Language requirements

  • German
    The language of instruction at the University of Duisburg-Essen is German with the exception of the international degree courses. So you must have a good command of German if you wish to complete your studies successfully, except some courses. The majority of foreign applicants must pass the „Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang" (DSH 2) before beginning their studies. Please find general information about language requirements at www.sprachnachweis.de
     
  • Doctoral programmes
    In case of admission to a doctoral programme a proof of German language proficiency is not necessary if the doctoral degree regulations accept alternative languages. 
  • English
    In degree courses which have English as an admission requirement, TOEFL, IELTS or an equivalent must be supplied. Further details are available at the international office or at General Student Counselling Service (ABZ). (see >> www.uni-due.de/imperia/md/content/international/degree_courses.pdf).  
  • Other foreign language offers
    Overview see www.uni-due.de/international/en_language_courses.shtml

Preparatory German courses

In case your German skills are not sufficient:

  • You have to apply for a place at the University of Duisburg-Essen with the "application for admission for foreign applicants"
  • If you fulfill the professional requirements you will receive a letter of admission for a language course. 
  • If you supply us the confirmation of your language course registration (and fulfill the university entrance requirement), you will be enrolled (matriculation). You also need the confirmation of language course registration in order to apply for a visa.

There are several Providers of language courses available for a fee, which prepare for the DSH exam. Please register directly at one of the providers.

Language exam

You are exempted from the DSH exam if you:

  • are the possessor of the German Language Diploma Level II of the „Kultusministerkonferenz" (DSD II),
  • have a certificate of the „Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung" (ZOP) of the Goethe Institute, 
  • are the possessor of the „Kleine Deutsche Sprachdiplom" and/or the „Große Deutsche Sprachdiplom", 
  • have successfully completed the preparatory course (Studienkolleg),
  • have done the DSH at another German university (overall mark at least DSH-2), 
  • have completed the TestDaF certificate with TDN 4 or better in all sections,
  • are studying within an exchange programme concluded with the University of Duisburg-Essen,
  • have a degree in German studies from a university within the EU (and in the following countries: Bulgaria, CIS successor states and other countries which can be determined by the DSH commission).

You can obtain further details from the International Office or from the General Student Counselling Service (ABZ).

Study-accompanying offers (free of charge)

Language and writing classes (German)

Even after you have passed the DSH, it is useful to attend further language classes during your studies and classes on academic writing. You can find information on these at the International Office, the notice boards in the German department or on the internet:

In the language laboratory and language learning centre (SLZ), you can learn many European and some non-European languages by studying on your own or you can expand your knowledge of your chosen language. You can find information on interactive learning at:
Duisburg: LB 245, Phone: (0203) 379-2916
Essen: R12 R03 A79, Phone: (0201) 183-0 (SLZ)

Languagetandem (Sprachtandem)

The Languagetandem is a good opportunity to learn languages practically.