It is advisable to contact a number of language schools for German courses to find out what they offer. This will allow you to make better comparisons and find the right course for you. Our guides will also certainly help you. In the guide "Education and training in languages" (see navigation point "Education help" above) you will find a comprehensive list of the individual course types, from standard courses to individual lessons, their advantages and disadvantages as well as other possible language diplomas. For German courses in Switzerland, but also abroad, you should also read the guide "How to choose the right course provider" (see navigation point "Education help" above).

However, perhaps you would like to learn to speak exclusively or mainly, rather than write? Then a conversation course or a combination conversation/intensive course might be ideal for you. You can also find diploma courses that prepare you for language exams at many German schools. Special courses, for example for job seekers, mothers with children, families, women, senior citizens, special professional groups or illiterates, can also be found in many places.

People show interest in private German courses and coaching for various reasons, as a survey by Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch shows:

• 50% check whether the course meets their own needs
• 50% on the basis of a recommendation
• none, as required for the job (mentioned in job offers)

One free text response mentions another point: "check suitable offers for my clients".

In addition, diploma courses can be attended in both variants, in which the German school prepares you for the German exam you wish to take. Private lessons are also possible, as are special courses, such as business German or conversation courses, German for job seekers or company courses. A distinction is made between German as a foreign language, German as a second language and German as a native language. There are corresponding continuing education, further training courses for all three areas, which are also divided into different levels of proficiency, especially for the first two, depending on how well you speak German.

Many private individuals offer tutoring in German, but pupils, professionals and students can also get help in this subject at special tutoring schools. Lessons in schools often take place as a group course, unlike private tutors. However, individual courses can also be booked on request at most schools, but then come at a price. Another alternative are online learning platforms and lessons via Skype or other digital channels, where learners do not have to travel to the school location and do a lot of self-study. However, this is not suitable for everyone; children and young people in particular, who lack discipline and motivation, benefit little from such tutoring options. The target groups for the individual offers are also sometimes different and are aimed at primary school pupils, secondary school pupils, grammar school pupils, vocational school pupils, students, pupils preparing for special entrance examinations, such as Gymnasium, BMS, HMS, IMS or FMS, or professionals who want to finally close their knowledge gaps. Some schools also offer vacation courses where children and young people can receive intensive German tutoring during the vacations and thus improve their knowledge in a short period of time.