German as a foreign language • Language Centre

Welcome to the German as a Foreign Language Department Website

The German as a Foreign Language Department:

Supports international students who wish to improve their German and are enrolled in:
- regular degree programs taught in German at Freie Universität Berlin
- mobility and exchange programs (Erasmus+ / Direct Exchange)
- bachelor’s and master’s degree programs taught in English
- doctoral programs

Offers university-specific German courses during the semester as well as before the semester starts (pre-semester German courses).
Provides a wide range of language courses for learners of German at A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1 level.
Evaluates the German language skills of students whose higher education entrance qualification (equivalent to the German Abitur) was not obtained at a German secondary school (Gymnasium).
Is responsible for organizing the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (German language examination for university entrance – DSH).
Supports students in all matters relating to acquiring language skills in a systematic and effective manner.

The free course program during the semester is geared toward

Regular students in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs taught in German
> Course Offer

Doctoral candidates in doctoral degree programs taught in English

> Course Offer

Intensive courses during the pre-semester period are subject to a fee and are geared toward

Students participating in mobility and exchange programs who would like to improve their German language skills in a preliminary course before the semester begins.
Students or other interested parties who would like to learn about the German language (as well as German cultural and regional studies) and participate in our international summer courses during the summer.
Doctoral candidates participating in doctoral degree programs taught in English who do not speak German and would like to attend a beginner's course for doctoral students (free of charge).