Opinion and Features
Things you should know about learning German as a foreign student in Germany
Do you plan on studying in Germany, the land of renowned automobiles, excellent education standards and delicious chocolate cake? If you do, you should think about acquiring German language skills to make the most of your time there.
There are several convincing reasons to choose Germany for your further studies. ICEF Monitor data states that it is considered the best academic destination for foreign students interested in European education.
In addition, Topuniversities.com voted Berlin as the 5th best city in the world for students.
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Germany was also touted as one of the fastest-growing economies as per Business Insider.
On top of academic standards, there are many advantages of completing your education in the country. German cities like Potsdam, Hamburg, and Berlin offer access to some of the world’s biggest commercial and business centres. Getting a degree in Germany can help you boost your career prospects and get a chance to work for some of the top companies in Europe.
Picking up the national language of the country can help you as an international student in Germany. Read ahead to learn everything you should know about learning the German language in Germany.
Why should I learn the German language?
Although German cities are cosmopolitan, Germans still uphold their language and culture as having a high importance. Therefore, working knowledge of the language can help you navigate your daily life, like shopping for groceries or asking for directions.
In addition, many public German universities and colleges require you to submit proof of proficiency in the German language as an entry criterion for their courses.
The benefits of learning German aren’t restricted to your presence in Germany. Many member nations in the EU like Switzerland, Austria and Belgium recognise German as an official language.
In fact, UNESCO revealed that the number of native German speakers in the EU far exceeds those of English or French. Therefore, being proficient in the language can help you communicate with the locals in these countries too.
That’s not all. German is also the second most commonly used scientific language.
Proficiency in German can help you pick the nuances of a German research paper in your subject that might get lost in translation.
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Where can I find an appropriate German language course?
There are numerous language schools and tutors across Germany that can provide German language courses. Most courses cover all German-language levels from A1 to C2.
Most public university courses requiring proof of German language proficiency ask for a minimum level of B1.
Your requirement for learning the language can differ depending upon your field of study and purpose of stay in Germany.
For example, if you wish to work and settle down in the country after your studies, you might want to take on a more extensive course.
GISMA Language School also offers a University Placement Service, which assists students at the necessary level with their application for a Germany public university.
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How can I expedite my German learning process?
While a language course can teach you the basics of a language, you can do many things to complement the course and learn the German language faster. Here are some practical ways to improve your German skills.
- Share a room or a flat with a German roommate: Rooming with a native German speaker can be like living with a full-time tutor. You can work on your speaking and comprehension skills as you spend time with them.
- Consume a lot of German language media: Consuming enormous amounts of German media content is another excellent way to pick up the intricacies of the language. For example, binge on German films and TV shows, listen to the language’s music and attend concerts in the German language.
- Complement your learning with German literature: If you are a book lover and prefer reading to watching films, you can explore German literature instead. German literature is vibrant and varied; hence, you will have plenty of genres to choose from.
GISMA’s Pathway Programmes
GISMA Language School’s University Pathway Programmes offer non-German speaking students a connection to studying a degree in Germany. The pathway programme aids students who require additional support with their German language skills and provides a steppingstone to entering the public university system in Germany.
GISMA has a full-time specialist consultancy service, helping students with every step of their studies. You will learn what courses universities offer and receive guidance from advisors about the documentation you need and which procedures to follow.
The University Pathway Programmes are designed to prepare students for academic study at a German-speaking university/Studienkolleg, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Along with language support, students will receive guidance on the application process and help in applying for up to five German state universities.
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The pathway programmes include:
- UPP: Pathway Studienkolleg
- UPP: Pathway Studienkolleg Top Up
- UPP: Pathway University
The duration of each programme varies from 44 weeks to 52 weeks, and you can study on campus in Hannover or Berlin, online or opt for a blended on-campus and online approach. GISMA helps students apply to several German state universities for bachelors or masters programmes. Students receive full guidance from the University Placement Service about to the application process, the required documents and any other information up to the moment when an offer letter from the chosen German university/Studienkolleg is issued. Enrolling in a pathway programme is a great option if you want to study in Germany but need some extra support.
Pursuing a German language course from a reputed university can be your best bet to learn German as you can increase your chances of being taught by a native German teacher. So, look for appropriate German courses in Berlin today to start learning the language.
- This article was written by Sweha Hazari.
