FAQS About Learning German



Do I need to be proficient in German if I want to study in Germany?
International Degree Programs are partly or even completely instructed in English, so you are not required to have German skills, if you enroll in one of those programs. Also, some universities do not ask for proof of German language proficiency, if you plan on studying there for only one or two semesters. However, this rule does not apply everywhere; it's best to inquire directly at the university of your choice about the language requirements for incoming students. Even though not required, International Degree Programs offer you the opportunity to take parallel language courses to improve your German.

For all other degree courses, you should definitely begin attending German courses while still in your home country. Before being admitted to higher education for a full degree course you will be required to take a German language proficiency test such as the TestDAF or the "Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang" (DSH). Find more information about the exam here.

Where can I learn German?
Technically, it is possible to take the language examinations to prove that your German is good enough for admission to higher education (DSH and TestDaF) without having to attend any language preparation courses first. However, taking classes to prepare is advisable in most cases.

German language courses will be offered in your home country by the Goethe-Institut, as well as by other institutions, such as universities. You can find a list of places to learn German in North America here.

In Germany, language preparation courses are offered by various institutions under various terms and conditions: At higher education institutions and Studienkollegs (university preparatory courses), at Goethe-Institute centers, at Carl-Duisberg-Centers, at Volkshochschulen (evening schools/adult education colleges), as well as at private language schools.

A list of the German language courses offered by higher education institutions in Germany and by non-university providers is available on the FaDaF homepage: www.fadaf.de.

You can also find opportunities for learning German - in Germany and in your home country - on the Internet. The addresses below will inform you about the various online programs and services:

• Learn German - Institutes in Germany
• Deutsch Uni
• GoDaF - Prepare for the German Language Test
• Goethe Insitut

What demands will my German language skills face when I study at a German higher education institution?
Higher education institutions offer various kinds of lectures and courses which place various kinds of demands on students' language skills. In many degree courses, students in Germany enjoy a relatively large degree of freedom. They may - naturally within the scope of the relevant study and examination regulations - decide largely for themselves which courses they wish to attend and how they build their timetable. As students in Germany are expected to be very independent, they must be good enough at German to be able to understand course catalogues, seminar announcements, study conditions and similar information, or must at least be able to ask when they are uncertain. This means that they must have a good knowledge of everyday language.