German Language Courses and Tutoring

Learning German can be a fun and interactive way to not only learn a new language, but also a rich cultural history from Northern Europe. At Bend Language Institute, we focus on integrating language and culture to prepare you for a future trip and satisfy your intellectual curiosity. Check out our workshop series about German culture and stay tuned for upcoming German course offerings.

German Courses 2024-2025

Fall 2024

German Song and Humor Tuesdays 5-6pm September 24, October 1, 8, 15, & 22

German Grammar I Thursdays 5-6pm September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24

German Grammar II Thursdays 6-7pm September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24

Winter 2025

German Song and Humor Tuesdays 5-6pm January 14, 21, 28, (no class on February 4) February 11, & 18

German Grammar I Thursdays 5-6pm January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13

German Grammar II Thursdays 6-7pm January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13

Spring 2025

German Song and Humor Tuesdays 5-6pm April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6

German Grammar I Thursdays 5-6pm April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8

German Grammar II Thursdays 6-7pm April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8

Please scroll below to see courses that are open for registration. On a desktop computer you can click on the tabs on the left for detailed descriptions of each course. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us at bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or 541-728-3022.

German Song and Humor

This course will answer the age-old question: Do Germans have a sense of humor? German Song and Humor is designed for beginning and intermediate German students and focuses on acquiring and using new vocabulary. Each week will feature a different song from “The Wise Guys,” a popular acapella singing group.

Session – Fall 2024

German Song and Humor will meet on Tuesdays from 5-6pm September 24, October 1, 8, 15,  & 22. 

Send us an email at bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or call us at 541-728-3022 if you would like more details or have any questions.

German Grammar I

Have you always wanted to learn German? It’s time to get started! In German Grammar I, Fall Session, we will focus on greetings, personal information, numbers in context, present tense conjugation, and how and when to use “der, die” and “das.” So viel Spaß! A recommended compliment for “German Song and Humor,” the grammar elements we see in real life will be explored and fully understood in this class.

Sessions – Fall 2024

German Grammar I will be on Thursdays from 5-6pm on September 26, October 3, 10, 17, & 24. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at 541-728-3022 or email us at bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com and we would be happy to help.

German Grammar II

As all students of German know, grammar is freakin’ awesome and loads of fun! In German Grammar II, Fall Session, we will explore and use 2-way prepositions, past tense, and the future tense. A recommended compliment for “German Song and Humor,” the grammar elements we see in real life will be explored and fully understood in this class.

Sessions – Fall 2024

German Grammar II will be on Thursdays from 6-7pm from September 26, October 3, 10, 17, & 24. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at 541-728-3022 or email us at bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com and we would be happy to help.

Filmabend: Goodbye Lenin 

Join us for a film viewing and discussion about the history of Germany. Before viewing “Goodbye Lenin,” we will learn about the cultural idiosyncrasies of former East Germany. After the film, we will discuss the effects of reunification in Berlin. We will show the film with English subtitles so a range of German language learners can attend.

March 5, 6:00-8:30pm

Seat limit: 7 students

Please register at least one week in advance. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com.

Spieleabend: Playing Games in German

Wir werden Brettspiele zusammen spielen: Äpfel zu Äpfeln, Bananegrams, u.s.w.  Sind Sie wettbewerbsintensiv? Mal sehen! Beginner to advanced students alike are invited to join this fun game night.

May 28, 6:00-8pm

Seat limit: 8 students

Please be sure to register at least one week in advance. You can email bendlanguageinstitute.com if you have questions.

Individual Tutoring

Private tutoring with an experienced teacher can help you improve your language skills while working around your schedule. We offer both in-person and remote one-on-one lessons to help you meet your language learning needs. Our language tutoring rate is $50 dollars per hour, and when you purchase your time in advance you can reduce that rate down to $46 per hour.

We also offer semi-private tutoring small groups youth and/or adults at an affordable price, so you can have fun learning with your friends. If this is something that would interest you, contact us and we will be happy to arrange this. You can see more about small group tutoring here: https://bendlanguageinstitute.com/product/small-group-private-lessons/

If you are new to Bend Language Institute, just send us an email at bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or give us a call at 541-728-3022 and we will be happy to put you in touch with a local teacher to discuss your language level and interests.

CURRENT GERMAN COURSES AND EVENTS

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Saskia Lilley
Saskia LilleyInstructor —Spanish and German
I am a certified Spanish and ESL teacher with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education which I obtained from the University of Cologne, Germany (my hometown). My interest in cultural exchange and teaching led me to living in different parts of the world, such as Argentina, Australia, Spain, Mexico and throughout the United States, where I have gained extensive experience in different educational and multilingual settings. I recently moved to Bend with my husband and I am excited to share my knowledge of languages and cultural experiences with the community.
Janet Gesme
Janet GesmeInstructor —Spanish, German and Russian
I was born in Springfield, Missouri and started life as a professional violist, but the allure of languages has pulled me into learning German, Russian, Spanish, French, and a little Hungarian and Korean. I have a master’s degree in German from Portland State University and have translated the German best sellers “Around the World on 50 Bucks” and “The Sound of Life’s Unspeakable Beauty.” I have also worked as a Spanish translator for Head Start, and as a tri-lingual screener for Volunteers in Medicine (English, Spanish and Russian). I am completely addicted to learning languages and can’t wait to share this joy with you!

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