A portrait of Full-time MBA students on the HHL campus.

Learn German During Your MBA in Germany at HHL

by Ellen Schönfelder | August 26, 2025
Thinking about working in Germany after your MBA? At HHL, you don't need to speak German to survive, but learning it can give you a major edge in building your career, expanding your job options, and connecting with local professionals. Discover why German language courses are an integrated and valued part of the MBA journey at HHL.

Thinking about building your career in Germany after your MBA? Wondering if speaking German is a must? You’re not alone.

At HHL, we often hear this question from international students and the good news is: we’ve got you covered. With German courses tailored to your needs, learning the language doesn’t have to be a barrier. In fact, it can become one of your biggest career assets.

Why Learn German During Your MBA in Germany?

If you’re planning to build your career in Germany, one question probably comes up a lot: Do I really need to speak German? At HHL, the answer is: not to survive—but definitely to thrive.

While the HHL MBA program is fully taught in English, learning German can give you a major advantage when it comes to networking, internships, and landing a full-time job. Speaking the local language helps you connect more easily with colleagues, employers, and new friends.

According to Kati Dorsch, Manager Career Development at HHL, “learning German is a strategic investment in your career! The more you improve your German language skills, the more job openings you will be considered for. Being able to work and collaborate with German professionals in their native language can give you a distinct advantage when seeking employment in Germany.”

That’s why we offer German language courses that are part of your MBA journey — whether you’re just starting out or want to polish your skills. From business conversations to daily essentials, our courses are designed to help you succeed both professionally and socially: build meaningful connections and access more professional opportunities in Germany.

“Kannst du mir bitte helfen?”— these magic words stayed with me from Mr. Andreas’ class. Starting from A1 to A2 at HHL, he made learning German fun, and in the end, I didn’t just learn the language in class—I saw its magic work in real life. Learning is a lifelong journey, and this class was a meaningful step in mine.

Karthik Javanappa, MBA Student at HHL

Your Options: German Courses at HHL

We understand that everyone starts from a different point, so we provide a range of learning options.

In fact, our German language courses are not just a side benefit — they’re one of the highlights of the MBA program, especially for students looking to launch a career in Germany.

HHL MBA student Karthik Javanappa shares his experience: “Andreas’ practical teaching approach and exceptional coaching have been instrumental in my language development. Proficiency in German has significantly expanded my career prospects, granting me access to a job market at least ten times larger than without German language skills.”

And the best part? At HHL, your tuition already includes German language courses – designed to support your life and career in Germany.

Full-time MBA Klasse im Portrait
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What Our Community Says

Our German courses aren’t just helpful—they’re also highly appreciated by our international students. At the center of this experience is Andreas Hellfayer, who brings not just expertise but also a passion for teaching.

Learning German is an exciting journey, and I’m here to guide you on part of that way! Our lessons are interactive, engaging, and tailored to your needs.

Andreas Hellfayer, German Instructor at HHL

Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on existing skills, learning German at HHL is more than just language instruction — it’s a gateway to life and work in Germany.

Did You Know?

More than 90% of our full-time MBA graduates launch their post-MBA career in Germany. And in the latest QS Global MBA Ranking, HHL ranked #12 worldwide for Return on Investment, scoring 97.9 out of 100—far above the global average of 61.5. Language support is just one of the many reasons why our MBA pays off.

Let’s Talk About Your Career in Germany

Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your skills, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk about your goals, your options, and how HHL can support your next steps.