Introduction to German Language and Culture A1.1/A1.2 Osnabrück University

Course description

This summer school offers participants with no or little prior knowledge of the German language the opportunity to acquire or build upon the foundations of German and to experience more than 1,000 years of German culture and civilisation in and around the city of Osnabrück, the City of Peace. By the end of the programme, students will have mastered basic language skills in German equivalent to level A1.1 OR A1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The programme is a cooperation between the Language Centre ("Sprachenzentrum") and the International Office at Osnabrück University.

We offer the following:

• A total of 50 hours of classroom instruction
• An interactive lesson design and small group learning
• Hands-on language practice during leisure activities with student partners from Osnabrück University
• A rich cultural and recreational programme, plus an optional three-day trip to Berlin
• Certification of up to five ECTS credits points at proficiency level A1.1 OR A1.2 of the CEFR upon successful completion of the language course

Programme structure

Throughout the three weeks, the language course will train all four language skill sets (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and will cover grammar and lexis.

Assessment will be in the form of project work, an interactive oral exam, and a written exam at the end of the course.

Content A1.1 course:

• Introduce yourself and others
• Talk about your family and friends
• Go shopping
• Express culinary preferences
• Describe your room
• Tell the time
• Inform others about your daily schedule
• Talk about the weather and the seasons
• Describe what you do in your spare time
• Provide details about your personal interests

Content A1.2 course:

• Talk about jobs and professions
• Request information by telephone and e-mail
• Check into a hotel
• Give and understand directions
• Schedule appointments
• Talk about your body and express pain
• Ask politely for assistance
• Talk about clothing and style
• Express preference
• Extend and accept invitations

Arrival dates: 9 – 10 July 2027
Departure date: 31 July 2027

Included in the programme fee of 1,400 EUR (regular) or 1,150 EUR (students from partner universities):

• All tuition fees, tutorial sessions, class material
• Accommodation
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Free usage of all regional transportation in Germany for the entire month of July via "Deutschland-Ticket"
• Temporary student ID for discounted university cafeteria fees
• Access to the university library
• Welcome service at the train station
• International office staff support, including student tutors
• Buddy programme with Osnabrück students
• Welcome breakfast, welcome dinner and farewell dinner
• For an additional 400 EUR: optional three-day Berlin excursion (2 – 5 August 2026) with shared hostel rooms including breakfast, all activities in Berlin (city tour, museum pass, cultural events)

Not included:

• Expenses for travel to/from Osnabrück
• Health, travel, or liability insurance
• Daily expenses

BA, MA, and doctorate students with no prior or little (A1.1) knowledge of the German language who wish to acquire level A1.1 OR A1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

In four dining halls and eight cafeterias, the "Studentenwerk" (student administration) catering service offers healthy and varied food options for students, employees, and guests of Osnabrück University. Summer school participants will benefit from reduced fees.

You will take part in a wide variety of cultural, social, and outdoor activities, including activities and sights in Osnabrück (e.g., Felix Nussbaum exhibition, night watchman tour), a trip to Bremen, an excursion to the North Sea (if weather allows), and more.

We also offer an optional three-day trip to our capital, Berlin. This trip can be booked and paid for directly along with your registration.

For more information, please visit our website.

Founded in 1974, Osnabrück University offers its 14,000 students an ideally sized educational experience through numerous accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business, and Law. The university is committed to offering its students small course groups and lively interactions between professors and students. We uphold this principle for our International Summer Schools, which are designed for groups of no more than 20 students to foster a productive learning experience. Award-winning student services, a broad sports programme, and an international atmosphere further enhance the academic experience at Osnabrück University.

Osnabrück is centrally located in the northern part of Germany with an excellent train connection to the Netherlands (Amsterdam), Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne, as well as direct trains to the south.

You'll find safe and affordable living conditions and a lively student atmosphere (almost 30% of Osnabrück's entire population are enroled students).