Beginner's German

Registration period: Monday, November 23 through Sunday, December 6, 2026. The registration form and placement test links will be available below. If you have any questions, please email to: german4researchers@daf.uni-tuebingen.de.

4 Steps to Registration:

Step 1 Take the placement test and save your score (f.ex. by taking a screenshot). This test is obligatory for all new students in the March Intensive Course – unless you are a complete beginner (= level A1.1) or you are currently taking an Early Bird or Evening Class (grade requirement will be checked in February).

Please choose the test that corresponds to the desired level. Enter the password, and the test will start immediately. Duration of the test: 45 minutes (Test 1 and 2), or 60 minutes (Test 3). Please note: You can only take the test once! Do not be tempted to use aids like a dictionary etc! It is important to find the class that matches your actual language skills.

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 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

The test is not necessary if you are a complete beginner. If you are currently participating in a class in the winter term and finish the class sucessfully with a grade 2.0 or better, you do not need to take the test again, either. Otherwise, we will ask you to take the test or meet us for a consultation in February. If you took the test in September, and did not get a place in the winter term, you can use that test result. 

Step 2 Fill in the online application form. The form will open on November 23.

Step 3 After we have reviewed applications, we will contact you via email  to let you know if we can offer you a place at your level, including detailed information for making your payment (85 € course fee). 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: We cannot refund the fee in case of withdrawal and deregistration after the start of the course. 

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).

Registration for the 2027 summer semester will open in March 2027. Please check back periodically for updates. 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 are available below.

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

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, April 13, 2027!