Born David Berlizheimer to Jewish parents in Mühringen, Kingdom of Württemberg,[1][2] he and his sister were soon orphaned, and he grew up in a family of educators in the Black Forest.

[citation needed] Berlitz was required by law to serve as an apprentice; he chose to work for a watchmaker for three years.

Joly taught the class entirely in French (with no translation) by using gestures, pointing to objects and using tone of voice and facial expressions to convey meaning.

As the twentieth century opened, he began travelling extensively, making headlines by teaching German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II to speak English.

Berlitz's fame continued to spread as he received medals of honor from the King of Spain,[3] the government of France, and from many international expositions.