German as a Second and Foreign Language for Work and Specialised Studies

This MA focuses on German as a second and foreign language in academic and professional contexts, linking linguistic and subject-specific learning with research-based and applied teaching practice. Students can shape parts of the programme through course choices, projects, and internship focus areas.

Academic requirements

At a minimum, the following competencies are expected: advanced knowledge of linguistics, including elements of German studies, and fundamental competencies in foreign/second language didactics or in research on foreign/second language acquisition.

Minimum GPA

No explicit numerical GPA threshold is stated on the cited DAAD and university pages.

English requirements

The programme itself is taught in German. If German is your first language, proof of two foreign languages is required, one at B2 and one at A1; English at B2 is especially recommended. If German is not your first language, one additional foreign language at A1 is required, and international applicants must also prove sufficient German for the degree programme.

German requirements

Additionally, international students must prove that their German language skills are sufficient for the degree programme. The specific requirements and accepted proofs can be found here.

Accepted bachelor fields

Completed degree in German as a foreign or second language, German studies, or a programme with significant linguistic components, including combined degrees with at least one of those subjects. Expected competencies include advanced linguistics with German studies content and foundational competence in foreign/second-language didactics or acquisition research.

APS Certificate

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

325.50 EUR per semester (official Paderborn University semester fee for Summer Semester 2026).

ECTS credits

120

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: 325.50 EUR per semester (official Paderborn University semester fee for Summer Semester 2026).

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.

• 1

  Anglophone Modernities in Literature and Culture

  University of Potsdam

  Potsdam · Master of Arts · English

• 2

  English Literature and Culture

  Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

  Mainz · Bachelor of Arts · English

• 3

  Master's Programme in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language

  Heidelberg University

  Heidelberg · Master of Arts · German

• 4

  MISU at LMU: Fit for Management and Job

  Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

  München · Certificate · German

• 5

  MISU at LMU: Fit for the B1 Certificate

  Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

  München · Certificate · German