The Iowa European Cultural Connection invites you to explore the German language during this 12-week beginning German language course for adults (starting Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 5:45pm – 7:15pm. There will be no class on 3 dates which will be discussed during the course). During each 90-minute session, you will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics while focusing on grammar and vocabulary.

There will be assigned homework and studying required each week. A textbook and workbook (Netzwerk Neu A1.1 Kurs- und Uebungsbuch. ISBN 978-3-12-607154-3) will need to be purchased by the student prior to the beginning of the course in addition to the course fee of $180. These materials will need to be ordered online once the course is scheduled.

This course is a continuation of the Spring semester during which the class covered Chapters 1-3 with vocabulary and grammar. Grammar covered included e.g. regular and irregular verbs and conjugation in the present tense, pronouns, simple sentences and questions, definite/indefinite article, kein, imperative with SIE.

• This class is not suitable for those with no or close to no German language knowledge.
• Please expect to spend 2.5 – 10 hours on homework every week, mostly vocabulary studying.
• Everyone learns languages at their own pace. In order to remember it the best, you should spend about 20-30 minutes every day with your homework. Doing homework once a week will NOT be enough. Regular self-study and repetition or meeting with others might be helpful.
• If you regularly miss class it will be extremely difficult to gain proficiency.
• Having a general understanding of English grammar or having studied another language is helpful, but not required.
• This class is non-credit but designed to eventually lead to language proficiency in writing, reading and speaking.
• The course is structured to learn vocabulary and grammar from scratch while covering a variety of everyday topics.

Our adult language programs utilize the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) which is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and other countries. CEFRL is a system of validation of language ability and can be utilized by job applicants and adult students to demonstrate their language proficiency.

Testimonial: “This class is for people who are serious about learning and speaking the German language, not those who just want to learn for traveling purposes. I spend about 10 hours a week on vocabulary words and homework. You will definitely get out of this class what you put in!”

We will meet at the Grand View University, Rasmussen Center, RASM 119. You may park in the parking lot directly south of the Student Center (Y on the map). Click here for a campus map.

Deadline to register: August 19, 2025

About the instructor: The instructor Steffi Schryver is a native German speaker. She earned her teaching degree in southern Germany and has been teaching English and German in secondary schools for several years. After moving to the United States in 2016, she taught German language classes for the Iowa European Cultural Connection and at Drake University.

Please email us with questions and interest regarding our adult language programs.