Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Before the course

1. How far in advance do I have to register for a German language course?

You should register as soon as possible so that we can enroll you. Your place in the course is not secure until the course fee has been received.

2. How can I pay the course fee?

You can pay the course fee by bank transfer, or by EC or credit card.

We accept: Visa, V PAY, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and Union Pay as well as NFC payments via Google and Apple Pay.

3. When will I receive information about my course?

You will receive detailed course information (schedule, textbooks and instructors) no later than four days before the course starts.

4. Which textbooks are used in class?

We use DaF Kompakt neu in levels A1, A2 and B1; and Aspekte neu in levels B1+, B2 and C1.

Here you can find a detailed overview.
Tip: When ordering a book, always take the ISBN into account.

5. Can I buy the textbooks at Speakeasy?

No. In the Mayersche bookstore at Neumarkt 2 in the center of Cologne, there is a shelf with the Speakeasy textbooks in the foreign language department. You can also order the books at any other bookstore, so they will be there the next day. They are also available online. Always remember the ISBN.

6. Do I have to take a placement test?

No. If you are not sure or if it has been a long time since your last German course, you can take our placement test. We will evaluate it as soon as possible so that you know your level.

7. Does Speakeasy offer integration courses?

No.

8. Does Speakeasy accept education vouchers (”Bildungsgutschein”) from the Jobcenter?

No. However, we do accept education checks (“Bildungsscheck”) for individuals and employees of companies.

9. My employer pays for my language course, what do I have to do?

We will invoice your employer directly for the language course. Please send us an e-mail with the exact company name and address. Your employer can also contact us directly by e-mail or by phone: team@speakeasy-cologne.de or +49 221 16993876.

10. Are there special courses, e.g. for exam preparation?

Only in the form of individual 1-on-1 lessons. You can also join together as a group for an exam preparation course and then register together.


During the course

11. At what times do the intensive courses take place?

The intensive courses take place Monday to Friday either in the morning from 9:15 am to 12:30 pm or in the afternoon from 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm. After 90 minutes there is a break of 15 minutes.

Here you can find the course schedule for the current and the next course month.

12. At what times do the evening classes take place?

The evening courses take place twice a week, usually from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Here you can find the current course times. A language level is reached within 6 months.

13. How many students are there in a class?

Our classes range in size from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 12 participants.

14. Can I participate online if I am sick or not in Cologne?

Yes, it is always possible to participate in class via Zoom while the others are in the classroom, that is, the class is hybrid. Please inform us one day in advance if possible, so that we and your teacher can plan the hybrid class.

15. I started the class and now I can’t come after all. Can I get my money back?

A refund of the course fee after the course has started is not possible.

16. Can I eat to class?

Yes, as long as it does not interfere with the class and you leave the place tidy.

17. I don’t have a book with me. What can I do?

We will exceptionally give you a copy of the pages for the day of the course.


At the end of the course

18. I want to continue with the next month of the course. Do I have to register again?

No. If you want to continue in the next course month, please let us know in the office or send us a short e-mail. You will then receive all the information.

19. Does Speakeasy offer an official language exam according to Goethe or TELC?

No. We offer a free Speakeasy exam at the end of each course level (i.e. at the end of the ”.2” courses), which corresponds to the TELC standards.

20. Will I get a certificate at the end?

Yes, if you have taken the exam, you will receive a certificate about a week later. Upon request, you will also receive a certificate of participation.

21. I did not pass the exam. Can I retake it or do I have to repeat the course?

You can retake the failed parts of the exam about two weeks later for a small fee. It is up to you to decide whether you want to continue with the next level of the course, and we will be happy to advise you on this.


Visa

22. How long does it take to get my language course visa?

From the moment you contact us until you receive your visa, it can take up to four months.

23. Which documents will I receive from Speakeasy for my language visa?

You will receive a certificate of enrollment with a receipt of payment from Speakeasy by email or in person after you have registered for a language visa with Speakeasy and paid the course fee. You submit the documents to the Embassy when you apply for a language visa.

24. My language course visa is still not here and soon my course will start. What should I do?

Please let us know at least 14 days before the course starts whether you have received your visa or not. If your visa has not arrived by then, you can postpone the start of your course within 8 months free of charge. If you inform us later, the course fee cannot be refunded.

25. My language course visa was rejected. Will I get my money back?

Yes, minus 150 Euro processing fee – if you send us the rejection letter from the embassy.


Other questions

26. What are the opening hours of the language school?

The language school is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

27. Does Speakeasy offer its own accommodation?

No, Speakeasy does not have its own accommodation. Upon request we will send you a list of internet portals.