Are you planning to study in Germany? Or maybe your offer letter to your dream German university has already arrived.
You are thrilled about the prospect of exploring a new country, experiencing a different culture, and receiving a world-class education. As you begin to prepare for this new chapter, you start to wonder about the practicalities of daily life and academia. One question looms large in your mind: Do I need to learn German to succeed in my studies in Germany?
You are not alone in this dilemma. According to recent statistics, Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students, with over 400,000 students from around the globe choosing to study here each year. The country’s strong educational system, affordable tuition fees, and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive option. Yet, a common question remains: is knowing German essential?
Well, knowing the German language for studying in Germany is not compulsory. Several universities offer degree programs that are taught in English. Furthermore, a large portion of the population speaks English. However, there are some undergraduate programs that require proficiency in German. Proficiency in the German language can also improve your career prospects and help you better assimilate into society.
In this blog, we will help you understand in detail if and why you should know the German language if you plan to pursue your studies in Germany.
Table of Contents
Should You Know the German Language to Study in Germany?
With 134.6 million speakers, the German language falls in the top 12 spoken languages in the world and is widely spoken in Central and Eastern Europe. It is the official language in Germany as well as Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Belgium and Luxembourg.
While not compulsory, learning the language can help you settle in quickly in the country. But for some educational courses, you may be required to show a certain level of proficiency in the language. A proof of a certain level of proficiency in the language might also be required for applying for a German Visa.
1. German Requirement for Students
If you are applying for a program that is taught in the German language, you will need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in the language. If you are a prospective trainee you will have to demonstrate your ability to speak German at the required level before starting your training.
2. Spouses and German language
Spouses of those who plan to study or work in Germany should have a decent grasp of the German language as it will make their life and day-to-day activities easier. If your spouse has the following residence permits, then no proof of their language skills is required:
Settlement permit for highly skilled workers
Residence permit for research purposes and mobile researchers
EU Blue Card
ICT Card and Mobile ICT Card
Residence permit for other employment purposes, including civil servants
Residence permit for skilled workers
Residence permit for the purpose of self-employment
3. German Language Proficiency for Visa
If you plan to apply for a German visa for vocational training you need to have German language proficiency equal to a B2 level.
If you want to apply for a visa for recognition of foreign professional qualifications a minimum of A2 level of German language proficiency is required.
Are English Courses Taught in German Universities?
The answer to the question is Yes. German Universities teach English courses, most of which are taught at the Postgraduate level. There are 1200 postgraduate courses to choose from and opportunities are available across most disciplines. Popular subjects include Mathematics, natural sciences, law economics, social sciences, and engineering. There are almost 350 engineering courses taught in English at the Masters level.
If you are someone looking to improve your German but do not want to commit to a full Master’s program in a language then there are courses available in combination of German and English. Although the main language of instruction is German, the students are given the option to complete their coursework in either language.
Is It Possible to Live in Germany as an International Student Without Knowing German?
People in Germany speak English fluently, so you have the option to study in English. As an international student, you can manage even with a basic knowledge of German.
However, if you learn and speak German fluently it will be easy for you to communicate and socialise and will eventually prove helpful in finding a job while you are in Germany. So, it will be a good idea to put in some effort to learn German.
Understanding the Need for German Tests for Studying in Germany
Whether you need to take German language tests to study in Germany, depends on your language of study and your native tongue. You may have to appear for any of the following exams:
TestDaF
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH
Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
Deutsches Sprachdiplom II
Goethe C2 certificate
The first two exams are the most popular.
Parameters | TestDAF | DSH |
Level of Difficulty | Standardised, consistent exam structure | Varies by university, offering the possibility to choose an easier exam |
Grade Requirement | 80%, graded on levels 5, 4, and 3 | 67%, typically requiring DSH 2 |
Test Structure | Four equal parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking | Two parts: Written (75% weight) and Oral, spread over a week |
Grading Pattern | Graded across all parts, allowing for score improvement | Must score at least 57% in both parts to pass |
Grammar | Not essential | Important, sometimes tested separately |
Exam Centres | Available in 90 countries, can be taken in your own country | Conducted by universities in Germany, available only after arriving and before semester starts |
Repetitions | Multiple attempts allowed, offering more chances to improve | Most universities allow only 2 attempts |
Fees | €110 (standard worldwide, payable online) | €40 - €150 (varies by university) |
If you are not a native speaker of English and are applying for a course that is taught in English, you might need to take an English language test. But in case you studied your under-graduate degree in English, you may be exempted.
Levels of German Language Proficiency
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages(CEFR) is used to assess German language skills
These levels give you a basic understanding of German. If you're starting from scratch, taking an A1 course is a good idea.
At this stage, you learn German at an advanced level. Completing level B2 enables you to communicate independently and effectively in everyday situations and at work.
These are the highest levels of German proficiency. By finishing these courses, you'll achieve near-native competence, similar to someone who has grown up speaking the language.
How to Learn German as an International Student?
Although it is possible to pursue your studies in Germany without learning the German language, if you want to enhance your study abroad experience then you must try your hands at German.
Apart from offering postgraduate programs, a number of German universities offer language courses. You can also opt for an intensive summer course and it involves 25 hours of study per week focusing on both language skills and discipline-specific courses. The list of upcoming courses is available on the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for your reference.
Another way by which you can learn German is by tandem arrangement which allows students to meet to learn and speak the German language. For this, you can register at your university’s international office for language tandem.
Apart from this, you can make use of German movies, TV shows, German books, articles, and even YouTube videos. This will aid in enhancing your listening and speaking abilities. You can also participate in language workshops or events as they will provide you with additional support to learn German.
Why Should Students Planning to Study in Germany Learn German?
Here is a brief overview of the benefits of learning the language if you plan to study or work in Germany:
1. Enhance Academic Success
By getting to grips with German, the student will have a unique advantage when it comes to understanding lectures, different course materials, and academic discussions better, and, thus, ensures that the learner is getting more out of his/her education than is normally possible.
2. Improve Daily Life
Mastering German makes shopping, travelling, and socialising less complicated and even more interesting. The majority of the German population speaks German as their first language.
3. Expand Job Opportunities
Learning German increases your chances of even finding internships, part-time jobs, and full-time positions after your graduation. Various studies have proven that good knowledge of the German language is directly linked to employability.
4. Cultural Integration
Knowledge of the language helps you get settled with the culture, tradition, and social normalities of the land. It makes your experience further enriched with fulfilment. Germany has over 2000 museums; knowing the language gives an in-depth understanding of cultural exhibits.
5. Build Connections
Speaking German enables you to connect with local students, professors, and residents, broadening your network and forming lasting relationships. The ability to communicate in German can help you join local clubs, organisations, and social events.
6. Access to Resources
With Germany being a large publishing market globally and over 70,000 new books published annually, knowing the language provides you with access to a wealth of information.
Conclusion
So, no, it is not a necessity to know the German language if you plan to study in Germany. But in case you are applying for a course that is taught in German then you need to have some proficiency in the language. Moreover, knowing the language is only an advantage as it will boost your career prospects and help you adapt to society easily.
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