Master of Arts in German as a Foreign and Second Language (Master DaFZ) University of Kassel

The "German as a Foreign and Second Language" Master's degree programme in Kassel is equally based on theory and practice as well as research. Thus, in addition to acquiring linguistic and didactic knowledge and teaching experience, students develop skills in empirical research.

The first two semesters comprise the following compulsory introductory lectures and seminars:

• (Psycho)linguistic basics of German as a foreign and second language
• Research methods in German as a foreign/second language
• Observation and analysis of foreign/second language teaching/classrooms
• Theories of foreign/second language acquisition and learning
• Methods of teaching foreign/second languages

In the first, second and third semester, students acquire knowledge and develop and deepen their skills in the following areas:

• Factors influencing the process of teaching and learning a foreign/second language (autonomy, motivation, learning style, etc.)
• National and international standards and curricula of teaching foreign languages
• Principles of teaching German to specific learner groups (e.g. children, adults, students, professionals, illiterates)
• Language (learning) awareness, bi- and multilingualism, etc.
• Current trends in teaching language and culture
• Linguistic skills in phonetics/phonology, lexis, grammar, literature, and cultural studies
• Development, evaluation and implementation of learning (digital) media (AI in learning)
• Analysis of teaching materials

The Master's programme comprises an intensive practical phase during which students will learn how to teach German as a foreign/second language. This activity is prepared, accompanied and evaluated in affiliated seminars and tutorials (either in the second or in the third semester).

In addition, there is an obligatory study project in which students learn how to plan, carry out, and evaluate a project in the context of learning and teaching German as a foreign/second language (either in the second or in the third semester).

The "German as a Foreign and Second Language" Master's degree programme is genuinely international in its scope. As a result of the socio-political changes having taken place in Germany in the past five years and the subsequently emerging necessity for improving the language support and integration of recent migrants and their children, the focus of the Master's programme has been adapted to changes in second language perspectives.

Modular arrangement of courses (lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent project work in groups); student working groups; intensive tutoring and individual support

Obligatory teaching practicum

Applications for the winter semester with German certificates are accepted annually from 1 June to 1 September and with foreign certificates from 1 December to 15 July.

• Undergraduate degree such as BA degree or equivalent in German, German Studies, German as a Foreign or Second Language, or other subject related fields with a grade "B" (2.5) or better
• VERY IMPORTANT: An excellent letter of motivation (3,000 characters without spaces) is required. It's highly recommended to consult the following criteria: https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb02/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=397&token=380b2ad9afa05610f8cccf8574a66b82950a3511.

The semester contribution (391.27 EUR for the 2026 summer semester) includes the "Deutschlandticket", which allows you to use all regional trains and local transport throughout Germany free of charge! You will also receive discounts on meals in the canteens and much more.

To cover their personal expenses while studying in Kassel or Witzenhausen, students are advised to budget between 950 and 1,100 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, books and other miscellaneous expenses.

Students can apply for various part-time jobs, including positions as a student assistant or tutor on campus. The University of Kassel's Career Service can help you find a part-time job.

The Career Service of University of Kassel offers individual support to facilitate a successful transition from academic to the professional world. Especially for international students aiming for a career in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, reviewing application documents, networking with alumni and individual counselling. Learn more about the Career Service.

You can find useful information on accommodation, how to find a place to live, and the private housing market in Kassel and on the Witzenhausen campus on the University of Kassel website. More on accommodation in Kassel and Witzenhausen.
International students enrolled at the University of Kassel can choose to stay in a private accommodation or in a student hall of residence ("Wohnheim"). Around the campuses, there are about 1,000 rooms available in the student halls. Further information can be found at the Website of Studierendenwerk Kassel. Rent for a room varies from 260 to 545 EUR per month, depending on location and facilities. Students can choose between single apartments with en-suite facilities and shared flats with fellow students.