Degree
State Examination
Semester fee
71
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
7
Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
No
The subject German as a Second Language is primarily aimed at teaching degree students and intends to prepare them for the heterogeneous linguistic conditions in schools. Approaching the topic from multiple perspectives, students acquire knowledge on the German language in the context of multilingualism and migration.
The program in detail
Contents
Contents of the subject include theories and descriptive models of second language acquisition, approaches for diagnosis, promotion and mediation of linguistic knowledge and regarding the design of teaching concepts that are specifically developed for German as a second language and multilingualism. This also includes teaching with special awareness for languages; a topic which is relevant for all subjects, grade levels and types of schools.
Based on an interdisciplinary perspective, students of the program acquire in-depth knowledge on empirical methods used in second language acquisition research. They are encouraged to critically reflect on topics and are able to carry out own (small) empirical studies. In addition, students learn a migration-related foreign language on A2 level, which will enable them to develop skills for comparative language observation. Through completion of internships at the different relevant types of schools, students consolidate their theoretical knowledge by applying it in practice.
Structure
Semesters 1 and 2 (basic phase)
Basic Module Fundamentals of German as a Second Language (16 ECTS)
- Introductory course in linguistics
- Introductory course in literary studies
- Lecture on German as a second language
- Seminar on German language acquisition
- Exercise on techniques of scientific work
Modern Foreign Language 1 + 2 (10 ECTS)
Semesters 3 and 4 (development phase)
Module Language Acquisition and Multilingualism (10 ECTS)
- Basics of research
- Methods and results
Module Teaching Methodology DaZ I (10 ECTS)
- Vocabulary and grammar in a multilingual context
- Text, literature and culture
Semesters 5 to 6 (consolidation phase)
Consolidation Phase (10 ECTS)
- Concepts and methods for promotion and imparting
- Language acquisition
- Textbook analysis
Semester 7 (required elective area)
Required elective area (10 ECTS)
- German as a Foreign Language (DaF) and German as a Second Language (DaZ) in a non-school context
- Research-oriented specialization
- Practice for exam preparation
Module plan
The subject can be chosen at the KU as a teaching degree subject for elementary or secondary school (Mittelschule) teachers, and as a subsequent extension for teachers at secondary schools (Realschule or Gymnasium).
The module plans/program structure plans for each school type can be accessed on the website of the Center for Teacher Education (in German).
Facilities
- Test, teaching and training materials for viewing and lending
- Mobile EEG laboratory for neurophysiological investigations
Rankings and assessments
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
Studying abroad
Many of our students spend a semester abroad at a foreign university and/or teach German as a foreign language at a school, university or other institution. This stay abroad is expressly supported by the degree program and crediting of stays abroad is effected very flexibly.
Partner universities
The KU maintains a partnership network with around 300 universities worldwide. The KU International Office supports students in the planning phase and provides information on different financing possibilities for stays abroad. A new partnership currently exists with the Department of German Studies, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland.
The subject area of German as a Second Language is integrated into the European PhD network MultiMind with partners from eight European countries and one non-European partner.
Semester abroad
"Foreign countries have magical effects on me – I am simply drawn to new cultures again and again. All the possibilities to "get out" during my time at university are virtually familiar to me. I can look back on experiences I made via the Goethe-Institut in two programs to China and Slovakia, and I spent two years in…
"Foreign countries have magical effects on me – I am simply drawn to new cultures again and again. All the possibilities to "get out" during my time at university are virtually familiar to me. I can look back on experiences I made via the Goethe-Institut in two programs to China and Slovakia, and I spent two years in Thailand at a German school abroad and participated in a summer school in Italy. And I have already planned the next project abroad: I will soon be studying in the international degree program GLOBED. All my experiences have been unique and I wouldn't want to miss any of them – I can only recommend it to everybody".
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
The program primarily prepares students for German as a Second Language in school contexts. With the study program, graduates can also qualify themselves in many ways for the non-school professional market. Amongst others, this includes teaching activities at language schools in Germany and abroad or a career in intercultural areas (integration institutions, Goethe institutes, or similar) or in politics and administration.
What students say about the program
"I have been studying elementary school teaching in Eichstätt since the 2018/2019 winter semester. I have chosen German as a Second Language and German, Mathematics and Art as didactic subjects. What I particularly like about the University is its small size. Here, students are not just a number, they have a name.…
"I have been studying elementary school teaching in Eichstätt since the 2018/2019 winter semester. I have chosen German as a Second Language and German, Mathematics and Art as didactic subjects. What I particularly like about the University is its small size. Here, students are not just a number, they have a name. Furthermore, you don't lose your bearings so quickly at the University and making new contacts with fellow students is easy. My degree program in Elementary School Teaching with a focus on German as a Second Language is very close to reality. Every class today has at least one student with German as a second language. In addition, Mrs. Gruber is a super secretary who always puts her heart and soul into supporting the students of the program.”
"With German as a Second Language, you get an interesting insight into your own language. It is a subject in which you have a lot of freedom in its design."
"With German as a Second Language, you get an interesting insight into your own language. It is a subject in which you have a lot of freedom in its design."
"The studies in German as a Second Language are diverse and future-oriented. In addition to interesting content in German, you also have the opportunity to get to know another foreign language, which is an added value for understanding German as a second language."
"The studies in German as a Second Language are diverse and future-oriented. In addition to interesting content in German, you also have the opportunity to get to know another foreign language, which is an added value for understanding German as a second language."
"With German as a Second Language, I study a subject the contents of which I can later use in most other subjects. During my studies, I learn a lot about the language acquisition of my students and how I can best support them. But also important scientific basics are imparted in the program.”
"With German as a Second Language, I study a subject the contents of which I can later use in most other subjects. During my studies, I learn a lot about the language acquisition of my students and how I can best support them. But also important scientific basics are imparted in the program.”
The KU
Campus
Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.
What sets the KU apart
Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.
It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.
Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?
No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.
At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.
As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.
This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.
Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation.
Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?
With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.
A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.
Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.
The location
![[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten](/fileadmin/22/Studiengaenge/Bilder_fuer_Studiengangwebseiten/Biergarten.jpg)
Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities.
The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.
Advisory Service
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
David
Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.