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Hochschule Karlsruhe Hochschule Karlsruhe - University of Applied Sciences Hochschule Karlsruhe Hochschule Karlsruhe - University of Applied Sciences
Hochschule Karlsruhe Hochschule Karlsruhe - University of Applied Sciences

Learn a Foreign Language

German as a foreign language

You are studying in Karlsruhe for a semester or perhaps for a few years? You need German for everyday life, for your job and for your studies? Our courses prepare you not only for conversations on campus, but also for professional and academic life. From the very beginning, we use German in the class and train speaking, listening, writing and reading in equal proportions. On successful completion of a course you can acquire a certificate according to the corresponding CEFR level. We also offer a DSH preparation course and special courses for speaking, preparing for your internship and using scientific language. If you pass an intensive course and a semester course, you can progress a whole CEFR level in one semester.

Basic User (CEFR A1, A2)

You have just arrived in Germany and need to manage everyday life - Level A1 gives you the basics of German to communicate independently.

You can already use your German to buy a pretzel or order a coffee and you want to deepen your knowledge? Then A2 is the right level for you. With the help of many practical exercises, you will further expand your ability to speak and write in German.

 

  • German as a Foreign Language A1.1

    You have no previous knowledge of German? Then this is the right course for you! This course offers you a communicative start and a quick sense of achievement: we speak as much German as possible from the first lesson. We practice speaking in typical everyday situations, such as introducing yourself, talking about your studies and family or going shopping and ordering in a restaurant.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: A1.1
    • Pre-requisites: none
    • Dates: every semester
    • Certificate of attendance on request
    • Contact: Stefanie Bell
    • Contents: Module description
    • Textbook: Spektrum A1.1, Schubert Publisher

    Register

  • German as a Foreign Language A1.2

    You about to move into a new flat or you have a doctor's appointment? In this course, you will learn the vocabulary and phrases you need for typical everyday situations in Germany. By means of practical exercises, you will practice communicating in German. You will also expand your basic knowledge of the tenses to talk about the future and past.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: A1.2
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-A1.1 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • Certificate of attendance on request
    • Contact: Stefanie Bell
    • Contents: Module description
    • Textbook: Spektrum A1.2, Schubert Publisher

    Placement test

    Register

  • German as a Foreign Language A2.1

    You are planning your internship or you have a part-time job in Germany? In this course we discuss different occupational fields and typical activities in an office. You practice professional telephone conversations and writing e-mails. You learn useful phrases for traveling, and increase your vocabulary for talking about food and drink and shopping. In addition, you learn to express your opinion.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: A2.1
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-A1.2 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • Certificate of attendance on request
    • Contact: Stefanie Bell
    • Contents: Module description
    • Textbook: Spektrum A2.1, Schubert Publisher

    Placement test

    Register

  • German as a Foreign Language A2.2

    You want to express complex ideas in German? Here you can learn the language you need to describe feelings, explain reasons, talk about plans, or ask polite questions. Other practical topics include home decor, daily routines, and education. At the end of this course you will be able to communicate in German in various private and professional everyday situations.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: A2.2
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-A2.1 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • A2 Language Certificate
    • Contact: Stefanie Bell
    • Contents: Module description
    • Textbook: Spektrum A2.2, Schubert Publisher

    Placement test

    Register

Independent User (CEFR B1, B2)

You need to give presentations in German for your studies and you want to participate in scientific discussions? Then this course is right for you! Here, the focus of the discussions is on various topics of science and your university projects. For this purpose, you will learn and practice using typical idioms, naming opposites, describing technical details and explaining infographics. You will also read and listen to scientific articles in video or podcast format.

  • German as a Foreign Language B1.1

    You already have enough knowledge of German for everyday use and now you want to discuss technical or professional topics, or give a presentation? This foundation course provides you with the language skills for professional situations. On completion of B11 and B12, you can acquire the B1 certificate.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: B1.1
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-A2.2 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • Certificate of attendance on request
    • Contact: Beate Koura
    • Contents: Module description
    • Textbook: Spektrum B1.1, Schubert Publisher

    Placement test

    Register

  • German as a Foreign Language B1.2

    You already have some knowledge of professional German? This course focuses on communication at work and in everyday life in Germany. Successful completion leads to the B1 certificate.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: B1.2
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-B1.1 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • B1 Language Certificate
    • Contact: Beate Koura
    • Contents: Module description
    • Textbook: Spektrum B1.2, Schubert Publisher

    Placement test

    Register

  • German as a Foreign Language B2.1

    Are you aiming for the B2 certificate? Are you interested in popular science and technology topics? In this course, you will practice naming reasons and consequences, creating a mind map or participating in a meeting. In addition, this course also deals with the linguistic requirements for academic life.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: B2.1
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-B1.2 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • Certificate of attendance on request
    • Contact: Beate Koura
    • Contents: Module description
    • Text book: Spektrum B2, Schubert-Verlag

    Placement test

    Register

  • German as a Foreign Language B2.2

    You want to describe and present facts clearly and systematically, both orally and in writing, appropriately emphasizing important points and relevant supporting details, as well as refuting arguments? We practice these skills, as well as writing and reading texts. Film and radio reports as well as interesting discussion exercises will train your listening comprehension and speaking skills. On successful completion of the course, you can obtain the B2 certificate.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: B2.2
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-B2.1 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • B2 Language Certificate
    • Contact: Beate Koura
    • Contents: Module description
    • Textbook: Spektrum B2, Schubert-Verlag

    Placement test

    Register

  • Academic German B2/C1

    You already have the language level B2 and would like to further develop your ability?
    Then this is the right course for you!
    In this course you will train speaking and writing as well as listening and reading comprehension of German in an academic context. You will expand your vocabulary and develop your grammatical skills. You will be prepared for the DSH exam in terms of content. 

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: B2/C1
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-B2.2 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • Course mode: semester course, intensive course if required
    • Certificate of attendance on request
    • Contact: Beate Koura
    • Contents: Module description

    Placement test

    Register

Proficient User (CEFR C1)

  • Technical German C1

    You are studying a technical course and want to improve your vocabulary and your ability to understand and write complex texts? In this course you will learn about interesting topics from various fields of study at HKA. 

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: C1
    • Pre-requisites: placement test, DSH certificate or successful completion of an IFS-B2.2 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • Certificate of attendance on request
    • Contact: Beate Koura
    • Contents: Module description

    Placement test

    Register

  • Academic German B2/C1

    You already have the language level B2 and would like to further develop your ability?
    Then this is the right course for you!
    In this course you will train speaking and writing as well as listening and reading comprehension of German in an academic context. You will expand your vocabulary and develop your grammatical skills. You will be prepared for the DSH exam in terms of content. 

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: B2/C1
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of an IFS-B2.2 level course
    • Dates: every semester
    • Course mode: semester course, intensive course if required
    • Certificate of attendance on request
    • Contact: Beate Koura
    • Contents: Module description

    Placement test

    Register

  • Business & Language: Communicating Successfully C1

    The course Business & Language: Communicating Successfully C1 specifically prepares you for the linguistic and cultural demands of a professional environment. The focus is on topics such as historical events that have shaped the German economy, the organizational structures of companies, and legal aspects of employment contracts. You will engage with the career paths and profiles of leaders from companies based in Karlsruhe and practice practical skills in researching and applying for job openings. A particular highlight of the course is the simulation of a start-up, conducted in collaboration with students from Ohio State University. The course combines academic depth with a practice-oriented approach and includes communicative elements that help you navigate professional interactions with confidence.

    Together with the course Technical German C1, you will acquire language proficiency at the C1 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Successful completion of both courses leads to the German as a Foreign Language (DaF) C1 Certificate.

    • Target group: students, HKA employees, guest students
    • Time required: 4 SWS
    • Credit Points: 5 CP
    • CEFR Level: B2/C1
    • Pre-requisites: placement test or successful completion of a B2.2 level course
    • Course mode: semester and intensive course
    • Certificate of attendance or C1 Language Certificate on request
    • Contact: Tina Ewald
    • Contents: Module description

    Placement test

    Register