Nonprofit
The German Society of Pennsylvania
A heritage society founded in 1764 to help German immigrants. It now runs German classes, a public library, and monthly conversation evenings, film nights and book clubs for anyone who wants to learn German or enjoy German culture.
- Paid
- Newcomers welcome
- Online OK
- German
Saved in this browser only.
What they do
Take a German class, join the monthly conversation evening or a film night, or join a book club. Members get library borrowing and invitations to special events.
Who it is for
- Who can join
- Open to anyone
- Community
- German heritage
- Who is there
- Adults of any age
When and where
The monthly Konversationsabend, a German conversation evening, is on the second Wednesday from 6 to 8 pm, February to May and September to December. Friday film nights start at 6:30 pm during the film season. German classes run in terms of about 8 to 12 weeks. Yearly events include the Stiftungsfest gala, a Christkindlmarkt, and St. Martin's Parade.
- Days
- Wednesday and Friday
- Times
- Evening
Headquarters and library
- Address
- 611 Spring Garden Street
- Part of the city
- Central
You can join online.
Your first visit
Feeling unsure the first time is normal. Most groups are glad when someone new walks in.
First step: Sign up for the mailing list, then come to the second-Wednesday Konversationsabend from 6 to 8 pm..
You need to sign up first.
What to expect
About 20 people meet around a set theme. A speaker gives a short talk, then the group talks it over, with refreshments. The page does not list a price for the conversation evening, and classes are paid per term.
Tips for your first visit
- Park only in the Society's own lot behind the black gate, not under the mural, since cars there risk being towed.
- Enter through the parking lot door on the east side. For the elevator entrance on Spring Garden Street, call 215-627-2332 during business hours so staff can unlock the gate.
- Sign up for the mailing list first, since that is how the group announces the evening.
- The Society's offices are open weekdays 9 am to 5 pm, and the Horner Memorial Library is open Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 4 pm.
Newcomer welcome
Welcoming to newcomers (4 out of 5). Why we say this: The conversation evening page says newcomers from any background are welcome, from beginner to advanced speakers, and explains how to sign up. The class page offers beginner to advanced courses, with a free level change in the first three weeks..
Cost and commitment
- Cost
- Paid. Regular 10-week classes cost $360, and the 8-week online classes cost $180 to $240. Textbooks cost about $30 to $70 extra, and private tutoring is $45 an hour. Membership dues start at $30 for students and $60 for individuals, according to the membership page, which does not say which year these apply to. The page does not list a price for the conversation evening.
- How often
- Seasonal
Access and languages
- Wheelchair access
- We do not know yet. Ask the group before you go.
- Languages spoken
- English, German
- Access notes
- The main entry is through the parking lot door on the east side. An elevator entrance is on the Spring Garden Street side, so call 215-627-2332 during business hours so staff can unlock the gate. The Society's directions page names the Frankford Elevated ('the El') at its Spring Garden Street stop as the nearest transit, and says to walk about five blocks west from there to 7th Street.
Requirements
We found no special requirements. Ask the group if you are not sure.
How to reach them
We copy contact details as the group or a public source published them. Each one shows where it came from.
- Website: germansociety.org Source: Philadelphia Cultural Fund grantee directory, seen October 4, 2026 ; Source: germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026 ; Source: germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026
- Email: info@germansociety.org Source: germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026 ; Source: germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026
- Phone: (215) 627-2332 Source: germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026 ; Source: germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026
Sources and last check
Checked by our research team on October 8, 2026. This was a closer look, including what a first visit is like.
- Last seen active
- October 2026 (See the evidence)
- Last checked by our team
- October 8, 2026
- Status
- Active
- Our confidence in this listing
- High
- Philadelphia Cultural Fund grantee directory, seen October 4, 2026. Supports: Name, Website
- germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Summary, What they do, Schedule, Status, Cost, First step, Contacts, Last sign of life
- germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: What they do, Schedule, Cost, Commitment, First step, Online ok
- germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Cost, What they do
- germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Schedule
- germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Schedule, First step, Status, Last sign of life, Sign of life url
- germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Location, Access, Contacts, First visit tips
- germansociety.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: What they do, First visit tips
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