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Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Master German Social Sciences

German Linguistics Theory and Practice

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz Mainz · Rhineland-Palatinate

About the Program

The Master's program in German Linguistics focuses on the structure, usage, acquisition, and history of the German language, as well as comparison with other languages. Students analyze and evaluate linguistic expressions regarding their grammatical and social appropriateness; recognize and reconsider linguistic conventions, norms, and principles of language change. The program provides insights into various varieties of German, such as dialects, and examines their regularity and social contexts of use. Students differentiate between different types of language acquisition (first, second, and foreign language acquisition) and investigate the language behavior of monolingual and multilingual speakers. The program also covers communication in social contexts, such as media language or political communication, including the analysis of function and functionalization of language as a means of inclusion, exclusion, or stigmatization of social groups. Students examine the historical development of language, trends of change in contemporary language, and reasons for this change. They discuss current linguistic research, develop and test their own research designs, applying various linguistic research methods such as corpus analyses and other empirical methods.
▶ Show the original English text
The Master's program in German Linguistics focuses on the structure, usage, acquisition, and history of the German language, as well as comparison with other languages. Students analyze and evaluate linguistic expressions regarding their grammatical and social appropriateness; recognize and reconsider linguistic conventions, norms, and principles of language change. The program provides insights into various varieties of German, such as dialects, and examines their regularity and social contexts of use. Students differentiate between different types of language acquisition (first, second, and foreign language acquisition) and investigate the language behavior of monolingual and multilingual speakers. The program also covers communication in social contexts, such as media language or political communication, including the analysis of function and functionalization of language as a means of inclusion, exclusion, or stigmatization of social groups. Students examine the historical development of language, trends of change in contemporary language, and reasons for this change. They discuss current linguistic research, develop and test their own research designs, applying various linguistic research methods such as corpus analyses and other empirical methods.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

German Linguistics

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How do I apply to German Linguistics Theory and Practice at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about German Linguistics Theory and Practice at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

Is German Linguistics Theory and Practice at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in German. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the German Linguistics Theory and Practice programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for German Linguistics Theory and Practice at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying German Linguistics Theory and Practice? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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