German language courses in Germany?

First of all, how long are you planning to be in Germany? And when?
I can speak only about my own experience. At the university in Tuebingen, there were several courses in German for "Auslaendar"-foreigners, from the very basics to complicated grammar to simple short stories to advanced literature courses.
I am sure such courses are available at other universities.. It is a wonderful immersion experience because everything is taught in German.
I, of course, don't know if you have any knowledge at all of German. If not, perhaps you might want to look into getting a phrase book to be able to communicate the essentials-- Please, thank you, where is--. how much.
You might also need help in pronunciation.

The Goethe Institut has been going for quite a long time and is well respected.

A good friend of mine was very pleased with the Goethe Institut program that she attended south of Munich on the Kochelsee. She was there about 2 months, I think. She loved it and told me how much she had learned.

That was a few years ago, in the early 1970s. I don't know how or if there have been significant changes.

I took an intensive 4-week, 4 hours/day, 5 days/week intensive German language course at the Goethe Institute in Vienna in 1992. It was excellent and provided me with enough German language 'survival skills' for the year I spent there on sabbatical. Interestingly, our class had many different nationalities and the teacher spoke to the class only German, even on day 1. If we had a question that I could not figure out how to ask in German, I spoke with the teacher in English at the end of the class. I realize that Vienna is not in Germany, but assume that you are referring to the same Goethe Institute. Of course, this was 22 years ago, but I wouldn't expect that much has changed in this type of program other than perhaps the use of an e-Book with pronunciations, versus the hard copy texts that we used.

Goethe Institut is the "Rolls Royce" for German courses.
In the city I live in there are about 5 different private colleges offering them.
They are usually called "Deutsch für Ausländer" or "Deutsch für Fremdsprachige". You can either have "intensive courses (full time), or evening courses 2-3 nights per week. The courses are basically for immigrants. I went on one when I first arrived. No two students have the same first language, the teacher will not speak English. But don't panic, it is actually easier to learn that way as you have to use German. If somebody asks what something means, the teacher ask if anyone else can explain (in German of course).
The courses are at various levels, and they grade you before you start, but if you find a course too easy or too hard, you can move up or down a level. The lowest level is "Anfänger" (beginner).

Thanks, every one, for your answers. To clarify: I already speak German at a "beginner" level. (In the European language framework, I'm at an A2 to B1 level, if you know what that is.) I've taken college level German courses. I'm trying to get more fluent, but I'm not starting at "ground zero," if that makes any sense. So what I'm hoping for is to get to a level of fluency hat would allow me to understand all of the newscasts instead of only half, or all of the tour guide's descriptions instead of only a few words or phrases.

Hi,

Obviously, you don't need the "Deutsch für Anfänger" classes if you have had college level classes, presumably not just those in lower division. You need the " Deutsch für Fortgeschrittenen" classes. The Goethe Institut determines your appropriate level by having you take a Einstufungsprüfung (placement test).

Not sure where you'll be in Germany, every large city will offer language institutes. Goethe and Berlitz are the most well-known, and their fees reflect this. In Karlsruhe, Baden Wurttemberg my son attends 'Sprach Academie' which offers classes up to Test DaF (certified bi-lingual) and is certified by the state for immigration purposes. They offer regular and intensive courses. Karlsruhe is a lovely city, lots of sightseeing available and great train network if you aren't driving.
Also, Deutsche Welle Magazine offers free on-line classes on their website (dw.de) you can chose your native tongue for instructions on how to navigate, and then your speaking level desired.

I'm heading for Germany to learn German this summer, but I've chosen to go about it in a different way. I'm planning on volunteering with a family, helping with housework, gardening, babysitting etc for a pre-arranged number of hours per week, and in return I live with them, eat with them, and they help me with my German. A true cultural exchange. I'm about an A2 level as well.

currawong62,
"helping with housework, gardening, babysitting etc". That sounds like working to me. Even if you are only receiving bed and food, it is still working. I don't know what country you are from, but unless you are an EU or Schengen citizen you will only be allowed into the Schengen area for 90 days as a tourist. That means you will not be allowed to work.
Keine Höffnung mein Freund. Arbeit braucht eine Arbeitsbewilligung!

P.S. It is better to start a new post, rather than asking a question on the end of someone else's. That way you are more likely to get a reply.