Kastner Kolleg, Dresden, Germany
Every language instructor has a relevant university degree, is a native speaker, and has received specialized training in teaching German as a foreign language. They also contribute a great deal of heart, passion, and experience to their job every day. They have the same high levels of empathy and intercultural awareness as the rest of the Kästner Kolleg personnel. Their unending interest about languages and cultures is as much a part of their nature as their friendliness and patience.
Kästner Kolleg attracts a dynamic mix of international learners, primarily including:
- University-bound students preparing for German-language programs at institutions like TU Dresden or Leipzig University, often focusing on TestDaF/DSH exam courses.
- Young professionals from EU and non-EU countries (e.g., engineers, IT specialists) seeking career opportunities in Germany’s Saxony region.
- Culture enthusiasts drawn by Dresden’s artistic heritage (e.g., Semperoper, Zwinger galleries), who integrate language studies with museum visits and local events.
- Relocating spouses and long-term migrants aiming for daily-life fluency, benefiting from the city’s affordability and family-friendly infrastructure.
What unites them is a preference for Dresden’s *authentic immersion*—away from tourist crowds—and Kästner Kolleg’s tailored support for academic, professional, or cultural goals.
- Accredited by the State Education Agency of Saxony
- Official Examination Center for telc and TestDaF
- Official member of FaDaF
Students at Kästner Kolleg learn German across all proficiency levels, from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1), including dedicated exam preparation courses. Classes take place in modern, technology-equipped classrooms designed for interactive group work, dialogue practice, and immersive language activities.
The school enriches its curriculum with rigorously selected materials. Its core textbooks include motivating series such as "Schritte plus neu", "Miteinander", and "Sicher!" (Hueber Verlag), complemented by structured programs like "Begegnungen" and "Erkundungen" (Schubert Verlag) for higher levels, and specialized "TestDaF Training" (Fabouda Verlag). Beyond published resources, Kästner Kolleg consistently develops custom exercise sheets and integrates authentic real-world materials—from news articles and digital media to cultural artifacts—ensuring dynamic, relevant lessons rooted in contemporary German language and culture.
Every resource reflects Kästner Kolleg’s commitment to transforming students’ language journeys into engaging, effective experiences.
Courses
Intensive German - 25 lessons per week
If you want to study general German in a methodical and trustworthy manner, an intensive German course is the best option, regardless of whether you have taken German language classes before or are a complete novice. When it comes to German instruction in Dresden, the German Intensive Course is the standard, regardless of whether you are studying the language for employment, education, or personal use.
Individual German - 10 lessons per week
You will have the most freedom and originality if you choose to take private German courses. German is a language you can learn specifically for your work, study, or tests. A one-on-one course tailored to your requirements and abilities will be set up with your private teacher.
Exam Preparation (telc C1 Hochschule) - 25 lessons per week
In four weeks, the Telc C1 Hochschule course will provide you the best preparation possible for the test. The best aspect is that every student enrolled in the course has already been assigned a spot for the next test. With 25 years of experience, Kästner Kolleg is aware that the best way to increase your chances of passing the test on your first try is to combine a C1 intense course with a telc C1 Hochschule preparation course. Additionally, this course will greatly assist you in obtaining a high exam score.
Housing
Host family (single room, breakfast)

With a local Dresden host family, you can experience authentic German hospitality from the very beginning. Participate as much as possible in regular family events, such as mealtimes and recreational pursuits, while simultaneously learning German.
Staying with a host family includes:
- Shared use of the kitchen and bathroom (with a washing machine), a balcony and/or garden to some extent;
- Utilities and Wi-Fi.
Shared Apartment WG (self catering)

In addition to being the most affordable option, shared apartments are also the most preferred among students. The "WG" will introduce you to fascinating people. Additionally, you will acquire a genuine understanding of the people' way of life and culture.
The stay in a shared apartment includes:
- Shared use of the kitchen and bathroom (with a washing machine), a balcony and/or garden to some extent;
- Utilities and Wi-Fi.
This is the greatest option if you want to live alone but not too alone—not outside the school compound, either.
The stay in the "Residence" apartment includes:
- Single room
- Private bathroom
- Shared use of the kitchen with the other apartment
- Weekly cleaning of the shared space and final cleaning of the individual room
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
You can find calm for studies and unwind in a central yet natural setting at the guesthouse. You can get to the city center in only thirty minutes thanks to its excellent public transportation connections.
You are encouraged to mingle in the several common areas, such as the brain break places, the billiards/darts room, and the exercise room.
The stay in the guest house includes:
- private bathroom
- WiFi
- cleaning and laundry service
- use of the canteen, where fresh meals are prepared regularly (for an extra charge)
- use of the kitchenettes on the floors