Chinese and German Language and Translation / Chinesische und deutsche Sprache und Translation University of Bonn

By participating in this Master's programme, students acquire experience in the fields of modern and classical Chinese, linguistics and translation studies. To understand cultural, social and historical backgrounds, sinological knowledge is fostered as well.

Participants of this programme gain a theoretical grasp and practical experience in Chinese-German translation, learning concrete strategies for interpreting and written translation.

In addition to the exercises in class, students are also given subject-specific practical training in interpreting and translation, aiding with their future career development.

Students who participate in the student exchange programme with BFSU during their second and third semesters will continue their studies of interpretation and translation at the partner university in Beijing. In Beijing, they have the chance to further enhance their language skills through Chinese language classes and immersive every-day practice in a Chinese academic environment and will receive training in literary and non-literary translation and Chinese-German cultural and linguistic studies.

After the exchange year in Beijing, any credit points obtained at the partner university will be converted into ECTS credits and taken into account at the University of Bonn as well, allowing students to complete their double Master's degree within a regular study period of four semesters.

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)

Both partner universities provide students with internship opportunities that are beneficial to the students' learning progress and equip them with hands-on experience that will later improve their career opportunities.

The Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in particular possesses close connections with renowned institutions such as the Chinese-German Chamber of Commerce, the Goethe Institute Beijing, the National Centre for Performing Arts and the Chinese Science and Technology Press. At the University of Bonn, students are offered subject-specific internships such as German-Chinese translation or interpretation at trade fairs in Cologne, Düsseldorf or Frankfurt. In addition, students have the opportunity to complete internships at organisations such as the United Nations, Deutsche Welle or the International Office of the university itself.

For native German speakers and other non-native Chinese speakers:

• Practical language training in Modern Chinese amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits
• Practical language training in Classical Chinese amounting to at least 12 ECTS credits
• Subject-specific modules amounting to at least 24 ECTS credits

For native Chinese speakers:

• Bachelor's degree in subjects such as German Studies, Sinology, Translation, etc. 
• Subject-specific modules amounting to at least 24 ECTS credits

Chinese language proficiency at a minimum of HSK level 5

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs.

International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the "Studierendenwerk Bonn" (further information: www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation). 

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website: www.uni-bonn.de/housing.

International applicants who are admitted to the Master's programme can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room, as these are in short supply.