German for the Tourism Industry University of Freiburg

This course will suit those working in or planning to work in the tourism industry and seeking to enhance their communication skills in German with an emphasis on industry-specific language and practices. At the same time, the course will help participants expand their cultural understanding, preparing them for success in German-speaking markets.

You can engage in professional scenarios in the area of tourism management through role-playing exercises, focusing on customer service interactions, initiating contact, resolving conflicts, etc. Additionally, writing skills, e.g. composing e-mails, creating presentations, writing business reports, etc., will be practised.

Various tourism models, such as sustainable tourism, and current trends in the tourism sector will be discussed. In addition, you can learn about German-speaking cultures, traditions, and customer expectations to better serve diverse clientele and improve guest experience.

In the afternoons you can attend seminars that explore current cultural and social‑science topics such as European affairs, environmental policy, and interculturality. The programme is complemented by a range of leisure activities: guided tours of the Black Forest, excursions to well‑known neighbouring cities, museum visits, and city walks, which together provide a genuine experience of German‑speaking culture.

All participants receive a graded certificate at the end of the course that records the individual CEFR level achieved and awards up to 4 ECTS credits.

The course targets German learners who are either employed in the tourism industry or pursuing, or intending to pursue, studies in a tourism-related subject.

The student dining hall ("Mensa") and the university cafeterias offer a wide range of dishes and snacks at reasonable prices, including vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Our diverse accompanying programme includes activities such as city tours, museum visits as well as hikes and trips in the region. At the weekend, we also offer exciting day trips to well-known sights, both near and distant. You can visit famous cities such as Heidelberg or Basel and cultural regions such as the Black Forest and Alsace.