German Language

To pursue studies in Germany, it is essential to demonstrate proficiency in either English or German, unless you are a native speaker or have completed a program in one of these languages. This verification typically involves submitting an official language certificate. Although achieving this milestone requires dedication, universities do not expect non-native speakers to reach the level of native fluency.

​

German universities currently host over 245,000 international students, the majority of whom hail from non-English and non-German speaking countries. Consequently, universities are accustomed to having students for whom these languages are second languages.

​

German legislation clearly outlines acceptable German language certificates, but individual universities and programs retain the autonomy to establish specific language proficiency requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your chosen program to understand the precise language proficiency level they anticipate.

​

As a general guideline, German universities usually mandate proof of upper intermediate to advanced German language skills, roughly equivalent to level B2/C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Many institutions use the CEFR scale, which comprises six proficiency levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), to communicate the expected language proficiency of applicants.