Question 1

What levels of German classes do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer courses from absolute beginner (A1) to intermediate (B1) levels. Occasionally we also run advanced courses (B2 or above).

Additionally, we offer regular Conversation Courses for students from B1 onwards and other short courses at varying levels.

Question 2

Do I need any prior knowledge of German to join a class?

Accepted Answer

No — beginners are very welcome! Our Level 1 courses assume little or no prior knowledge of German. For conversation or higher-level classes, we recommend having completed the relevant previous level (for example, B1 before joining B1+).

We also offer a monthly casual German Class at the Brisbane German Club.

Question 3

How are group courses structured at DerDieDas German Classes?

Accepted Answer

Group courses at DerDieDas German Classes are structured to provide interactive learning experiences with a focus on communication skills, grammar and vocabulary. Classes are kept small to ensure personalised attention and active participation from all students.

Question 4

What types of German courses do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer a variety of German courses to suit different learning styles and goals:
Group / Standard Courses – small, in-person classes in Woolloongabba
Online Courses – live via Zoom, with the same structure as our in-person classes
Community German Classes – $5 beginner classes held monthly at the German Club
Conversation Courses (B1+) – for learners ready to focus on speaking and fluency
Workshops and Revision Classes – short sessions that focus on grammar or specific skills

Question 5

Which course level should I choose?

Accepted Answer

You can use our Level Finder or Online Placement Test to determine the best starting point. If you’re still unsure, we’re happy to help you choose the right level. Simply send an email to info@derdiedas.com.au.

Our levels follow the CEFR framework (A1, A2, B1, etc.).

Question 6

How long are the courses and what do they cost?

Accepted Answer

Classic Courses: 11–12 weeks, 1.5 hours per week – $363 per level
Accelerated Courses: 7 weeks, 2.5 hours per week – $363 per level
Intensive Courses: 2 weekends, 3 hours per day - $363 per level
Community Classes: $5 per one-hour session for beginners

Course books ($49) are required for most levels and can be purchased from us.

Question 7

Which courses require a course book?

Accepted Answer

Most of our German courses use a course book to support learning. Each book covers two levels: for example, one book may cover Level 1 and 2, or Level 7 and 8.
Beginner and intermediate courses typically require the Schritte International Neu series.
B1+ courses typically require the Vielfalt series.
Course books are purchased during checkout ($49).
We provide all other learning materials in class, so you only need a pen and notebook.
For online courses, books can be collected from our classroom in Woolloongabba, our Aspley address, or posted to you for a small postage fee.
This ensures that you have the right materials to practise reading, writing and grammar, both in class and at home.

Question 8

How do online classes work?

Accepted Answer

Our online classes are held via Zoom at set times, just like in-person sessions. You’ll need a device with internet access, a webcam and a microphone. Headphones are recommended. Books can be collected from our classroom in Woolloongabba, our address in Aspley or posted to you.

Question 9

Where are the in-person classes held?

Accepted Answer

Our main classroom is located in Woolloongabba, Brisbane (6a/33a Logan Road).

Please note: for 5:30 pm classes, doors close at 5:45 pm; for 7:00 pm classes, doors open at 7:00 pm.

Question 10

How many students are in a class?

Accepted Answer

We keep our groups small — with a maximum of 10 students per class and an average of around 6-7. This ensures plenty of individual attention and opportunities to speak.

Question 11

What if I miss a class?

Accepted Answer

If you’re running late, please contact your teacher. While we don’t offer formal make-up sessions, we’ll help you catch up on what you’ve missed by providing you with lesson notes, make-up material and homework instructions.

There is also always the option to join your regular group class via Zoom on the day. Please just give your teacher plenty of notice if you'd like to join online.

Question 12

How do I register and pay for a course?

Accepted Answer

You can reserve your seat with a small deposit. Full payment is due one day before your course starts.

We accept bank transfers or online payments — we do not accept cash.

Question 13

Do you offer free or low-cost learning options?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer several affordable ways to learn and connect with German: our Community German Classes are just $5 per session for beginners, and our German Book Club is free for advanced learners. We also host regular social gatherings for current and former DerDieDas students — a fun way to practise German and meet fellow learners.

Question 14

What materials are used in class?

Accepted Answer

We use the Schritte International Neu series for beginner and intermediate levels and Vielfalt for B1+ and above. You’ll only need a pen and notebook — we provide everything else.

Question 15

I want to practise speaking — which class should I join?

Accepted Answer

Our Conversation Courses (Konversationskurse) are perfect for B1+ learners who want to improve fluency. We also offer workshops and revision sessions that focus on speaking skills at lower levels.

Question 16

Who teaches the courses?

Accepted Answer

Our German teachers are experienced and qualified, with many being native German speakers. All teachers are selected for their skill, teaching experience, and passion for helping students succeed.

Question 17

Can I meet my teacher before class?

Accepted Answer

While we don’t offer formal pre-course meetings, you can contact us with questions about your teacher at any stage before your course starts.

Question 18

How do teachers support students outside of class?

Accepted Answer

Our teachers are available via email for questions about homework, course materials or learning strategies. For private lessons, additional support can be arranged directly with your teacher.

Question 19

How much time should I invest outside of class?

Accepted Answer

We recommend for you to spend at least one to two hours of your own time studying German between classes. That can be doing homework, memorising vocabulary, going over previous class content, etc.
You can get the best learning effect by doing a little every day or every second day. So it's recommended that you spread out your homework throughout the week, rather than doing it all at once.

Question 20

What happens if the course doesn’t have enough students?

Accepted Answer

We need a minimum of four students to run a course.
If only three students register, the course will still go ahead, but we may shorten the duration (by one week for accelerated courses or two weeks for standard courses) to still be able to run the course and compensate our teacher. Learning will also happen a lot faster with a smaller group.

Question 21

Can I get a refund if I cancel my course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, refunds are possible depending on when you cancel:
Up to 3 days (72 hours) before the first class: we’ll refund your course fee minus a $50 administration fee.
On the same day of the first class (before attending): we'll keep 25% of the course fee as an early drop-out fee.
After the first class: we'll keep 50% of the course fee as a late drop-out fee.
After the second class: the course fee becomes non-refundable.

Question 22

Can I switch to a different class or level?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sometimes we may suggest moving you to another class for educational reasons, for example, if it’s a better fit for your level or progress. We’ll only do this if the new class time suits you.
Other than that, transfers between courses are not usually possible.

Question 23

What payment options do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We accept PayPal (including Pay in 4), credit/debit card, and Stripe payments.  You can also use bank transfer. You can choose the option that works best for you during checkout.

Question 24

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you’d like to spread your course fee over instalments, you can use PayPal’s “Pay in 4” option at checkout. It lets you split your payment into four smaller amounts, interest-free.

Question 25

Can I join a class after it’s already started?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, yes. Each course has the option to join as 'late admission' in week two. Depending on the group and what has been covered, you may be able to join at a later stage as well. Contact us and we’ll let you know if joining mid-course is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

helpful information for new and returning students

Frequently asked questions