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Simmonds Language Services · online across DACH · Updated: August 2026
Learning English online: your free initial consultation with Simmonds
You pay only for what you use – no contracts, no minimum term, no packages to commit to. Before you start there is a free consultation: in 15–20 minutes we assess your CEFR level, clarify your goals and suggest the right native-speaking trainer. So instead of a trial lesson you get a conversation that tells you where you stand – and from there you decide lesson by lesson.
Pay only for lessons taken · no minimum term · free first consultation · €90–110 / 90 min, VAT-exempt
English testsHow good is your English?
Does Simmonds offer a trial lesson?
No – we do not offer trial lessons. Instead, there is a free consultation before the course starts. The reason is simple: a single lesson says little about whether a training programme fits you. A short conversation about level, goals and everyday work says a great deal – and costs you 15 minutes instead of 90.
You can still experience the teaching style for free: twice a week our native-speaking trainers run free online lessons, and the CEFR placement test is available at any time without signing up.
What happens in the free consultation?
CEFR assessment
We determine your starting level between A1 and C2. Taking the online placement test beforehand saves time – we then only discuss the result.
Goals and situations
Leading meetings, client calls, presentations, job interviews or an exam: we clarify which situations you need to master in English – and in what timeframe.
The right trainer
From our team of native-speaking trainers we suggest the person who suits your industry and learning style – including format, rhythm and time slots.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Step 1
Fill in the form
Name, email and one sentence about your goal are enough – for example “lead meetings in English” or “prepare for a job interview”. The more specific, the better the trainer match.
Step 2
Appointment proposal within 24 hours
On working days we come back within 24 hours with two or three proposed slots for the free consultation – evening slots are possible too.
Step 3
Free consultation
15–20 minutes by phone or video call: level, goals, format and trainer. Afterwards you receive a written offer – with no obligation.
What do lessons cost after the consultation?
Online one-to-one lessons cost €90–110 for 90 minutes; 60-minute sessions are also possible. Language instruction is VAT-exempt (§4 Nr. 21 UStG) – so no VAT is added to the price quoted. Teaching materials are included.
There is no minimum term: you book as many sessions as you like and can reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Corporate small-group courses and in-house training are quoted individually – in both cases you receive a written offer.
Who teaches at Simmonds?
Simmonds Language Services has worked exclusively with native-speaking trainers since 2004 – ten qualified teachers with experience in business English training. The institute was founded and is led by James Simmonds, a British native speaker who has taught English in Hanover for more than 20 years.
Teaching is live via Zoom, Teams or Meet – online across the DACH region, and in Hanover and Berlin also in person. More than 50 corporate clients, including DHL Supply Chain and Continental, have their teams trained with us.
Last updated: August 2026.
Related pages
- Online one-to-one English lessons →
- All online English courses at a glance →
- Free English placement test →
- English for companies →
Ready for the first step? The consultation is free and without obligation.
How much does it cost?
| Format | Duration | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online — Private lessons | 90 minutes | €90–110 | 1:1, Zoom / Teams / Meet |
| Online — Corporate lessons | 90 minutes | €97.50–105 | Small groups, tailored curriculum |
| In-person | 90 minutes | €115 | On-site or our office in Berlin / Hanover |
Prices depend on format, frequency, and requirements. Language instruction is VAT-exempt (§4 Nr.21 UStG).
Who we work with
DHLToyotaMedia MarktContinentalDeutsche Pop
“Die Online-Sessions sind genauso effektiv wie Präsenzunterricht. Sehr flexibel und professionell.”
“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
Can I arrange a trial lesson?+ −
We do not offer trial lessons. Before a course starts, however, there is a free consultation with Mr Simmonds in which we assess your level, clarify your goals and suggest the right trainer. In addition, you can join our free online lessons twice a week.
How long does the free consultation take?+ −
Usually 15 to 20 minutes – by phone or video call. If you would like a CEFR assessment, take the free placement test online beforehand; we then discuss the result together.
What does the tuition cost after the consultation?+ −
Online one-to-one lessons cost €90–110 for 90 minutes. Language instruction is VAT-exempt (§4 Nr. 21 UStG). There is no minimum term, and appointments can be rescheduled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Corporate small-group courses are quoted individually.
Which online tool do you use for the lessons?+ −
Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet – you choose the tool your company already uses. Everything runs in the browser, no installation required. Teaching is GDPR-compliant and you receive the materials digitally.
Is the free consultation also available for companies?+ −
Yes. For companies we run a free needs analysis: we assess staff against CEFR (A1–C2), clarify industry vocabulary and objectives, and propose a format and trainer. Simmonds supports more than 50 corporate clients, including DHL Supply Chain and Continental.
Am I committed to anything after the consultation?+ −
No. The consultation is free and without obligation. Afterwards you receive a written proposal with format, dates and price, and you decide at your own pace whether to start.
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