GermanyInternational StudyAdvice
by Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse 15 Mar '23
Posted on 15 Mar '23
If you’re planning on heading to Germany for your Masters, you may be wondering how much German (if any!) you’ll need to know. Applying for a Masters/ PhD abroad can come with a long to-do list, and the prospect of learning a new language – on top of finding a course, securing funding, and arranging your visa – can be intimidating!
So, will you actually need to learn German to study in Germany? We’ve taken a look.
Do German universities offer courses in English?
The answer to this is absolutely yes – and a lot of them! English-taught courses are actually far more common at the postgraduate than the undergraduate level, with over 1,200 Masters degrees to choose from.
Opportunities to study in English exist across most disciplines, but are common in Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Law, Economics, and Social Sciences. Engineering is also a popular subject area for international students studying in Germany, with almost 350 English-taught Masters degrees on the market.
If you’d like to brush up on your German without having to study your entire Masters in a foreign language, there are also courses taught in a combination of both English and German. The exact divide will vary, but the main language of instruction used in class is generally German, with students given the option to complete their coursework and final thesis in either language.
Can I live in Germany as an international student without speaking German?
Since many people in Germany (especially in major cities) speak English to a high level, and you’ll likely have the option to study in English, you should be able to get by as an international student with just a basic level of German.
That said, improving your German will make it much easier to socialise and improve your prospects for finding employment during and after your studies – so it’s always a good idea to put in the effort (more on that below!).
Will I need to take a language test to study in Germany?
Depending on your native tongue and the language you’ll be studying in, you may have to take either a German or English language test as part of your Masters application.
The most common German language test is TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language). You’ll usually have to pass the TestDaF with at least a level four to gain admission onto a German-taught university course.
If you’re a non-native speaker applying for an English-taught course in Germany, you may have to take an English language test. An exception may be made if you studied your undergraduate degree in English.
How can I learn German as an international student?
Though it is certainly possible to study in Germany without learning German, speaking a second language is still a fantastic skill that will only enhance your study abroad experience!
If you’re eager to brush up on your German skills while living abroad, there are many opportunities to do so.
Most universities offer language courses alongside their postgraduate programmes. You can also choose to study an intensive summer course. These involve around 25 hours of study per week and teach a combination of general language skills and discipline-specific jargon. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) maintains a list of upcoming courses on their website.
Another great way to learn German as an international student is through a ‘language tandem’ arrangement. This allows two students to meet regularly and learn to speak each other’s native tongue. You’ll usually be able to register your interest in a language tandem at your university’s international office.
So there you have it – you don’t necessarily have to learn German to study in Germany, but it’s a great way to immerse yourself fully into the study abroad experience and there is plenty of support available to help you!
Want to learn more about studying in Germany? We have information and advice covering everything you need to know, including top universities, funding, postgraduate life and more.
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