Master's Programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language Heidelberg University
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- German
- Tuition fees
- Tuition varies
- Next application deadline
- 31 March 2027 (summer semester)
- Language level required
- English: B1German: C1
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Intake
- Winter and summer semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
Courses are held in German.
Programme description
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).
Programme structure
Students choose to specialise either in German as a Foreign Language or in German as a Second Language.
It is possible to study in the Master's programme on a part-time basis.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Specialist literature in other languages
- Language comparison
- Language acquisition
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
1 April 2027
|
30 September 2027
|
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
1 October 2026
|
31 March 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in modern languages or pedagogy
Language requirements
German language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
|
Total: DSH-2
|
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 4 / 9
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
Varied
Semester contribution
Approx. 150 EUR
Scholarships and financing information
Living & services
Support for international students
- Buddy programme
Contact
Department of German as a Foreign Language
- Name
- Dr Martina Engelbrecht
- Address
- Plöck 55, 69117 Heidelberg
- Phone
- +49 6221547742