Uni-Tübingen

Beginner's German

Get started with German! Welcome to the German language program of the University's German as a Foreign Language Unit for Ph.D. students and researchers.

We'd like to help you get acquainted with German and feel comfortable in German language conversations at the university and in everyday life.

Intensive Course for international researchers in September 2026

Course Description

Would you like to start learning German, but have a very packed schedule? This intensive course could be a perfect solution. In three intense weeks, you will complete a sub-level. Smaller group sizes ensure close support and fast individual progress.

Course dates: September 14th - October 2nd, 2026

Participants: This course is designed for postdocs, researchers, professors and their spouses, as well as PhD students and, provided there are open seats, for master's students.

Intensity: 5 days / week, MO-FRI from 9:00 - 12:30. 

Classes/levels: We are planning a class for beginners with approx. 60 hours of German (level A1.2), as well as a class for more advanced beginners with approx. 120 hours of German (level A2.1) - provided that there are enough registrations. You will complete a sub-level in this course, which is equivalent to a semester course.

Course fee: 155,- € (or 85,- € for master's students)

Registration period: July 1st until July 26th, 2026. The registration form will be available on this page. Allocation of places will be on a first come, first served basis.

Location: on site, the classrooms are located at Wilhelmstraße 22

Textbook: Kurs DaF A1 / A2 (Klett).

Course Registration & Placement Test

Registration for the intensive course for researchers in September 2026 is closed now. If you have any questions, please email to: german4researchers@daf.uni-tuebingen.de.

If you are a complete beginner (A1.1), skip step 1 and directly proceed to step 2. If you are a beginner with some previous knowledge (A1.2), start with step 1 (placement test). If your current language level is higher, we unfortunately do not offer an intensive course in September. You can join our Early Bird and Evening Classes in the winter semester.

4 Steps to Registration:

Step 1 Take the placement test and save your score (f.ex. by taking a screenshot). Enter the password, and then follow the instructions. Duration of the test: 45 minutes. Please note: The test will start immediately after you have entered the password. You can only take the test once! Password: German24

Skip this step if you are a complete beginner.

Step 2 Fill in the online application form. The form is closed now.

Step 3 Wait for a message via email from us. We will let you know if we can offer you a place, after we have reviewed all applications. The email will include detailed payment information. Make your payment (155,00 €) right away to secure your place. We will not confirm your payment - you are all set.

Step 4 Your teacher will contact you with details for your first meeting in class, shortly before classes begin.

Please note: If you withdraw from the course, we will refund the course fee minus a processing fee of 10 €. We will not refund the course fee if you withdraw after Monday, August 31st, 2026!

Early Bird and Evening Classes - semester courses on levels A1.1 - B1.2

Registration for the winter semester 2026-27:

September 21 - September 28, 2026. 

Course Description and classes

These courses for beginners cover all aspects of German needed for basic communication routines and familiarize with the distinctive structures of the language. Our classes (including the online classes!) are communication-oriented and encourage active participation.  

You can choose between

  • our Early Bird courses (two times per week, 8.15-9.45h)
  • or the Evening Classes (two times per week, 18.15-19.45h)

during the complete semester. (Summer term: April through July, Winter term: October through February)

Classes are available at a range of levels starting from complete beginners (A1.1) up to intermediate level (B1.2). 

For students who have already taken our B1.2 class, we have a new offering for the 2026/27 winter semester: the two-hour B1+ course “Perfektioniere dein B1”!

We offer classes that take place digitally on Zoom, or face-to-face-only classes. Please find our course program for the 2026/27 winter semester here.

Please note: successful course participation requires regular attendance (2x week) and additional preparation time  / homework assignments. You should calculate about 6 hours for all together (course + homework). Please make sure that you really have enough available time! 

Textbook: Kurs DaF A1 / A2 / B1 (Klett).

Course Registration & Placement Test

Registration for the 2026-27 winter semester will be open from September 21 through September 28, 2026. If you have any questions, please email to: german4researchers@daf.uni-tuebingen.de.

4 Steps to Registration:

Step 1 Take the placement test at your current level and save your score (f.ex. by taking a screenshot). The test links will be available below in mid-August.

This test is obligatory for the Early Bird and Evening Classes – unless you are a complete beginner (= level A1.1). Don't be tempted to use aids like a dictionary etc! Its important to find the class that fits accurately your real language skills.

Please choose the test that corresponds to your level. Enter the password, and then follow the instructions. Duration of the test: 45 minutes (Test 1 and 2), or 60 minutes (Test 3). Please note: The test will start immediately after you have entered the password. You may take the test only once!

Test 1 (if you are aiming for a class on the level A1.2 or A2.1; previous knowledge 60 - 120 hours of German). Password: German24

Test 2 (if you are aiming for a class on the level A2.2 or B1.1; previous knowledge 120 - 240 hours of German). Password: German24

Test 3 (if you are aiming for a class on the level B1.2; previous knowledge > 240 hours of German). Password: German24

Step 2 Fill in the online application form. The form will open on September 21 at 8am.

Step 3 After we have reviewed all applications, you will receive a message via email to let you know if we can offer you a place at your level, including detailed information for making your payment (80 € course fee for Master Students & 150,00 € for everyone else). Make your payment right away to secure your place. We will not confirm your payment - you are all set.

Step 4 Your teachers will contact you with details for your first meeting in class, shortly before classes begin.

Please note: If you withdraw from the course, we will retain a processing fee of 10 €. We will not refund the course fee if you withdraw after Tuesday, October 13, 2026!