German as a Second and Foreign Language

IN A NUTSHELL As a prospective expert in German as a Second Language / Foreign Language, this degree programme centres on the guiding principle that linguistic and subject-specific learning – especially in the context of work and higher education - are inseparably linked. Throughout your engagement with both theory and (teaching) practice, research-based and applied aspects play a key role, preparing you for a variety of multilingual professional fields at home and abroad. Whether you aspire to become a researcher in German as Second Language / Foreign Language at a university in Germany or overseas, a head of department for German as Second Language / Foreign Language at an adult education institution, a teacher in German as a Foreign Language at a non-German university for prospective engineers, a German language teacher in healthcare settings in a non-German-speaking country, or a staff member developing teaching materials for a publishing house, this programme equips you to specialise in these and many other career paths. WHAT THIS COURSE IS ABOUT In an era of globalisation and increasing transnational migration, research and teaching in German as a Second Language / Foreign Language hold significant societal importance. Language skills are central to participation in social practices and discourses, vocational training, academic study, and employment. Due to (forced) migration, the targeted recruitment of international professionals, and the internationalisation of universities, teaching and learning German as a Second Language / Foreign Language are becoming ever more important. Around 15 million people worldwide learn German, particularly in schools and in the context of academic and professional pursuits. Against this backdrop, the programme focuses on the professional development of students for teaching and researching German as a Second Language / Foreign Language – especially for work and specialised studies – in both institutional and non-institutional contexts within multilingual settings. This degree offers a distinctive and contemporary focus within the field of German as a Second Language / Foreign Language. A key feature is the close integration of theory, empirical research, and practical application, reflecting the central research priorities of the department. You will gain comprehensive insights into the scientific foundations, findings, and methodological approaches of German as a Second Language / Foreign Language and learning research, with particular emphasis on professional and subject-specific communication and acquisition contexts. Based on this foundation, you will learn to plan, organise, conduct, evaluate, and reflect on your own research and teaching activities. By selecting courses, project topics, and shaping your internship, you can set your own priorities and prepare specifically for particular professional fields.