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Learning German

Find out how to learn German before and during your studies and read our tips on fun ways to practice.

Everyday German is essential for life in Stuttgart, even if you are studying your degree program in English. Especially if you would like to find a student job in Germany or aim to enter the German job market after graduation, it is important to learn German – the earlier you start learning German the better!

Are you interested in studying in German? If so, you will find helpful information at:

Learn German – from anywhere

There are many options to learn German from anywhere:

Goethe-Institutes worldwide offer in-class and online courses. They also provide free media that can help you practice German.
Deutsche Welle offers a free online German course.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Database of German language courses. Make sure to filter by "online" if needed.
Association of German Language Schools (FDSV)
Language learning apps
To bridge the time until the start of your studies, you can take a look at the online course DUO – Everyday Life and Studying in Germany. However, the course does not focus on language skills, and the content is not specific to Stuttgart.

Try YouTube channels and podcasts for German learners, including:

It can be helpful and fun to watch series or films in German! Watching content you already know dubbed in German is a good place to start. Once you have more practice, you can proceed to new content. Have a look at the short and fun introduction to German television and film by Deutsche Welle.

If you prefer more basic German, try watching kids' TV programs in German and websites for children, including:

Learn German – at the University of Stuttgart

Would you like to study in a German-taught degree program, but you still have to improve your German? Join the International Office's preparatory German language course and prepare for the TestDaF exam! The TestDaF exam is offered at the University of Stuttgart for participants of the preparatory German courses and external exam candidates.
The International Office offers Intensive German Courses in March and September for program students from partner institutions (Erasmus and overseas exchange programs) and, depending on the availability of places, new students in selected Master's programs.
Students with a refugee background can obtain information on subsidized German courses and study preparation via Welcome Campus.
The Language Center (SZ - Sprachenzentrum) at the University of Stuttgart offers free courses for German as a foreign language which are open to all students and employees. You can find the course offers on the C@MPUS portal. The SZ also offers tandem and self-learning activities, scientific writing classes in English and German, subject-specific courses, and much more!
The University of Stuttgart also offers two short-term programs, the so-called Winter University and Summer University, for students of selected partner institutions.
You are welcome to contact the International Office for further information.

Learn German – in Stuttgart

The Deutschkolleg Stuttgart is located on the Stuttgart-Vaihingen campus and offers intensive German courses for study applicants, students, and young professionals.
The Volkshochschule Stuttgart (VHS) is a public adult education center and offers a wide range of German courses at reasonable prices.
Further information on language schools and German courses in Stuttgart is available at the Welcome Center of the city and region of Stuttgart.

Practice German

The most effective way to improve your German is to practice as often as possible. If you join forces with others, you will usually find it easier to learn German! At the University of Stuttgart you will find various opportunities to do this:

Peer-support programs by the International Office (Buddy Program and Intercultural Mentoring Program)
Student groups and university sports at the University of Stuttgart – meet students who share your interests!
Regularly check the events offered by the Ecumenical Center located on the Stuttgart-Vaihingen campus. Events often include a "language café" and other events that can help you practice German.
"Club International" organizes activities for young, international people in Stuttgart.
STUBE Baden-Württemberg organizes weekend seminars on global development for students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.