In most of the degree programmes the language of instruction is German, and you must provide proof of your language skills with a certificate.
List of accepted language certificates
However, German is not a requirement for admission to purely international degree programmes. Consult the selection statues or admissions regulations of the particular degree programmes to find out which language certificates are required for admission to them.
Full-time (degree-seeking)
To successfully complete a bachelor’s or state examination degree programme, you need very good German language skills (C1). With the exception of the Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the language of instruction in undergraduate degree programmes is always German.
For master’s programmes, different language requirements apply in some cases, which can be found in the respective admission regulations or selection statutes. Please contact the master’s programme directly for more information. Here you will find master’s programmes taught in English.
Which language certificates you need to provide with your application or later with your enrolment depends on whether you choose a restricted admission or open admission degree programme!
For more information see “Language skills” on the university website.
Erasmus+
The language requirements for studying at the University of Freiburg through Erasmus+ are set out in the exchange agreements with your home university. As a rule, German language skills at level B2 (in some cases B1) are required, in accordance with the agreement. If the agreement refers to an English-language programme, English language skills at level B2 (in some cases B1) are required. An exception to this are the requirements for courses offered by the German Department (German Studies). These require German language skills at level C1.
If you have any further questions about language skills, please contact your home university or the relevant departmental coordinator at the University of Freiburg.
Free-mover
The language of instruction at the University of Freiburg is mainly German. For German-taught degree programmes, Free-mover students are required to have German language skills at level B2 and must provide appropriate certificates.
In addition, there are a few English-taught Master’s programmes; for these, German is not required, but you must provide proof of English language skills at level B2.
Please acquire the necessary language skills before coming to Germany and submit the relevant certificates. As an applicant for a short-term study programme, you are not required to take the DSH examination.
Global exchange
Participants of the Global Exchange programme at the University of Freiburg are urged to have either German or English language skills at B2 level, to make the most of the time in Freiburg. For German-language course offerings, we highly recommend higher than B2-level German skills. If you have any further questions about language requirements for courses you are interested, please contact the respective teaching staff.
Where can I learn German and other languages?
- Language Teaching Institute (Sprachlehrinstitut SLI)
- Language College for international Students (Sprachenkolleg)
- Language tandem (at SWFR)
- Community College Freiburg (Volkshochschule)
- Goethe Institut Freiburg
- Deutsche Welle (self-study)
Quiz
To ensure a successful degree programme,
the required language skills – for example, German at C1 level – are essential to avoid frustration and to study successfully. It is therefore not enough to be able to demonstrate a certain level on paper whilst still feeling unsure about the language. At the same time, we would like to encourage you to ask questions right from the start if there is anything you do not understand. Technical terms are often not covered in a general language course, and you will continue to expand your vocabulary as you progress through your degree.
If you are planning to work in Germany –
for example, after completing an English-taught Master’s degree – in the vast majority of cases you will need to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of German in order to find a job. To this end, it is advisable to enrol on German language courses from the very start of your degree so that you have reached a good level by the time you graduate.