German Language Classes at the Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies (Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro)

The Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies invites you to experience our university-level teaching of conversational German. Our one-on-one classes are tailored to meet your specific needs and facilitate fast learning. We also offer semi-private and small group classes for adult learners at all levels. Study in a relaxed and focused atmosphere in our Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro locations! We teach in person and online via Zoom.

We are a dynamic teacher team with a communicative and learner-centered approach. The director, Marion Gerlind, is an innovative professional from Hamburg, Germany, with a Ph.D. in German Cultural Studies, who has successfully taught students at all levels, from beginner to advanced, in college.

Students of all levels welcome. Flexible rates. Sign up for a Schnupperklasse (introductory class). Gift certificates are available. Give yourself or a loved one this special gift of German language classes. Currently, we have openings in the beginning, intermediate, and advanced groups.

We facilitate the Kloenschnack German conversation group that welcomes new members. The Kloenschnack usually meets on the third Saturday of each month, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Das naechste Treffen findet am 20. September 2025 via Zoom statt. Schreib uns gerne, wenn du mehr Informationen moechtest.

The Gerlind Institute also offers screenings of German film gems, bilingual (German/English) courses in German literature and history, oral history events and interviews, a unique study tour to Germany, and translation and editing services. Our classes and events are available on the Zoom platform and in person.

The Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies (GICS), an educational nonprofit in Oakland, is dedicated to teaching and promoting German cultural studies.

Please visit our website. More than an institute. We're building a progressive community. Join us!