About us
Our teachers
At bibis you can expect dedicated teachers with a native speaker level. Of course, all of them have qualified pedagogical and professional training as well as many years of teaching experience, which is expanded and updated through continuous further training. Our teaching staff are also up to date with the latest didactic standards in courses with online components.
Above all, however, they enjoy their work. Our participants are particularly positive about the fact that they are taught by teams of three, in which young and older colleagues work together and thus form an ideal mix of experience, enthusiasm and individual skills. Do you have any questions, requests or criticism? The lecturers are also available to listen to you after class: they will be happy to help you with practical information and tips for your stay in Bielefeld.
The school
bibis is located in the center of Bielefeld. Our seminar rooms are located in a building complex that once housed an internationally renowned machine factory. In this charming, historic industrial architecture, an Expo 2000 project was realized: Dürkopp Tor 6, a model project for vocational training and the coexistence of young people. Right next to our school is a modern youth guest house, a center for vocational and extracurricular education and an independent theater. Our school in the historic part of the building has been completely renovated and equipped with the latest teaching technology. The classrooms are bright and spacious. Modern hardware and a fiber optic connection are available for digital examinations and online teaching from our premises.
Our history
The Bielefelder Schulverein e.V., the supporting association of today's bibis, was founded in 1973 by university teachers and representatives of public life in the city of Bielefeld. In 1982, the association took over the language preparation of foreign applicants on the basis of an agreement with the Rectorate of Bielefeld University. bibis - Bildungswerk des Bielefelder Schulvereins - was founded in 1987. It operates in accordance with the guidelines of the Continuing Education Act for North Rhine-Westphalia and has been recognized as an adult education institution by the NRW Minister of Culture. bibis sees itself as a mediator of language and culture.
Obituaries
Hartmut Breckenkamp
Hartmut Breckenkamp died unexpectedly and unexpectedly on April 19, 2025.
Hartmut was one of the people who helped set up bibis, initially as a German teacher for foreign students at Bielefeld University.
His duties became more and more extensive over time: he was a member of the management, managed the finances, was an examinations officer and much more, but above all he was a dedicated teacher who did everything he could for his students to pave the way for them to study in German; it was a matter close to his heart.
During this long time, Hartmut was a friend and a good colleague who, with his extraordinary personality, his special sense of humor, especially his inexhaustible supply of quotes and jokes, ensured a good, friendly working atmosphere.
His students and colleagues appreciated him for his expertise and approachability. He was always approachable, both for a professional exchange and a private chat. We will all never forget the original and witty conversations we had with him.
Even in his retirement, Hartmut remained associated with bibis as a language tester and board member.
Hartmut’s death leaves a huge gap in the ranks of the bibi. We will keep him in loving memory.
Our sincere sympathy goes out to his relatives.
