FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does TREFFPUNKT ensure the quality of its language lessons?

Before the course starts:

Even before you register, you can get in touch with us. You can tell us why you want to learn German and what goal you want to achieve with us. Do you need it for your job? Do you want to take an exam? Do you want to learn German for your private life? With this knowledge, we can adapt most effectively to your needs.
Placement test: Not only on the first day of the course, but already after booking the course at TREFFPUNKT you will receive the placement test. You can take it at home and send it to us. We will analyze it before you arrive so that you can be placed directly in the right course level. This saves you valuable time at school, which you can invest directly in your lessons.

During your course:

Direct contact with the teachers and the team: During the numerous activities and in friendly atmosphere during the break you will always have the oportunity to give us feed back to your course, the books and the learning material. With this kind of informal feed back we were able to improve a lot to prepare the participants even better for their goals.
Tests: Usually every other week you will write a test. So you will be able to see how much you learned in the past two weeks.
Written evaluation: Participants of the intensive course will give us written feed back every week. We will react very quickly on your remarks, maximum within three days.

How do I know that TREFFPUNKT is a good language school? Do you have references?

TREFFPUNKT language institute has been offering lessons in German as a foreign language since 1995. Numberless participants visited the school – around 20% of them twice or even more often. You can benefit from their experiences reading their evaluations on our homepage or on facebook. To get an impression of the companies or institutions that have already worked with us, take a look at our references.

We work with great passion to ensure that you achieve your learning goals - and that you do well with us! The placement in the appropriate course level for you (according to the Common European Framework of the European Council for the Study of Foreign Languages), the selection of the teaching material, the actual lessons, our qualified and motivated German teachers, as well as the offer of social and cultural integration throughout your stay: All of this is designed with great care and the greatest possible consideration for your interests, motives and goals. The entire TREFFPUNKT team can assure you of this.

The fact that this concept is successful is reflected not only in the extraordinary satisfaction of the course participants, as the weekly evaluation of the surveys shows, but also in the excellent results of the TREFFPUNKT students in the language examinations, for example telc.

In addition, the language institute TREFFPUNKT Bamberg is certified twice: The Association of Quality Language Schools of Germany, the Fachverband Deutscher Sprachreise-Veranstalter e.V. and the International Association of Quality Language Schools International Association of Language Centres (IALC) has accepted TREFFPUNKT among its members. This shows that not only customers, but also competitors in Germany and worldwide find that TREFFPUNKT is a very good language school!

TREFFPUNKT is also a member of the Fachverband Deutsch als Fremd- und Zweitsprache e.V. (fadaf) as well as a test center for the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) and a certified telc examination center.

Last but not least, most of the TREFFPUNKT team have attended one or more language courses in various different countries - enabling us to observe how other language schools organise their courses and to determine what could be improved and what is particularly effective. Therefore we not only understand your expectations as a language student, but we have also been able to use our experiences to optimize the organisation of our own language institute.

Is the Sprachinstitut TREFFPUNKT barrier-free?

Our building is accessible, but not completely barrier-free.There is a step from the street to the entrance door.This can be easily overcome with our wheelchair ramp. There is an elevator in the building. A special barrier-free WC can be used in the town hall, a few hundred meters from the language school.

What qualifications do teachers at TREFFPUNKT have?

We are particularly lucky that "German as a foreign language" is taught at the University of Bamberg. Our teachers therefore possess the best qualifications for teaching German, using the most modern and pedagogically suitable methods. However, in addition to graduates of Bamberg University at TREFFPUNKT (who naturally know Bamberg life and culture inside out), you will also find teachers who have gained experience teaching at Goethe Institutes and other institutions offering language training and adult education.

Overall, you can expect a lively committed teaching team, who seek to offer varied and wide-ranging lessons in a stimulating atmosphere.

What does the school look like? Where is it located and what sort of infrastructure is there?

How to get around Bamberg:

Location:

The school is located in a historic house from 1904 at the gateway to Bamberg's pedestrian zone with an unobstructed view of the Kettenbrücke and the Main-Danube Canal, right in the center of the city.

Routes:

On foot: Walking from the school to the station takes 12 minutes; to the bus station, market, town hall and shopping centre 2-3 minutes; and to the cathedral 15 minutes.

By bike: The bike is a beloved form of transport in Bamberg, both as a means of getting around the town, and as an activity in its own right. Several cycle paths go directly past the school and so many course participants travel to school by bike. They either cycle through the town or avoid traffic by going through the park and along the canal. It is possible to hire bikes from the school for a small fee, we help you to organise the rental. There are also two bicycle shops situated near the school.

By car: In general it is not such a good idea to explore the over 200 year old street network of Bamberg by car. However, three charged multi-story car parks are situated 5 minutes walk away from the school (Tiefgarage Zentrum-Karstadt, Tiefgarage Luitpoldeck, Tiefgarage Untere Königstrasse)

You can get coffee specialties at the school at a reasonable price. You can take a walk through our rooms with the help of Google and decide from home which room you would prefer to learn German in.

However, there are also so many typical coffee houses and bakeries surrounding the school. They are very popular with TREFFPUNKT students and we can thoroughly recommend them for a snack during the morning break. This is, of course, also another opportunity to immerse yourself in day to day town life and is an excellent chance to apply the German you have learnt to a real situation.

We, the whole team, are very happy to work in this special building. We consider it a privilege to be able to come here every day. Come to TREFFPUNKT and let yourself be enchanted by the view and the special turn-of-the-century charm!

Teaching rooms, design and layout:

The teaching rooms are situated on the 1st and 2nd floors of 19, Hauptwachstraße. All our teaching rooms are purpose-built - they were designed and built in 2004. The atmosphere is one of space, light and warmth. In addition to teaching rooms, there is an events room/common room with a projector. Furthermore, students are able to use our WIFI free of charge.

Social commitment and sustainability at Sprachinstitut TREFFPUNKT

TREFFPUNKT uses green electricity and climate-neutral gas in our school. The coffee we offer is fair-traded. Our flyers and brochures are printed on recycled paper.

Which services are included in the course price and which cost extra?

The course price includes:

Placement test
Classes
Instruction material (one book per year)
Individual learning advice
Interim tests
TREFFPUNKT course certificate
At least three accompanied leisure activities per week
Advice and the option of learning online

All the material you need for the course is covered by the course fee. There are no hidden additional costs. Many of the activities in Bamberg are also included in the price: lunch together with the teachers, short walks around Bamberg with a cultural theme, TREFFPUNKT stammtisch (regular get-together in a restaurant, pub or beer garden), bicycle tours or afternoon film showings in the school. The only costs incurred are for food and drinks as well as any rent, admission or travel tickets. Accompaniment and organization by TREFFPUNKT is always included!

What happens, if there are less than four people enrolled for my course?

If there are less than four people enrolled for your course one week before the start of your course, we will inform you about that fact. We will transform the course you booked in lessons of a superior grade with an adjusted number of lessons. You will either be taught in a group of two – or even get individual classes! We will discuss your individual case with you.

What does Mini Group Course exactly mean?

At Sprachinstitut TREFFPUNKT, you have the best conditions for achieving great things in a small group: Our group size starts at four people - the maximum group size is ten people.

What is the minimum and maximum lengths of stay?

Group lessons

The minimum stay for those choosing group instruction is one week. However, we wouldn't usually recommend such a short time as most people need 2-3 days to acclimatize and to get into a "learning rhythm". (You should also take possible jet lag into account.) Therefore, we generally recommend that you stay at least two weeks. After 3 to 4 weeks the enormous progress you will have made will be clearly apparent.

We don't set a maximum duration - you may stay as long as you wish and progress through the different course levels according to the standard you have reached. We have had a number of course participants at TREFFPUNKT who started as complete beginners but who wished to prepare for a course of study at a German university. They stayed at TREFFPUNKT for eleven months.

If you have made a longer course booking, you may wish to interrupt your studies - for example to travel around Germany. We would be happy to work around such plans, provided you give us prior notice. After the break you can continue your studies with renewed energy.

Individual lessons

If you decide in favour of private tuition, you can effectively stay as long or as short a time as you wish. The individual programme is particularly popular with business people who often have very little time available - an example of a popular course is a "crash course" from Friday to Monday with 6-8 hours of one-to-one teaching a day. Then it's off to the customer again...

Who takes part in language courses in Bamberg?

TREFFPUNKT is a language institute for adults (18 years and over).Adults from many different countries and often for very different reasons come to us. Be ready for great and interesting encounters with open people who have one common interest: German language and culture.
A few statistics: around 40 % of our participants are studying at university and 40 % are professionals or are currently undergoing a change of career.

Most of our participants in the general courses are between the ages of 25 and 40 and in the business German courses between 28 and 50. Altogether the ages range from 18 to 78. It can truly be said that we are a thoroughly international language institute: there are never more than 15 % of participants from one single country. The advantage of this is that the common language for everybody is German and that you will therefore be less likely to speak your own language.

Most of our participants come to TREFFPUNKT alone, rather than in small groups. They often come on the recommendation of friends or acquaintances, or the course may have been arranged for them by their company or university.
The school has a maximum capacity of 60 participants who will then be divided into up to 8 different course levels. As a result, TREFFPUNKT specializes in courses for those who wish to get away from the anonymity of the mass business.

How old is the typical student of TREFFPUNKT?

Generally, every person 18+ can participate in our German Minigroups. In average our participants are 35,6 years old. Our youngest student in 2017 was 18 years old – and the oldest was 78.

Where does the typical student of TREFFPUNKT come from?

The mix of nations at TREFFPUNKT is broad. The biggest group is from the USA (12 %), 10 % of the students come from Italy, and other 10 % from Russia. 8 % of the TREFFPUNKT students come from Spain, France, and Switzerland. But there are students from many more countries, such as Australia, Iceland, Panama, and Tunisia. All in all students from 34 countries!

Can a group enroll for a language course at TREFFPUNKT?

TREFFPUNKT organizes language courses for students 18+ - but of course also for groups who travel to Bamberg to learn German together. No matter if it is a university from the USA, a high school from Italy, a family from Poland or an international group of colleagues: At TREFFPUNKT, you can book your individual tailormade German course. Together we plan how to reach your individual language learning aims. The experienced TREFFPUNKT teachers will help you doing so. Groups that travel and learn together do not have to fulfill the requirements of our Mini Group students. The participants of groups can be younger than 18, or the group can be bigger than 8 people. Just get in touch with us, we will arrange an individual learning program for you!

What instruction materials are used in class?

For the early levels we use Panorama (Cornelsen). In addition, we use our own specially developed exercises and texts.

For intermediate levels we use the textbook Aspekte neu as well as our own learning material.

At advanced levels we mainly use authentic material, sometimes in conjunction with Aspekte neu. In this way we can orientate teaching material around the special interests and aims of the group.

Do you offer official tests and exams at TREFFPUNKT Bamberg?

Yes. TREFFPUNKT Bamberg is an officially Certified telc Examination Centre. With us, you can take all the telc German exams. From A1 to C2 there are many different kinds of tests, e.g. telc C1 Hochschule or telc Deutsch B1. You can find more information about the telc exams under the following link: telc Exams. Of course we do offer precise preparation to the telc exams. Everything about exam preparation, you can find on our telc Exam Preparation page.

Do classes take place on public holidays?

At TREFFPUNKT, in accordance with our terms and conditions, there are generally no lessons on public holidays.

Public holidays have no influence on individual lessons. They will be made up 100%. You book the lessons exactly according to your own wishes.

Can I obtain academic credits for a German course at TREFFPUNKT?

Yes, you can obtain academic credits for your German course like other students from the United States and Great Britain too. Please contact us for more details.

Where will I stay during the course and how is my accommodation organized?

You can either live in your own room in a German household (with or without catering), in a hotel or in a self-catered apartment. It is a pleasure for us to book your accommodation in Bamberg! Please refer to accommodation for a more detailed description.

If we carry out a hotel booking for you, we will send you the booking confirmation as soon as possible.

If you have opted for private accommodation, we will send you the address at the very latest one week before your journey to Bamberg. Please let your landlord know at least 4 days in advance what time you will be arriving on Sunday. Please also ensure that you arrive before 21:00. If this is not possible, we would ask you to spend the first night in a hotel.

How can I cover my stay at TREFFPUNKT?

You can purchase a health insurance at TREFFPUNKT. That is how easy it is: Just select the insurance while booking the course online!

How do I get to my accommodation from Bamberg station?

Bamberg is not a big city, and you can trust the taxi drivers. We recommend to take a taxi to your accommodation, the prices are reasonable.

Why is Bamberg a particularly good place to take a German course?

Bamberg is a medium-sized town with around 77.000 inhabitants and really is one of the most picturesque towns in Germany. Many people - locals and visitors alike - feel that Bamberg is a romantic idyll. In a relatively confined space, it exhibits a range of characteristics which are especially typical of the German people and the country. When walking through Bamberg you will pass over 2500 buildings placed under a protection order by UNESCO. You can stroll past historical buildings up the hill towards the cathedral, the churches and the cloisters, and then make your way back down to the river. However, despite the importance history and tradition have in the town, wherever you go there is always plenty of activity. Life in Bamberg is not hectic, but pleasant and invigorating.

People in Bamberg are always happy to talk. Young and old alike enjoy spending a bit of social time in the breweries and beer gardens. You can quickly get into a conversation with locals in these places as it is quite common to share a table with strangers.

The people of Bamberg also show their joie de vivre in the many festivals that are spread out throughout the year. There is always a reason to celebrate. The most popular meeting places are always the breweries and beer gardens: sit under a chestnut tree and enjoy the jazz music over a beer or simply chat with friends or people at your table. As you will see very quickly, culture is very important to life in Bamberg and is expressed through music, theatre and art. There are six theatre stages and many performances from the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra to choose from.
Bamberg's geographic position is ideal for excursions of all kinds. It's not far from Bamberg to attractive cities such as Nuremberg, Würzburg, Coburg and Rothenburg - to name just a few. Those who love nature will find scenic landscapes right on Bamberg's doorstep - including the Steigerwald, the Fränkische Schweiz, the Haßberge, the Fichtelgebirge and the Frankenwald.

You can feel safe on the streeets. All the main parts of town can be quickly reached on foot and you won't have to breathe polluted city air. Not far from the busy town centre you can find a quiet place to rest in the extensive park area known as the Hain.The ERBA park, which was built in 2012, invites visitors to linger on one of the many benches and green areas.
All these facts together lead to an environment in which you can readily get into contact with Germans at every level and immerse yourself in the German language quickly, easily and intensively. Perhaps the best prerequisites for a German course.
Visit Bamberg and its sunny streets cafes and beer gardens. Enjoy the views from the hills or the river. People know how to enjoy life in Bamberg.
See for yourself: Bamberg is worth more than just one visit.

What can I do during my freetime in Bamberg?

The cultural program is very important at TREFFPUNKT. We don't know what your preferences are for leisure time, but the range of activities on offer at TREFFPUNKT in Bamberg and the surrounding area is really very varied.

At TREFFPUNKT, however, leisure time is also seen as an opportunity to improve your German language skills. During joint activities with Germans, for example, you can

do or watch sports
take advantage of the wide range of cultural activities on offer (museums, theaters, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, the Jazz Club, a lively music scene, several cinemas, etc.)
take a walk to the Altenburg (= castle in Bamberg) or
take part in a short bike tour
go for a beer in one of the traditional brewery pubs - where young and old, students and families alike like to go
take afternoon excursions to a number of interesting cities in the surrounding area: Nuremberg, Würzburg, Coburg, Bayreuth and others.
plan weekend trips to cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Heidelberg, Prague or Rothenburg are definitely worthwhile. Or you could simply travel to the Alps in order to see beautiful and varied mountainscapes.

Your German will profit from all these activities: Learn German through real situations - this is no virtual German.

What sports can I do?

In and around Bamberg there are almost all kinds of sporting activities.
Many visitors are enthusiastic about the climbing and bouldering landscape in Franconian Switzerland, which is almost on the doorstep and can be reached very quickly by car. Hiking is also a very popular sport, as Bamberg is nestled in the hills of the Steigerwald, the Hassberge and the picturesque Franconian Switzerland. There is a wide network of marked hiking and cycling trails. Golf, canoeing, mountain biking and horse riding are also sports that you can enjoy in the countryside around Bamberg.
In Bamberg itself there are numerous sports studios, parks, tennis courts and mini golf courses.
In summer, three outdoor swimming pools with spacious green areas invite you to sunbathe and refresh yourself. You can also swim in the nearby Luisenhain in the River Regnitz. If you no longer feel like swimming, you can relax in the beer garden next door.

Is dialect spoken in Bamberg?

Yes, namely Franconian. There are many dialects all over Germany, some are more difficult to understand, others easier. Typical of Franconian is that the "T" is spoken almost like a "D" and the "P" like a "B", giving it a soft timbre. It is a friendly dialect that makes you smile and is not difficult to understand.

Of course, people in the university town of Bamberg also know how to speak High German. So don't worry, because we teach High German and you have every opportunity to converse in High German. Dialect is mainly spoken at the market and in the traditional breweries.

What are the prices like in Bamberg?

Germans who visit Bamberg are often surprised at the low price level in our region. In contrast, Bambergers are often shocked by the higher prices when they travel to other German regions, especially to large cities such as Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt. A typical Franconian lunch can be had for between €11 and €14, and anyone eating a Franconian "Brotzeit" will spend around €8 to €10. Many Bambergers go for lunch on Sunday. Then there is roast pork, duck, goose, sauerbraten with dumplings and savoy cabbage. A dish costs around €14. The beer, which is usually served in 0.5 liter glasses, costs around €4. If you fancy the typical bratwurst in a roll on your hand, you will usually pay €4. A falafel or kebab has also become very popular and is available at many snack stands. For around €6, you have a complete lunch. For those who prefer fast food, there is of course also McDonald's.

How is the the weather in Germany?

Give the weather in Germany a chance - it's not as bad as its reputation. The German summer can also spoil you with plenty of sunshine and warmth and there are always wonderful summer days - especially here in the south of Germany - so that even some people from Spain and Italy find it too hot here.

The many balmy evenings and sunny swimming pool days are wonderful. Bamberg is more favorable in terms of weather than the cities on the Rhine or in the north of Germany, where it rains much more often.

I would like to bring my car. What is the parking situation?

As Bamberg has medieval, protected architecture and the infrastructure has to take this into account, the parking situation is a constant problem. During your language course, you will usually live in the city center and you will have to expect to park your car up to ten minutes' walk away. The parking spaces in the city center are either paid short-term parking zones or licensed residents' parking spaces.

Our recommendation: It's best not to drive to Bamberg! The city center is easily accessible on foot and the journey from your accommodation to the school is usually no longer than 20 minutes on foot or by bus.

How do I get in contact with Germans?

We know from our own experience that making contacts is not always easy, even in your own country. That's why we meet for our weekly Stammtisch every Thursday in different Bamberg pubs. In addition to our course participants, friends, acquaintances, students, interested parties and curious people from Bamberg often come along and so we offer a platform to get in touch with Germans. The result is a relaxed atmosphere in which everyone talks to everyone else. Even some close friendships (and weddings!) have resulted.

As another way of making contacts, we are also glad to arrange a language partnership with a local for you.

I require a visa. What do I need to know?

We will help you with the formalities concerning the visa for Germany. After booking a language course at Sprachinstitut TREFFPUNKT, you will receive the invoice. After the payment you will get a written confirmation by us, stating the exact period of time of your German course, the exact numer of lessons per week, and the address of your host family (if applicable). We will also confirm the payment. This written confirmation can be submitted when applying for the visa.
For more information about the visa regulations for Germany please check the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Is it possible to work and to take a language course in Bamberg?

In principle, yes. However, there are a few things you need to bear in mind if you choose this option.

Minimum stay:
You should stay a minimum of 4 months in Bamberg if you want a job while studying. The reason for this is that most businesses are not willing to train you if you stay for a shorter period.

Command of German:
You should already have a reasonable command of German (from level B1) when starting a job.

Work permits:
European citizens will not face any difficulties. If you are a non-European citizen, please contact the German embassy in your country before your trip.

When is the best time to take a language course?

If you can manage it, you should avoid the summer months - especially July and August, the typical travel and vacation months. On the one hand, the school is very busy during this time and on the other hand, the cultural offerings are more varied outside of the vacation period. Just think of the breaks at many theaters and major orchestras during this time.

Here are a few things that you can expect during the year:

From January to April there are a variety of cultural events. The problem is not so much getting bored as being unable to decide which activity to choose…Theaters, cinemas, concerts and much more.
At Easter there are Easter concerts, theatre performances and processions. This lasts until Whitsun.
In the summer months there are street festivals, fairs and visits to beer gardens. Particularly popular are "Bamberg zaubert", the Sandkerwa, the blues and jazz festival and the open-air cinemas.
The beginning of autumn is characterized by village and wine festivals and, of course, wine tastings; also a great time for hiking.
In October, the students stream back into the city and so does the day and, above all, the nightlife. A major attraction are the celebratory beer tappings of the various breweries.
The Christmas markets open at the end of November and the smell of gingerbread, "Stollen" and mulled wine is everywhere. The whole of Bamberg then shines in a romantic glow. There are also countless events, exhibitions and concerts during the Christmas season.

How can I travel around Germany

Germany is known for its good road and rail network. And Bamberg is located at the point where several highways intersect. Most of our participants come either by train or by a combination of plane and train. We think that this is the best decision as a car is really not necessary in Bamberg. In fact it is usually in your way as there is very little free parking available. The German rail network offer excellent deals for weekend trips.

Deutsche Bahn's service and travel times are also better than its reputation, making it an inexpensive, stress-free and fast way to travel. There is a train from Bamberg to Würzburg/Frankfurt and Nuremberg/Munich at least every hour. You can find the exact timetable in the online timetable information of Deutsche Bahn. Flixbuses also stop in Bamberg.

Have a nice trip!

Can I bring my partner along?

Your partner would like to accompany you to Germany but not take a language course? No problem, we will find suitable accommodation for both of you. If your partner has any particular special interests that they would like to pursue during their stay, we will be glad to provide more information for you. Your partner is welcome to all the activities and events organized by the school. Whilst you take your classes, your partner can explore the town. Some couples have already tried this combination and have enjoyed it.