Learn German your way with a TakeLessons expert

German is the official language of Germany and Austria, plus it's one of Switzerland's four official languages. In the European Union, it's the most widely spoken language, with 90 million native speakers. Outside of the EU, the United States is home to the largest concentration of German speakers.

Speaking German not only opens doors to business opportunities, as Germany is one of the United States' top trade partners, but it also introduces learners to one of Europe's most captivating cultures. You can read the works of Franz Kafka in its original language or dive into the works of famous German philosophers.

There are many enticing reasons for learning German, but what’s more fun than the thought of attending Oktoberfest while enjoying the company of locals and singing along to classic drinking songs?

Benefits of Taking German Classes in Chicago

When you sign up for German tutoring in Chicago, you’ll be exposed to a new side of the city in a way you've never before experienced it before. During the 1800s, around 5 million Germans immigrated to the United States, and the majority settled in the Midwest. As a result, Chicago is home to many different opportunities to experience and participate in German culture.

For instance, you can spend a weekend visiting the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center. Take a walk through their museum exhibit on Germans in Chicago and keep an eye on the art gallery's rotating collections. You can also experience German music, food, cooking, pretzel twisting, and dancing at one of their many events events.

Chicago is also home to one of only six US locations of the Goethe-Institut, where you can experience German art, society, films, literature, comic books, and more. After completing your lessons, you can even register for an official German language exam to receive certification.

Choosing a German Tutor in Chicago

Our directory features a long list of qualified tutors available for private German lessons in Chicago. Whether your specific interests lie in studying German literature or philosophy, learning the German language and business customs, or getting comfortable chatting with native speakers, you can find a tutor with the right teaching style for you. Our experienced tutors will introduce you to the language and give you a taste of the culture at the same time.

One of our top-rated tutors, Erol G., has a PhD in Educational Leadership and several years of language teaching experience. He offers lessons to students of all ages, at all levels, and to those with special needs. One review of Erol G. reads, "Really impressed. I can already do the High German R much better after only one lesson."

Where to Take German Lessons in Chicago

With dozens of tutors available for German classes in Chicago, you can take lessons virtually anywhere, including at your home or your tutor’s. We also offer convenient online lessons if you have a webcam and strong internet connection.

If you’d rather meet in public, consider scheduling lessons at a quiet table in Lutz Cafe and Pastry Shop on West Montrose Avenue. During class, you can practice specific vocabulary words for all the scrumptious German treats you order!

Wherever you choose to learn German in Chicago, we recommend choosing a quiet location. If you decide to stay home for online classes, pick a place without distractions, where you’ll feel focused and alert.

Making the Most of German Tutoring in Chicago

Before scheduling your first lesson with a German tutor in Chicago, be sure you have everything you need to facilitate learning. Drop by Atlas Stationers to purchase a new notebook, flashcards, pens, and highlighters for taking notes.

You can also take a trip north to visit Schoenhof's Foreign Books in Skokie, to browse their large selection of German reading materials. Pick a few that catch your eye and consider purchasing a German-English dictionary while you're at it.

After your first few classes, we encourage you to go out into the world and practice all you've learned. Join one of Chicago's German language Meetups, order a frothy pint at Dog Haus Biergarten in Lincoln Park, or enjoy correctly pronouncing your order at Funkenhausen.

No matter your reasons for learning a new language or how you plan to use it, learning to speak German will enhance your appreciation of German and German-American culture!