
What we like about the school
- Ideal location just a few minutes walk from the Friedrichstrasse underground and suburban railway station.
- Excellent nationality mix. No student nationality makes up more than 15% of students.
What we dislike about the school
- Lessons are 45 minutes long, which is shorter than in other schools.
Location: Carl Duisberg Centrum (CDC) Berlin is located in the bustling and vibrant city of Berlin, Germany. The school is in the Mitte District of the city centre, housed in a quiet courtyard and surrounded by local cafés, eateries and attractions. Within walking distance of the school are landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Gendarmenmarkt and the Reichstag building, ensuring students have a very memorable time and experience, whilst studying in Berlin. The Haus der Kulturen Welt, along with the immense green space of the Großer Tiergarten, are also both just a short trip from the school's front doors. The school also has excellent communication for moving around the city, with the U-Bahn Train and bus routes just moments away.
Course selection: Course selection at the school includes something for students of all levels. General German courses are available over various schedules and intensities, with specific learning courses such as TestDaF and TELC Preparation programmes, also readily available throughout the year.
School facilities: CDC Berlin has excellent facilities, ensuring that students feel welcomed and motivated to reach their language goals. These facilities include a computer lab, a lounge area, free after-class access to language learning software and a student support desk for any questions or queries that arise. All classrooms are equipped with heating whereas most have a source of natural light.
Accommodation: The school can supply accommodation in a variety of facilities including in Residence, Homestay and Studio Apartments.
School chain: Carl Duisberg Centrum is a group of schools dedicated to the teaching of German in Germany. For over 50 years the Carl Duisberg Centrum schools have offered German language courses to students of all ages and career stages, consistently striving for further excellence in further education and training. As a not-for-profit organization, the group's primary goal is to serve the good of the public, specifically, through promoting international understanding.
All Carl Duisberg Centrum schools are certified according to ISO 9001 standards for Language Courses, Language Travel, and International School Programs.
- The language school Carl Duisberg Centrum was founded in Berlin, Germany in 1998.
- Legal name / parent company: Carl Duisberg Centren gemeinnützige GmbH
- Tax registration ID: DE122792319
- Abbreviated name of school: CDC Berlin
- 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 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 36 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 280 266 | 460 437 | 690 656 | 920 874 | 1150 1093 | 1380 1311 | 1840 1748 | 2300 2185 | 2520 2394 | 6480 6156 | 180 171 |
Price in US$ | 287 | 471 | 707 | 942 | 1177 | 1413 | 1883 | 2354 | 2579 | 6631 | 185 |
Carl Duisberg Centrum’s main German language programme is their Intensive course, providing their international students with 24 professionally prepared lessons every week at their Berlin location. This is a particularly popular choice for those individuals who intend to apply to a German university, and who therefore need to either improve their German language skills, and/or obtain a certificate that demonstrates their abilities.
Features included:
- Placement test to determine your initial group level
- Welcome package
- Textbook and access to online learning materials, among others
- Leisure programme
- Free WiFi access
- Certificate at the end of the course
High season surcharge for this course (3 July – 1 Sep.) is only applicable for bookings with a duration of 1–11 weeks
- 24 TUs* group lessons and a 2 TU workshop per week - Digital Language Lab available around the clock, On-site Language Lab
In this Intensive Course, you will learn German for your work, studies, school or simply for yourself.
If you do not yet have any knowledge of German, you can register for one of the school's beginner courses. If you do have prior knowledge, you can start your course every Monday.
The school's varied leisure programme complements your lessons in the classroom with excursions to nearby cities and regions. Outdoor activities, visits to museums, cooking together or games and cinema afternoons are among the most popular activities.
The minimum age for the German Intensive Course is 16, and in Radolfzell 15.
Special note for 2023 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2023 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2022 many schools were fully booked during the holidays, and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2023 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
High season dates 03 Jul. 2023 - 01 Sep. 2023
02 Jan. 2023, 30 Jan. 2023, 06 Mar. 2023, 03 Apr. 2023, 02 May 2023, 30 May 2023, 03 Jul. 2023, 31 Jul. 2023, 04 Sep. 2023, 02 Oct. 2023, 30 Oct. 2023, 27 Nov. 2023
Morning: 8:30 - 13:30
Afternoon: 14:00 - 18:30
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 760 722 | 1420 1349 | 2130 2024 | 2840 2698 | 4260 4047 | 5680 5396 | 10650 10118 | 14200 13490 | 17750 16863 | 21300 20235 | 710 675 |
Price in US$ | 778 | 1454 | 2180 | 2907 | 4360 | 5813 | 10898 | 14531 | 18163 | 21796 | 727 |
This course combines the advantages of group lessons with the benefits of one-to-one
lessons. Students will be able to make use of a variety of communication methods in a group and set their own priorities in their individual training.
High season surcharge for this course (3 July – 1 Sep.) is only applicable for bookings with a duration of 1–11 weeks.
- 24 TUs* group lessons and a 2 TU workshop per week
- Digital Language Lab available around the clock, On-site Language Lab
- 5 or 10 private lessons per week.
The Crash Course combines group lessons with one-to-one lessons so that you benefit from both learning environments: diverse communication in groups and focus on individual needs. You may choose either 5 or 10 TU per week (TU = 45 minutes) of one-to-one training (general language or specialized language).
Special note for 2023 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2023 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2022 many schools were fully booked during the holidays, and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2023 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
High season dates 03 Jul. 2023 - 01 Sep. 2023
02 Jan. 2023, 30 Jan. 2023, 06 Mar. 2023, 03 Apr. 2023, 02 May 2023, 30 May 2023, 03 Jul. 2023, 31 Jul. 2023, 04 Sep. 2023, 02 Oct. 2023, 30 Oct. 2023, 27 Nov. 2023
Morning: 8:30 - 13:30
Afternoon: 14:00 - 18:30
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 25 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 520 494 | 940 893 | 1410 1340 | 1880 1786 | 2820 2679 | 3760 3572 | 6110 5805 | 7050 6698 | 9400 8930 | 11750 11163 | 470 447 |
Price in US$ | 533 | 962 | 1443 | 1924 | 2886 | 3848 | 6253 | 7214 | 9619 | 12024 | 481 |
This course combines the advantages of group lessons with the benefits of one-to-one
lessons. Students will be able to make use of a variety of communication methods in a group and set their own priorities in their individual training.
High season surcharge for this course (3 July – 1 Sep.) is only applicable for bookings with a duration of 1–11 weeks
- 24 TUs* group lessons and a 2 TU workshop per week
- Digital Language Lab available around the clock, On-site Language Lab
- 5 or 10 private lessons per week.
The Crash Course combines group lessons with one-to-one lessons so that you benefit from both learning environments: diverse communication in groups and focus on individual needs. You may choose either 5 or 10 TU per week (TU = 45 minutes) of one-to-one training (general language or specialized language).
Special note for 2023 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2023 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2022 many schools were fully booked during the holidays, and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2023 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
High season dates 03 Jul. 2023 - 01 Sep. 2023
02 Jan. 2023, 30 Jan. 2023, 06 Mar. 2023, 03 Apr. 2023, 02 May 2023, 30 May 2023, 03 Jul. 2023, 31 Jul. 2023, 04 Sep. 2023, 02 Oct. 2023, 30 Oct. 2023, 27 Nov. 2023
Morning: 8:30 - 13:30
Afternoon: 14:00 - 18:30
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | -- | -- | -- | 449 427 | -- | 898 854 | -- | 1347 1280 | 1796 1707 | 2245 2133 | 2694 2560 |
Price in US$ | -- | -- | -- | 460 | -- | 919 | -- | 1379 | 1838 | 2298 | 2757 |
This online course consists of 15 group lessons and 5 learning tutorials per week. Students can choose between morning or afternoon sessions.
Free trial is available on request (it usually takes place on Mondays).
In the Online program, you will enjoy 3 live training units per day in our virtual classroom.
Additionally, 5 training units of tutorials per week are at your disposal.
You will also have free access to our Digital Language Lab with a wide range of additional features for individual learning, 24/7.
The lessons take place in international groups of maximum of 12 participants.
Special note for 2023 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2023 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2022 many schools were fully booked during the holidays, and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2023 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
02 Jan. 2023, 30 Jan. 2023, 06 Mar. 2023, 03 Apr. 2023, 02 May 2023, 30 May 2023, 03 Jul. 2023, 31 Jul. 2023, 04 Sep. 2023, 02 Oct. 2023, 30 Oct. 2023, 27 Nov. 2023
Morning: 10:30 - 13:15
Afternoon: 16:00 - 18:45
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 220 209 | 440 418 | 660 627 | 880 836 | 1320 1254 | 1760 1672 | 3300 3135 | 4400 4180 | 5500 5225 | 6600 6270 | 220 209 |
Price in US$ | 226 | 451 | 676 | 901 | 1351 | 1801 | 3377 | 4503 | 5628 | 6754 | 226 |
In individual training (at least 4 TUs), your learning needs are taken into account in the best way possible. If you wish, your own course material (e.g. from your professional life) can be included in the lessons. The most effective way to learn successfully.
Special note for 2023 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2023 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2022 many schools were fully booked during the holidays, and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2023 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Morning: 7:00 - 21:55
Afternoon: 7:00 - 21:55
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | -- | -- | -- | 550 523 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Price in US$ | -- | -- | -- | 563 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
This course helps students familiarize themselves with the test format and offers them tips on the best strategies and techniques for completing the examination tasks.
The exam fee is not included and depends on the chosen course type and level: TestDaF: 210 EUR (digital)/ 215 EUR (paper-based)
At the Carl Duisberg Training Centers, you can take internationally recognized German tests, e.g. telc Deutsch, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or the regular and digital TestDaF, and prepare yourself accordingly.
TestDaF is a language test carried out by the TestDaF-Institut, which allows international applicants to gain proof of the required language proficiency to study at a German university. The test questions were developed by the TestDaF-Institut and the test is given at licensed TestDaF centres around the world on one pre-set date. Completed tests are corrected at the TestDaF-Institut in Germany. As a rule, you receive the test results six weeks after you have taken the test.
The school's intensive courses offer comprehensive, expert preparation for the TestDaF exam. At Carl Duisberg Centrum, they familiarize you with the test format, and you practice the test once using official mock exams. The instructor corrects the results with you and gives you tips on the best strategies and techniques for completing the examination tasks.
After completing the course, you can take either exam at any Carl Duisberg Training Center.
Special note for 2023 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2023 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2022 many schools were fully booked during the holidays, and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2023 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Afternoon: 13:30 - 18:00
01 Jan. 2023, 08 Mar. 2023, 07 Apr. 2023, 10 Apr. 2023, 01 May 2023, 18 May 2023, 29 May 2023, 03 Oct. 2023, 24 Dec. 2023 - 31 Dec. 2023.
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
Carl Duisberg Centrum (CDC)
“With over 50 years of experience as an international language provider, teaching German as a foreign language has always had an important focus in the work of Carl Duisberg Centren. We offer "Bildung ohne Grenzen" (education without borders). Berlin is a dynamic and creative city, linking Eastern and Western Europe. The eclectic capital city is rich in contrasts and appeal and offers visitors unique insights into German culture”


General school facilities
Snack vending machine
Drink vending machine
Computer lab
Daily press
Free after-class access to language learning software
Lounge
Student support desk
Copy machine
Printer for student use
Table soccer / football
Free WIFI
Classroom equipment
TV in most classrooms
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in most classrooms
Number of classrooms: 20Number of public PC workstations: 17
Additional comment about facilities of school
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
Age of students
Airport transfer
180 € return (both ways)
180 € return (both ways)
180 € return (both ways)
Visa Documents
Accommodation

weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 300 | 600 | 900 | 1200 | 1500 | 1800 | 2100 | 2400 | 3000 | 3600 | 300 |
Price in US$ | 324 | 647 | 970 | 1293 | 1616 | 1939 | 2262 | 2586 | 3232 | 3878 | 324 |
Price per person
The school's residences have a unique, international atmosphere. Students stay in simple, functional single or twin rooms and share a bathroom (shower/toilet) and kitchen with other residents.
Services
- Single room with shared use of bathroom/toilet and kitchen
- Bed linen is provided
- Self-catering
- Wi-Fi
- Distance to CDC: maximum of 50 minute travel time with public transportation

weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 315 | 630 | 945 | 1260 | 1575 | 1890 | 2205 | 2520 | 3150 | 3780 | 315 |
Price in US$ | 340 | 679 | 1018 | 1358 | 1697 | 2036 | 2376 | 2715 | 3393 | 4072 | 340 |
Price per person
Participants live with German homestay families (individuals/couples, with or without children) or in shared accommodation. Amenities include a fully furnished single room, often with television and Internet access. The bathroom and kitchen are shared spaces. The school can arrange group accommodation so that course participants do not all speak the same native language. Homestay family residents may choose to include breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner).
Services
- Single room, often with TV and Internet access
- Breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner), if desired
- Shared use of bathroom and kitchen
- Bed linen and towels
- Weekly cleaning
- Travel time to Carl Duisberg Training Center: 15-45 minutes with public transport
weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 225 | 450 | 675 | 900 | 1125 | 1350 | 1575 | 1800 | 2250 | 2700 | 225 |
Price in US$ | 243 | 485 | 728 | 970 | 1212 | 1455 | 1697 | 1939 | 2424 | 2909 | 243 |
Price per person
Participants live with German homestay families (individuals/couples, with or without children) or in shared accommodation. Amenities include a fully furnished single room, often with television and Internet access. The bathroom and kitchen are shared spaces. The school can arrange group accommodation so that course participants do not all speak the same native language. Homestay family residents may choose to include breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner).
Services
- Single room, often with TV and Internet access
- Breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner), if desired
- Shared use of bathroom and kitchen
- Bed linen and towels
- Weekly cleaning
- Travel time to Carl Duisberg Training Center: 15-45 minutes with public transport
weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in € | 262 | 524 | 786 | 1048 | 1310 | 1572 | 1834 | 2096 | 2620 | 3144 | 262 |
Price in US$ | 283 | 565 | 847 | 1129 | 1412 | 1694 | 1976 | 2258 | 2823 | 3387 | 283 |
Price per person
Participants live with German homestay families (individuals/couples, with or without children) or in shared accommodation. Amenities include a fully furnished single room, often with television and Internet access. The bathroom and kitchen are shared spaces. The school can arrange group accommodation so that course participants do not all speak the same native language. Homestay family residents may choose to include breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner).
Services
- Single room, often with TV and Internet access
- Breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner), if desired
- Shared use of bathroom and kitchen
- Bed linen and towels
- Weekly cleaning
- Travel time to Carl Duisberg Training Center: 15-45 minutes with public transport
Reviews
Carl Duisberg Centrum, Berlin












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FAQ about Carl Duisberg Centrum, Berlin
- What is the best price for a course at Carl Duisberg Centrum, Berlin?German courses at Carl Duisberg Centrum start at 107 € for Online German Course course with 20 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.
- What is the most popular accommodation offered by Carl Duisberg?The accommodation Residence is the most popular among all our clients of Carl Duisberg
- Is it possible to take a course at Carl Duisberg Centrum as an absolute beginner?Yes. The following courses can be attended as an absolute beginner: Intensive Course, Crash Course 10 (24 Group + 10 Individual), Crash Course 5 (24 Group + 5 Individual), Online German Course
- Is airport pickup offered by Carl Duisberg Centrum?Yes. The school offers pickup from Berlin Schönefeld Airport (90 €), Berlin Tegel Airport (90 €), Berlin Brandenburg Airport (90 €)
- What is the number of students per class at Carl Duisberg?Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Carl Duisberg varies from 1 students (Private lessons) to 20 students (TestDaF Preparation Course (20))
- What is the qualification of the teachers at Carl Duisberg Centrum?100% of teachers at Carl Duisberg Centrum hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
- Which countries are students of Carl Duisberg Centrum from?The highest Nationality percentage at Carl Duisberg Centrum comes from Korea with a 13% representation, followed by students from Turkey (11%) and Italy (10%).
- Is this price lower than booking directly with the school?Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
- Carl Duisberg Centrum offers courses for which ages?Carl Duisberg Centrum offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 23 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.
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