German Learning with Heart since 1989
For more than three decades, we've brought together students, teachers, and German culture under one roof. Join us for quality language education and a feeling of community.
Years teaching German
Students taught
Cultural events
Experienced teachers
Our story since 1989
More than just a language school—we're a community passionate about German language and culture.
A small school with a big impact
Founded in 1989 on Lansdowne Street, the East Melbourne Language Centre began its journey as the German Language Centre. Over the decades, we expanded into many languages, building a rich community of students, teachers and cultural experiences.
Nowadays our main focus is German. With more than 35 years of teaching expertise, we continue to deliver high-quality language education shaped by tradition, innovation and genuine cultural exchange. And while our primary focus is now German, we are still happy to connect you with our network of quality teachers for other languages. Most of our classes are now taught online, offering flexibility and access for learners everywhere, though we still maintain a few in-house classes for those who prefer face-to-face interaction. Get in touch and we'll help you find the learning format that suits you best.
Cultural events & social gatherings
Regular German film nights, game nights, Christmas in July, Oktoberfest celebrations, and social meetups that bring our vibrant German-speaking community together
Native German teachers
Learn from passionate native German speakers with professional teaching qualifications and deep cultural knowledge
East Melbourne location & convenient online classes
Choose between our welcoming East Melbourne venue or join our interactive online classes from anywhere
Thank you very much for this excellent class with Phillip! The atmosphere was great through rotating partner work, new students and great exercises. I am really glad the course has started again. I would recommend the German Language Centre anytime. I am totally satisfied.
Meet the office team
Katharina Kleiminger
Director of East Melbourne Language Centre
Studied Spanish, French and pedagogical studies at Hamburg University. She worked as a language teacher in Paris and Madrid before moving to Australia in 1989. Then worked as a broadcaster for SBS Radio in Melbourne and became the Director of the East Melbourne Language Centre in 1990. Taught at Monash University for many years where she also conducted teachers training courses.
I am proud of the diverse community of cultures and languages we have built at the East Melbourne Language Centre.
It is a true privilege to share such a diverse world of languages and cultures with like-minded people.
I love playing tennis, yoga, gardening, bushwalking and cooking with and for friends and family.
Kim
German teacher from Dortmund
Guten Tag, mein Name ist Kim. I'm from Dortmund and did my tertiary studies in the Netherlands where I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Educational Science. I also hold a Master's degree in Business Administration. As a current student of Spanish, I keep up with the challenges and techniques for language acquisition from a learner's perspective. I moved to Australia at the end of 2024 and am excited to have the opportunity to share my native tongue and its culture with students. I love fitness, camping, travelling and eating.
How to reach us
Virtual office
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM AEST
Phone: 03 9417 2265 - Please leave a message if we can't answer immediately.
Email: You can contact us at info@languagecentre.net.au and we are happy to help.
For enrolment questions, course information, or to discuss customised courses, Katharina and Kim are here to help guide you on your German learning journey.
Explore Germany
Discover top-rated language schools and travel tips for major German cities
German Academy Berlin Wittenbergplatz
Highly rated intensive and general courses
Visit websiteHamburg
A port city defined by water: the Elbe River and the Alster Lake. The city combines historic trading architecture with modern harbour development.
Alster Lake
Perfect for walking, relaxing, or renting SUP and other watersports equipment.
CYN CYN Handpulled Noodles
Trendy restaurant in the Schanzenviertel area.
Learn moreCafe MIP
Portuguese café in the Sternschanze/Schulterblatt area with great food and a lively shopping district nearby.
Learn moreStrandperle & Ahoi Strandkiosk – Övelgönne
A beach café/pub on the Elbe River that locals love. Take the HVV ferry from Landungsbrücken to Neumühlen, then walk about 10 minutes along the river. You can continue walking to Blankenese if you enjoy longer walks.
GreenKayak
Rent a kayak for free by collecting trash from the water and sharing the experience on social media. Available May–Autumn.
Learn moreFranzbrötchen
Cinnamon pastry from local bakeries.
Matjesbrötchen & Krabbenbrötchen
Herring sandwich and shrimp sandwich – classic Hamburg snacks.
Speicherstadt
Historic warehouse district.
HafenCity
Modern harbour architecture.
Thalia Bookstore
Views over the Alster and a large English book section.
Learn moreTeufelsberg
Abandoned Cold War listening station with street art and great views.
Learn morePromenade
Tree-lined cycling path around the old town.
Swimming in the Dortmund-Ems Canal
A summer favourite among locals.
Bicycle culture, student life and the Peace of Westphalia history
Historic City Hall of Münster
Schloss Münster
Altstadt
Antiquariat Solder
Also a filming location for the German crime series Wilsberg.
Learn moreBrühlsche Terrasse
Promenade along the Elbe River.
Baroque architecture and classical music tradition
Dresden Altstadt
Zwinger Palace
Zum Gemalten Haus
Traditional tavern known for Hessian food and apple wine.
Learn moreGärtnerplatzviertel
Trendy district with cafés and boutiques.
Giesing
Traditional neighbourhood with a strong local vibe.
Find the right class for you
From beginner to advanced, in-person or online—we have a learning format that fits your life.
💻Group Online Classes
Join via Zoom from anywhere. Same quality teaching with added convenience. Perfect for busy schedules or remote learners.
🧑🏫Group In-house Classes
Learn in our East Melbourne classroom with 5-9 fellow students. Interactive lessons with immediate feedback and cultural immersion.
📚VCE & IB Preparation
Expert exam preparation with teachers who know the VCE system since 1990. Proven track record of student success.
🎯Private One-on-one
Fully personalised learning tailored to your goals. Flexible scheduling at our school, online, or at your location.
💬Private Small Groups
Learn with a friend, colleague, or family member. Enjoy personalised attention in a comfortable small group setting.
🏢Company Training
Corporate German courses and intercultural training. In-house sessions tailored to your business needs.
Not sure where to start?
German language learning follows the Common European Framework levels from beginner to mastery. If you give us a call on 03 9417 2265, we can help you over the phone to figure out which course will suit you best.
You can also take a placement test to discover your current level, or learn more about what each level means for your German learning journey.
Ready to start your German learning journey?
You can pay online to immediately enrol into group classes through the course timetable. If you have questions or would like help deciding which course is best for you, feel free to email us at info@languagecentre.net.au or call us on 03 9417 2265.
Whether you're looking to join one of our group courses or need a custom private lesson arrangement, our friendly office team is here to help you get started.