Gesellschaft für
Weiterbildung
We see education as the key to
promoting social mobility.
Portrait
The GfW (Gesellschaft für Weiterbildung) is a Berlin-based education holding company dedicated to promoting social mobility through high-quality language training and professional qualification. With over 4 years of experience and thousands of successful graduates, we support learners in achieving personal and professional advancement across diverse fields.
In addition to our work in Germany, we are strategically expanding our international presence, with growing initiatives in India. Our focus is on strengthening cross-border educational pathways for skilled professionals exploring opportunities in Germany—leveraging scalable and accessible learning formats to enhance reach and flexibility.
We also share a commitment with like-minded educational partners to social good: embracing initiatives that channel a portion of surplus toward impactful causes, such as expanding language access, fostering inclusion, and promoting sustainability—values resonating with practices like the speakeasy Pledge, which allocates 10 % of profits (minimum 10,000 EUR per year) to carefully selected charitable projects.
Our core values—transparency, fairness, and diversity—are embedded in our culture and partnerships, guiding us as we create inclusive, respectful, and effective educational opportunities that empower learners at every stage.
Portrait
Employees in the GfW-Group
Nationalities in the GfW-Group Team
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Our Current Holdings
At GfW, we believe in reliable, respectful collaboration. With entrepreneurial expertise and our hands-on mentality, we help drive new growth — become part of the success.
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speakeasy Berlin GmbH is a leading language school specializing in German as a foreign language, with campuses in both Berlin and Hamburg. The institution focuses on practical, communication-oriented instruction tailored to adult learners. In addition to its language courses, speakeasy is an accredited provider of the internationally recognized telc examinations, offering both test preparation and official certification.
Learners benefit from a range of flexible course formats and receive dedicated support from our multilingual, internationally experienced team on site.
speakeasy München GmbH joined the GfW Group in 2021 and offers a comprehensive portfolio of German as a foreign language courses for adult learners in the Munich, and in Cologne and Frankfurt under the name german studios. Instruction is based on the latest didactic principles, with a strong emphasis on learner-centered and action-oriented methodologies. Courses are delivered in a relaxed, supportive environment in line with the proven speakeasy approach.
Since 2023, DIE NEUE SCHULE GbR has also been part of the GfW Group. Established in 1984 in Berlin’s Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district, DIE NEUE SCHULE is one of the city’s largest and most recognized language schools. The institution offers a diverse selection of language courses—both on-site and online—in German as a foreign language, as well as English, Italian, and Spanish. All courses are taught by experienced native-speaking instructors. The school is also distinguished by its specialization in language courses eligible for Bildungsurlaub (educational leave). A welcoming, supportive atmosphere and a dedicated team contribute significantly to learners feeling at ease and successfully reaching their language goals.
DeutschPro India Private Limited is a modern language school based in Chennai, specializing in German as a foreign language. The institute is designed for learners in India who wish to build their language skills specifically for studying, working, and living in Germany. Its practice-oriented, communication-focused teaching method follows the successful speakeasy concept and is tailored to the needs of adult learners.
skillbridge GmbH, founded in 2025 and part of the GfW Group since then, is a one-stop partner for the recognition and integration of international professionals in Germany. Our programs combine preparatory courses, German language training, and integration seminars, ensuring that professionals are well prepared both for the workplace and for everyday life in Germany.
Become Part of GfW
Are you seeking a reliable partner for a business succession or a strategic investment in the education sector? At GfW, we offer exactly that—long-term, value-driven partnerships built on trust, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
We prioritize stability and are committed to the long-term development of the educational institutions we partner with. Our approach is rooted in entrepreneurial thinking and cooperative engagement. Together with you, we work to optimize internal processes, unlock new growth opportunities, and strengthen your organization’s position in the market.
As part of the GfW Group, you will gain access to a broad and experienced network of education providers and specialists, ready to support you with insight, resources, and practical expertise. We view ourselves not merely as investors, but as active partners dedicated to the ongoing success and evolution of your educational enterprise.
We are currently seeking educational institutions with strong growth potential and an EBITDA in the range of EUR 300,000 to 3,000,000.
We would be pleased to discuss how we can support your goals.
Get in touch with us here!
Managing Directors of subsidiary companies
Jan-Philipp Höhl
Jan-Philipp Höhl is the Managing Director of the speakeasy locations in Hamburg and Munich, as well as the german studios branches in Frankfurt and Cologne, and the strassenberger Akademie. He played a key role in establishing the digital division of the speakeasy group and was instrumental in expanding the organization beyond its original base in Berlin.
His current responsibilities focus on the strategic and operational development of the group’s locations in Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne.
Mr. Höhl holds a degree in Business Administration and Industrial Engineering, and brings a strong international perspective to his work, having lived for several years in China and Latin America.
Karoline Schirmer
Karoline Schirmer is the Managing Director of speakeasy Berlin and holds overall responsibility for DIE NEUE SCHULE. She began her journey with speakeasy in 2016 as pedagogical supervisor, and in 2021, assumed direction of speakeasy Berlin Ost—the original and founding campus of the speakeasy education group. She was subsequently appointed Regional Manager with power of attorney for Berlin, before ultimately taking on her current role as Managing Director.
Prior to joining speakeasy, Ms. Schirmer worked for several years in Public Relations in Berlin. She holds academic degrees in Linguistics and Cultural and Regional Management, having studied in Berlin, Madrid, Saint-Étienne, Naples, and Stuttgart.
Her broad international perspective, deep expertise in the education sector, and strong commitment to quality and team leadership continue to shape the strategic development of speakeasy Berlin.
Shahin Zamani
Shahin Zamani is the Managing Director of Kunstschule Wandsbek in Hamburg and Bremen. With a strong commitment to nurturing creative talent, his focus is on cultivating an open, inspiring learning environment and supporting aspiring designers as they embark on careers in the creative industries.
Together with a dedicated team of lecturers and staff, Mr. Zamani has helped shape an academy where artistic freedom and professional development go hand in hand.
Before taking on the leadership of Kunstschule Wandsbek, he spent 15 years in the banking sector, holding various positions, and completed a degree in Banking Management alongside his professional career.
Mike Nikolov
Mike Nikolov is the Managing Director of SkillBridge GmbH, Authorized Officer (Prokurist) and Team Lead at GfW.
Born and raised in Berlin, he joined the GfW Group after twelve years in the financial sector, contributing his expertise in business development and team leadership.
As Managing Director of SkillBridge GmbH – founded in 2025 and part of the GfW Group – he is dedicated to promoting the recognition and integration of international professionals in Germany. SkillBridge combines preparatory courses, German language training, and integration seminars to ensure skilled workers are well prepared for both professional and everyday life in Germany.
Contact
Curious to learn more? Feel free to contact us!
030-609541491
Warsaw Street 34-38
10243 Berlin
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speakeasy Berlin
German Studios Cologne
DeutschPro Chennai
speakeasy Hamburg
German Studios Frankfurt
speakeasy Munich
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