German Course: Beginner German

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

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.