We offer various courses based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages, leading to the globally acknowledged Goethe- Zertifikat qualifications A1 – B2. We offer four levels of accreditation starting from Beginners (A1) leading up to Advanced (B2). Students are able to reach one level per year of study. Goethe-Zertifikat exams take place on campus at the end of the academic year.

Courses

Our language courses aim to develop your linguistic skills and intercultural competence and enhance your employment opportunities. You can find out more on the general information page.

The following German courses are available for students currently studying at the University of Bath:

Placement test

If you have never learned German with us before, please take this placement test so that you know which course is suitable for you.

How to complete the test

1. Select the test you would like to complete.
2. To start the test click on Test starten.
3. Click on weiter to move from one question to the next.
4. After you answer the final question click Test beenden.
5. You will then receive your result. This is an example of the result from the A1.1 placement test:

• Sie haben den Test beendet (You have finished the test)
• Ihr Ergebnis: 23.5 von 25 Punkten (Your result: 23.5 out of 25 points)
• Sie können mit A1.2 beginnen (You can start with A1.2 – which is the Post-Beginner course)

Please contact the German Course Leader if you require further assistance. Please also refer to the course descriptions below.

Course descriptions

Complete Beginner (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level A1.1

This course is suitable for you if you have never studied German before.

Post Beginner (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level A1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Complete Beginner course with us, or can:

• use basic structures and vocabulary related to greetings, introductions, family, numbers, time, food
• form simple sentences using present tense verbs, basic question forms and negations
• engage in simple conversations

Elementary Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level A2.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed the Post Beginner course with us, or have grades 4-6 in German GCSE or a similar qualification, or can:

• use basic structures and vocabulary related to everyday topics
• use the present and the perfect tense
• engage in longer conversations on familiar topics and express basic opinions

Elementary Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to level A2.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Elementary Part 1 with us, or can:

• use a wider range of vocabulary covering topics including work, education, hobbies
• use the present and perfect tense, the simple past tense and have a good understanding of modal verbs
• engage in longer conversations on familiar topics, express basic opinions and make suggestions

Intermediate Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level B1.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Elementary Part 2 with us, or have a Grade 7 or above in German GCSE or a similar qualification, or:

• have a substantial vocabulary covering a wide range of topics
• can use different tenses, modal verbs and have a sound understanding of basic German word order
• can engage in longer conversations and express opinions on a range of topics

Intermediate Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level B1.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Intermediate Part 1 with us, or have an AS level or equivalent, or:

• have an extensive vocabulary across a wide range of topics
• can use the different tenses, modal verbs, relative clauses and more advanced grammatical structures
• can engage in reasonably fluent and spontaneous conversations, presenting arguments and expressing opinions

Advanced Part 1 (Semester 1)

Equivalent to CEFR level B2.1

Enrol on this course if you have completed Intermediate Part 2 with us, or if you have an A level or equivalent, if you have lived in a German speaking country, or:

• have an extensive vocabulary across a wide range of topics
• have a strong command of grammar including passive voice, conditional tense
• can engage in reasonably fluent conversations on a wide range of topics

Advanced Part 2 (Semester 2)

Equivalent to CEFR level B2.2

Enrol on this course if you have completed Advanced Part 1 with us, have an A level or equivalent, if you have lived in a German speaking country, or:

• have an extensive vocabulary across a wide range of topics
• have a strong command of German grammar including passive voice, conditional tense
• can engage in reasonably fluent conversations on a wide range of topics

German for Business Complete Beginner (Semester 1) and Post Beginner (Semester 2)

Enrol on this Beginner course if you have never learnt German before and would like to learn the language for a placement or future work with either German companies here or abroad or international companies trading with Germany.

This course will focus on using the language in everyday situations alongside using German in work-specific contexts. It will give you the opportunity to:

• start developing proficiency in the language
• use the language within a work-related context
• further your understanding of German society, culture and work environment
• enhance your employability skills and employment opportunities

Goethe-Zertifikat Exam Preparatory Workshops (A1/A2/B1/B2) (Semester 2)

A set of 5 preparatory workshops is offered to all students who opt to sit for the Goethe-Zertifikat qualifications. These are held in Semester 2 and run alongside the respective courses.

Course dates and times

All courses consist of 10 weekly interactive sessions delivered on campus in person (IPL = In-person learning), or remotely (LOIL = Live online interactive learning).

The timetable for Semester 1 will be published during July/August. Enrolments will open on 18 September 2024. Taster sessions will be held during the weeks of 23 and 30 September and classes will start in the week beginning 7 October 2024.

Student experience

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time learning German with the foreign languages department over the last two semesters. Before I enrolled on the course, I did not feel confident at all when speaking German. The teaching staff helped me to improve upon all four key language skills, which has enabled me to comfortably converse with others whenever I have the opportunity. At the end of the year, I was offered the chance to put my German skills to the test and sit a formal exam. The support I received leading up to this was phenomenal and the preparatory workshops did not interfere with my own studies at all. Now that my German skills are officially accredited I have a wealth of new career opportunities available to me. I’m even looking at graduate roles in Germany which is something that would not have been possible had I not enrolled on the course!" (Josh Harris, BSc Economics)

You can read more about the German Advanced course in the following blog: 5 facts about German and Germany.

In addition to our courses, there are opportunities to develop your language and intercultural skills informally with other students through Peer Assisted Learning, Virtual Exchange and the Language Café.

Outside the classroom, we also share cultural events organised by German associations in the UK such as the Goethe-Institut London, UK-German Connection and Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) with our students. These events offer additional opportunities for you to develop your knowledge of German language and culture.