Study Arabic in Germany

By choosing to study Arabic at the Excellence Center in Halle, Germany, students can explore the language and culture of a diverse Arabic diaspora. The Excellence Center (EC) is a unique place where German and Arabic language and culture converge. Many refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers live in Halle, creating a blend of cultures that demonstrates the utility of the Arabic language outside of the Middle East and North Africa.

Our intensive Arabic language courses last from 1 to 13 weeks and are offered year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter). In addition, the EC’s intensive Arabic language courses cover a wide range of dialects including Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Classical Arabic, Palestinian Colloquial Arabic, Colloquial Levantine Arabic (Shami Arabic), as well as Ammiya Arabic. The EC also offers each Arabic dialect in varying levels of course difficulty. These include first-time learners, beginners, intermediate, and advanced classes.

The Intensive Arabic language courses provided by the Center are offered exclusively in small group sessions, meaning that classes will consist of just 1-5 students. Whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, professional, or retiree, our Arabic language immersion programs are designed for you.

Study Over the Summer

The Summer Intensive Arabic Programs and Short-term Arabic courses in Germany are ideal for those with a summer break, students on semester breaks, professionals on a sabbatical, or any individuals looking to study on an extended visit to learn Arabic in Europe or Germany.

The Excellence Center in Europe offers Summer Intensive Arabic Programs that span from June to September and include 4-6 hours of Arabic lessons per day.

Why Study Arabic in Germany?

Germany is home to a large population of native Arabic speakers with over one million people using Arabic in their homes here in Germany. Furthermore, Germany is also the largest host to refugees in Europe, creating diverse communities of many languages across the country. In fact, Halle has a large Arabic-speaking community of refugees and migrants that the Excellence Center has been supporting since 2018.

Arabic Language in Halle

If you are looking for an Arabic language program that is immersive and lets you interact with native Arabic speakers on a day-to-day basis without having to travel to the Middle East or North Africa, consider enrolling at the Excellence Center in Halle. The city of Halle in Saxony-Anhalt is home to numerous Arabic refugees and migrants from the Middle East and North Africa.

Most refugees are from Syria and Palestine, but there are communities of people from many Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. Students who choose to study Arabic in Germany will have access to diverse representatives of the Arabic world. Further, the diversity of the Arabic-speaking community in Halle means that students will have the opportunity to practice their Arabic, no matter the dialect.

Arabic Community in Halle

Students studying Arabic in Germany will interact closely with the Arabic-speaking community here in Halle such as attending community outreach events hosted by the Excellence Center, speaking with native Arabic speakers, and going to Arabic businesses and shops.

Additionally, students will stay with an Arabic-speaking host, ensuring that they have many opportunities to practice their language skills. Studying Arabic in Germany will prove to be a rewarding and unforgettable experience for those who enroll.

Benefits of Studying Arabic in Germany:

A diverse range of Arabic teachers here in Halle
Access to the Arab community in Halle, as well as to the Center’s connections in the community
Students will stay with an Arabic-speaking family, providing ample opportunity to practice new language skills
Numerous Arab small businesses, shops, and cultural sights in the city.
The option to participate in the Center’s community outreach activities with the Arab community
Opportunities to visit German historical sights and cultural centers such as Leipzig, Weimar, Frankfurt, and Berlin

Students studying Levantine Arabic, Colloquial Palestinian Arabic, or any of the other dialects offered by the Center will have unprecedented access to, and total immersion in, the Arabic-speaking community here in Halle!

Who Can Study Arabic?

The Excellence Center in Halle does not discriminate on any basis when it comes to those wishing to study Arabic, accepting volunteers from all nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, ethnicities, or lifestyles. Outside of operating as a language school, part of the EC’s mission is to unite people from all over the world behind a common cause– learning a new language and breaking down cultural barriers.

The Center advocates for viewing each individual as a unique entity with a distinct perspective to contribute. Once someone enrolls in the Center, they become part of our growing family and are treated as such!

Applicants Eligibility Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old (unless special permissions are granted by the Center’s director and participant’s legal guardians)
Available to all nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, and beliefs
No prior knowledge of the Arabic language needed
An upbeat and can-do attitude
Interest in learning about other cultures

Integration with the Arab community here in Halle

The Excellence Center in Europe has fostered a positive relationship with the Arab community in Halle since its foundation in 2018. By choosing to study Arabic at the Excellence Center, students will be participating not only in language courses but also in immersing themselves in the Arabic culture of the city.

Integration into an Arabic Speaking Host Family

In addition to gaining an excellent Arabic language experience, students will also stay with an Arabic-speaking host family, leading to increased language exposure and proficiency in and outside of the classroom. The Excellence Center will also provide the opportunity to participate in community outreach programs including cookouts, football matches, workshops, and more. Participating in these activities is not mandatory for students, however, it is highly encouraged.

Staying with an Arabic-speaking host family is the best way to ensure that students continue learning outside of class. It also creates a deeper connection to the Arabic community in Halle and fosters a greater understanding of the host family’s culture. Students enrolled in Arabic courses here in Halle will learn the Arabic language, culture, political relevance in Germany, and so much more!

Arabic Immersion Programs in Germany

The Excellence Center in Halle offers a wide variety of intensive and non-intensive Arabic courses. The Arabic programs offered are as follows: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Classical Arabic (Fusha Arabic – formal literary Arabic), Colloquial Arabic – either Palestinian Colloquial Arabic or Colloquial Levantine Arabic (Ammiya Dialect), or a Varied Program.

In the Varied Program, students can mix different dialects to create a course that best suits their language needs (e.g., Palestinian spoken dialect and Colloquial Levantine Arabic).

Deciding Which Arabic Dialect to Study

Arabic is an incredibly diverse language with numerous dialects. Before choosing their desired Arabic course, we recommend students think about why they desire to learn Arabic, as different dialects will be more beneficial for different purposes.

For example, learning Palestinian Colloquial Arabic or Colloquial Levantine Arabic (Ammiyya) may be more beneficial for those wishing to travel, and Classical Arabic would be more useful for those wishing to study formal Arabic texts. Courses last anywhere from 1 to 13 weeks.

If students are unsure as to which Arabic Immersion Program they should enroll in, feel free to reach out and contact us at the Excellence Center. We would be happy to help students find the Arabic course that is right for them!

Here is a full list of the dialects we offer in our intensive Arabic Courses:

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
Classical Arabic (Fusha Arabic– formal literary Arabic)
Colloquial Levantine/Shami Arabic (Ammiya dialect)
Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Courses
A mixed program (MSA, Levantine Arabic, and Colloquial Palestinian Arabic)

Teach English and Study Arabic in Germany

What is the difference between an Immersion Program, a Non-Intensive, and an Intensive Course?

All Arabic courses offered by the Excellence Center will be part of an Immersion Program. This means that students will stay with an Arabic-speaking family or host here in Halle, travel in the city and interact with native Arabic speakers, fulfill day-to-day activities such as shopping and asking for directions, and more!

The EC’s Arabic Immersion Program intends to fully engage students in their language of study, both inside and outside the classroom. With that in mind, there are 2 intensities offered:

1. Non-Intensive Arabic Course:

Most relaxed intensity available, meeting for a total of 12 lesson hours (45 minutes per lesson hour) per week ~ about 3 hours of Arabic courses a day for 3 days a week. This intensity is designed to give students plenty of in-classroom immersion while also plenty of time to explore the city of Halle (Saale). We recommend that students interested in a long-term program (anywhere from 1 – 3 months) enroll in a non-intensive Arabic course.

2. Intensive Arabic Course:

They are designed to further immerse students into the Arabic language and culture. These courses consist of 20 lesson hours a week, with about 4 teaching hours of Arabic language instruction per day, 5 days a week. Intensive Arabic courses will have additional homework and out-of-classroom assignments.

Enjoy Small Class Sizes

The Excellence Center in Europe offers year-round intensive Arabic language courses, short-term Arabic, and summer intensive Arabic programs with a maximum class size of three and six distinct levels to fit any Arabic language experience and competence.

Our Arabic teachers create sufficient space for discussion and involvement. The institution provides a comprehensive curriculum (books and materials included) covering all areas of the Arabic language at six distinct levels.

The Excellence Center pays particular attention to the engagement of its students and practical language use. The programs we offer include Palestinian colloquial Levantine Arabic courses known as Ammiya and Shami dialects and Modern Standard Arabic courses.

Individual Arabic Courses

The Excellence Center in Europe provides private Arabic classes in a variety of dialects, both intense and non-intensive, taught one-on-one by a native Arabic teacher. As an Arabic learner, you will be able to tailor your Arabic course to your requirements and desires. Our Arabic teachers will tailor a curriculum to your specific needs, whether you want to learn Palestinian-spoken Arabic, Levantine (Ammiya/Shami) Arabic, or Classical/Standard Arabic.

We offer an extensive range of immersive Arabic courses that include both standardized Arabic sessions and local colloquial dialects from Syria, Palestine, and other Levantine countries. As a result, our Arabic classes are appropriate for a wide spectrum of students, from international business employees, diplomats, and travelers to those who want to study the Quran.

Online Arabic courses

In addition to the programs offered in Halle, Germany, the Excellence Center in Europe also offers intensive and non-intensive online Arabic lessons, taught by qualified Palestinian teachers and instructors on a one-on-one basis. More information on these programs can be found here: Levantine (Ammiya/Shami) and Palestinian Arabic online lessons.

What Language Levels are Offered?

No matter your skill level, the Excellence Center in Halle has a variety of available courses for anyone wishing to study Arabic. These are:

1. Starter Arabic Course

This course level is for those with little to no previous Arabic language experience. Students will become familiar with the Arabic alphabet (al-ḥurūf l-ʿarabīyah), writing systems, some grammar rules, basic vocabulary, and colloquial phrases. This course provides students with a linguistic foundation to build upon, along with giving students a basic understanding of Arabic culture.

2. Beginner Arabic Course

This course level builds upon the early grammar and vocabulary taught in the Starter Arabic Course. This means introducing new vocab, and grammatical rules, as well as reading and writing exercises. Furthermore, students will start learning about various scenarios in which they can engage in Arabic conversations. This includes practical situations such as buying items in a store, asking for directions, expressing preferences, and handling other daily tasks.

3. Intermediate Arabic Course

This course level develops the Arabic linguistic foundations established in the previous two courses, ensuring that students will begin to put their language skills into practice. Students will begin to interact with the Arabic-speaking community here in Halle through various activities such as buying coffee and ordering food at an Arabic restaurant, discussing daily activities, navigating through complex ideas and sensitive subjects like history and politics, and elaborating on personal preferences.

In addition, students will improve their Arabic reading and writing abilities.

4. Advanced Arabic Course

This course level is intended to elevate students’ Arabic competency in speaking, reading, writing, and grammatical knowledge. Students will improve these skills by studying and interacting with complex Arabic texts, forming their own opinions and responses to readings, speaking with locals and native Arabic speakers on a variety of subjects, writing opinions, and conducting research on a diverse range of subjects.

Placement Test

Students with prior knowledge of Arabic are required to take an Arabic placement exam after completing their application for us to design our teaching program according to their individual needs and language proficiency.

If you are unsure about which course to take, we provide a free placement exam that will assess your abilities in four critical areas: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Furthermore, if you have any issues concerning the course level or intensity, we are delighted to chat with you.

Programs Overview:

Place of Arabic Program	Halle (Saale), Germany
Arabic Program Fees*	Intensive = 600€ (Euro) a week non-Intensive = 480€ (Euro) a week
Age	at least 18 years old
Minimum Duration	Intensive = One Week (20 Hours/week) Non-Intensive = One Week (12 Hours/week)
Maximum Duration	13 Weeks
Teaching Hours	Intensive = 4 hours a day – 5 days a week. Non-Intensive = 4 hours a day – 3 days a week.
One Teaching Hour	45 Minutes
Average students in class	1 – 5 Students
Arabic Class Periods	Morning (8:30 – 12:30) Afternoon (12:30 – 16:00)
Starting/Ending Dates	Flexible – Anytime
Application Deadline	No Deadline
Days off	Intensive = Two days (Saturdays & Sundays) Non-Intensive = Four days
Educational Degree	Not Required
University Credit	Available

*Costs include study materials booklet and books, placement test, a tour of Halle, breakfast four days a week, accommodation with a host family or in a shared apartment, in-country and pre-departure support with logistics and travel, Arabic classes, and a certificate of completion. Registration fee: 50€ paid once at registration.

Global Participants

Students from all around the world have chosen to study Arabic in Halle. The Excellence Center has hosted students from The United Kingdom, the United States of America, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Ireland, China, and New Zealand!

Reviews and Community Awards

The Excellence Center in Halle has been working with the Arabic-speaking community in Halle since 2018, building a positive relationship and developing our lessons to be as effective as possible.

We continue to strive towards “excellence”. In 2021 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards from Go Overseas in the categories “best language school” and voted best on “fun” and “instruction.”

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” to acknowledge the Excellence Center’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. The Excellence Center continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs.

Check out our many great reviews here:

+740 Reviews (4.8/5) on Gooverseas.com
+160Reviews (9.3/10) on Goabroad.com
Participants’ video testimonials

Related Arabic Programs

Intensive Summer Arabic Program	Summer Arabic Immersion Programs
Online Intensive Arabic Course	Classical Arabic Courses
Ammiya Program (Palestinian Dialect)	The Study Levantine Arabic Program
Study Arabic in the West Bank	Ammiya Arabic Programs in the Middle East

Getting to the Excellence Center

The easiest way to get to the Excellence Center in Germany is to fly to Leipzig/Halle Airport. It takes about 25 minutes to get from the airport to the Excellence Center via train however, flights into the Leipzig/Halle Airport can be more expensive.

You can also fly into the airport in Berlin (BER), and then you have two ways to get to the Excellence Center. The first is to come by bus. You can take a bus operated by companies such as FlixBus or Eurolines. The bus ride takes about two hours. The second choice is to come by train through Berlin-Central Station or Berlin Südkreuz. The train ride takes around an hour and a half.

Join Our Family in Germany!

Whenever you’re ready, our intensive Arabic courses are available at all levels year-round. You are always guaranteed a place at the center to learn Arabic in Germany at any time of your choice. Our Arabic programs range from 1 to 13 weeks, perfect for short or long-term Arabic courses. We provide intensive and non-intensive immersion programs in dialects such as Levantine (Ammiya/Shami), Palestinian colloquial Arabic, and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).

The Excellence Center in Europe has intensive Arabic courses that are open to any student who would like to learn or progress in their Arabic skills quickly. No matter who you are, these classes will help to improve your Arabic language skills through the technique of cultural and classroom immersion in Halle, Germany.

We have welcomed Arabic students from around the world into our Arabic immersion and seasonal programs. Our Arabic lessons are suitable for a wide range of learners (starters, beginners, intermediate, and advanced). We can easily tailor courses to your wish; you are free to choose the time and level of studies to suit your needs, language ability, and learning preferences.

How to Apply

If you are interested in participating in our Arabic Language Program, please write to us at Info@eceurope.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1 – 3 business days. In the subject line of your email, please write “Study Arabic in Germany”.

Upon writing back to you we will attach an application form, which you will fill out and return to us to begin the on-boarding process. We hope to hear from you soon!