Language Skills for Your Course

Strong knowledge of German is decisive in many ways: For many courses, you must already substantiate it during the application process. During your studies, it helps you understand lectures, analyze academic texts, and compose your own papers. Additionally, being confident in the German language is a significant advantage in everyday life in Frankfurt and for your future professional career.

Goethe University supports you with a wide range of opportunities: Your first point of contact is the International Study Center (ISZ), whose services are tailored to different phases of study. Our advice: Improve your German step by step and set specific learning goals. Especially during your first semesters, it’s worth investing time in the language—for a successful, motivated, and well-connected start to your studies.

If you don’t have any of the previously mentioned certifications, you’ll need to attend the DSH Preparatory Course (see below) before starting your studies in a particular subject. People with indirect university admission who need to attend the Preparatory School will gain the required knowledge of German by successfully completing the Preparatory School.

To apply for the DSH preparatory course or the Preparatory School at Goethe University Frankfurt, you need to have at least knowledge of German at level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You must substantiate this by providing a certificate. Attendance certificates are generally not accepted.

The following certificates are accepted as proof:

• Certificate B1 (CEFR), e.g., from one of the following institutions: Goethe-Institut, ÖSD, UNIcert, telc, DFA Sprachinstitut  
• DSD-I (German Language Diploma I), (at least) TestDaF 4x3  
• Attendance certificate for German intensive courses at the ISZ of Goethe University  

For more information, please contact the International Study Center (ISZ) at Goethe University.