We offer both in-person and online classes. We are excited to welcome students back in the building and hope to continue growing our onsite offerings. We don’t foresee moving to “online only” or “onsite only”. Class descriptions include the location of the class, either onsite at the GAI or virtually via Zoom.

Our 12-week long classes are offered 3 times a year:

Fall Session begins in September and ends in December

Winter Session begins early January and ends late March / early April

Spring Session begins early April and ends in June (except Monday classes, which end two weeks later due to Memorial Day and 4th of July)

Additionally, a shorter Summer Session (July and August) is offered. Summer classes typically focus on conversation, grammar or literature (no textbooks are required for summer classes).

Our 12-week long classes are $365 ($350 for GAI members). We also offer shorter classes on special topics of interest and the tuition varies based on length and topic.

Class tuition does not include textbooks.

Yes. Members receive a discount on all language classes. You can become a member here.

With a membership you also support the GAI as a non-profit cultural and educational institution.

If your class does not meet minimum enrollment (5 students), the GAI Director of Language Education will contact you to discuss other options (e.g. tutor sharing with another student, shorter class). A full refund (or credit, if preferred) will be issued for any classes cancelled due to low enrollment.

If you are unsure of your current level, please take a placement test and contact GAI language services to discuss which class will be the best fit for you. Oftentimes, we recommend starting with the beginner level if you have not received any formal German instruction or if it was many years ago.

Participants need to be at least 16 years old to enroll in an adult class.

Most classes will have 5 to 10 students.

GAI follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) that outlines the proficiency an individual can attain at each level. There are 6 proficiency levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

It will take about a year to move from one level to the next as each level is divided into 3 classes (e.g. A1.1, A1.2 and A1.3, followed by A2.1). However, at higher levels, especially between B1 and B2, participants tend to benefit from review classes (such as B1+).

B1+ is a review level and we highly recommend taking at least 1 or 2 classes at this level after finishing B1.3 and before progressing to B2.1.

Our method of instruction uses a communicative approach, meaning that we focus on production (speaking) and use German as much as possible, without being a full immersion program. For example, some instructors choose to use English during grammar instruction as needed. The textbook we use teaches important language skills for everyday life and also focuses on many useful and contemporary professional aspects.

While German is the main language of instruction, a limited amount of English will occasionally be spoken at the beginner levels. An instructor may choose to clarify grammar topics in English and make references to English grammar. Nonetheless, students should expect to hear and speak German most of the time.

If you miss a class, please contact your instructor. They will be able to let you know what material was covered in class and help you with homework questions. Consider coming to the instructor’s “office hour” to review any missed material.

Apart from classes, the GAI can assist with translation projects and tutoring. We also offer corporate language classes and intercultural training for businesses. The GAI may be able to assist with other related services—please send your inquiries to language@gaimn.org.

At the GAI you can purchase any workbook/textbook packet for $65. If you need to purchase a book separately, please contact language@gaimn.org.

A1 level:
Schritte International neu 1+2 A1 Kursbuch ISBN 978-3-19-101082-9
Schritte International neu 1+2 A1 Arbeitsbuch ISBN 978-3-19-111082-6

A2 level:
Schritte International neu 3+4 A2 Kursbuch ISBN 978-3-19-101084-3
Schritte International neu 3+4 A2 Arbeitsbuch ISBN 978-3-19-111084-0

B1 level:
Schritte International neu 5+6 B1 Kursbuch ISBN 978-3-19-101086-7
Schritte International neu 5+6 B1 Arbeitsbuch ISBN 978-3-19-111086-4

B1+ level:
Sicher! B1+ Kursbuch ISBN 978-3-19-001206-0
Sicher! B1+ Arbeitsbuch ISBN 978-3-19-011206-7

B2 level:

Sicher! B2 Kursbuch ISBN 978-3-19-001207-7

Sicher! B2 Arbeitsbuch 978-3-19-011207-4

C1 level:
Sicher! C1 Kursbuch ISBN 978-3-19-001208-4
Sicher! C1 Arbeitsbuch ISBN 978-3-19-011208-1

You can purchase your books through the GAI. The easiest way to do so is by adding them to your cart at registration.

Books can be picked up at the GAI (301 Summit Ave) starting the week before classes begin or be shipped to you for a $10 surcharge.

Yes! Thanks to a generous donation from the Rick and Susan Taylor Spielman Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation, the GAI is offering the Ted Taylor Lifetime Learner Scholarship Program.

Several students are selected each session to receive scholarships. Scholarships may cover the entire tuition for the course or part of it. This award is based on financial need and the student’s interest and goals in continuing to learn the German language. The student may be required to purchase the textbook for the course. For more information visit our scholarship page.

Please contact us at language@gaimn.org with any other questions. We are happy to help!