Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung

What Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung does

Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung e.V. (VfbW), doing business as Computerschule & Sprachschule Hamburg and operating as "International House Hamburg," is a Hamburg-based non-profit adult education association founded in 2000. It delivers language courses in 15+ languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and others) across multiple proficiency levels, alongside computer and IT training spanning Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and introductory AI/ChatGPT literacy. Instruction is delivered at six Hamburg locations (Winterhude/City Nord, Altona, Bergedorf, Eidelstedt, Harburg, Meiendorf) and via Zoom-based online participation, with hybrid classroom/online options. The association also offers professional teacher training (IHC and CELTA-aligned) through its affiliation with International House World Organisation and publishes the proprietary "Hamburg Language Teaching Methodology Series."

The core product technology is a hybrid in-person and Zoom live-instruction model; the platform is not proprietary software but a configured classroom and Zoom delivery stack combined with free online placement tests and a learning-style assessment. Core differentiators include the Sprachkurs-Flatrate subscription (€47/month for unlimited language courses across ~182–204 offerings, reducing to €43/month after six months), a Wiederholungsgarantie (free course repeat within 1.5 years), small class sizes (max 14 in computer courses), and a community calendar of cultural events (English Theatre evenings, film viewings, wine tastings).

Revenue is generated through three streams: (1) recurring language course subscriptions via the Flatrate; (2) computer course fees, including weekly €47/month subscriptions and intensive crash courses priced €148–€1,320 plus €33 material fees; and (3) government-funded training under the Bildungsgutschein program, where the Bundesagentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter covers the full cost for eligible job seekers attending certified MS Office, Excel, and AI courses. The association is independently member-governed, holds no external investors, and operates as a registered e.V. under German non-profit law.

Name

Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung

Legal name

Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung e.V.

Website

https://weiterbildung-in-hamburg.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung e.V. is a Hamburg-based non-profit adult education association offering language courses in 15+ languages, computer and AI/Office training, and teacher certification via six Hamburg locations and Zoom, serving individual learners, seniors, and job seekers with Bildungsgutschein funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adult Continuing Education

NAICS

Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Computer Training (61142), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Course Bundle Subscriptions & Learning Membership Marketplaces (EDAFAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Live Online Language Tutoring & Small-Group Classes (EDAMAFAD), Foreign Language Subject Tutoring (School Coursework) (EDANAAAF)

Keywords

• Adult continuing education
• Language course instruction
• Computer skills training
• Professional development courses
• Teacher training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Language Course Membership Fees: Monthly subscription fees for language courses under a flatrate model. Members pay €47 per month (reduced to €43 after 6 months) for unlimited access to language courses via direct debit arrangement. This is the primary recurring revenue stream for the non-profit association.
2. Computer Course Fees: Revenue from computer and IT courses including weekly ongoing courses (€47/month) and intensive crash courses (€198 for 2 days, €792 for 10 days, €1,320 for 16 days). Additional material fees of €33 apply.
3. Government-Funded Training (Bildungsgutschein): Revenue from government-funded training programs where costs are fully covered by the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or Jobcenter for job seekers holding education vouchers. The association offers certified training courses eligible for Bildungsgutschein funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung is a non-profit adult continuing education association in Hamburg offering language courses in 15+ languages and computer/IT training. The organization operates a language course flatrate subscription model (€47/month for unlimited courses across approximately 182–204 courses) and delivers computer courses as weekly subscriptions or intensive 1- to 16-day crash courses. Instruction is delivered in-person across 6 Hamburg locations and online via Zoom, with certified courses eligible for government Bildungsgutschein funding for job seekers.

Product overview

Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung is a non-profit adult education provider in Hamburg offering language courses in 15+ languages and computer/IT training. The core offerings include language instruction (Sprachkurse), computer courses (Computerkurse), senior courses, and teacher training programs. The company operates a unique language course flatrate model (€47/month) providing unlimited access to all language courses across 6 locations. Computer training spans from basic MS Office applications to AI/ChatGPT courses, offered as weekly sessions or intensive crash courses (1-16 days). The organization is affiliated with International House World Organisation and provides professional teacher training certifications. Additional offerings include free online placement tests, cultural events (Club Specials), and published educational materials for language teachers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sprachkurs-Flatrate: Language course flat-rate subscription model allowing unlimited language courses for €47 per month.
• Club Specials & Events
• Teacher Training

Products and services

• Language Courses (Sprachkurse)
• Computer Courses (Computerkurse)
• Senior Courses (Seniorenkurse)
• Teacher Training
• Language Course Flatrate (Sprachkurs-Flatrate)
• AI, ChatGPT & Teams Training Course
• MS Office 10-Day Intensive Course
• Business English Courses
• Hamburg Language Teaching Methodology Series

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 41,000 participants successfully supported in 23 years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International House World OrganisationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe association is a member of the International House World Organisation, a global network of language schools. This partnership provides access to International House teaching methodology, teacher training certifications (IH Certificate), and quality standards. The association operates as 'International House Hamburg' and benefits from the global brand recognition and network.
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe association is a certified training provider for the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and Jobcenter. Job seekers can use their Bildungsgutschein (education vouchers) to attend government-funded computer and office skills courses at no personal cost.
• Weiterbildung Hamburg e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe association is a certified member of the Hamburg Continuing Education Association (Verband Weiterbildung Hamburg e.V.), which sets high quality standards for continuing education providers in Hamburg. Membership since 2000 with standards reviewed every three years.
• English Theatre of HamburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the English Theatre of Hamburg for exclusive theater events for association members. Members receive discounted tickets (€17 instead of €36) to English-language theater productions, including pre-show actor interviews.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationThe association is a Microsoft Certified Professional partner and offers official Microsoft Office training courses. Students learn industry-standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) as part of their curriculum.
• Well Done Zertifizierungsgesellschaft mbHminorOthersQuality certification partner for continuing education standards.
• Hanseatische Zertifizierungsagentur (Hansezertag)minorOthersRegional Hamburg certification agency for quality assurance in continuing education.
• EU Erasmus+ ProgrammeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Union funding programme for teacher training. Costs for teacher training courses, accommodation in Germany, and travel to Hamburg can be covered through ERASMUS+ funding for eligible language teachers from EU/EEA countries and Turkey.
• Pilgrims (Canterbury, UK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe association offers free teacher training workshops organized with the Pilgrims Institute in Canterbury. Teachers can also attend free seminars at Pilgrims in Canterbury (6 days per year) as part of professional development.
• Learn Personal (Vienna)minorOthersLanguage school in Vienna offering German courses and services to international companies and embassies.
• International House LondonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLanguage travel partnership with International House London, one of the world's best language schools located in one of the world's most attractive cities.
• Hartwig-Hesse-Stiftung HamburgminorOthersHamburg foundation providing cultural and community leisure activities for dignified living and self-determined life in social security.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Babbel: Berlin-based subscription language learning app offering adult language courses across multiple languages. Competes with VfbW's flatrate model for self-directed adult learners at significantly lower price points and broader geographic reach.

Direct peers

• Goethe-Institut: Germany's leading cultural and language institution offering German-as-a-foreign-language courses globally. Comparable to VfbW's adult language instruction in the German market and shares a similar non-profit/quality-certified positioning.
• Berlitz: Global language school operator offering adult language courses (including Business English) and corporate training across many geographies. Directly comparable to VfbW's adult language offering and teacher training programs.
• Volkshochschulen (VHS) Hamburg: Publicly funded adult education centers in Hamburg offering subsidized language, computer, and general continuing education courses. Direct competitor to VfbW in the same Hamburg geography with heavily subsidized pricing pressure on paid offerings.
• Carl Duisberg Centren: German operator of language and intercultural training centers for adults and professionals. Comparable to VfbW's adult language instruction, corporate language training, and teacher training offerings.
• inlingua: International language school franchise with centers worldwide offering adult language courses and corporate training. Comparable to VfbW's adult language instruction, multi-level course structure, and teacher training programs.
• International House (World Organisation): Global network of language schools of which VfbW is a member (operating as 'International House Hamburg'). Comparable as a direct peer offering adult language instruction, teacher training (CELTA/IHC), and standardized quality across multiple cities.

Broad incumbents

• Wall Street English: International English-language school franchise focused on adult learners with subscription-style course packages. Directly comparable to VfbW's flatrate subscription model for adult English instruction.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: Large German adult education and certification provider offering computer, IT, and professional development courses including MS Office and digital skills. Overlaps with VfbW's computer courses and Bildungsgutschein-eligible training.
• EF Education First: Global education company offering adult language courses, study abroad, and online learning. Comparable to VfbW's adult language offerings with significantly larger scale and broader geographic reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/WeiterbildungHamburg
• Facebookfacebook.com/weiterbildung.in.hamburg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/verein-f%C3%BCr-berufliche-weiterbildung

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Verein für berufliche Weiterbildung