DSSLI offers classes for toddlers, children, teens, and adults at different levels. Classes are designed to meet the needs of heritage speakers building their German ability as well as German learners (“DaF” or “German as a foreign language”).
Children’s Classes
The DSSLI children’s language program focuses on natural acquisition of language in an interactive, fun environment. The classes adhere to a standard routine, which incorporates listening and speaking, singing and crafts, games and physical activity, and story-time. Students interact with and learn German culture as they build their language skills. Our language instruction is designed to be culturally authentic, with hands-on activities to engage the learner’s interest and attention. Activities are fun and creative and also involve use of the new language in higher-level thinking skills. Instructions and activities are conducted primarily in German, with emphasis on oral language development. By celebrating special events and holidays together, such as St. Martin, Nikolaus, Karneval, children become familiar with German culture.
Classes: DSSLI offers the following classes for children from Pre-K up through high school. The ages and grades are a general guideline and children will be placed in the most appropriate class to suit their skill ability and needs. Class offerings depend upon sufficient enrollment and teacher availability. Please contact us for questions about placement.
| Classes | Student Profile |
| Munchkins | Mixed language skills Ages: 3-4 (Pre-K) |
| Deutsch I | Mixed language skills Ages: 5-7 (K-1) |
| Deutsch II | Heritage and advanced DaF speakers Ages: 7-8 (Second Grade) |
| Deutsch III | Heritage and advanced DaF speakers Ages: 8-10 (Grades 3-5) |
| Deutsch IV | Heritage and advanced DaF speakers Ages: 10 and up (Grades 5 and up) |
| Deutsch V | Heritage and advanced DaF speakers Ages: 13 and up (Grades 8 and up) |
Munchkins
Mixed language skills, Ages: 3-4, Pre-K
Regardless of their language skills, all children experience the German language in a playful way. Organized by topics and with the help of visual stimuli, songs, and crafts children will become familiar with basic German words and phrases.
Deutsch I
Mixed language skills, Ages: 5-7, K-1
Children will continue to learn and practice basic vocabulary pertaining to the topic of the day. In addition to the development of oral language skills, the German alphabet will be introduced.
Deutsch II
Mixed language skills, Ages: 7-8, Second Grade
Children will continue to learn and practice basic vocabulary pertaining to the topic of the day. In addition to the development of oral language skills, children will begin to develop their reading and writing skills in German.
Deutsch III
Heritage and advanced DaF speakers, Ages: 8-10, Grades 3-5
Children will continue to build their vocabulary and oral language skills. Children will continue to develop their reading and writing skills in German. Deutsch III uses a textbook and workbook that can be purchased from the teachers.
Deutsch IV
Heritage and advanced DaF speakers, Ages: 10 and up, Grades 5 and up
Our advanced German class builds on previous skills, introducing more advanced grammar and conversation skills. Students learn German within the context of age-appropriate topics and situations.
Deutsch V
Heritage and advanced DaF speakers, Ages: 13 and up, Grades 8 and up
Our advanced German class builds on previous skills, introducing more advanced grammar and conversation skills. Students learn German within the context of age-appropriate topics and situations.
Schedule: Children’s classes meet on Saturday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00 pm during the academic school year. Special events and holidays typically take place during scheduled class time. See the school calendar for dates of these special events. Classes meet at Stony Brook University.
Adult Classes
The DSSLI adult language program follows the same philosophy as our children’s language program, promoting natural language acquisition in a friendly and supportive environment. There are 32 lessons per school year, held once a week via Zoom. Classes consist of small groups of 4 to 8 students to ensure personalized learning. The main focus is on communication and real-life usage of German. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and encouraging.
We use a shared Padlet board where students can find extra materials such as songs, games, videos, grammar tips, audio exercises, and homework support. We also bring the language into the real world by organizing a class picnic where everyone brings traditional German food. We are planning field trips for cultural immersion and fun.
Classes: We offer four classes: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, as well as free trial classes in order to accommodate new students. Prospective students should contact the school for assistance in placement.
Our adult students work with a textbook that is accompanied by an exercise book, a glossary and CDs. All students will use a textbook and workbook that can be purchased from the teachers.
Schedule: Adult classes are conducted virtually, and times may vary.
| Classes | Schedule |
| Level 1 Beginner (A1) | Tuesday, 7:00 – 8:30 pm |
| Level 2 Advanced Beginner (A2) | Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:30 pm |
| Level 3 Intermediate (B1) | Monday, 6:15 – 7:45 pm |
| Level 4 Advanced (B1+) | Wednesday, 7:00 – 8:30 pm |
Level 1 – Beginner (A1)
Taught by Kati, meets on Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. This class continues from where DaF 2 left off, currently working through Spektrum Deutsch – Kurs- und Arbeitsbuch A1 by Anne Buscha and Szilvia Szita (Schubert Verlag). We are currently on Lesson 4. You can preview the book here.
Level 2 – Advanced Beginner (A2)
Taught by Diana, meets on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This class uses Spektrum Deutsch A2 and helps learners solidify their knowledge and improve fluency. We can provide sample pages of this textbook to prospective students.
Level 3 – Intermediate (B1)
Taught by Diana, meets on Mondays from 6:15 to 7:45 PM. The class follows Spektrum Deutsch B1, corresponding to the B1 level of the Common European Framework (CEFR). We can provide sample pages of this textbook to prospective students.
Level 4 – Advanced (B1+)
Taught by Kati, meets on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. This advanced class uses Menschen B1.2 Arbeitsbuch and Menschen B1.2 Kursbuch from Hueber Verlag. Last semester we finished working on Lesson 12, often supplementing the material with additional topics and resources.
