This course is primarily aimed at doctoral candidates and regular students in master’s degree programs that are taught in English. However, it may also be attended by employees and exchange students (Erasmus+, direct exchange).

• Application to register for a course submitted in good time using the online form on our website
• Completion of Language Center placement test or grade from language course previously attended at Freie Universität

5 ECTS

• Regular and active participation
• Completion of coursework (homework, grammar tests, writing short texts)
• Successful completion of final exam (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, grammatical structures)

General Focus:

• Introduction to, expansion upon, and reinforcement of basic grammatical structures
• Systematic work on building a basic vocabulary
• Practice listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills in everyday situations
• Exercises to practice oral and written expression
• Introduction to different forms of independent learning and working
• Discussing and reflecting upon cultural differences in everyday situations in Germany, Berlin, and at the university 

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, students are able to

• understand texts written in simple, everyday language provided these contain familiar vocabulary, international terms, and visual content clues;
• locate specific, predictable information in simple, everyday texts, as well as read short texts and reproduce key words, turns of phrase, and short sentences;
• recognize the main themes in texts that deal with familiar things when read aloud slowly and clearly in standard German and understand individual statements provided these contain international words and pauses to allow for comprehension;
• take part in short conversations on familiar topics within their own field of interest provided slow, standard German is used; exchange relevant information and provide simple responses to practical questions and questions regarding likes and dislikes;
• report on or describe a familiar topic within their own field of interest orally or in writing by listing individual points;
• determine the main points of a short, simple presentation on a familiar topic using structural elements;
• write about certain aspects of their daily lives using basic connectors to link sentences.

Course Topics:

Learning languages; families and personal backgrounds; living situation; mobility; free time