An online German course, from A1 to B1
Learn German online at your own pace: 69 lessons that take you from your first words to real conversations, with audio for every word and a plain-English pronunciation guide, so you’re never guessing how something sounds. Start with the first 3 lessons free, no card needed.
Three levels, one path
The course follows the Common European Framework (CEFR) that schools, exams and employers use, so you always know where you are.
What’s in every lesson
- A short, plain-English explanation of the grammar, with examples you can hear
- New words and phrases with audio, slow playback and a respelling for English speakers
- A dialogue between real-life characters, with listening questions
- Flashcards and a quiz at the end, and every word added to your spaced-review deck
- A recap of what you can now say, so progress is concrete
Who it’s for
Complete beginners who want a clear path, travellers and expats who need everyday German, and anyone working towards B1, including for German citizenship. If you’ve studied before, jump to your level: the level pages list what each one covers.
Preparing for citizenship? Read how much German you need for German citizenship first: some routes need B1, and the descent routes need none.
Price
The first 3 lessons are free. After that, $6.99 a month or $49 a year, cancel anytime, for every lesson, the full word list and all the practice. See pricing.
Free to try now
Questions
Can you really learn German online?
Yes, to a solid conversational level, if you study regularly and practise speaking out loud. An online course gives you structure, grammar explanations and audio; what it can't give you is a live conversation partner, so pair it with speaking practice, a tandem partner or a tutor once you reach A2.
How long does it take to reach B1 German?
For an English speaker studying a few hours a week, typically one to two years. The Goethe-Institut puts B1 at several hundred hours of study, and steady daily practice gets you there faster than occasional long sessions.
Is this course enough for the B1 exam for German citizenship?
It covers the B1 grammar and vocabulary and lets you practise with audio, but citizenship needs an official certificate from an approved exam (such as Goethe or telc). Use the course to learn, then take a practice exam before you book. Our German for citizenship page explains exactly what's required.
Do I get a certificate?
No. This is a self-study course, not an exam centre. Official German certificates come from exams by the Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD and similar providers, which you can take once you're ready.
What's free?
The first 3 lessons, in full, plus the alphabet with audio and the words from the free lessons. A subscription unlocks every lesson, the full word list and the practice: flashcards, quizzes, speaking practice and spaced review.
Is it a course with a teacher?
No, it's self-paced: you study when you like, as fast or slow as you like. If you want live classes with a teacher, look at a language school; many learners use a course like this between classes or instead of them.