Our School

Founded in 1962 and incorporated in 1966, the German School of the East Bay (GSEB) is located in Emeryville, California. Dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the language and culture of German-speaking countries, GSEB serves a student body from across the Bay Area. As a non-profit institution, the school is run by an all-volunteer board, and its teachers—many of whom are native speakers—bring a rich array of cultural and professional experiences to the classroom.

GSEB offers language classes for both children and adults, from beginner to advanced levels, every Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The school year runs from mid-September to mid-May.

GSEB is a member of GASANC: Founded in 1991, GASANC (German American School Association of Northern California) is an umbrella organization representing the independently operated German language Saturday schools in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. For the past 30 years, GASANC has supported the member schools by representing them to the greater German community, including the German government. The member schools share information, expertise, support each other, and network with other local and national German and German language organizations.

Teaching Team

  • PreK-Kindergarten: Rosi S.
  • Elementary: Jasmin S., Anja L., Andrea W.
  • Middle school: Roger B.
  • High school: Karl P.
  • Adult Beginners: Reza G.
  • Adult Intermediate: Martin L.
  • Adult Advanced: Otti K. (fall 2025), Maha R. (spring 2026)
  • Assistants: Robyn K., Miles K.

Administration

  • Principal: Anita M.
  • Office: Ilias M.-L., Tonie L.

Board of Directors

  • President: Michael P.
  • Vice President: Siegmar P.
  • Treasurer: Rudy K.
  • Secretary: Erik N.
  • Monika B.
  • Carolin B.
  • Anita M.
  • Annett P.
  • Philipp S.

Fun Facts!

  • Students have gone on to enroll in German-language universities in: Freiburg, Heidelberg, München, Rostock and many other cities in Germany, as well as Insbruck, Austria and Zürich, Switzerland.

  • Former GSEB student went on to study German in Portland, OR.

  • Students have been selected to participate in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX).

  • One GSEB student won the 2021 North American “Jugend debattiert” (Youth Debate) competition.

  • Longtime teacher received the German Order of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz) for introducing the DSD exams in the SF Bay Area Saturday Schools.

Testimonials

“Because of GSEB, I was able to improve my German speaking and writing skills. I can go to Germany for university and talk with my German family.”

“Our beginner class for adults has been great. You receive individual attention and there’s lots of interaction with both the teacher and among the other students.”

“It’s been fun. The staff is super friendly and attentive and keeps the fun factor alive for all of the students, kids and adults both. We’re excited to keep going.”

“When I began the class I could say ‘danke schön’ and count to 10 in German. I have progressed so much in just a few months – I can compose and speak simple sentences!”

“The teachers and staff are incredibly dedicated. My kids and I have been going to GSEB for four years already!”