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Universität Heidelberg
Master German Social Sciences

Master's Programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language

Master

About the Program

The four-semester Master's programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language examines questions concerning the acquisition and teaching of German as a foreign and second language with an emphasis on the close interaction between theory and practice. The programme's focus is on linguistics, language acquisition and language teaching issues. The objective of this Master’s programme is to enable students to professionally engage in the field of language teaching. The students can choose between two different profiles: In the German as a Foreign Language profile, the focus is on questions of language acquisition and language teaching for adult learners. The emphasis of this profile is on the teaching of German language and culture in various teaching and learning contexts in Germany and abroad. In this area, the programme instructs students to plan and observe classroom activities in a scientifically reflected manner. In the German as a Second Language profile, the discussion is primarily conducted with a view to multilingual children within the German education system (language programmes and language proficiency assessments in the elementary and primary sector).
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The four-semester Master's programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language examines questions concerning the acquisition and teaching of German as a foreign and second language with an emphasis on the close interaction between theory and practice. The programme's focus is on linguistics, language acquisition and language teaching issues. The objective of this Master’s programme is to enable students to professionally engage in the field of language teaching. The students can choose between two different profiles: In the German as a Foreign Language profile, the focus is on questions of language acquisition and language teaching for adult learners. The emphasis of this profile is on the teaching of German language and culture in various teaching and learning contexts in Germany and abroad. In this area, the programme instructs students to plan and observe classroom activities in a scientifically reflected manner. In the German as a Second Language profile, the discussion is primarily conducted with a view to multilingual children within the German education system (language programmes and language proficiency assessments in the elementary and primary sector).

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

German at C1 level (DSH-2, TestDaF TDN 4, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, or telc C1 Hochschule).

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

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Subjects / Topic Areas

German as a Foreign Language

Similar Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Master's Programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language at Universität Heidelberg

Is Master's Programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language at Universität Heidelberg 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 Master's Programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language 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 Master's Programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language at Universität Heidelberg?

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 Master's Programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language?

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 Universität Heidelberg — 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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