Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, has one of Europe's most important ports and strong media, trade and logistics sectors. With its canals, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall and the lively St. Pauli district, it is an attractive place to learn German in a modern port city.
Some of the language schools NGGlobal offers in Hamburg:
Short programs last 1-4 weeks, while long-term programs run from 12 weeks to a year. German levels go from A1 to C2, and on an intensive course you should allow about two months per level.
Language school fees in Hamburg depend on course intensity, the type of school and the length of your booking. The weekly price falls for longer bookings, and extra discounts apply for early bookings and off-season dates. Applying through NGGlobal lets you compare the schools' current offers in one place.
Language schools do not require a diploma or any prior knowledge of the language. After you complete the enrolment form and pay the deposit, the school sends you a booking confirmation and, if needed, a letter of acceptance for your visa. Junior programs require parental consent.
June to August is the busiest time for both courses and accommodation, so booking early pays off. In autumn and winter, classes are quieter and prices are usually lower.
Turkish citizens apply for a Schengen visa for courses of up to 90 days, and for a national (type D) language course visa for courses longer than 90 days. For the national visa, the course must have at least 18 lessons a week. You will need the school's letter of acceptance, proof of payment, health insurance and proof of sufficient funds.
The national language course visa allows you to work up to 20 hours a week. This is a good way to cover part of your living costs and practise your German at work. Short-term Schengen visas do not include permission to work.
The port, logistics and service sectors give students many options for part-time work in Hamburg.
Demand for rental housing in Hamburg is high, so we recommend arranging accommodation early together with your course, especially in summer.
Hamburg is one of Germany's more expensive cities, with rent and eating out above average. Local markets, discount supermarkets and student discounts make it easier to keep your budget under control.
Hamburg's HVV network includes the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and buses, as well as harbour ferries on the Elbe that you can use with a normal public transport ticket. The €63 monthly Deutschlandticket is valid on all of them.
Hamburg has a mild maritime climate: winters are not very cold and summers are cool. Rain and wind are common all year, so a waterproof jacket is a good idea.
Direct flights from Istanbul to Hamburg Airport (HAM) take about 3 hours 15 minutes, with direct flights also available from cities such as Antalya and Izmir. The S-Bahn reaches the city centre in about 25 minutes.
Hamburg is 2 hours behind Turkey in winter and 1 hour behind during daylight saving time (late March to late October).
NGGlobal advisers give students planning a language course in Hamburg free support with comparing schools, getting price quotes, arranging accommodation and preparing visa documents.
Berlin is more cosmopolitan and relatively cheaper, while Hamburg is more orderly and green, with a distinctive port culture. The choice depends on your preferred lifestyle.
The German spoken in Hamburg is very close to standard German and easy to understand, which is a big advantage for learners.
On a national language course visa you can work up to 20 hours a week; working is not possible on a Schengen visa.
We recommend applying 4-6 weeks ahead for short courses and at least 3 months ahead for long programs that require a visa.
You can book from 1 week to 1 year. Students aiming for university usually choose programs of 6-12 months.
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