German as a Second Language / German as a Foreign Language – Deutsch als Zweitsprache / Deutsch als Fremdsprache University of Education Freiburg

Master's in German as a second language / German as a foreign language

In this practice-oriented study programme, a close combination of theory and practice that also includes interdisciplinary study elements is offered. In addition, current research topics are discussed in the seminars. Empirical research is emphasised – after all, students should be enabled to use qualitative and/or quantitative research methods in their final theses. This is supported by lectures in which scientific working techniques are taught. The programme prepares students for specific professional fields and for academic qualifications. Graduates will have the ability to research issues relating to German as a second language / German as a foreign language (GSL/GFL [DaZ/DaF]).

The focus of the two compulsory internships lies both on theory and practice: in the third semester, students will pursue an internship that takes place once a week and is accompanied by a seminar. Within the study programme, another two- to seven-week internship offers students the opportunity to gain national or – due to numerous partnerships – international experience in various professional fields. This internship will be accompanied by online supervision. In addition, students will reflect on their own language teaching and learning experiences in small groups by participating in the language acquisition process themselves (e.g. "Sprachlerntandem"). Furthermore, students will have to learn a further new foreign language up to level A2.

The theoretical training in scientific and didactic courses will enable students to acquire specific knowledge in linguistics, educational linguistics, and language teaching with a focus on German as a second language (GSL/DaZ) or German as a foreign language (GFL/DaF). By focusing on both theory and practice as well as on current research questions, it will also be possible for graduates to enter the professional field of science (possibly continuing to earn a doctorate).

Spread over four semesters, courses in key skills will also be offered – some of these courses will be integrative and others will be in special lectures and seminars. In addition, students will have to complete a module on project work (second semester) in the field of GSL/GFL (competences in the presentation of specific scientific topics).

The Master's programme consists of four semesters but can also be studied part time (six semesters). The last semester is mainly intended for the preparation of the Master's thesis. The current timetable can be found online (abbreviation for the programme: MAD).

First semester

• First module: About German as a Foreign/Second Language: Basics & Fields of Work & Research
• Second module: Second Language Acquisition Research & Teaching
• Third module: (Trans-)Cultural Studies

Second semester

• Fourth module: Linguistics
• Fifth module: Phonetics
• Sixth module: Project Management in GFL/GSL

Third semester

• Seventh module: Teaching Methodology in GFL/GSL (including practical training)
• Eighth module: Empirical Research in GFL/GSL
• Ninth module: Professions in GFL/GSL (including an internship)

Fourth semester

• Tenth module: Testing and Examining Linguistic Proficiency & Performance
• Eleventh module: Master's exam (including Master's thesis)

Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín (Colombia)

• Practical training in teaching German as a foreign/second language integrated in the third semester: small groups of students accompanied by a lecturer observe and teach in GFL/GLS classrooms.
• Individual mandatory internship of minimum of five weeks (full time) during the semester break

Application via the website is possible from 1 June.

Deadline for applicants with international degrees: 15 July

Deadline for applicants with German university degree: 30 September

For details: check our website.

• Proof of successful completion of at least six semesters of subject-related university studies according to one of the following criteria:
  1. University studies include a focus on German language and literature (at least 30 ECTS), or
  2. University studies include a major in Modern Philology or Cultural or Social Sciences (at least 30 ECTS) or
  3. University studies include a completed teacher training course (subject was German or a foreign language) or
• In the case of the successful completion of at least six semesters of non-subject-related university studies, proof of this degree will be required. In addition, proof of professional experience of at least one year after the first degree in the field of German as a second language and/or German as a foreign language must be submitted.

199.50 EUR per semester (including semester ticket for public transport)

approx. 700–800 EUR

It is possible to work as a tutor (= "Hiwi/Hilfskraft") at the Department of German Language and Literature.

Key information: https://www.ph-freiburg.de/studium/beraten-und-informieren/internationales.html

Exchange students may apply for accommodation in dormitories on our application portal.

• Housing cost estimate: 300 to 400 EUR per month
• Private room search: "Studierendenwerk Freiburg" (https://www.swfr.de/en)