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German courses

Deutsche Sprache - schwere Sprache: a well-known German saying exemplifies the difficulties of our language for foreigners. But help is at hand. Stuttgart is an international metropolis and important information about most things can be obtained in English. Even so, some knowledge of the German language will make life easier, helping you to find your way around and get to know the local people.

With the exception of the international (master) degree courses, the teaching language at the German colleges and universities is generally German. Anyone from abroad wishing to study in Germany is therefore generally required to provide evidence of German proficiency when applying for a national course of study. Because of this requirement, it often makes sense to gain some knowledge of German in your own country before you arrive.

Here we have provided a selection of useful hints and information about learning German as a foreign language.

Language schools in Stuttgart

Alongside German, you can learn almost any other language in Stuttgart. The link below provides a list of schools offering language courses:

German language courses

German courses are offered, for instance, by the Goethe Institute both in Germany and also in other countries:
Universities also offer language summer schools. An overview of these is provided by the DAAD database:
The database of the Association of German as Foreign Language (FaDaF) also lists language courses teaching German as a foreign language:
It is also possible to study German online as a scientific language in preparation for a course of study or in support of your research:

German language test as a study requirement

As part of the admission requirement allowing you to study in Germany, as a rule you will be asked to sit one of the following language tests or present one of the language certificates named in this list:
  • TestDaF - Test of German as a foreign language
  • DSH - German language examination for university admission
  • Stage II of the German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD II)
  • Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS), basic German language proficiency diploma of the Goethe Institute
  • Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS), advanced German language proficiency diploma of the Goethe Institute
  • Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP), central advanced examination of Goethe Institute
As every university and every course sets different requirements in terms of proficiency in German, and may only accept certain certificates, we urgently recommend that you enquire directly with the university or institute of your choice.

For more information about German as a teaching language and Germans tests for admission to study at universities in Germany, please follow the following links:

Language courses at universities in Stuttgart

Many universities in Stuttgart offer German language courses:

University of Stuttgart
Anyone wishing to study at the University of Stuttgart must prove their proficiency in German. The University recommends acquiring a command of German before arriving, but also offers pre-study language courses: University of Hohenheim
Various German courses are also offered by the Language Centre of the University of Hohenheim. It is also possible to take the Test Daf at the university: Stuttgart Media University
The Language Centre at the Stuttgart Media University offers foreign students the opportunity to improve their German proficiency by attending basic and intensive courses. Information about living and studying in Germany also forms part of the course material. Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences (HFT)
The University of Applied Sciences offers different German courses for its international students, in the form of both on-campus tuition and online self-study courses.
Institute for International Students
Applicants from abroad wishing to enrol at a university in Stuttgart require confirmation of their qualification for university entrance. This is provided by the Institute for International Students in Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg. The Institute also offers courses in preparation for the German language examination for university entrance.

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Your point of contact on the subject of "German as a study language" and much more is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD):
 

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