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German as a Foreign Language

Why is it worth learning German?

German is an official language in Germany, Austria, parts of Switzerland and Belgium, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg. German is also spoken as a minority language or regional language in various countries, such as Italy (South Tyrol), Denmark, France, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Around 130 million people speak German as their mother tongue, making German the most widely spoken mother tongue in the EU. In order to be well integrated and understood in the working world in Germany, German is still important and actually essential, even if English can now be understood and spoken in many companies.

Learning German at THI

  • German language: For German-language degree programmes at THI, level B2 is a prerequisite when applying, i.e. it cannot be acquired during your stay here.
  • English language: For degree programmes with English as the language of study, there is usually no need to provide proof of German language proficiency, but we recommend that ALL students take basic language courses at level A1/A2! In some degree programmes, German is an integral part of the curriculum as an elective subject.
  • German & English: Level B2 must be demonstrated in both languages by a certain semester (for details, see the respective SPO)
  • In the international Bachelor's programmes in Architecture and Sustainable Civil Engineering, international students usually start with German language level A2 and are required to demonstrate German language level B2 by the end of the 4th semester. This enables them to study in German alongside their German-speaking fellow students from the 5th semester onwards and to successfully complete their studies. With this programme, we want to give international students the tools they need to be successful and integrated in both their private and professional lives in Germany after graduation.
  • Another offer, SHIFT Study Sprint SCE (SHIFT Strategic Hub for International Future Talent), prepares prospective students for the Sustainable Civil Engineering program by organizing a free A1 German course for participants, among other things, so that they can successfully continue in the A2 German course in their first semester.Link to recognised language certificates

Language offer, preparation course, German language tests

German language courses at THI

The THI Language Center offers language and intercultural electives for enrolled students of THI. Depending on your degree program, you can take these subjects as electives with ECTS credit or as free electives with a university certificate. To find out which subjects you can choose for your degree program, please contact the responsible program director directly.

In principle, you can take all subjects of the Language Center, even if a module is not offered as an elective subject for your degree program. If you are interested, you can enroll in a subject after consulting the Language Center, in case that there are still places available.

The course offerings for German as a foreign language include:

1. Course-related compulsory and elective subjects with ECTS credits

  •         General compulsory/elective subjects
  •      Electives for language and social competence

2. Free electives that can be taken by all THI students (university certificate)

Please refer to the pdf for the course outline.

For information on course objectives and content, please refer to the Module Handbook of the Language Center.

Placement test

The THI Language Centre offers THI students a placement test in German as a foreign language (Deutsch als Fremdsprache – DaF). THI students can find further details of the placement test under DaF in Moodle.

THI language certificates

The THI Language Centre offers a number of courses for THI students as certificate courses. When students pass the examination at the end of the THI course, they are issued with a THI higher education certificate.

Foreign students who require a language certificate as a prerequisite for admission can have externally acquired certificates credited by THI.
This only applies to certificates that are classified as equivalent to the Goethe-Zertifikat. More information.

THI students will find details of the THI certificate courses in the Language Centre Module Guide on Moodle.

Self-study programmes

Whether you're just starting out or want to improve your language skills, online platforms offer a variety of tools to learn German at your own pace. From interactive lessons and vocabulary exercises to business German and cultural background knowledge - there's something for every language level, from A1 for beginners to C2 for advanced learners. Most sites offer content in different languages, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Explore the following websites and find the resources that will make your German learning effective and fun!

Learning platform and apps

  • DW Learn GermanDW offers a wide range of free learning resources, including videos, audio files, interactive courses and news items specifically for learners of German as a foreign language. Covers levels A1 to C2. The site supports learners in several languages, including English, Arabic, Spanish and more.
     
  • Goethe-InstitutThe Goethe-Institut offers high-quality exercises, videos and grammar explanations for all levels from A1 to C2. Most of the content is in German, though some sections also provide support in English. Ideal for structured learning and exam preparation.
     
  • Deutsch TrainingDeutschTraining.de offers grammar explanations, vocabulary lists and exercises for levels A1 to B2. The content is largely in German, so the site is well suited to learners with a basic knowledge of the language.
     
  • buchstaben.comThis site focuses on the alphabet, spelling and basic grammar. Perfect for A1 learners and those starting at a literacy level. The content is written in simple German – ideal for absolute beginners and visual learners.
     
  • thoughtco.com (German section)The German section of ThoughtCo offers grammar rules, vocabulary lists and cultural articles. Suitable for learners at A2–B2 level. The explanations are in English, which makes it particularly easier for English-speaking learners.
     
  • Business GermanBusiness German specialises in business German – with texts, vocabulary and exercises from B2 level upwards. The materials are in German and are particularly suitable for learners preparing for professional communication.
     
  • Learn GermanLearn German is part of DW – it offers structured online courses with videos and quizzes for levels A1 to B1. Learners can choose instructions in several languages, including English, Arabic, Spanish and more.
     
  • VHS Learning PortalThe VHS offers comprehensive self-study courses from A1 to B2, as well as literacy and integration courses. The portal supports several languages (e.g. English, Arabic, Turkish) and is therefore particularly accessible to beginners.
  • vhb – Virtual University of Bavaria (German as a Foreign Language courses)The vhb offers online courses in German as a foreign language from A1 to C2, developed at Bavarian universities. The programme includes materials on grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening comprehension, academic writing and specialist language. CLASSIC vhb: Semester-long courses with support and the opportunity to earn ECTS credits.
    OPEN vhb: Open, flexible courses for everyone with no entry requirements.
    SMART vhb: Short learning units (approx. 45 mins) on individual topics.
  • ConjugioConjugio helps you practise verb conjugations using real sentences, rather than relying solely on grammar tables. This makes it easier to understand which tense is appropriate in spoken language.

 

Reading comprehension: Online newspapers, news and magazines

  • Deutsch Perfekt: This magazine from ZEIT Sprachen is available both online and in print. It features articles in German on everyday life, politics and society, and other topics, written in a style that is not too complex. Some articles are also available as audio files. Other language learning sections include grammar, listening comprehension, communication and vocabulary.
  • Deutsche Welle: A leading news portal for reading the latest news in German.

Book recommendations

  • PONS 600 Exercises in German as a Foreign Language: This workbook helps you learn German grammar and vocabulary through 600 exercises and puzzles. The vocabulary can also be downloaded as lists.
  • Langenscheidt Speaking Practice: German for Work: For anyone wishing to learn oral communication in a professional context. It comprises practical vocabulary and useful phrases. The listening and speaking exercises are available as MP3 downloads.
  • Assimil German Without Effort Today: Aimed at those who do not enjoy cramming grammar. The Assimil method is based on intuitive learning. Upon completing the course, you will have learnt 2,000 German words and be able to form sentences for everyday use. Assimil Verlag.
  • Phonetics Trainer: Course and self-study material for levels A1–B1 by Kerstin Reinke, including 2 audio CDs, numerous videos and tips on pronunciation. Klett Verlag

Listening/Audio

Entertainment

  • Nico’s Journey
    This series follows Nico, a Spaniard who is new to Germany – featuring lots of everyday situations for beginners.
  • Jojo’s Search for Happiness
    Jojo, a student from Brazil, is searching for happiness in Cologne – an entertaining series with plenty of learning resources.
  • Extra in German
    This humorous series for German learners offers clear dialogues and typical everyday situations.
     
  • Hello from Berlin
    This teen series depicts life in Berlin with songs, everyday topics and young protagonists.
  • First Steps in Germany
    This series provides useful tips for life in Germany – from dealing with government offices to leisure activities.
  • Gute Arbeit Originals
    A satirical sketch series about working life in Germany – ideal for advanced learners.

Integration through language and culture

  • The Germany Lab
    In this series, young presenters explore various aspects of life in Germany.
  • German Festivals and Traditions
    These videos showcase important German public holidays and cultural traditions.
     
  • Church and Religion in Germany
    This series offers an overview of religious diversity and religious life in Germany.
     
  • Education in Germany
    Here you can find out everything about the German education system – from school to university.
  • German cities and regions
    These videos introduce you to various cities and regions in Germany.
     
  • Working in Germany
    In this playlist, you’ll find information on working and applying for jobs in Germany.
  • Food and drink in Germany
    Find out more about German food culture, regional specialities and popular dishes.
     
  • Germany for Beginners
    This series provides a simple introduction to life and culture in Germany.

Ansprechpartnerinnen

Contact

Office Hours

On Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Service Point. Individual consultation hours can be booked via Moodle.

FAQ's

Information about our courses

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