German school in Cologne: TANDEM Köln
- Great cultural programme which includes historical city tours, boat tours on the Rhine, theater visits, concerts, BBQ parties and more.
- Excellent nationality mix. No student nationality makes up more than 15% of students.
- Electronic whiteboards in all classrooms.
Location: TANDEM Köln is situated in the lively and bustling city of Cologne, in western Germany. The school is located in the Suedstadt District, just south of the city centre, has excellent links to transport, and is only moments away from green spaces such as Friedens Park, Volksgarten Park and the Raderberger Brache Naturparadies nature refuge. Close by there are several cafés, shops and supermarkets, with the attractions of the city centre and it's multiple world-class museums, just a short journey away, on foot or via metro. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cologne Cathedral is around a 20-minute journey of the school via the city's tram lines.
Course selection: Course selection at TANDEM Köln offers group and private lessons over a variety of intensities and schedules. Combination courses of both group and individual lessons are readily available throughout the year to students of all levels. TELC Exam Preparation courses are also available throughout the year for both B2 and C1 exams.
Accommodation: TANDEM Köln is happy to assist students with any accommodation needs, with options in Homestay, Private Apartments and Shared Flats, available throughout the year.
School facilities: The facilities of the school are excellent. These facilities include a cafeteria, kitchen use for students, a library, free after-class access to language learning software, a lounge area, a garden and a student support desk for any questions or queries that may arise.
- The language school TANDEM Köln was founded in Cologne, Germany in 2004.
- Legal name / parent company: Oliver Lechlmair
- Tax registration ID: DE236715645
- The school is an official exam centerThe following language examinations can be taken directly at the school:
German Courses
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | |||||||||||
Price at School Our price | 210 200 | 420 399 | 630 599 | 760 722 | 950 903 | 1140 1083 | 1330 1264 | 1520 1444 | 1900 1805 | 2280 2166 | 190 181 |
This course consists of 20 general German group lessons per week and 4 additional lessons in a mini group of 4 to 8 students. General classes take place in the mornings. The 4 PLUS lessons are held from Monday to Thursday after the larger group class, with a little break in between. These extra classes focus on using the German language in conversation and grammar. They are designed to build student confidence in their use of German.
Morning: 9:30 - 13:55
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | |||||||||||
Price at School Our price | 160 152 | 320 304 | 480 456 | 560 532 | 700 665 | 840 798 | 980 931 | 1120 1064 | 1400 1330 | 1680 1596 | 140 133 |
The Intensive course is the standard German language course offered from TANDEM academy in Cologne, and consists of 20 lessons per week. Classes take place from Monday to Friday, usually on the morning schedule of 9:30 to 13:00. For everyone except absolute beginners, the course can be started on almost any day of the year. Your level will be assessed approximately with the school’s placement test.
Groups are kept in small numbers, between 5 and 12 participants. Small classes are a feature that makes participating verbally in your lessons more realistic, and also allows your teacher to get to know you and your specific needs more easily.
Every month the students have the chance to take part in a progress test, which is a motivational tool that the school uses to show you your improvements.
This course consists of 20 general German group lessons per week in the mornings. TANDEM Köln offers all levels all year round. You'll learn in small groups in a stimulating learning atmosphere with well-trained teachers and other people from all over the world.
A cultural programme of at least one event per week in the afternoons / evenings is also an essential part of the course.
08 Jan 2024, 05 Feb 2024, 04 Mar 2024, 02 Apr 2024, 29 Apr 2024, 03 Jun 2024, 01 Jul 2024, 05 Aug 2024, 02 Sep 2024, 30 Sep 2024, 28 Oct 2024, 25 Nov 2024
Morning: 9:30 - 13:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | |||||||||||
Price at School Our price | 260 247 | 520 494 | 780 741 | 960 912 | 1200 1140 | 1440 1368 | 1680 1596 | 1920 1824 | 2400 2280 | 2880 2736 | 240 228 |
This course consists of 20 general German group lessons which take place in the mornings. The 4+4 additional lessons are then held in a mini group of between 4 and 8 students before or after the standard course. The focus in these smaller classes is on conversation and grammar and on the most common errors in the use of the German language by non-native speakers.
Morning: 8:30 - 13:55
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 24 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | |||||||||||
Price at School Our price | 355 338 | 710 675 | 1065 1012 | 1340 1273 | 1675 1592 | 2010 1910 | 2680 2546 | 3350 3183 | 4020 3819 | 8040 7638 | 335 319 |
The course consists of the general intensive course of 20 group lessons with the addition of 4 individual classes per week. The lessons are held by appointment. In the individual lessons, you can work together with your teacher to close your language gaps and correct your typical mistakes.
Morning: 9:30 - 14:00
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | |||||||||||
Price at School Our price | 550 523 | 1100 1045 | 1650 1568 | 2120 2014 | 2650 2518 | 3180 3021 | 3710 3525 | 4240 4028 | 5300 5035 | 6360 6042 | 530 504 |
The course consists of an standard course of 20 group lessons and 8 individual classes per week.
Schedule of the private lessons as shown or as agreed upon.
In addition to the intensive course, you will receive 8 private lessons (4x 90 minutes). Ideal for improving your German in a short time, preparing for an exam or for a job.
Morning: 9:30 - 13:00
Afternoon: 14:00 - 15:30
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1645 1563 | -- | -- | -- |
This is an 8-week package with specific start dates planned so that the exam date coincides with the end of the programme. The course consists of 20 German group classes and 6 smaller group classes per week focused on exam preparation. The exam focus group may have between 4 and 10 students.
Morning: 9:30 - 13:00
Afternoon: 14:30 - 17:00
Information for all courses offered by TANDEM Köln
Course material for the first month included in the enrollment fee. After this the average cost is about EUR 25 per month though generally between EUR 18 and EUR 23 each month.
A signed parental consent form must be submitted with the enrolment documents for students under 18.
01 Jan 2024, 12 Feb 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 09 May 2024, 10 May 2024, 20 May 2024, 30 May 2024, 31 May 2024, 03 Oct 2024, 01 Nov 2024.
Lessons needed per German language level
Our price includes
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
- INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
- INCLUDED Free consultation about suitable college/university programs by a qualified consultant
- INCLUDED Paid assistance in finding flats for long-term students at 75€
TANDEM Köln
General school facilities
Cafeteria
Kitchen for student use
Microwave for student use
Fridge for student use
Snack vending machine
Drink vending machine
Library
Daily press
Movie rental
Free after-class access to language learning software
Movie room
Lounge
Garden
Balcony / terrace
Student support desk
Copy machine
Printer for student use
Lockers
Self-study areas
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Non-smoking (all indoor areas, but not all outdoor areas of school)
Smoking zones (outdoors)
Tourist information
Assistance with entrance ticket purchases
Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs
Assistance with organizing transportation
Facilities for islamic students
Arabic homestays available
- Accommodation and meals for islamic students on request
Classroom equipment
TV in all classrooms
Electronic whiteboard in all classrooms
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
Number of classrooms: 14Number of public PC workstations: 12Paid parking (<500m)Facilities for disabled students
Adapted for students with learning difficulty
Additional comment about facilities of school
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
Age of students
Airport transfer
320 € return (both ways)
160 € return (both ways)
Visa Documents
Leisure activities
activity possible | distance from school | |
---|---|---|
Ballet | | 1 km |
Basketball | | 1 km |
Dancing | | 1 km |
Football (soccer) | | 1 km |
Golf | | 5 km |
Horse riding | | 15 km |
Mountainbiking | | 5 km |
Squash | | 3 km |
Swimming | | 2 km |
Table Tennis | | 1 km |
Tennis | | 3 km |
Volleyball | | 1 km |
Yoga | | 1 km |
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
- Guided city tours with a teacher
- Going out together
- Playing soccer
- Playing basketball, table tennis
Adults - Paid activities
- Museum visits
- Augustusburg Castle or the famous Cologne Cathedral (World Cultural Heritage)
- Trips to other cities nearby like Bonn, Brühl or Düsseldorf
- Excursions by ship on the river Rhine into the romantic Rhine valley
- Cycling tour
Activities are always between EUR 5 and EUR 15 per activity.
Junior - Free activities
Junior - Paid activities
Accommodation
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 225 | 450 | 675 | 780 | 975 | 1170 | 1365 | 1560 | 1950 | 2340 | 195 | 95 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
You live in a single room and share the bathroom and kitchen with your flatmates (whether they are a family or a single person). Breakfast is included. The distance to the school is a maximum of 30 to 45 minutes by public transport. TV and parking can be arranged on request.
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 165 | 330 | 495 | 540 | 675 | 810 | 945 | 1080 | 1350 | 1620 | 135 | 95 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
TV and parking can be arranged on request.
You live in a single room and share the bathroom and kitchen with your flatmates (whether they are a family or a single person). Breakfast and one other meal are included. The distance to the school is a maximum of 30 to 45 minutes by public transport.
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 240 | 480 | 720 | 700 | 875 | 1050 | 1225 | 1400 | 1750 | 2100 | 175 | 95 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
For all those who like to live at their own pace without depending on a host family, the school can arrange a single room or small apartment in the TANDEM flat share on the 3rd floor of the school building. The four single rooms (14 to 17m²) are bright and quiet, there’s a fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom with two showers and a washing machine, a toilet and a balcony. The two apartments (18 and 30m²) are also fully-equipped, have a private bathroom and a kitchenette. One of them can be used as a double room. In all rooms/apartments, there’s free internet access via WLAN. As a courtesy to non-smokers, smoking is not permitted within the entire flat (only on the balcony).
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 200 | 400 | 600 | 580 | 725 | 870 | 1015 | 1160 | 1450 | 1740 | 145 | 95 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
For all those who like to live their own lives without depending on a flat share / host family, we can arrange a small apartment in the TANDEM flat share on the 3rd floor of the school building. This apartment (18m²) is fully equipped, has a private bathroom and a kitchenette. There’s free internet access via WLAN. As a courtesy to non-smokers, smoking is not permitted within the entire flat (only on the balcony!).
Ratings of TANDEM Köln compared to ratings of all schools in Germany
TANDEM Köln Cologne | Average of all other schools in Germany | |
---|---|---|
Overall school rating | ||
Location of the school | ||
Facilities | ||
Social activities | ||
Organisation | ||
Quality of teaching | ||
Value for money | ||
Homestay | ||
Shared flat |
Student opinions about TANDEM Köln, Cologne
Student Testimonial Videos
Questions and answers about TANDEM Köln
- What is the schedule of the intensive course?“The general timetable for the standard course is: 4 lessons of 45 minutes each day.
Mornings: 9:30 - 13:00.
The exact schedule will be determined on the first day of class depending on your level.
”Gosia Mazur, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 24, 2023 - Does this school offer lessons for complete beginners?“Yes. Complete beginners can enrol on the intensive course. The school has set specific start dates for this course for students who have never studied German before.”Gosia Mazur, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 24, 2023
- Do you offer job center courses and education voucher courses?“Yes, we offer job center courses and training voucher courses are currently in progress. All these courses are settled directly with the authorities, there are fixed rates for them. Please contact the authority and school directly to get your place on the course.”Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 18, 2023
- Does the school offer employment agency courses and education voucher courses?“Unfortunately, we do not offer integration courses, nor can our courses be funded by the job center.”Sabine Krafack, LanguageCourse.Net - Apr 18, 2023
- How much does the course material cost?“The course material for the first month is included in the enrollment fee. After this the average cost is about EUR 25 per month though generally between EUR 18 and EUR 23 each month.”Rubén De Haro, LanguageCourse.Net - Aug 21, 2023
FAQ about TANDEM Köln,
- How will I first be assessed on my current German language level? Also does your course come with a "A1" certificate?“Students take a placement test on the first day or the test will be sent by email before the starting date. It takes approximately 8-9 weeks to complete one level. Students receive a free certificate of course attendance at the end of the course.
”Angela Ligartova, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Jun 30, 2023 - How will I first be assessed on my current German language level? Also does your course come with a "A1" certificate?
“Students take a placement test on the first day or the test will be sent by email before the starting date. You can usually start any Monday if you speak some German. The total beginner starting dates are listed on our website. You'll receive a free certificate of course attendance at the end of the course. ”Angela Ligartova, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Jul 07, 2023 - I would like to know when the remaining amount needs to be paid and how the visa application documents will be delivered by the school.
“If you need a visa, all remaining fees need to be paid as soon as you receive the invoice from the school.
The full payment is requested by the school before sending documents required for visa application of student (e.g. letter of invitation, I-20). ”Madly Simba, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 04, 2023 - Is airport pickup offered by TANDEM Köln?Yes. The school offers pickup from Duesseldorf International Airport (160 €), Cologne Bonn Airport (80 €)
- What is the number of students per class at Tandem?Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Tandem varies from 12 students (IntensivePLUS) to 12 students (IntensivePLUS)
- What is the qualification of the teachers at TANDEM Köln?95% of teachers at TANDEM Köln hold a university degree. 5% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
- Which countries are students of TANDEM Köln from?The highest Nationality percentage at TANDEM Köln comes from Turkey with a 12% representation, followed by students from Switzerland (10%) and Spain (9%).
- Is this price lower than booking directly with the school?Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
- TANDEM Köln offers courses for which ages?TANDEM Köln offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 22 during the summer and 24 for the rest of the year.