking trainers
50+corporate clients
VHS: affordable but inflexible
The adult education centre is the cheapest live option per person and a good choice for hobby English. The limits: large groups (often 10–15 participants), a fixed semester rhythm with registration deadlines, a general curriculum without industry focus, and little individual speaking time. If you need English professionally, progress there is usually slower.
Apps & self-study: a good supplement
Duolingo, Babbel & co. train vocabulary and listening – free or cheap, any time. What they can't do: real speaking under pressure, correction of pronunciation and register, negotiation and meeting situations. Our recommendation: an app or our free lessons as a daily supplement, live training for real progress.
Private language school: when it counts
A private language school pays off when English is a career or business factor: native-speaking trainers, small groups (3–5) or 1:1, industry-specific vocabulary – in Berlin e.g. fintech, startups, pharma – flexible start without semester commitment, and measurable progress against CEFR A1–C2. At Simmonds this comes with free online lessons, podcasts, and an AI avatar for speaking practice. How we compare against Berlitz & inlingua is on the provider comparison page.
Ku’damm or online?
In-person at Kurfürstendamm 30 (Charlottenburg) suits learners who value the fixed appointment and a personal counterpart – €115 per 90 minutes. Online via Zoom, Teams, or Meet is cheaper (€90–110), saves the trip across town, and demonstrably works just as well for speaking practice. Corporate courses also run in-house – from Mitte to Adlershof. Last updated: August 2026.
Decision guide
Which Course Fits?
Three typical starting points – and the right format
Job & career
Meetings, emails, presentations
You need confident English at work – from client calls to presentations. Business English with industry-specific vocabulary gets you there fastest, one-to-one or in a small group.
Fast & individual
Your pace, your topics
Promotion, new job, assignment abroad: when it has to move quickly, one-to-one is the most efficient format – flexible scheduling, content cut exactly to your goal, usually starting within the same week.
Team & company
Level-matched small groups
Your department needs to work in English? Corporate courses with CEFR placement, level-matched small groups (3–5), and monthly HR progress reports – in-house from Mitte to Adlershof or online.
Who we work with
DHLToyotaMedia MarktContinentalDeutsche Pop
“Wir schulen seit 5 Jahren unsere Teams über Simmonds. Die branchenspezifischen Materialien und die Flexibilität der Trainer machen den Unterschied.”
“Nach einem dreimonatigen Intensivtraining konnte ich meine erste internationale Präsentation souverän auf Englisch halten.”
“Die kostenlosen Online-Lektionen haben mich überzeugt. Die Qualität des Einzelunterrichts hat meine Erwartungen übertroffen.”
Frequently asked questions
How much does an English course in Berlin cost?+−
At Simmonds, online one-to-one lessons cost €90–110 per 90 minutes (60-minute sessions possible); in-person lessons on Kurfürstendamm are €115 per 90 minutes. Online corporate courses are €97.50–105 per 90 minutes per group; intensive courses and in-house training are quoted individually. All prices are VAT-exempt (§4 Nr.21 UStG). For comparison: adult-education (VHS) courses are cheaper per person but run in large groups over a semester; chains like Berlitz work with package prices that are often higher per hour than ours.
Adult education centre (VHS) or private language school – which is better?+−
It depends on your goal. The VHS is the right choice on a small budget with English as a hobby: large groups, semester rhythm, general topics. A private language school like Simmonds pays off when it matters professionally: native-speaking trainers, small groups or 1:1, industry-specific vocabulary, flexible start, and measurable progress by CEFR. Apps like Duolingo are a good supplement but no replacement for speaking practice.
How long does it take to get from B1 to B2?+−
As a rule of thumb: around 200 hours of learning per CEFR level. With one 90-minute session per week plus regular self-study (e.g. with our free lessons and the AI avatar), most professionals reach B2 in 6–12 months. Training more intensively is faster – regular speaking practice is what matters.
Where do in-person lessons take place in Berlin?+−
At our office at Kurfürstendamm 30, 10719 Berlin (Charlottenburg) – right by the Uhlandstraße U-Bahn station. We also run corporate courses in-house at your company – from Mitte to Adlershof without a travel surcharge.
Are evening or weekend sessions available?+−
Yes. One-to-one lessons and mini groups can be scheduled flexibly at off-peak times – early morning before work or evenings until 8 p.m. Peak slots (5–7 p.m.) fill up quickly; flexible learners get a place sooner.
Can I test for free which course fits?+−
Yes, in three ways: the free placement test (top of this page) shows your CEFR level. Our free online lessons and podcasts show the teaching quality. And in a free initial consultation we clarify your goal and format – no obligation.
Improve your English for free
Free online lessons twice a week, vocabulary trainer with 600 words, and a placement test – all without signing up.
Get in touch
Tell us briefly what you need English or German for — we'll suggest the best format for your goals and schedule.
We typically respond within one working day.
What to expect
- ✓ Confident in meetings
- ✓ Persuasive presentations
- ✓ Professional negotiations
- ✓ Texts that work