Humboldt-Institut

The Humboldt-Institut was founded in 1977 by Mr. Norbert Güthling. While studying at university, he sent German students to England and France. Dissatisfied with the way accommodations and programs were organized in the host countries, he decided to do it better himself and, together with his partners, established the Humboldt-Institut.

Since then, the Humboldt-Institut’s mission has been to provide the best German courses and ensure every student enjoys a fast and effective learning experience. For over 45 years, we have upheld this commitment and had the privilege of welcoming over 90,000 students from more than 160 countries to our schools. This makes the Humboldt-Institut one of the largest and most experienced German language schools in Germany.

From its beginnings at Ratzenried Castle, now serving as the administrative center, the institute has grown into a network of 11 schools, with four year-round centers located in Berlin-Mitte, Constance, Lindenberg, and Bad Schussenried.

The Humboldt-Institut is named after Wilhelm von Humboldt, the Prussian educational reformer, linguist, and natural scientist, and brother of Alexander von Humboldt. Like Humboldt himself, we embrace a holistic approach: students not only learn German but also use it in their daily interactions, fully immersing themselves in German life and culture.

That’s why our German courses are offered as nearly all-inclusive packages, covering accommodation, full board, and leisure activities — so our students can focus entirely on learning the language without any worries.

Small class sizes, active language use, transparent performance assessments, a carefully coordinated curriculum, and continuous exposure to the German language — both inside and outside the classroom — form the foundation of our successful language education. Combined with a rich cultural and recreational program, these elements ensure an engaging and rewarding experience.

Unlike many other schools, the Humboldt-Institut follows its own curriculum, refined over four decades of experience, offering clear advantages:

– Rapid and effective learning progress

– Age-appropriate learning content

– Comprehensive training in all aspects of the German language

– Above-average success rates in standardized exams such as TestDaF

– High levels of student satisfaction

The Humboldt-Institut offers German courses for all ages and proficiency levels, welcoming individuals, families, groups, and professionals — anyone eager to master the German language and experience Germany to the fullest.