Best Online English Courses in Germany (2026): 6 Platforms Compared

Germany ranks 4th out of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025, up six places from the previous year. Yet the search for “best online English courses in Germany” rarely starts with grammar. Most working professionals can write an email in English without difficulty. Things get harder on a call with the team in Dublin when someone asks a follow-up question and you need to answer immediately. The scores for individual skills reflect exactly this: 623 points for reading, 521 for speaking. And among those over 41, proficiency has been declining for four years, as The Local reports based on EF data.

Research identified early on why speaking in particular can be a struggle. In 1986, Elaine Horwitz and her colleagues coined the term “Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety” in the Modern Language Journal, identifying three sources: anxiety about speaking itself, test anxiety, and fear of negative evaluation. Plenty of time spent actually speaking in a setting that feels safe helps overcome this inhibition. That is why, for each platform, we checked how much you get to speak and whether you can work with the same person over several weeks. 

In Germany, three additional questions arise that are usually missing from comparisons for other countries. Can the course be funded through paid educational leave or your employer? Are the fees tax-deductible as work-related expenses? And what happens to recordings of your lessons? We assessed six providers offering live teachers against six standard criteria and one Germany-specific criterion covering privacy and contracts, with all prices listed in euros.

How we evaluated the platforms

Every platform had to answer the same seven questions, using publicly available information: pricing pages, help articles, terms and conditions, and privacy policies. We added the seventh question, highlighted in orange, specifically for the German market.

The best online English courses in Germany at a glance

All six providers let you learn English online with a teacher, but formats and prices vary widely. The last column shows the lowest price we found on the official websites, usually for the longest package or for group lessons. Lesson lengths vary, so the duration is included in each case.

Data protection and contract terms: the Germany check

Few places see customers read privacy policies as thoroughly as in Germany, and there are good reasons for this when it comes to online lessons. Many platforms record lessons or have them transcribed to generate feedback. The GDPR also applies to providers based outside the EU whenever they offer their services to people in the EU (Article 3(2)). Germany's Fair Consumer Contracts Act provides protection when it comes to contracts: since March 1, 2022, contracts may only renew automatically for an indefinite period and must then be cancellable with no more than one month's notice. Since July 1, 2022, websites must also provide a clearly visible cancellation button.

The table shows what the six providers publicly disclose on these points.

italki is the easiest to walk away from because there is no subscription at all. Flalingo packages do not renew automatically, and you can get your money back within 30 days without giving a reason. Lingoda, Preply and Cambly renew automatically, with Preply renewing every 28 days. For these providers, add the cancellation deadline before your next payment to your calendar.

Recording practices vary considerably. Cambly records every one-to-one lesson, while Preply transcribes only the audio and only when Lesson Insights is enabled. Flalingo records lessons for the FLAI report and deletes or anonymizes them after one year. According to its privacy policy, Flalingo also uses anonymized learning data to further develop language and AI models. This is enabled by default but can be disabled in your account settings, and lessons involving minors are excluded. Lingoda and Berlitz do not provide any information about recording in the documents reviewed. If in doubt, ask them in writing before purchasing.

#1 - Flalingo: a consistent teacher, business English and measurable progress

Flalingo combines online one-to-one English lessons with AI analysis. Lessons last 25 or 50 minutes and are conducted entirely in English. According to the provider, only around one in 73 applicants joins the team, following interviews, a trial lesson and an assessment of their teaching aptitude.

For working professionals, the business offering is particularly relevant, with dedicated teachers specializing in professional English and personalized Smart Books. The business English page lists curricula for more than seven industries, from sprint planning in IT to financial reporting. For certifications, there is a dedicated exam section covering IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge and OET.

What earns Flalingo first place, however, is continuity. Smart Matching evaluates 18 details, such as your goal, level, availability and preferred accent, and there is a greater than 90% chance that you will stay with the same teacher throughout your course. With teachers across many time zones, appointments are available early in the morning and at night too. After 30 lessons, you receive an accredited digital certificate in your name, accessible through the system.

If you would like to try an online English course, the best place to start is with the free English placement test (results from A1 to C1) and the accent test. Our article What The Lessons Actually Look Like, in English, shows how a lesson works.

The Smart Personalized Materials page shows all the series, while Flalingo Daily News provides level-appropriate news articles between lessons. After each lesson, FLAI, Flalingo's AI coach, creates a report on accuracy, fluency, and vocabulary, which is used to develop exercises and plan the next lesson. Find out more in What Is FLAI? (in English).

Key features

• Live one-to-one lessons lasting 25 or 50 minutes, 1 to 7 lessons per week
• Smart Matching using 18 data points
• 30 Smart Books with over 490 lessons for everyday life, work, and exams
• Course mode with a curriculum or conversation mode for free speaking practice
• FLAI report and Flomework exercises based on your own mistakes
• Personal learning advice and around-the-clock support

Prices

Here are Flalingo's prices as of 16 October 2026, and the discounts for longer packages are already included.

• 25 minutes: from ≈€23 a month (12 months, 1 lesson a week) to ≈€384 (1 month, 7 lessons a week)
• 50 minutes: from ≈€46 to ≈€769 a month
• Per lesson (at 4 lessons a month): ≈€5.74 (25 min) and ≈€11.44 (50 min) on the annual package, ≈€14.31 and ≈€28.04 on the monthly package
• Trial lesson: 25 minutes for ≈€1.79, with your money back if you're not satisfied
• The 12-month package also includes one group lesson a week (maximum 4 people)

Prices last checked: October 2026.

Who is it suitable for?

• Adults from A2 to C1 who understand a lot but stall in conversation
• Professionals with a concrete goal: meetings, presentations, job interviews, IELTS
• Anyone who wants to work with the same teacher every week
• People with a packed calendar who study early in the morning or at night
• Budget from about €23 a month on the annual package

User experiences

Flalingo has 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google (710 reviews according to the Flalingo website, October 2026). Both reviews below are from Google.

#2 - Lingoda: small groups with a structured CEFR curriculum

Lingoda is an online language school based in Berlin. English classes take place in 60-minute live sessions over Zoom, in groups of three to five participants or one-on-one. The curriculum follows the CEFR from A1 to C1, with Business English available from A1 to B2. According to the website, around 2,500 certified teachers teach at a native-speaker level.

You book a package of lessons that renews every four weeks and choose time slots from a calendar with availability almost around the clock. Unused credits roll over to the next cycle as long as your subscription is active. The trade-off for this predictable structure is a lack of continuity: teachers and fellow learners change constantly. You can book a teacher you like again, but the model does not provide for ongoing guidance from the same teacher over several months. And with five people in a 60-minute class, each person theoretically gets about twelve minutes of speaking time, minus the teacher's talking time.

Key features

• Live classes over Zoom, 60 minutes per lesson
• Groups of 3 to 5 participants or one-on-one lessons
• Proprietary CEFR-based curriculum: English A1-C1, Business English A1-B2
• Certificate for each completed level
• Sprint: a two-month intensive program
• 7-day free trial (up to 3 group lessons or 1 one-on-one lesson)

Pricing

Lingoda lists its prices directly in euros. The price per class falls as the package size goes up, and the package renews every four weeks.

• Group: 4 classes for €44.99 (€11.49 per class) up to 32 classes for €180.99 (€5.49 per class)
• One-to-one: 4 classes for €109.99 (€27.49 per class) up to 32 classes for €394.99 (€12.49 per class)
• Money back within 14 days of purchase, minus any classes already taken
• 7-day free trial. If you don't cancel in time, you automatically move onto the monthly subscription

Prices last checked: October 2026.

Who is it for?

• Learners from A1 to C1 who value a structured curriculum
• People who enjoy learning with others and paying less for it
• Budgets starting at around €45 per month for group lessons

User experiences

Lingoda has a Trustpilot rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 5,871 reviews (October 2026). Both reviews below are from that platform.

#3 - Preply: a huge choice of teachers for every budget

Preply is an international marketplace where teachers set their own prices, hours and methods. Preply's German site lists more than 24,000 English teachers. The price filter for a 50-minute lesson runs from €2 to over €44. Two experienced Super Tutors in our sample charged €36 and €43, and thanks to a 30% discount, their first trial lesson cost €25 and €30.

Payment is subscription-based: one teacher, at least four lessons per cycle, with automatic billing every 28 days. Any lessons you have not scheduled by the renewal date expire. If the first teacher is not a good fit, you can try another one for free.

Preply has a real advantage for beginners: the “Also speaks” filter lets you find teachers who can explain grammar in German. At the same time, this platform requires the most independent decision-making, since qualifications, style, and materials depend entirely on the person you book. Our English-language article Preply vs italki compares it with the other major marketplace.

Key features

• Over 24,000 English teachers, with filters for price, country of origin, languages, and specialties
• 50-minute lessons, also available as 25-minute lessons with a subscription
• Subscription with a 28-day cycle, pausable once per cycle for up to 20 days
• Lesson Insights with AI-generated summaries (optional, English only)
• Free tutor switch if the first trial lesson is not a good fit

Prices

• 50 minutes: from about €2 to over €44, depending on the teacher
• Examples from our sample: Super Tutors at €36 and €43 per lesson
• Trial lesson: currently 30% off without a code, so €25 and €30 with these two
• Subscription: 28 days, at least 4 lessons per cycle, so roughly €8 to over €176 per cycle

Prices last checked: October 2026.

Who is it suitable for?

• Beginners (A1–A2) who want explanations in German
• Learners with a very specific goal, such as English for nursing, IT, or law
• Anyone with time to compare profiles and take two or three trial lessons
• Every budget, from low-cost options to premium tutors

User experiences

Preply has a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 24,971 reviews (October 2026).

#4 - Cambly: Conversations with native speakers whenever you want

Cambly is a US-based platform that works exclusively with native English speakers. Open the app, choose a tutor who is currently available, and start talking just minutes later, at any time of day. If you prefer set appointments, you can book ahead. Each lesson lasts 30 minutes, and plans include two, three, or five lessons per week.

Alongside small groups (one tutor and one or two learners), there is the Private+ one-on-one plan and the Pro tier, featuring selected tutors, goal-oriented lessons, and personalized learning recommendations. After each one-on-one lesson, you receive a recording, a transcript, and automated feedback.

There are two rules you should know before booking: unused minutes expire at the end of each week, and the annual plan renews automatically unless you turn this off in your account. Our English-language article Cambly vs italki explains where Cambly has the edge over italki.

Key features

• Exclusively native-speaking tutors
• 30-minute lessons, 2, 3, or 5 per week
• Instant lessons without an appointment
• Recording, transcript, and automated feedback after each lesson
• Cambly courses and unlimited pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary exercises
• Small groups with one tutor and 1–2 learners

Prices

Cambly uses regional pricing. The amounts below are for two 30-minute lessons a week and were converted from Turkish lira, so the euro price in Germany may differ.

• Private+: ≈€11.72 per lesson (1 month), ≈€9.74 (3 months, -10%), ≈€5.95 (12 months, -45%)
• Pro: ≈€17.33 per lesson (1 month), ≈€14.39 (3 months), ≈€8.80 (12 months)
• Per 60 minutes, that works out at ≈€11.90 to ≈€34.65
• Refund: full refund within 7 days of starting your first plan

Prices last checked: October 2026.

Who is it suitable for?

• Learners at B1 level or above who mainly want free-flowing conversation
• People with irregular schedules who want to practice spontaneously
• Budget starting at around €12 per week with the annual plan (Private+, 2 lessons)

User experiences

Cambly has a Trustpilot rating of 2.0 out of 5 based on 264 reviews (October 2026). The first review below is from a user, and the second is from a tutor who has been teaching on the platform since 2020. We translated both from English.

#5 - italki: One-on-one lessons without a subscription

italki works similarly to Preply, with one key difference: there is no subscription. You add credit to your account and book individual lessons or packages whenever your schedule allows. The German site lists around 4,250 English teachers, divided into two groups. Professional Teachers have a teaching qualification or certificate. Community Tutors focus on conversation and are usually cheaper. Lessons last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the offer.

This is convenient if your work schedule varies: a month full of trade shows and business trips costs nothing if you take no lessons. The search lets you filter for teachers available immediately or within 72 hours. However, you have to keep your learning on track yourself. The platform has no curriculum, and switching teachers often means starting over with a level assessment.

Key features

• Around 4,250 English teachers: Professional Teachers and Community Tutors
• Pay per lesson using account credit, with no subscription
• Lessons lasting 30 to 90 minutes, with packages available
• Filters for instant lessons and availability within 72 hours
• Satisfaction guarantee for trial lessons (refunded as credit)
• Teachers who speak German

Pricing

italki shows prices partly in euros and partly in US dollars.

• Trial lessons: €4.45 to €8.90 in our sample from italki's German teacher list
• Regular lessons: according to italki, from €1 to around €60-80 per lesson, depending on experience and qualifications
• No subscription: you pay from your balance only for the lessons you book

Prices last checked: October 2026.

Who is it suitable for?

• Learners at A2 level or above who know what they want to work on
• People whose jobs involve business travel, shift work, or seasonal peaks
• Anyone who wants to try different accents and teaching styles
• Flexible budgets starting at a few euros per hour

User experiences

italki has a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 14,878 reviews (October 2026).

#6 - Berlitz: a language school offering in-person classes, live online lessons, and educational leave courses

Berlitz is the oldest brand on this list. Founded in the USA in 1878, the school has locations in more than 40 German cities. English is available through in-person classes, live online lessons with instructors, the Berlitz On Demand self-study program, and a combination of the two called Berlitz Flex.

For live online one-to-one lessons, you agree on the content and schedule with a course adviser. Online English groups have three to six participants and run for 20 weeks, with 40 lesson units; schedules are available on request. Between lessons, an AI learning assistant answers questions, including in German. Berlitz lists Bildungsgutschein training vouchers, AVGS vouchers, BAMF funding, and educational leave as support options.

Key features

• Locations in over 40 German cities and a live online classroom
• One-to-one lessons with flexible scheduling; groups of 3-6 people
• Berlitz On Demand: self-study across 10 levels (A1-C2) with an AI speaking tutor
• Week-long educational leave courses with 30 lesson units
• Preparation for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and telc exams
• Free trial lesson

Pricing

Berlitz only publishes sample prices and otherwise draws up individual quotes.

• Berlitz On Demand (self-study): around €17 a month
• Group course at a Berlitz centre (3-6 people): €179 a month
• Semi-private with 2 people: €29.50 per person per teaching unit
• One-to-one: on request, with up to 15% off fixed packages
• Bildungsurlaub: quote after a free consultation, with paperwork for your employer

Prices last checked: October 2026.

Who is it suitable for?

• Working professionals at B1 level or above who want to take an intensive week using educational leave
• Companies combining in-person and online corporate courses
• Learners who value having a local contact person
• Budget from around €180 per month for group classes; private lessons priced on request

User experiences

Berlitz's global Trustpilot profile has a rating of 2.8 out of 5 (684 reviews, October 2026). The two reviews below show just how widely experiences vary: praise for the Berlin team, frustration over substitute teachers and cancellations.

Educational leave, employers, and tax: the rules for online courses

Educational leave is paid time off for further education. According to the DGB, employees in most German federal states are entitled to five days per year or ten days over two years, and language courses are explicitly eligible. However, two conditions determine whether a course qualifies. It must be recognized in the federal state where you work, not where you live. And each state sets its own rules on whether online instruction qualifies. You generally need to apply four to nine weeks before the course starts.

According to the overview from bildungsurlauber.de (as of October 2026), the situation for online courses is as follows:

• Online courses permitted: Bremen (30 teaching units per week, with verifiable attendance required), Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein (since August 2021, including hybrid courses), and Thuringia
• Restricted eligibility only: Baden-Württemberg, where in-person instruction must make up the majority of the course and an average of at least six clock hours per day is required
• Online courses not permitted: Berlin, Brandenburg (permitted only during the coronavirus period until the end of 2022), and Rhineland-Palatinate
• No entitlement: Bavaria. Saxony will introduce three days of “qualification leave” per year starting January 1, 2027

A subscription to Flalingo, Lingoda, Preply, italki, or Cambly therefore does not qualify for educational leave; we found no recognized week-long courses at these providers. Educational leave requires a week-long format with a fixed program and a minimum number of hours per day; of the providers on our list, only Berlitz offers this. A useful combination is an intensive week using educational leave, followed by private online lessons so that what you have learned does not fade after two weeks. The relevant state law is always binding.

English courses and tax: employer contributions or work-related expenses

If your company pays for the language course, this is generally tax-free for employees, provided the training improves employability and is not primarily intended as a reward. Ask your HR department about a training budget and what kind of invoice is required. Our comparison Best 6 Online Business English Courses (in English) provides an overview of specialized options for English at work.

If you pay for the course yourself, the costs may qualify as work-related expenses if the course is taken for professional reasons. Germany's Federal Fiscal Court requires a specific connection to your occupation and a course program in which personal interests play virtually no role. 

Which combination is right for you?

There is no single best online English course for everyone. The ranking above follows our criteria; your own will depend on what your week looks like and what you want English to help you achieve:

• You need English for work, want a regular teacher, and like seeing your progress in black and white: Flalingo
• You like structure, enjoy learning with others, and plan a week ahead: Lingoda
• You are starting from scratch and want explanations in German: Preply
• You want to talk to a native speaker tonight, without booking ahead: Cambly
• Your schedule changes every week, so a subscription would just go unused: italki
• You want to take educational leave or value having a local school: Berlitz

A tip specifically for Germany: before buying, get written confirmation of three things. Are lessons recorded, and how long are recordings kept? Does the contract renew automatically, and what notice period applies if you want to cancel? Will you receive an invoice that your employer or tax office will accept? A reputable provider will answer all three questions in a single email.

We see the biggest difference in the combination of a regular teacher and specific feedback after every lesson. Having a regular teacher makes speaking feel less daunting, while the feedback shows that your effort is paying off. That is why Flalingo ranks first.

Looking for a course for your child as well? Then read our comparison of the best online English courses for kids in Germany.