At Seattle Speaks German, we are committed to helping you begin speaking German from your very first class. Our comprehensive courses are designed to equip you with the tools and support necessary to enhance your proficiency, whether you're planning a visit to a German-speaking country or considering a move. Our goal is to provide a strong foundation and boost your confidence in your new language journey.
How do we teach German online?
Read more about the following topics:
Our Teaching Approach
Proficiency Levels
Textbooks
Virtual Classroom
What's Included in Your Course Experience
Course Schedule
List of current courses and their content
Private Lessons
Our Teaching Approach
We emphasize active speaking in our classes, enabling you to build your German skills through meaningful, task-based exercises. Rather than just learning vocabulary and grammar in isolation, you'll apply them in real-world scenarios—like planning a trip, giving recommendations, or solving everyday challenges in German. This research-backed approach ensures you build a solid foundation rather than just memorizing phrases.
Our curriculum is carefully selected and continuously updated to suit the online learning environment. Beyond grammar, we focus on effective learning strategies tailored to your needs and provide insights into the history, geography, and culture of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
With years of experience teaching German, I specialize in modern, interactive online learning that keeps students engaged. My courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ensuring structured progress with up-to-date materials that complement your course book. I continuously refine my teaching approach to bring you the best online learning experience, incorporating interactive exercises, real-world materials, and modern teaching techniques.
Whether you're a beginner or resuming your German studies, we encourage patience and enjoyment in the learning process. Finding fun in learning German will help you achieve your goals by leaps and bounds!

Proficiency Levels
Our courses and private lessons adhere to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which classifies proficiency from beginner (A1) to mastery (C2). Typically, achieving a level such as A1 or A2 requires completing eight courses at Seattle Speaks German, with each course comprising 12 hours of live instruction and 8 hours of homework. Individual factors like prior language learning experience and motivation significantly influence the pace of progression.

Textbooks
For our online classes, we utilize the "Das Leben" series from Cornelsen, designed for both online and face-to-face instruction. These textbooks include a workbook for homework exercises and are complemented by audio and video content accessible via the free PagePlayer App. Depending on your course level, you'll need "Das Leben A1," "Das Leben A2," or "Das Leben B1," each priced at $46. We recommend ordering from this website. For advanced students, we use "Vielfalt" from Hueber, with advanced classes available exclusively through private lessons.


Virtual Classroom
Our virtual classroom is a valuable tool that complements our Zoom meetings. It offers an overview of lessons, helps you track your progress, provides meaningful exercises, and facilitates connections with fellow learners. Each student receives a personal account to access these resources.
What's Included in Your Course Experience
- Office hours - Weekly drop-in support sessions for extra help
- Word lists - Available to listen to, print, or work with offline
- Extra grammar review slides - Access materials on your own time
- Modern whiteboard/slideshows - Shared after each class (no recordings!)
- Virtual classroom - Track progress, exercises, connect with fellow learners
- All coursebook bonus materials - Extra resources included
- Community of learners - You're not learning alone
Course Schedule
Group courses are organized into quarters, with each Fall Quarter introducing a new beginner course for students with no prior German knowledge. Subsequent quarters offer continued progression through higher levels.
Embark on your German learning journey with us and experience a supportive, engaging, and culturally enriching environment.

Here is a list of current courses and their content.
At the Café & Restaurant
Beginner Level 2

„Was trinken Sie?“
(What are you drinking?)
Imagine you’re in Germany, and you stop to have lunch at a café. When the waiter comes, you order what you’ve chosen from the menu. When you’ve finished your meal, you ask for the check, pay and give a tip. You do all of this in German. That’s what will be possible after taking this course! If you have travel plans to Europe, or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You'll learn:
This course continues the introduction to the language and everyday culture of German-speaking countries. Join us to continue learning German in a supportive atmosphere to gain confidence speaking. You will expand your vocabulary and learn new grammar as well. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. Note: For this course a little bit of German knowledge is required — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch!
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, we hold open office hours — this is a special time we’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben - A1

Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Time & Berlin
Beginner Level 3

„Hast du Zeit? Wir fahren nach Berlin!“
(Do you have time? We're going to Berlin!)
Imagine you’re planning a trip to Berlin or another German-speaking city. You're making plans when you will travel and what sights you want to see. Getting oriented in a new city is fun, but can also be overwhelming. Even at home planning a daily routine can be a great challenge. You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You'll learn:
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To understand the date and time
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To make an appointment
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To talk about daily routine
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To talk about sights in Berlin
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To name means of transportation
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To give directions
This course continues the introduction to the language and everyday culture of German-speaking countries. Join us to continue learning German in a supportive atmosphere to gain confidence speaking. You will expand your vocabulary and learn new grammar. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. Note: For this course a little bit of German knowledge is required — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me for that.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, we hold open office hours — this is a special time we’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben - A1

Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Home & Family Life
Beginner Level 5

For this course some previous knowledge of German is required!
„Wie wohnst du?“
(How do you live?)
Imagine you are visiting your friend or your partner's family in a German-speaking country. What better way to show your interest and curiosity than learn the language? In this course you will learn to talk about housing and your family. If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You will learn:
This course introduces to the language and everyday culture of German-speaking countries. Join us to get started with German in a supportive atmosphere to gain confidence speaking. You will expand your vocabulary and learn new grammar. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. If you have any questions please get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me for that.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, we hold open office hours — this is a special time we’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben - A1

Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Body & Clothing
Beginner Level 6

For this course some previous knowledge of German is required!
„Körper & Kleidung“
(Body & Clothing)
Imagine you are visiting your friend or your partner's family in a German-speaking country. What better way to show your interest and curiosity than learn the language? In this course you will learn to talk about the body and health and about clothing. If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You will learn:
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To talk about sports and name body parts
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To talk about health and illness
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To give commands and tips
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To talk about clothing
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To express your likes and dislikes
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To go shopping
This course introduces to the language and everyday culture of German-speaking countries. Join us to get started with German in a supportive atmosphere to gain confidence speaking. You will expand your vocabulary and learn new grammar. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. If you have any questions please get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Just write me an email.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, we hold open office hours — this is a special time we’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben - A1

Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Housing & Media
Intermediate Level 2

"Wohnen & Medien"
(Housing & Media)
Imagine you're planning to move to a German-speaking city. You need to read housing advertisements, view apartments and ask detailed questions. Many people are on the move nowadays and are simultaneously always available and online. What do you think about this modern way of living? You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! If you have travel plans to Europe or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You'll learn:
-
To talk about housing
-
To look for an apartment
-
To comment on house rules
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To talk about what is forbidden and allowed
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To talk about cellphones and media
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To comment a chart
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To express your opinion
This course continues to build the foundation for the A2-proficiency level. You will expand your knowledge about important vocabulary and grammar. As always, the spoken communication is the priority. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. Note: For this course basic German knowledge is required — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Just contact me.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, I hold open office hours — this is a special time I’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben A2

Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Working World & Books
Intermediate Level 3

"Moderne Arbeitswelt & die Welt der Bücher"
(Modern Working World & Let's talk books)
Imagine you're starting a new job in a German-speaking country. How do you write a formal email at work there? Or how do you communicate effectively with co-workes and your boss? You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! If you have plans to move to Europe for a job in Germany, Austria or Switzerland or will be joining your German-speaking partner to visit family, this course is for you.
You'll learn to:
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Talk about how you used to work and what your workplace looks like now
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Name advantages and disadvantages
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Communicate effectively in the workplace
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Talk about your reading preferences
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Describe pictures
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Read and write biographical information
This course continues to build the foundation for the A2-proficiency level. You will expand your knowledge about important vocabulary and grammar. As always, the spoken communication is the priority. The course is held via Zoom and a virtual classroom. Note: For this course basic German knowledge is required — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, I hold open office hours — this is a special time I’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben A2

Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Grün gedacht & selbst gemacht
Intermediate Level 6

"Grün gedacht und selbst gemacht. Nachhaltigkeit und Kreativität im Alltag"
(Green Thinking and Homemade: Sustainability and Creativity in Daily Life)
Picture yourself living sustainably in a German-speaking country—how do you discuss environmental issues with your neighbors or explain the benefits of repairing instead of replacing? What if you want to participate in a local repair café, offer to trade items with someone, or give clear instructions for a DIY project? You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! Whether you're passionate about environmental protection, interested in the growing sustainability movement in German-speaking countries, or simply want to expand your practical German skills, this course is perfect for you.
You'll learn to:
- Describe environmental conditions and discuss environmental protection
- Express conditions and consequences using appropriate structures
- Offer and decline exchanges or trades effectively
- Talk about goals and sustainability initiatives
- Discuss repair cafés and community sustainability projects
- Explain what you need for specific purposes
- Understand and formulate clear instructions and tutorials
- Handle complaints and returns professionally
This course continues to build the foundation for the A2-proficiency level. You will expand your knowledge of essential vocabulary and grammar related to environmental topics and practical skills, while maintaining a focus on spoken communication. The course is held via Zoom and includes access to a virtual classroom.
Note - For this course the following is required:
- Basic German knowledge — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me.
- The textbook Das Leben A2. You can order the book here. You can read more about the textbook here.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, I hold open office hours — this is a special time I’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben A2

Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.
Hoch hinaus und tief verbunden
Intermediate Level 7

"Hoch hinaus und tief verbunden: Abenteuer und Beziehungen"
(Reaching High and Deeply Connected: Adventures and Relationships)
Imagine planning a hiking vacation in the Austrian Alps and confidently discussing trail options with locals, or navigating the nuances of friendships and conflicts in a German-speaking environment. What if you want to describe your favorite film to new friends, give thoughtful advice during a disagreement, or understand regional differences across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland? You'll be able to do all this in German after taking this course! Whether you're planning outdoor adventures in German-speaking countries, looking to deepen personal relationships, or wanting to understand cultural nuances across the D-A-CH region, this course is ideal for you.
You'll learn to:
- Discuss hiking vacations and understand regional D-A-CH vocabulary differences
- Conduct advice-giving conversations and express emotions appropriately
- Describe films and navigate friendship dynamics
- Handle conflicts, reconciliation, and gift-giving conversations
- Present statistical information and provide commentary effectively
This course continues to build the foundation for the A2-proficiency level. You will expand your knowledge of essential vocabulary and grammar related to environmental topics and practical skills, while maintaining a focus on spoken communication. The course is held via Zoom and includes access to a virtual classroom.
Note - For this course the following is required:
- Basic German knowledge — if you’re not sure if you’re at the right level, feel free to get in touch or sign up for a free get-to-know-you-meeting. You can always join the first meeting for free to see if it's a good fit for you. Please contact me.
- The textbook Das Leben A2. You can order the book here. You can read more about the textbook here.
Office Hours:
Every Tuesday between 10:45am and 11:30am, I hold open office hours — this is a special time I’ve set aside just for students in the group courses! It’s a chance for you to drop in and get personalized support. Whether you have questions about course materials, need help with a homework exercise, are facing any challenges in the course, or simply want to say "Hallo," you’re welcome to stop by. Office hours are open for all students in the group courses, and it's a great opportunity to receive additional guidance in a relaxed, informal setting. Feel free to join at any time during these hours — no appointment necessary!
Textbook: Das Leben A2

Audios and videos to the course book are available on an app. The app is called PagePlayer App (Cornelsen) and can be downloaded in your online store. The app is free of charge and can only be activated with a textbook. The cost of the textbook is not included in the course fee. You can order the book here.
A minimum of 6 students is required to run the class. The maximum number of participants per class is 10.