Whether you want to...

improve cooperation with your German business partner, introduce your product to the German market or just apply for a position in a German company or hospital: comprehensive German language skills and knowledge of culture-typical communication habits are indispensable preconditions of success.

 

New professional opportunities in Germany for qualified health-care and engineering/technical staff

Germany is set to face a serious lack of qualified medical staff and care workers in the very near future; indeed, in some places this is already a reality, and the same problem is going to arise in the technical and engineering branches. So, if you have an up-to-date qualification in one of these areas, your chances of finding a good position in Germany aren’t at all bad! However, employers are likely to require upper intermediate (B2) or advanced (C1) German language skills for responsible positions in the health care sectors and lower intermediate language ability (B1) for technical positions. Don't lose time in advancing your professional career: start learning German straight away and gain business fluency as soon as possible!
The Language Guesthouse specialises in individual, intensive German language training, following an immersion concept, which is adapted to the needs of adult learners and provides language classes + accommodation + an activity programme in company with an experienced language trainer.

 

 

Basic German (General German A1-B1)

To achieve a working understanding of German in the workplace, a skilled, international worker needs to have language skills of at least A2 and preferably B1 level. You cannot acquire these in a few weeks, and certainly not when you are also doing a full-time job. Adults do not pick up language "automatically", but only through working at their language skills. A language course is therefore essential; however, if one enrolls on a usual group course with 2 × 3 lessons per week, one can expect to take on average 1.25 to 2.5 years (350-600 45 min lessons) to reach B1 level.

It is, of course, possible to shorten this long period by intensifying exposure to the language by means of small group or individual lessons, combining extensive study with intensive phases, in which the learner - exempt from work pressures - can concentrate on learning the language. Through participation in intensive group lessons (20 lessons per week), international students can reach B2 level in a year. However, the actual time depends on the personal learning requirements of the participants and can fluctuate greatly.

Further intensification is only possible though attendance at full immersion classes, which remove the learner for shorter or longer periods of time from private and family obligations and puts him in a monolingual German environment, in which formal private lessons are combined with extensive listening and speaking practice.

The Language Guesthouse offers full immersion training for periods from one week to several months in duration. If time is money to you - the time it takes a professionally qualified employee to reach a level in German with which he or she is professionally fully operational - then several months of immersion training can be an option well worth considering.

In those cases where the employer wishes to shorten an extended course by intermediate immersion-phases or to provide workers with problems in various language skills with intensive training in, for example, listening and speaking, we recommend a 2- to 4-week immersion training. Such training has a double effect: the learner benefits from the teaching itself but also gains a motivational boost from recognition of his or her progress. Immersion training of just one week is too short for most participants to achieve a sufficiently large "boost" in motivation.

In contrast, a week is a good option when it comes to refresh existing language skills or the targeted work on - not too big - understanding and practice gaps (e.g. in grammar) that hamper a participant from keeping pace in a continuous course.

What’s more, the Language Guesthouse also offers extensive training, in the form of on-line single lessons. You can find further information about these on the page German Online

Prerequisite: None to B1 (not attained)
The approximate level of the learner is measured by means of a placement test and through a conversation we establish the learner’s self-assessment of ability, as well as his or her aims and areas of interest
The difficulty level of the course can naturally be adjusted as required as it proceeds.

 

 

German language training/ Intermediate and advanced level (General German B2-C2)

Where jobs require a high level of language competence, because, for example, they involve managerial responsibility or a lot of personal interaction (e.g. medical and social professions, salespeople and sales representatives), a linguistic competence at a level above B1 is a must, including listening comprehension and speaking skills which can be relied on even in difficult communicative circumstances. - The "high" levels (C1-C2) are also of interest to those whose profession is directly concerned with the German language itself - non-native-speaker translators, German teachers and journalists working for German-language media - and who want to improve those elements of their expression and style in which native speakers generally have the advantage.

The Language Guesthouse offers language training even at these levels. We focus on deepening knowledge of grammar and syntax, including alternative constructions, intensive vocabulary work including fine distinctions in meaning and stylistic level, idioms and metaphors. We work with linguistically-demanding authentic written, aural and visual ‘texts’, carry out listening and writing exercises under difficult conditions (e.g. making notes on a lecture and subsequently writing a report on it),and discuss complex and controversial issues, etc. In this case it is possible, in a single lesson, to achieve a broad focus on an individual topic required by the learner who knows his exact requirements: even small training units of intensive lessons over 2 to 3 days can bring great benefits if you limit yourself to specific topics. Of course, we also offer the 'normal' programmes of one to several weeks at these higher levels.

Prerequisite: B1 (attained) to C1 / C2
In an initial interview, we establish the self-assessment and the aims and interests of the learner. The initial course exercises provide guidance on the appropriate level of teaching; the difficulty level of the course can naturally be adjusted as required as the course proceeds.

 

 

Subject-specific German (Business German, German for engineers, scientists, medics, qualified nurses)

Technical language differs from everyday German primarily by displaying a more or less area-specific vocabulary – a technical ‘jargon’. Differences in grammar and sentence structure are less clear; however, technical language generally classifies and clarifies its subjects more than the colloquial language, which can have a significant impact on the complexity of sentence structure, while significant differences exist on the stylistic level. Technical terms can be to some extent a useful addition to general language instruction even at an elementary level (A2) - for example, the terms for tools, materials and semi-finished products, fabrication and machining techniques etc. in the case of a metal worker. On the other hand, dealing with stylistic peculiarities of the jargon that is needed, for example, in the drafting of a written report is more of an issue for the intermediate level.

At the Basic German levels, it makes sense to devote a smaller part of the weekly hours to the relevant terminology. Overall, it is rather a matter at this stage of acquiring general basic linguistic skills that everyone who wishes to communicate clearly in German needs.

Prerequisite: A1 (attained) to C1 / C2;
The programme will be tailored to the learner’s current level of attainment.

 

 

Supplementory programme of activities

Language learning through immersion should, quite apart from involving the intensive strengthening of language skills, always be an enjoyable experience in itself. A new language sticks in the mind much better one when the brain can make links between what has been learned and experiences which are then linguistically processed. The Kaiserstuhl and the whole Breisgau with its cultural and economic centre of Freiburg, together with neighbouring Alsace offer numerous and destinations, events and activities that are ideal for an activity programme complementary to our language training. These can be trips with participation in guided tours, such as a visit to one of the many nearby museums (historical, artistic, technical, natural, archaeological museums, museum-mine), guided city, castle or church tours, wine cellar visits or a guided tour of a sekt producer’s winery, nature talks and walks given by local experts, technical conducted tours, for example, at the Schauinsland cable car, fair or market visits, attending a lecture, a theatre performance or a weekend art or craft course, etc.

What is possible and practicable on a language course depends on the participant, his or her language abilities and what’s on at the time. Indoor activities such as cooking and baking, creative work with wood (more under Creative programme+Creative holidays) or board games are also possible. The language trainer accompanies the student on all these activities, which are used as a springboard for further linguistic training through, for example, research and the preparation of questions in before the activity and/ or spoken or written work afterwards. An activity session of 3 hours is included in the cost for each full-week language course: a course of 7-13 days’ duration contains 3 hours of activity programme, one of 14-20 days 6 hours, etc. Additional active programme hours can be booked separately.

Prerequisite: Beginner to C1 / C2;
The programme will be tailored to the learner’s current level of attainment.

 

 

Communication training in German for Business professionals

Communicative situations in a business setting are quite different from those in private life; senior technical and managerial positions in particular demand high communicative competence. International experts and executives who have been newly hired or posted to a German workplace from abroad face, in addition to this challenge, the further hurdles of a different language and culture. It is therefore all the more vital specifically to provide language instruction to these highly-qualified clients which will enable to meet the communicative demands they will face.

Staff who have knowledge of German at level B1 or higher will benefit from instruction in the specific requirements of professional communication by means of modular training, e.g. in conducting business telephone calls, drafting written reports, preparing and giving presentations, participating in or preparing and conducting meetings and so on. Through individual training, it is possible to tackle the needs and problems of the individual member of staff. However, such modular training for specific communication requirements is also suitable for small groups of 2 to 5 participants, where role-playing games can play an important part. The modular training sessions can be booked as a short-term courses (2 to 3 days, including weekends).

Prerequisite: B1 (attained) to C1 / C2

 

 

Communication training German for medical and other health-care professionals

Anyone who works in the field of health-care and has contact with patients and other staff at all levels needs more than a paper qualification in German at a high level (B2-C1). This is a case where a real working command of the German language is essential if communication is to be successful and serious misunderstandings are to be avoided. Intensive communicative language instruction will insure your staff are equipped to meet the language requirements of their highly complex professional environment, instruction which focuses squarely on their professional work and experience and trains both their comprehension and their verbal skills for this field of responsibility.

Through individual training, it is possible to develop solutions to concrete problems in communication, using examples from the daily work of the learner, and working in small groups (2-5 participants) is useful here as providing an enhanced opportunity for the use of role-playing games. Short-term courses (communications workshops) of 2-3 days are available, as well as weekend courses.

Prerequisite: B1 (completed) to C1 / C2

 

 

Intercultural communication training

Living and working in another country always means a confrontation with another culture, other manners, a different understanding of work, time, personal commitment to the business and one’s responsibilities towards that business and the other employees, another concept of hierarchy and different housing and living conditions. And one shouldn’t be surprised that Germany can be quite different even from its immediate neighbours in these respects. For the integration of an international employee to be sucessful, these differences must be addressed, otherwise costly misunderstandings could result and the success of the new hiring be put at risk. Equally, the new employee runs the risk of experiencing a "culture shock" that can also make a successful settling in and incorporation into German life impossible.

Cross-cultural issues are a part of all good language training from the very beginning. However, we at the Language Guesthouse complement our language training with specific cross-cultural training directed towards business communication (for example, issues arising where dealing with customers in German-speaking countries).

Prerequisite: B1 (attained) to C1 / C2 

 

 

Why choose the Language Guesthouse? - Our plus points

• Each to his own way of learning: Our students obtain daily language instruction lasting several hours, adapted to their personal level of studies and type of learning. Our training follows a communicative concept of teaching based on consolidated findings of teaching psychology and typical situations in professional and private life.
• Part of the lessons can be devoted to the study of subject-specific topics and vocabulary. Areas covered at the Language Guesthouse's include business, technology, science and medicine. If our clients wish, we can also utilise their in-house materials (printed, audio, video).
• Studying at the Language Guesthouse means full immersion into the German language: The Language Guesthouse provides a German-speaking setting, in which the learner hears and speaks only German. Taking meals and engaging in supplemental activities in company with the language trainer ensures that the learner applies and practices his or her language skills in authentic communicational situations.
• At the Language Guesthouse you learn more quickly! - A student who comes with basic level (A2) German usually makes considerable progress in the fields of listening comprehension and oral expression with 2 weeks intensive training and this immediately makes life easier at work. A 4-week course brings a double benefit: the student’s language skills improve and he or she gains a big and long-lasting boost in motivation. This can cut the time needed to reach the target language level by more than 3 months.
• Our location - away from your business location - might seem to you a disadvantage. In fact it is an advantage! - Our students - released from professional and family duties - are free to concentrate on the acquisition of language. This is one of the secrets of their fast progress.
• A course at the Language Guesthouse rewards committed members of your staff. It increases their loyalty and commitment to the business, gains which it is impossible to overestimate.
• Relocations of employees from an international to a German location are common practice in your company? - Help your expatriate employee to make an easier start in Germany by sending him or her to language and intercultural training at the Language Guesthouse. It will help all sides - employee, colleagues and superiors – to get the employee settled into the workplace.
• New for corporate clients at the Language Guesthouse: "German communication training for business professionals and executives’’ and "German communication training for doctors, qualified nurses, and technical clinical staff", both of them now also in workshop format (2-3 days, also on weekends) for single participants and small groups (2-5 part.). A precondition is language level B1 (attained) or higher. Lower rates for accommodation and meals in the new season.

 

 

Course structure + Rates

Our Language and Communication training for businesses and institutions is highly flexible as regards starting date, duration, intensity and configuration.

Booking of training periods between 2 and 14 days is possible for any number of days; starting a training is possible at any day of the week; also weekend trainings are possible.
Longer courses (2 weeks and more) can be booked for full weeks only. Start at any day of the week. Starting from a course duration of 7 days, 3 hours (each 60 min) of activity programme are included in the course fee for each full week. Additional activity hours may be booked.

The Local tax is obligatory for everybody who stays overnight in Vogtsburg. In return you get the Konus guest card, which is a ticket valid for the local and regional public transport in the whole Black Forest and Upper Rhine region.

We can assist in finding out about participating in local sporting, cultural or leisure-time activities on request.
We can also provide exam-specific training if you wish to sit one of the Goethe Institute language exams. The exams are held by all Goethe Institutes in Germany and abroad.

 

Language and Communication Trainings

	Training Workshops 2-3 days	Training 4-6 days*)	7-14 days*)	3-4 weeks**)
Language training General German	45.00 € /unit (45 min)	43.00 € /unit (45 min)	42.00 € /unit (45 min)	37.00 € /unit (45 min)
Communication Training/ Special German	48.00 € /unit (45 min)	46.00 € /unit (45 min)	45.00 € /unit (45 min)	40.00 € /unit (45 min)
Activity Programme	20 € /60 min	20 € /60 min	20 € /60 min	17 € /60 min
Group discount	For the first person of the group the price is based on the one-to-one rate. Each additional student pays 20% of this rate.
max. Number of units per course day	8 (incl. booked activity hrs)	7 (incl. booked activity hrs)	6	6
max number of course days	2-3	4-6	5,5-10	5 per week
Activity programme	booked activity hrs	booked activity hrs	3 hrs (+ possible additional) 1/2 - 1 day	3 hrs per week (+ possible additional) 1/2 - 1 day / week

(All rates are shown excluding VAT)

*) Booking possible for any period between 4 and 14 days
**) Booking possible for full weeks only
For long-term courses (5 weeks and more) an additional discount is possible..

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation (per night and person)	1 night	2-14 nights	15-28 nights
--- Single room	32.00 €	28.00 €	26.20 €
--- Double / twin room (per pers)	21.50 €	17.80 €	16.00 €
--- Apartment (1-2 pers)	--	(min 3 nights) 46.70 €	44.00 €
Meals (per meal and pers)
--- Breakfast (per person)	5.10 €	5.10 €	5.10 €
---Dinner (per person)	11.70 €	11.70 €	11.70 €
--- Lunch (per person)	5.10 €	5.10 €	5.10 €
Local tax/ guest card (per night and pers)	1.50 €	1.50 €	1.50 €

(All rates are shown excluding VAT)

 

 

 

References:

The Language Guesthouse has worked with following companies/institutions:

• Bosch-Rexroth AG
• Endress+Hauser GmbH & Co.KG
• Eugen Fahrion GmbH & Co. KG
• Groz-Beckert KG
• MCQ TECH GmbH
  

 

 

Reviews and testimonials from our students are to be found on...

GoAbroad.com
Learn4good
Langwhich.com

 

Recommend the Language Guesthouse...

...to your subsidiaries or business partners abroad.

Have you ever thought about buying a language course for your business partner? Improve communication and cooperation and make him or her an even more dependable partner.

Just download our information leaflet and forward it to them!

 

Any questions about what the Language Guesthouse offers?

Have you got special requirements concerning language training for your employee?
Let me know your needs and requirements, and I’ll send you an individual quotation by return. Send your question via contact form or just give me a call.

the LanguageGuesthouse directly or see menu "Living at the Language Guesthouse/ Accommodation"

For general and frequently asked questions please have a look at "Questions+Answers"