What are the best cities for Brazilians to study German in Germany?

Choosing where to study German in Germany can define your entire language immersion journey. German university cities offer unique environments for learning the language, each with its advantages in terms of cost of living, academic environment, and practice opportunities. Deciding the right location depends on your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Be Easy has prepared this complete guide to help you discover which German city best matches your plans for study and work in Germany. We will explore everything from historic university cities to large cosmopolitan centers, considering factors such as the cost of living, quality of institutions, and opportunities for immersion in the language.

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Why study German in Germany?

Before discovering the cities, it's worth understanding why taking an exchange to learn German directly in the country is worth it. Language immersion accelerates learning in an extraordinary way. You practice the language 24 hours a day in real situations, from buying bread at the bakery to talking to colleagues at the university.

In addition, mastering German opens doors in the European labor market. Many companies value bilingual professionals, and speaking German may be the missing differentiator in your resume. With competitive salaries and great working conditions, Germany attracts talent from all over the world.

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University cities with a focus on immersion

Heidelberg, the German university jewel

Heidelberg frequently tops lists of the best places to study German. The city is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, founded in 1386. Its rich academic environment, combined with breathtaking architecture, creates the perfect setting for the university experience.

A great advantage of Heidelberg is that English is not as fluent as in large cities. This means that you will need to use German on a daily basis, accelerating your learning.

Heidelberg advantages:

• Stimulating academic environment with a focus on German
• Inspiring historic architecture
• International student community
• Less dependence on English, encouraging immersion
• Excellent intensive German programs

Freiburg, nature and quality of life

Located in the enchanting Black Forest region, Freiburg combines exceptional quality of life with a top-notch university. The city is smaller and more welcoming than the larger centers, which makes it easier for Brazilian exchange students to adapt. German predominates on the streets and in the establishments, providing natural immersion.

Freiburg's climate is one of the most pleasant in Germany, with more days of sunshine than the national average. The proximity to nature allows you to balance studies with trails, bike rides, and outdoor activities. For those seeking quality of life during an exchange, Freiburg is a smart choice.

Tübingen, centuries-old academic tradition

This historic city offers a perfect setting for immersing yourself in authentic German culture. With the oldest universities in Europe, Tübingen attracts students from all over the world, but maintains German as the predominant language both in classes and on the streets.

The university environment permeates the entire city. Around a third of the inhabitants are students, creating a youthful and dynamic atmosphere. The well-preserved medieval streets and traditional cafés complement the experience of studying in a city that breathes history and knowledge.

Göttingen, between medieval and contemporary

Göttingen harmoniously combines its medieval past with modern infrastructure. The university city is renowned for its intense academic atmosphere, where German is widely spoken in everyday life.

The city offers excellent value for money compared to large centers. The rents are more affordable, and the quality of life is high. For students who want to focus on studying without the distractions of a metropolis, Göttingen may be the ideal choice.

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Cities with the best cost-benefit ratio

Leipzig, the new Berlin

Leipzig earned the nickname “New Berlin” for its vibrant cultural and creative scene. The city is considered one of the cheapest for students in Germany, with an average rent of just 264 euros per month. This represents significant savings compared to large centers.

Known as the “City of Music”, Leipzig has a rich cultural heritage. Bach lived and worked here for decades, and the musical tradition remains strong. The university offers affordable intensive German programs. The bustling nightlife and diverse arts scene attract young people from all over the world.

Why choose Leipzig:

• Low cost of living (average rent: 264€)
• Vibrant cultural dinner
• University with intensive German programs
• Young and creative environment
• Excellent transport links

Dresden, affordable baroque beauty

Dresden impresses with its Baroque architecture restored after the Second World War. With the same average rent as Leipzig (264 euros), the city offers a rich cultural experience at affordable prices. On the banks of the Elbe River, Dresden combines history, art and lively student life.

The city is renowned for having the highest number of student clubs among German university cities. This means plenty of opportunities to make friends, practice German in social situations, and participate in cultural activities. Sights such as Frauenkirche and Semperoper complement the experience.

Aachen, easy access to Europe

Aachen attracts students because it is one of the cheapest cities to live in Germany. Its location close to the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands offers the advantage of being able to explore other European countries on weekends.

The city has a significant international community, but German remains the primary language in everyday life. The German language programs are well structured and cater for beginners to advanced students.

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Large centers with complete infrastructure

Berlin, the capital of opportunities

Berlin is the most popular destination for exchange students in Germany. The capital offers a unique mix of history, contemporary culture, and professional opportunities. Renowned institutions such as the Humboldt-Universität attract students from all over the world. Several prestigious schools, including DID Deutsch-Institut, Humboldt-Institut, and GLS Sprachen Zentrum, offer German courses for all levels.

The city has a vibrant established Brazilian community, which can help with initial adjustment. Public transportation is excellent, and cultural life is intense, with museums, theaters, and events happening daily. Although the cost of living is higher than in the interior, it is still more affordable than other European capitals.

Berlin also offers excellent networking opportunities. The city is a hub for startups and technology companies, facilitating valuable professional contacts. Many students get internships and job opportunities during or after their studies. For those seeking best universities and educational institutions, Berlin concentrates several options.

Advantages of studying in Berlin:

• Greater diversity of language schools
• Intense and diverse cultural life
• Established Brazilian community
• Excellent public transport
• Professional networking opportunities
• Easy access to other European countries

Munich, Alpine beauty and quality

Located at the foot of the Alps, Munich is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. The Bavarian capital offers rich culture, fascinating history, and a generally friendlier population than other German regions. The city combines tradition with modernity in a harmonious way.

The cost of living in Munich is the highest in Germany, but this is reflected in the overall quality. The universities are excellent, and the city offers numerous cultural opportunities. The proximity to the Alps allows skiing in winter and hiking in summer, balancing studies with leisure.

Frankfurt, international financial center

As a major European financial center, Frankfurt is ideal for those who want to study in one of the most international cities in Germany. The city is home to the European Central Bank and one of the largest stock exchanges in Europe. The cosmopolitan and modern environment attracts professionals and students from all over the world.

Frankfurt offers excellent infrastructure, with the busiest airport in Germany making travel easy. The language schools are top-notch, many specializing in business German. For those planning to work in sectors such as finance, consulting, or international business, studying German in Frankfurt can open valuable doors.

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How to choose the city that's right for you

The choice of city depends on a number of personal factors. If you prioritize total immersion in German with a traditional academic environment, university cities such as Heidelberg, Freiburg, or Tübingen are excellent options. These smaller cities force you to constantly use German, accelerating learning.

On the other hand, if you are looking for more entertainment options, bustling nightlife and greater cultural diversity, large centers such as Berlin or Munich may be more suitable. In these cities, you can more easily find people who speak Portuguese or English, which can be comforting in the first few months.

Budget is another crucial factor. Cities like Leipzig, Dresden, and Aachen offer excellent value for money, allowing you to stay longer or save money. Munich and Frankfurt, on the other hand, require a larger budget, but they compensate with premium infrastructure and unique professional opportunities.

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Academic programs and opportunities

Germany offers several programs for international students who want to learn German. From short-term intensive courses to full academic programs, the options are varied. Many Be Easy partner universities, such as the University of Europe for Applied Sciences and the Berlin School of Business and Innovation, offer free German courses for their international students.

For those interested in longer courses, it is worth considering the Ausbildung program, which combines professional training with language learning. This program offers the advantage of being remunerated, allowing you to study German while gaining practical professional experience.

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Cost of living and financial planning

Understanding the cost of living is essential to planning your exchange. In smaller cities like Leipzig and Dresden, you can live comfortably on 800 to 1,000 euros a month, including rent, food, and transportation. In Munich or Frankfurt, the monthly budget can easily exceed 1,500 euros.

The good news is that students in Germany can work legally. With a student work permit, you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time while on vacation. O Minimum wage in Germany in 2025 It is €12.82 per hour, which helps significantly with monthly expenses.

Estimated monthly costs by city:

Cheapest cities (Leipzig, Dresden, Aachen):

• Rent: 264-350€
• Food: 200-250€
• Transportation: 70-90€
• Leisure: 100-150€
• Total: 634-840 €

Average cities (Heidelberg, Freiburg, Göttingen):

• Rent: 400-550 €
• Food: 250-300€
• Transportation: 70-90€
• Leisure: 150-200€
• Total: 870-1,140 €

Major centers (Berlin, Frankfurt):

• Rent: 600-800€
• Food: 300-350€
• Transportation: 90-110€
• Leisure: 200-250€
• Total: 1,190-1,510 €

Munich:

• Rent: 800-1,000€
• Food: 350-400€
• Transportation: 90-110€
• Leisure: 200-250€
• Total: 1,440-1,760 €

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Practical tips for making the most of it

Regardless of the city you choose, some strategies help you maximize your German learning. Take part in language exchange groups, where you practice German with natives who want to learn Portuguese. Many cities have regular gatherings at cafés or bars specifically for this purpose.

Engage in extracurricular activities related to your interests. Whether it's a sports club, theater group, or choir, these activities force you to use German in natural contexts. You also make local friends, essential for full immersion.

Try to avoid being alone with other Brazilians, even if it's tempting. While community support is important, isolation in groups of countrymen limits their exposure to German. Strive for a healthy balance between maintaining connections with your culture and being open to new friendships.

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Visa and required documentation

To study German in Germany for more than 90 days, Brazilians need a student visa. O student visa process for Germany requires some important documents, including proof of financial resources (Blocked account), health insurance, acceptance letter from the educational institution and proof of accommodation.

The blocked account, or blocked account, is a requirement of the German government. You have to deposit around 11,904 euros (2024 amount), which are blocked and are released monthly in installments of approximately 992 euros. This ensures that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your first year in Germany.

Be Easy offers full support in the visa process, helping you gather all the necessary documentation and prepare properly for the consular interview. Our experience with student visas significantly increases your chances of approval.

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Be Easy

Be Easy specializes in making the dream of studying German in Germany a reality. We offer personalized advice to choose the ideal city and institution for your profile, complete assistance with documentation and visa, and support throughout your journey. Contact us and discover how we can help you start your academic adventure in Germany.