What you'll learn
Start your German language journey with our German language short courses online!
“Aller Anfang ist schwer.”
— A German saying meaning the first step is always the hardest.
Starting a new language can feel daunting, but this beginner-friendly course is designed to make learning German clear, structured and enjoyable. Suitable for complete beginners, it provides a supportive introduction to the fundamentals of the German language — no prior experience required.
As you begin, you’ll discover that German is a logical and expressive language, with many similarities to English. You’ll start using German from your very first classes, learning how to greet people, introduce yourself, and form simple sentences, while gradually building your vocabulary, pronunciation and confidence.
Whether you’re learning for travel, personal connections, cultural interest or future study, this course will give you a strong foundation in German and prepare you to continue learning with confidence.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Beginner German course, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- Using basic greetings, introductions and polite expressions
- Communicating in simple everyday situations using common phrases
- Understanding and responding to basic spoken and written German
- Navigating everyday situations such as ordering food, shopping and asking for directions
- Demonstrating a basic understanding of German grammar and sentence structure
- Developing cultural awareness in German-speaking contexts
- Building practical language skills for travel, community and everyday use
Course content
What will be covered in this Beginner German course?
During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:
Topics such as:
- Everyday life and daily routines
- Getting around and directions
- Food and dining
- Time and activities
- Shopping and basic needs
- Family and relationships
- Culture and traditions
Grammar concepts may include:
- Word order and simple sentence structure
- Present tense of common verbs (sein, haben, gehen, etc.)
- Introduction to noun genders and articles (der, die, das)
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Intended audience
Who is this Beginner German course for?
- Absolute beginners with little or no previous knowledge of German
- Adults learning German for travel, personal connections, or cultural interest
- Learners who enjoy structured language learning in a supportive environment
- Individuals beginning German for career use
Course venue
Online via Zoom.
Zoom access details will be provided with your enrolment confirmation.
Requirements:
- A device with a stable internet connection
Course materials
What to bring to class
- Notebook and pen
- Course textbook (see below)
Textbook
Please purchase the course textbook:
Willkommen! German Beginner Coursebook
Heiner Schenke & Paul Coggle
We recommend purchasing your textbook once your course has been confirmed (usually within three working days of the proposed start date). The textbook is not included in the enrolment fee.
Certificate of completion
Students who attend at least 80% of classes will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Sydney Community College.
This certificate recognises your commitment to developing your German language skills and can support your personal or professional development.
Additional information
German language bundle: Continue your learning and save — enrol in three German language courses and receive an automatic 15% discount.
An overview of our German language program
| Level | Course name | Description | Pre-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | German Course: Beginner German | Start learning German with us and get the assistance and structure you need to succeed. | No prior experience required |
| Level 2 | German Course: Beginners Level 2 | Build on your acquired language skills in this course with this interactive course. | 20+ hours of prior language learning |
| Level 3 | German Course: Intermediate German | Take your German language skills to the next level and achieve a deeper level of fluency. | 40+ hours of prior language learning |
| Level 4 | German Course for Intermediate to Continuers | An ongoing course that provides an unique opportunity for continuous German learning and skill refinement | 60+ hours of prior language learning |
If you're uncertain about meeting the requirements or if this course matches your language proficiency, reach out to the College via phone or email. Our team can help you find the right course level for your skills.
Course testimonials
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Mark said: Our tutor was very good, clear, friendly and patient.
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Eliana said: It was an online course but I understand that if it was live it would be at York St in the city. Central and convenient venue. Finally, thanks to the tutor. I really enjoyed the course. The class was very interactive and she is very clear and ensures we all understand before moving on to the next area.
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Rowena said: Our instructor was very encouraging and created an interactive environment. Area that can help a new learner like me who has no previous knowledge in German is the selection of a textbook with accompanying audio to help consolidating the learning after class. While the book has separate CDs on sale, it is an additional cost and becomes quite a lot of investment for a new starter.
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Richard said: Marie made the course easy and fun. One thing to check is the availability of the text.
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Susan said: I really enjoyed the interactive nature of the course and it was done at a good pace. The tutor was very knowledgeable and patient, making sure everyone understand a topic before moving on to the next lesson.
Course tutors
Marie Vella
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
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Classes Online Courses
<p>Start your German language journey with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/german">German language short courses</a> online!</p>
<p>“Aller Anfang ist
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for German Course: Beginner German
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for German Course: Beginner German
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