Fun Classes for Expats Living in Cologne
Summary: One of the best ways to get settled after a move is to get out there and do something. Enhance your experience in Cologne by joining classes that are great for meeting people and adapting to life abroad.
As an expat or digital nomad living in Cologne, immersing yourself in the local culture and community is a fantastic way to enrich your experience abroad. Engaging in classes tailored to English-speaking adults can not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also provide a social platform to meet like-minded individuals. From tantalizing cooking workshops to creative art sessions, Cologne offers a variety of classes that cater to diverse interests. Whether you're looking to master the German language, explore the world of wines, or unleash your inner artist, there's something for everyone. Here's a curated list of classes in Cologne that are perfect for English speakers who are still navigating the nuances of the local language.
Kochfabrik
Type of Class(es): Cooking Workshops
Location: Vogelsanger Str. 40, 50823 Cologne
Kochfabrik offers a range of cooking workshops that are suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks. These hands-on classes are designed to teach various cuisines and cooking techniques in a fun and interactive environment. While the primary language may be German, the visual and practical nature of cooking makes it easy to follow along and learn.
Speakeasy Sprachzeug
Type of Class(es): German Language Courses
Location: Lichtstr. 25, 50825 Cologne
Website: www.speakeasy-sprachzeug.de
Speakeasy Sprachzeug offers German language courses for all levels, including intensive courses, evening classes, and private lessons. Their approach is interactive and communicative, making it easier for English speakers to pick up the language and practice speaking in real-life situations.
Art of Buna
Type of Class(es): Coffee Brewing and Tasting
Location: Ehrenfeldgürtel 88, 50823 Cologne
Website: www.artofbuna.de
Art of Buna offers classes for coffee enthusiasts looking to learn more about coffee brewing and tasting. Their workshops are conducted in English and are a great way to understand the intricacies of coffee while meeting fellow aficionados.
Atelier Andrea Gassner
Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing
Location: Gottesweg 56a, 50969 Cologne
Website: www.andreagassner.de
Atelier Andrea Gassner provides a creative space for those interested in painting and drawing. Classes are available for all skill levels and are a great opportunity to explore your artistic side in a relaxed and supportive environment.
VHS Köln
Type of Class(es): Various Courses including Language, Art, and Culture
Location: Multiple locations across Cologne
Website: www.vhs-koeln.de
The Volkshochschule (VHS) Köln is an adult education center offering a wide range of classes, including language learning, arts, and cultural workshops. Many of their courses are designed for non-German speakers and provide an excellent way to integrate into the local community.
Weinhaus Vogel
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting
Location: Eigelstein 74, 50668 Cologne
Website: www.weinhaus-vogel.de
Weinhaus Vogel hosts wine tasting events where participants can learn about and sample various wines. The sessions are informative and often conducted in English, making them accessible to those still learning German.
Cologne Photo Workshops
Type of Class(es): Photography Workshops
Location: Various locations in Cologne
Website: www.cologne-photoworkshops.de
Cologne Photo Workshops offers photography classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced photographers. The workshops cover various aspects of photography and are often held in English, providing a great way to improve your skills while exploring the city.
Timezone
Type of Class(es): Acting and Improvisation
Location: Alteburger Str. 36, 50678 Cologne
Website: www.timezone.de
Timezone offers acting and improvisation classes in English. These workshops are perfect for those looking to express themselves creatively and connect with others through the performing arts.
Cologne Ceramics
Type of Class(es): Pottery and Ceramics
Location: Severinstr. 138, 50678 Cologne
Website: www.cologneceramics.de
Cologne Ceramics provides pottery and ceramics classes for all skill levels. The tactile nature of working with clay makes these classes enjoyable and easy to follow, even if German isn't your first language.
International Cooking
Type of Class(es): International Cuisine
Location: Various locations in Cologne
International Cooking offers a variety of cooking classes focusing on different international cuisines. These classes are often taught in English or are easy to follow for those with basic German skills, providing a delicious way to learn new cooking techniques and recipes.
Dialog in Deutsch
Type of Class(es): German Conversation Practice
Location: Multiple libraries across Cologne
Website: www.stbib-koeln.de
Dialog in Deutsch is a program offered by the Cologne public libraries designed to help non-native speakers practice their German conversation skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. These sessions are free and a great way to improve language proficiency.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Cost of Living in Cologne
- Health Care in Cologne
- The Insider's Guide to Cologne
- 5 Tips for Living in Cologne, Germany
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Germany
- Best Places to Live in Germany
- Real Estate in Germany
- Pros & Cons of Living in Germany
- Having a Baby in Germany
- What It's Like Living in Cologne
- Pros and Cons of Living in Germany 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Germany