FAQ

How do I enrol on a language course?

Select the course that suits you and enrol directly online via the website. You will then receive a confirmation of enrolment by email. If you already have some prior knowledge of the language, Colón recommends taking a short placement test to ensure you are placed in the correct course level. Colón will then confirm your course level and your binding enrolment. If you are taking the course as part of educational leave, you will also receive an official confirmation for your employer.

What are the entry requirements for the language courses?

Participants with prior knowledge can join at any time. To help us find the right course for your current language level, we ask you to take a short placement test in advance. If you have no prior knowledge, you’ll start directly in a beginners’ course. A placement test is not required in this case.

Which languages can I learn at Colón in Hamburg?

At Colón in Hamburg, you can choose from a wide range of language courses. As well as German as a foreign language, the course programme includes English, Spanish, French, Italian and many other languages. In total, Colón offers language courses in 18 languages.

Which course type is right for me: an intensive course, an evening course, one-to-one tuition or a group course?

That depends on your learning objectives, your schedule and your preferred learning pace. Intensive courses are particularly suitable if you want to make rapid progress in a short space of time. Evening courses are ideal if you are busy with work or personal commitments during the day. In one-to-one lessons, the teaching can be tailored to your individual goals, language level and topics of interest. Group courses offer the opportunity to learn together, exchange ideas and practise the language regularly.

Can I take a placement test before the course starts?

Yes. If you already have some prior knowledge, you can take a placement test before the course begins. This enables Colón to better assess which language level suits you and which course is best for you. For German, there is an online placement test ranging from A1 to B2; for English, there is a test ranging from A1 to B2.1. For subsidised courses – for example, through the BAMF, the Employment Agency or the Jobcentre – a face-to-face consultation is required.

Where is Colón located in Hamburg and how do I get to the language school?

Colón is centrally located in Hamburg in the Colonnaden. The exact address is: Colonnaden 96, 20354 Hamburg.
If you’re travelling by public transport, the best way to reach us is via the Gänsemarkt (U2), Stephansplatz (U1) or Jungfernstieg stops, which offer connections to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. It’s only a few minutes’ walk to the language school from all these stations. There are also bus stops nearby. To find your specific route, it’s best to use the latest hvv timetable information.

What language levels are taught?

Colón teaches according to the standard levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, i.e. from A1 to C2. Depending on the language and course format, courses are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. This means you can start exactly where you are in your language learning.

Will I receive a certificate or a certificate of attendance after the course?

A certificate of attendance can usually be issued upon completion of a course. In addition, Colón also offers exam preparation and language exams. In the field of German as a foreign language, Colón is known, amongst other things, as an official test centre for telc exams. You can find out which certificate or exam is available for your course when you enrol or during a consultation.

How much does a language course at Colón cost?

The cost depends on the language, course format, duration and the chosen course model. You can find the relevant prices directly on the individual course pages. If you have any questions about choosing the right course or about the costs, we’ll be happy to advise you personally.

What funding options are available at Colón?

Depending on your personal circumstances, various language courses may be eligible for funding. With an ‘Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein’ (AVGS), funding is available through the Employment Agency or the Jobcentre. At Colón, AVGS individual courses are offered in, amongst others, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Greek, Swedish and Turkish. AVGS group courses in small groups are available for German and English.

In addition, Colón offers integration courses funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) as well as vocational language courses at levels B2 and C1. Depending on individual circumstances, further funding from the Jobcentre may also be available.