- All courses offered
- Bachelor
- German as a Foreign and Second Language
- Major Subject (Academic)
German as a Foreign and Second Language Major Subject (Academic)
Overview
Contents of the subject German as a Foreign and Second Language
The department of German as a Foreign and Second Language specializes in language teaching and cultural education in Germany and abroad. The University of Bielefeld is the only university in North Rhine-Westphalia to offer German as a Foreign and Second Language (DaF/DaZ) as a Major and Minor Subject Bachelor degree programme.
Students in our Major Subject Bachelor degree programme gain a deeper understanding of approaches to teaching German as a foreign and second language, of German linguistics, of cultural studies as well as of second language acquisition research. Students apply the knowledge and skills they acquire in their course work in an internship. Our domestic students additionally learn a language unrelated to German as well as teach courses in tandem. We also offer support to our international students in developing their skills in written and spoken academic German. Our students also have the opportunity to complete part of their studies abroad, through either a semester-long ERASMUS exchange program and/or an internship outside of Germany. Our department offers a variety of financial supports for these international experiences.
Graduates of our program teach German language (GFL) and culture to teens and adults in diverse institutions for continuing education and in language schools. Our graduates are also employed in elementary and secondary schools, supporting students with other first languages to acquire German, either in preparatory classes or via additional language-learning support.
You are also ideally qualified for the Bielefeld Master's degree programme German as a Foreign Language and German Studies as well as Master's degree programmes in German as a Foreign Language and German Studies at other universities with a core subject degree.
What our students say
What I like most about my degree is the opportunity it gives me to see things from a different perspective. In the Bachelor’s programme in German as a Foreign and Second Language, for example, we took part in a tandem project with language course participants. Instead of just discussing a particular group of people in our future field of work in theoretical terms, we engaged directly with the participants and were thus able to view our topics from their perspective. I would recommend this degree programme to anyone who is keen to work in the social sector and to accompany and support people on their journey into our society.
Hannah, student
Contact persons
Advantages of the subject at Bielefeld University
The ‘German as a Foreign and Second Language’ degree programme at Bielefeld University offers interdisciplinary training that combines linguistic, cultural and pedagogical aspects. This comprehensive approach provides students with the best possible preparation for the challenges of language and cultural mediation.
Practice-Oriented Teaching
Teaching is strongly practice-oriented and includes innovative seminars incorporating theatre-based pedagogical approaches. This not only promotes language proficiency but also fosters creativity and the ability to teach language in a playful manner, which is essential for teaching.
Wide range of subject combinations
Students can choose from a wide range of subjects and set their own individual areas of specialisation. This flexibility enables a tailor-made programme of study that matches students’ personal interests and career goals.
International Experience
The programme offers numerous opportunities for international experience through Erasmus partnerships with universities in various countries. This promotes intercultural exchange and expands students’ professional networks.
Strong social relevance
The degree programme is highly relevant to society, particularly in times of increasing migration and international contacts. Graduates are well-equipped to play an important role in language and integration work within this dynamic environment.
Career prospects
Adult education: This qualification enables graduates to work as teachers in adult education institutions, such as adult education centres or language schools, both in Germany and abroad.
Cultural work: Graduates find opportunities in cultural work, where they promote German culture by planning and organising cultural projects, such as readings or exhibitions.
Educational liaison work: In educational liaison work, graduates can work as organisers of teacher training programmes for German teachers abroad, which strengthens their expertise in language teaching.
Industry and media: Graduates can also pursue careers in industry, particularly in areas of international cooperation, at publishing houses or in the media, where they can apply their language skills and cultural expertise.
Research: Another career path leads into research, where graduates can contribute to academic projects on language teaching and intercultural communication.
What are the access requirements?
Access to the Bachelor programme is granted to those who have a university entrance qualification suitable for Germany (e. g. German ‘Abitur’).
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Likewise, special conditions apply to those qualified in vocational education and training.
What formalities are important?
Course start
Studies can be commenced in both winter and summer semesters. Courses are targeted to commencing studies in winter semester. Student counselling to plan the course of studies is recommended.
Length and scope of studies
The standard period of studies is 6 semesters. Information on studying part time.
The studies Major Subject (Academic) German as a Foreign and Second Language comprise 120 credit points.
Find out about the academic structure model and note the possible combinations as well as the rules regarding the individual supplementary area.
Application, admission, and enrolment
The study places are not subject to any admission restrictions (numerus clausus). Nevertheless, you need to apply within the currently applicable application deadlines. Afterwards, however, you can submit your application for enrolment directly in the application and status portal, provided that you meet the access requirements.
Step by step to a bachelor programme without NC
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Likewise, special conditions apply to those qualified in vocational education and training.
The courses
You will find the programme of lectures for this course in the eKVV.
An overview of the introductory and information events is provided by the central student counselling services.
Possible Combinations
Possible Combinations
Possible combinations for Combined Bachelor
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The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2026/27 and summer semester 2027.
Information on NC values from previous years