Prospective students at the University of Jena

Language requirements

Requirements and key qualifications
Prospective students at the University of Jena
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)

When studying, foreign languages have a decisive role. There are two very different central functions of it:

  1. Formal proof of certain language skills based on the secondary school leaving certificate or other forms of proof
  2. Practical language skills and competence, e.g. for reading texts in foreign languages, mainly in English, in almost all disciplines. In addition, broadening and developing language skills during studies. In some cases, language courses can also be introduced into the study programme as part of the general key qualifications.
  • Proof of language skills

    Certain language skills are required to study most courses offered at the University, in modern foreign languages and/or in ancient languages (Latin, Greek, Hebrew), depending on the course. You will find information on language qualifications in our Study Programme Database.

    Many of these language requirements can be proven in the qualification to enter higher education.

    Proof of modern foreign languages (1st and 2nd foreign language):

    Recognition of language skills proven with the ‘Abitur’ certificate (German university entrance qualification) is possible if the following periods are indicated:

    • lessons in school years 5‒10 (without Abitur examination)
    • lessons in school years 7‒12 (without Abitur examination)
    • Lessons in school years 9‒12 (with Abitur examination).

    If this proof cannot be provided, level B1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages/CEFRL) must be demonstrated parallel to the course of study with a reading test de (duration 60 minutes) in the Language Centre.

    Proof of Latin skills or ‘Latinum’ (Latin proficiency examination) and proof of Greek skills or ‘Graecum’ (Greek proficiency examination)

    Different language levels are indicated in the Study Regulations, which can be proven with the Abitur certificate:

    • basic knowledge of Latin or Greek (A course)
    • basic knowledge of Latin or Greek (A+F course); secondary school, year 10
    • Latinum/Graecum (A+F+L course).

    If this proof cannot be provided, it is possible to acquire it parallel to the course of study. de

    If you obtain your Latin qualifications obtained elsewhere, the competent examinations office must check whether they are equivalent.

  • Broadening and developing foreign language competence
  • Undergraduate study programmes without admission restrictions

    If you are eligible for direct admission to university, you have to prove that your German language level corresponds to level DSH-2 (German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education [pdf 61KB]pdf, 61 kb · de). You cannot start your studies at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena if you have only passed the DSH-1 exam. The following certificates accredited by the German Rectors Conference will be recognized as equivalents:

    • Goethe Certificate C2 (GDS)
    • German Language Diploma Level II of the KMK (DSD II)
    • TestDaF, at least TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination
    • telc Certificate C1 German for Higher Education (min. level »befriedigend«)
    • German exam as part of the assessment test at a Studienkolleg

    If you are yet to take the DSH-2 exam, you can request conditional admission onto a degree programme. You then must provide proof of participation in a German course, where the exam taken is at post-intermediate level (C1). This conditional admission will only become effective if you submit the DSH-2 certificate (or an equivalent certificate) by the enrolment date. The Friedrich Schiller University Jena offers a preparatory language course for the DSH exam. To attend the course, your German level must be at least equivalent to level B1 CEFR.

    Learn more
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