German Level 1 (A0) is a complete beginner course for students who have never studied the language before. If you already have some basic knowledge of German, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you. 

Our online German language classes take place via Zoom with a qualified, experienced teacher. 

Classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive, with a strong focus on spoken communication. Lessons are taught primarily in German and include interactive activities such as group work and role-plays to help build confidence and fluency. The course also develops your grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, reading, and writing skills for real-life use of the language. 

After Level 1, continue your learning with Level 2 and beyond. Progression is based on your participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To understand how this course fits into your learning journey, check our level chart. 

What do you need for an online class? 

To get the most from this course, you will need: 

• A reliable internet connection 

• A desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone 

• A web camera on or attached to the device you are using 

• An integrated microphone or headset 

• Zoom access – full joining details will be sent by email the day before your course starts 

What’s included in your course? 

• Lesson summaries, notes & resources 

• German study tips 

• Access to additional study materials via our online platform 

• Support from experienced teachers 

• Invitations to exclusive workshops and events for IH London students 

By the end of your course, you should be able to: 

• Greet, say goodbye, and introduce yourself/others 

• Ask and answer basic questions (e.g., “How are you?”) 

• Share personal details (e.g., phone number, email) and spell words 

• Talk about nationality, countries, and languages 

• Use numbers for counting and everyday contexts 

• Discuss hobbies, free-time activities, and make plans 

• Describe jobs, professions, and working hours 

• Fill out simple forms 

• Apply essential grammar: questions, verb conjugation, pronouns, articles, plurals, haben and sein 

• Distinguish between formal and informal address 

• Gain cultural insights into German-speaking countries 

Materials 

Required Coursebook: 
Netzwerk neu in Teilbänden: Kurs- und Übungsbuch A1.1 mit Audios und Videos 
Units: 1 & 2 
ISBN: 3126071627 

Please note coursebooks are required and should be purchased after your first lesson. 

German Kickstart is a new live online course for complete beginners who want to start speaking German in a short, practical format. 

In just 4 Saturday mornings, you will build confidence with the basics of everyday German through live teacher-led lessons, interactive activities, and guided speaking practice. The course is designed for people who are new to the language and want a friendly, achievable introduction without committing to a long programme or following a traditional coursebook. 

Lessons focus on useful communication from the start. You will learn how to introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and manage short everyday interactions in German. 

Course format 

• Duration: 4 weeks 

• Schedule: Saturdays, 10.00–11.30 

• Delivery: Live online 

• Level: Complete beginners 

• Materials: Teacher-created materials, no coursebook required 

Why choose German Kickstart? 

• study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school 

• learn in a live online classroom with expert teacher support 

• enjoy a short and manageable format designed for busy adults 

• build confidence through practical speaking-focused lessons 

• make clear progress in just 4 weeks 

This course is for complete beginners who want a clear and motivating introduction to German. 

It is a good fit for: 

• adults who have never studied German before 

• learners who studied a little German a long time ago and want to start again from the beginning 

• people looking for a short course before committing to a longer programme 

• busy learners who want a focused and manageable course on Saturday mornings 

• anyone interested in learning practical German for everyday situations, travel, or general interest 

This course may be especially useful if you want to: 

• try German for the first time 

• build confidence speaking in a supportive group 

• learn through communication rather than a traditional coursebook 

• see quick progress in a short period of time 

This course may not be the right choice if you already have a solid foundation in German and can already hold basic conversations. In that case, a higher-level course would be more suitable. 

Do I need any previous knowledge of German? No. This course is for complete beginners. 

Is there a coursebook? No. The course uses teacher-created materials, so you do not need to buy a coursebook. 

How are the lessons taught? Lessons are taught live via Zoom by a teacher and include interactive activities, guided speaking practice, and focused language input. 

What do I need for the online lessons? A stable internet connection, and a device with a microphone and camera (headphones recommended). You may also want a notebook for quick notes. 

How will I receive the course materials? All course materials are shared via SharePoint, with access provided in your welcome email 24 hours before the course starts. 

How much study is expected outside class? We recommend short practice between lessons to help you review and remember what you learn in class. These tasks are designed to be manageable and supportive. 

Will I be speaking in class? Yes. The course is designed to help you start using German actively from the beginning, so there will be regular speaking practice in a supportive environment. 

What will I be able to do by the end of the course? By the end of the 4 weeks, you will be able to introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and manage short everyday interactions in German with more confidence. 

What happens after German Kickstart? German Kickstart is designed as a first step. After the course, you can continue with our follow-course, Kickstart 2 to build on what you have learnt. 

Who is the course suitable for? The course is aimed at adults (18+) who want a short, practical introduction to German in a live online format. 

Why not try out a sample beginners German lesson before signing up to a full course? These one-off sessions are aimed at students who have never studied the German language before. 

Sample Lesson Plan

• Greeting people
• Introducing yourself and someone else
• Asking and giving personal details (name, nationalities, profession, age, phone number, date of birth)