I did German at school (D-grade GCSE so not too good) then again at college as part of my engineering studies. However, if you've got some basic knowledge of the language, going there on your own for 2-3 weeks will improve your German more than a 1 night a week college course.

Was last there in May this year. Spent my first night on a campsite in Punderich on the Mosel. The guy that runs the place will tell you exactly the same as above. He lived in Edinburgh for a few years and basically taught himself as he had no knowledge of our language. He also did the same in Spain and also in Russia (Siberia) before resettling in Germany. He actually said he had to relearn some German as he'd lived away for so long. The second time I stayed there was on my way home after 2 weeks. An elderly couple from Dusseldorf, saw I was on my own and invited me to have breakfast with them. They spoke no English and I surprised myself how much my German had improved so I'm convinced that going there is the best way to learn.

The Germans are great people if you make the effort. At least try to speak some German and if they speak English, they will humour you at least. So many people make the mistake of thinking they'll offend people with their attempts so they don't bother trying which couldn't be further from the truth. For example, I spoke to a guy running a little food stall in Konigsee and I got a totally different response to the American tourists, who seemed to think if they just shouted very slowly in pigeon English, that somehow he'll understand .

BTW, I also have a Nurburgring addiction and need to get my next fix. Can't honestly say where I'd like to live in Germany. The Mosel has great people, great roads and the 'Ring is never too far away. The Black Forest is stunning. Didn't visit Freiburg, just passed through Baden-Baden but I quite liked Freudenstadt. The B500 from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt is biking heaven. Drop your gear off in Freudenstadt and spend a day enjoying it. Some great roads around Fussen heading into Austria and also the Alpenstrasse. Berchtesgaden and the surrounding area is very nice but it's too "touristy" for all the wrong reasons. In all honesty though, I'd probably choose the Eifel for it's cheap property and as it's easily within 3-4 hours of the ferry in Holland, probably a little further to Calais.