Studierende lernen gemeinsam

German as a Foreign and Second Language

Study information
Studierende lernen gemeinsam
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
This page has been machine translated.

Key facts

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
major in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 315,05
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Arts
Institute for German as a Foreign Language and Intercultural Studies de

Application & Deadlines

Programme content

Preview image: Universität Jena · Video: University of Jena

In this Bachelor's degree programme, you will learn a scientifically sound approach to German as a Foreign and Second Language as well as German culture as a foreign culture. You will acquire knowledge and skills in the following subjects) areas|field:

  • Fundamentals of foreign and second language acquisition
  • Basics of learning and teaching foreign languages
  • Basics of language description and language teaching
  • Intercultural communication and intercultural regional studies
  • Literature and its teaching
  • Media in foreign language teaching
  • Didactics and methodology of foreign and second language teaching
  • German as a second language at school and at work

Practical modules are also an important part of the degree programme, especially in the major subject. In a project-based application module, you will apply your acquired knowledge to the solution of a complex seminar task. You will also complete a practical module on observing, analysing, planning, implementing and reviewing lessons.

Structure

Multi-subject bachelor’s programme

Picture: Sophie Bartholome

The Bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study|regular programme length is six semesters in total, during which various forms of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or tutorials) are offered for the individual modules.

A multi-subject Bachelor's degree consists of a major subject with 120 credit points (abbreviation: LP / 1 LP = 30 hours of attendance, preparation and follow-up work|follow-up activity, learning and assessed coursework and examinations) and a supplementary subject with 60 LP.

Why study in Jena?

The Institute of German as a Foreign and Second Language and Intercultural Studies is one of the leading institutes of its kind in Germany with numerous and diverse international co-operations. It is characterised by the breadth of its tenders as well as the high standards in its research and application-oriented focus areas. These include, in particular, dealing with questions of second language acquisition in the "Department for German as a Second Language" and with questions of teaching material development in the "Department for Teaching Material Research and Development (ALM)". The institute offers its students a productive combination of academic and practical content, a stimulating study atmosphere with fellow students from different countries and cultures, a comprehensive range of support services and an infrastructure with short distances.

What can you do after your studies?

Career opportunities:

  • Adult education institutions in Germany and abroad
  • Industry in the subject areas of international cooperation and collaboration
  • Publishing houses (as an editor or proofreader)
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Radio and television media
  • Public authorities (especially cultural authorities / collaboration in the creation of teaching materials)

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

All degree programmes

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • Interest in working abroad or in a second language context in Germany
  • Willingness to engage with German and foreign languages and cultures
  • Foreign language skills
  • Curiosity about questions of language acquisition and language teaching

Admission requirements

  • University entrance qualification

    A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

    More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.

  • Language requirement

    English and another modern foreign language (A2 level); proof by the time of registration for the Bachelor's thesis at the latest

Additional application documents for international students

  • CV

    Please submit an up-to-date and complete CV in tabular form. Please provide full details regarding your schooling and academic education to date. You can find more information hereExternal link. 

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload the school certificate confirming your university entrance qualification to our application portal. You can find more information hereExternal link. 

  • University degree certificate / previous periods of study

    Please upload transcripts of records for all previous periods of study and degrees, as well as, if applicable, your degree certificate, to the portal.

  • Proof of German proficiency

    Proof of sufficient German proficiency must be provided for all German-language degree programmes. The following certificates are recognized as proof of proficiency by Friedrich Schiller University Jena:

    • German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education, at least level 2 (DSH-2)
    • Goethe Certificate, C2 (GDS)
    • German Language Diploma, Level II of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD II)
    • TestDaF, at least TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination
    • Telc German C1 University certificate (at least with the grade “satisfactory”)
    • German exam as part of the assessment test at a Studienkolleg

    Please note: We strongly recommend that you submit the required proof of German proficiency at the time of your application.

    If you do not yet have the required language certificate, you may apply for our DSH course starting from German level B1. This course ensures optimal language preparation and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Jena while benefiting from student status.

  • Translation of international application documents

    A translation into German or English must be submitted for every application document that was not originally issued in German or English. These translations must be prepared by an authorized translation office.

  • APS certificate

    Applicants with university degrees from India, Vietnam, or the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.

  • University entrance examination

    Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of their university entrance examination:

    • Iran (university entrance examination or proof of a foundation year if the school-leaving certificate was obtained before 2019)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • China (GaoKao)

Contacts

Academic Advisory Service - Jessica Neumann

Room 510
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 8
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
vCard

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Bachstraße 18k
07743 Jena

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Link to download vCard
vCard
Further link
More information

Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)

The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.

Postal address:
Akademisches Studien- und Prüfungsamt
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Student Council

Ernst-Abbe-Platz 8
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
vCard

Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Mobile phone
+49 3641 9-411111
Link to download vCard
vCard

Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Link to download vCard
vCard
Further link
More information

Opening hours:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
vCard