german-town

We have a wide range of German courses suitable for students at different levels. We also offer a German book club where you can explore German writers, this group offers lots of opportunity for discussion that can really help to develop your speaking and listening language skills.

German Language Courses in Bristol

Our German language classes in Bristol are designed to help adult learners develop practical communication skills, understand cultural context, and enjoy the experience of language learning.

We offer in-person classes at Stoke Lodge where you’ll learn in a welcoming group led by our experienced, qualified tutor — a native German speaker who brings language to life with energy, clarity, and cultural insight.

Each course follows a clear progression, supporting you as you build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and grammar. Lessons are interactive, practical, and enjoyable, focusing on conversation and comprehension while introducing cultural themes that make learning more meaningful and memorable.

Bristol Adult Learning Courses 2025/26 - PREVIEW ONLY

You can LOOK but you can’t BOOK! Booking for 2025/25 courses will open on Tuesday 8 July at 9:30am but you can browse the new courses in advance.

Courses 2024/25

Learning in Action

“It was great to explore more than just grammar — we talked about German culture, media and even politics. A rich learning experience.”

From lively group discussions to moments of quiet study, get a sense of the rhythm and energy in our sessions.

Course Levels

German for Beginners to Advanced Learners

We offer German courses in Bristol for beginners, intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced learners. Whether you’re learning German for the first time or looking to deepen your knowledge, we have a level that fits your needs.

All of our classes are led by experienced tutors who bring warmth, encouragement, and cultural insight to every session. Whichever level you join, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of adult learners who share your interest in German language and culture.

If you’re not sure which course is right for you, we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit!

Beginner

‘At the moment we don’t have any courses available at beginners level. We are hoping to have beginners German courses back available soon.’

Complete Beginners

Just starting out? This course is the perfect introduction if you’ve never studied German before.
You’ll learn essential phrases, pronunciation tips, and how to introduce yourself, ask questions, and navigate simple real-life situations like ordering food, asking directions, or shopping.

Best for: Complete beginners who wants to build confidence from the ground up. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to have fun with the language.

Beginners Plus

This level is ideal if you already know some basic vocabulary and grammar. You’ll learn more complex phrases, using different tenses, improve your pronunciation, and expand your vocabulary.

Best for: Learners who have studied German for around a year (60 hours) in a classroom setting.

Ready to go beyond the basics? Our intermediate courses help you build confidence and fluency through conversation, listening practice, and expanded vocabulary.

Lower Intermediate

You’ll learn how to express yourself more naturally and handle a wider range of everyday situations, reinforce your grammar skills and understanding of past, present and future tenses, from talking about past holidays to making plans and sharing opinions.

Best for: Learners who know some German and want to take their skills further in a relaxed, supportive setting. Learners who have studied German for around 2 years (120 hours) in a classroom setting.

Intermediate

Designed for learners with a solid grasp of the language. You will have the opportunity to study longer texts and be engaged in more spontaneous conversations with your fellow learners in the classroom.

Best for: Learners who have studied German for approximately 3 years (180 hours) in a classroom setting.

Upper Intermediate

Here’s where your German really starts to come alive. At this level, you’ll sharpen your grammar, improve your speaking and writing, and gain confidence understanding German in real contexts—like reading articles, watching short films, or discussing cultural topics. We also dive into German life and traditions, making learning both practical and enriching.

Best for: Committed learners ready to step up and deepen their understanding of language and culture. Learners who have studied German for approximately 4 years (240 hours) in a classroom setting.

Already a confident speaker? Our advanced classes are dynamic and intellectually stimulating, designed to stretch your fluency and broaden your perspective.

Advanced

This level is ideal for learners who are more comfortable with complex language. Reaching high levels of grammar understanding and the nuances of the language.

On the course you will reinforce and strengthen your skills through exploring authentic German materials—literature, news, film, podcasts—and take part in lively discussions on everything from art and politics to social trends in German speaking countries.

Best for: Fluent or near-fluent speakers, advanced learners, or anyone with a strong grasp of German who’s ready to challenge themselves and grow further.

Advanced Conversation

Im Kurs sprechen wir über aktuelle Tagesthemen aus den Bereichen Politik, Wirtschaft, Soziales, Kunst und Kultur in den deutschsprachigen Ländern Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz.

Auch Themenbereiche, die von übergreifendem allgemeinen Interesse sind, wie Geschichte, Literatur, Landeskunde, werden im Kurs behandelt.

Best for: Dieser Kurs ist für Teilnehmer, die schon sehr gute Deutschkenntnisse besitzen, und ihr Niveau behalten wollen, und sich über aktuelle Ereignisse in deutschsprachigen Ländern informieren wollen.

Which Level to Choose?

Not sure which level to choose, take our quick quiz: “Which German course is right for me?”. It only takes a minute and helps you find your perfect starting point.

Take Our Quiz

Course Structure

Learn German with Purpose and Progress
Each of our German courses in Bristol is designed to help you grow your skills step by step, helping you build a strong foundation or prepare for advanced conversation.

Foundation and Progression

We offer a structured pathway from complete beginner to advanced levels, helping you build your skills steadily across speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Every course includes regular practice and gentle repetition, allowing you to absorb new language naturally over time. You won’t just memorise vocabulary—you’ll learn how to use it with real confidence.

Progress Checks

While our classes are relaxed and friendly, we’re her to help you continually develop your skills.

Regular check-ins on your learning are built into classes through informal activities, homework, and tutor feedback. This will help you reflect on your progress, identify areas for improvement, and feel proud of what you’ve achieved.

Our tutors are hands-on and approachable—to help you understand where you are and what to focus on next.

Culture, Society and Communication

Language doesn’t live in a textbook—it lives in people, places, and stories. That’s why our courses, especially at intermediate and advanced levels, go beyond grammar to explore the rich tapestry of German-speaking culture.

You’ll be able to explore German cinema, literature, history and society, giving you an understanding of the language in context.

Real-World Application

Lessons focus on real communication. You’ll practice speaking in pairs and small groups, listen to authentic audio, and use practical language that prepares you for holidays, work, or meeting new people. Our tutors often use topical news and events as a way to explore the country and language in more depth.

Learn German in Bristol – Beginner to Advanced Courses Available

Explore our engaging and friendly German courses—perfect for beginners as well as those looking to refresh their skills and gain confidence in speaking, reading and understanding the language.

Course Tutors

Meet Your German Tutor
Your tutor is a highly experienced, native German speaker with a deep passion for both the language and its culture. With years of teaching experience and a strong background in adult education, they understand how to make learning engaging, supportive, and effective—whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced skills.

Christel Stoecker-Danby

Subjects: German Hallo, ich heiße Christel! Having been born and bred in a rural area near Cologne, I have also lived and worked in Bonn, Stuttgart and Zürich, […]

German Tutors in Bristol

Students often tell us that the tutor makes all the difference. That’s why we choose professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also patient, enthusiastic, and engaging.

Get to Know Our German Tutors

How Do I Enrol?

Enrolling in a German language course in Bristol is simple. Whether you’re completely new to the language or looking to build on what you already know, we’ll help you get started.

Join a German Class in Bristol Today

Book Your German Course Now and take the first step on your language journey

Step to Enrol:

Choose your level – Not sure where to start? Contact us to discuss further on the number below or by emailing stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk
Pick a course – Browse available dates and times to suit your schedule.
Book your place online – Simply follow the links and secure your spot.

Ready to Begin?

All our courses can be booked online through our booking portal or if you would prefer to speak to a real person directly you can book over the phone or in the office at Stoke Lodge with our lovely administrative team.

Call 0117 903 8844 for help booking or choosing the correct option.

BOOK NOW

TIMETABLE

What Our Learners Say

Our German courses in Bristol have helped many adult learners achieve their goals, whether that’s speaking more confidently, preparing for travel, or simply enjoying the challenge of a new language.

“Christel seems to get the perfect balance between easy stuff and challenging us.”
— Harry, Upper Intermediate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I have increased my confidence in speaking and understanding German and learned more about the country of Germany itself, which was really interesting.”
— Simon, Lower Intermediate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The tutor was a native speaker, and it made a real difference to my pronunciation and understanding.”
— Tanya, Advanced ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It’s so good to meet up with people every week, and beneficial to force the brain to work harder. It gives my week structure which is important when you are retired. It is refreshing to keep learning when you are older in a happy and friendly environment.”
— Susan, Advanced Conversation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From Nervous Beginner to Confident Speaker

“My German has really improved. The teacher creates a very friendly atmosphere and everyone has got to know each other which makes practicing speaking and listening great fun.”

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions and additional information.

Do I need any previous experience to join a course?
If you don’t have any experience, you can still learn with us. We would recommend a Complete Beginners course.

If you have some experience or if you’ve studied German before (even a little) then there are lots of different levels to choose from. It’s just a case of finding the right one for you.

If you are not sure which level is correct you can take our quick quiz to help find your level or contact us to talk to someone about the different options available.

We know many of our learners will have tried out language apps such as Duolingo, while these are great for increasing your exposure to the language and can be a useful practice tool, learners need to be aware that the hours and levels on apps like this do not equate to classroom levels or prepare your language skills in the same way as face to face classes. For example, 20 hours of Duolingo study is not equal to 20 hours of classroom learning.
How long is each course?
Are classes suitable for older adults?
Yes—very much so.

Our classes include many retired learners and lots of our older learners tell us they join courses to make new friends and keep active. Lifelong learning and particularly learning in a group regularly, is a great way to build social circles, have engaging conversations and keep your brain active.

Classes are welcoming, relaxed, and paced to support your learning style. You’ll never feel rushed, and there’s plenty of opportunity for questions, repetition, and review.
Do I need to bring anything?
Can I progress to a higher level later?
What’s the class size and format like?
Where are the classes held?
All in-person classes take place at Stoke Lodge our Bristol Adult Learning centre.

Stoke Lodge has been our home for over 50 years and is a much-loved grade 2 listed building in leafy surroundings.

We are conveniently located and easy to reach by public transport (the number 3 and 4 busses stop nearby). We have a large free car park and plenty of bike racks for cyclists.

The classrooms are comfortable and equipped with everything needed for a great learning experience.
What if I’m nervous about speaking?
Can I join a course that has already started?

Ready to Learn German?

Are you ready to book or just have a few questions? We are here to help you start your German learning journey.

Call Us on 0117 903 8844 to speak to a member of staff

Email us

Book Your German Course Now

Stay Updated

Book your place today and join the Stoke Lodge community. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what is happening and sign-up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on new course dates.

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German Language Courses in Bristol

Bristol Adult Learning Courses 2025/26 - PREVIEW ONLY