General Information
Everything you need to know about our language courses, preparatory courses, language certificates and translation services.
FAQs - Language Center
Who can use the Language Center's services?
Our courses are available to university students and staff, depending on the course.
Which German courses are available?
We offer German courses at most levels. These courses are free of charge for all university students and staff. Please contact the Language Center for further information.
What are the preparatory language courses (Vorkurse)?
Preparatory courses are designed to help students strengthen their language skills before starting curricular language modules.
Are preparatory courses part of my degree program?
No. Preparatory courses are not curricular courses and do not carry ECTS credits. They are nevertheless free of charge for our students and staff members.
How do I register for a preparatory course?
Registration for our beginners' courses (French 1, Italian 1 & Spanish 1) is open in Stud.IP from September until the start of the lecture period. If you are not a complete beginner, please contact the Language Center.
Is attendance compulsory?
Yes. Attendance is compulsory in all language courses. Teaching is, however, done in a blended learning format - details about class attendance times is given at the start of the the course.
Can the Language Center issue language certificates?
Yes. We issue language certificates for students who need proof of their language skills when applying for a study semester or internship abroad.
Please contact the Language Center directly, providing:
- your degree program
- any grades received in the relevant language from our language courses
- where you are applying to, and whether it's for an internship or a study semester
Please contact us in the target language for which you require the certificate.
Does the Language Center provide translation and proofreading services?
Yes. For internal translation and proofreading requests, please contact us via the link provided on the right.
Tips for Language Learning
- Try to expose yourself to your chosen language(s) as much as possible by listening to/reading/watching the news, TV series, films, podcasts, websites, blogs or whatever interests you.
- If you’re a beginner, try downloading free language-learning apps like Duolinguo to practice vocabulary.
- The HGU library can also offer you access to the Rosetta Stone online language learning programs in different languages. Visit the library homepage for more information.
- Make sure you have a free bilingual dictionary app installed on your phone (e.g., Linguee) and, ideally, a paper dictionary on your desk at home.
Last but not least: make sure to try to meet other students who are native speakers of your target language! Geisenheim has plenty of German and international students who are also interested in learning languages and sharing their culture, so why not organize regular tandem sessions to learn from each other?
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment.
The Language Center is located in Room 01.02 and 02.02 in the Müller-Thurgau-Haus.
Translation
The Language Center coordinates internal translation work for the university. For information please contact: translation(at)hs-gm.de
German as a Foreign Language
The German courses at HGU are only available to registered students and staff members. Please note that no language examinations such as TestDaF, Goethe, telc, etc. are offered. No language certificates will be issued.
The Language Center offers German courses at all levels (A1-C1) during the semester. The courses usually take place 1-2 times per week (max. 180 min/week) from A2 level.
The A1 beginners' course includes face-to-face lessons (approx. 180 min/week) as well as tasks on the HGU learning platform.
Please take a placement test before registering if you have previous knowledge of German (see registration).
To register for a course, please contact the Language Center (Ms Katharina Betker-Zawisko, Katharina.BetkerZawisko(at)hs-gm.de).
International employees can take part in German courses during the semester.
You can find the timetables here under ‘Sprachenzentrum’.
Please take a placement test before registering if you have previous knowledge of German (see registration).
To register for a course, please contact the Language Center (Ms Katharina Betker-Zawisko, Katharina.BetkerZawisko(at)hs-gm.de).
If you already have German language knowledge you will need to take a placement test before registering. Please follow the steps below:
- Click the following link: einstufungstests.klett-sprachen.de
- Enter your name and e-mail address.
- Complete the placement test without a dictionary or any other aid (max. 60 min.). When the questions get too hard to answer, click on the 'Alles einreichen' button.
- Forward your results to Katharina Betker-Zawisko (Katharina.BetkerZawisko(at)hs-gm.de).
- We will then get back to you with the course details.
The writing course is focused on academic writing at a C1 level. It is offered as a supplement to the standard C1 language course and is available to any international students who would like to improve their German writing skills.
Are you currently working on a seminar paper or your thesis in German and struggling with the writing process? Then come to the Writing Center!
This service is available to all students at HGU – regardless of whether German is your native language or not.
No courses running this semester? Hopefully you can find something here:
- Rosetta Stone: all you need is your HGU e-mail address
- Deutsche Welle (DW): free learning materials
- Goethe Institut: free learning materials
Horticulture (B.Sc.)
- Level: min. B1
- Timing: Compulsory module in semester 3 (Fach.- und Wirtschaftsenglisch für den Gartenbau) 2 ECTS credits |
Optional module in semester 5 (Fach.- und Wirtschaftsenglisch II) 3 ECTS credits - Lecturer: Nina Scheicher
- Pre-registration (optional module): End of semester 4 (notification will be given)
Beverage Technology (B.Sc.)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Französisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1)no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Compulsory module(Fachfremdsprache Französisch) 6 ECTS credits | min. A2 | Abdesslem Aboub
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Italienisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1)no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Compulsory module(Fachfremdsprache Italienisch) 6 ECTS credits |min. A2 | Daniela Ceroni
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Spanisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1)no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Compulsory module(Fachfremdsprache Spanisch) 6 ECTS credits |min. A2 | Silvia Soto de Kamann
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
International Wine Business (B.Sc.) – German Program
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Französisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Französisch) 6 ECTS credits | min. A2 | Abdesslem Aboub
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Italienisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1)no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Italienisch) 6 ECTS credits | min. A2 | Daniela Ceroni
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Spanisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1)no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Spanisch) 6 ECTS credits | min. B1 | Silvia Soto de Kamann
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
International Wine Business (B.Sc.) – English Program
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Französisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Semi-compulsory module (Fachfremdsprache Französisch/ French: Professional & Technical Communication) 6 ECTS credits | min. A2 level | Abdesslem Aboub
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Italienisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Semi-compulsory module (Fachfremdsprache Italienisch/ Italian: Professional & Technical Communication) 6 ECTS credits |min. A2 level | Daniela Ceroni
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Spanisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semester 3 & 4: Semi-compulsory module (Fachfremdsprache Spanisch/ Spanish: Professional & Technical Communication) 6 ECTS credits | min. A2 | Silvia Soto de Kamann
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semester 1 & 2: Semi-compulsory module (German Language Course, levels A1-C1 offered) 12 ECTS credits
Our German courses are offered at all language levels.
In case of previous German language knowledge you will need to take a placement test before registering. Please follow the steps below:
- Click the following link: einstufungstests.klett-sprachen.de
- Enter your name and e-mail address.
- Complete the placement test without a dictionary or any other aid (max. 60 min.). When the questions get too hard to answer, click on the 'Alles einreichen' button.
- Forward your results to Katharina Betker-Zawisko (Katharina.BetkerZawisko(at)hs-gm.de).
- We will then get back to you with the course details.
Semester 3 & 4: Semi-compulsory module (German: Professional & Technical Communication B1/B2) 6 ECTS credits |min. A2 level | Ms Katharina Betker-Zawisko
Pre-registration: end of semester 4 (notification will be given)
Landscape Architecture (B.Eng.)
- Level: min. B1
- Timing: Optional module in semester 4/6 (Fach.- und Wirtschaftsenglisch für Landschaftsarchitektur)
- Lecturer: Nina Scheicher
- Pre-registration: End of semester 3/5 (as this course is not listed in the module handbook, please contact the Language Center if you need more information and for registration)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Französisch 1 & 2; A1)
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3/5: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Französisch) | min. A2 level
Pre-registration: End of semester 2/4 (as this course is not listed in the module handbook, please contact the Language Center if you need more information and for registration)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Italienisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semester 3/5: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Italienisch) 3 ECTS credits | min. A2 | Daniela Ceroni
Pre-registration: End of semester 2/4 (as this course is not listed in the module handbook, please contact the Language Center if you need more information and for registration)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Spanisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semester 3/5: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Spanisch) 3 ECTScredits |min. A2
Pre-registration: End of semester 2/4 (as this course is not listed in the module handbook, please contact the Language Center if you need more information and for registration)
Food Chain Management (B.Sc.)
Semesters 1 & 2 or 3 & 4: (Optional) preparation course (Italienisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 5 & 6: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Italienisch) 6 ECTS credits |min. A2 level | Daniela Ceroni
Pre-registration: End of semester 4 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2 or 3 & 4: (Optional) preparation course (Spanisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 5 & 6: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Spanisch) 6 ECTS credits |min. A2 level | Silvia Soto de Kamann
Pre-registration: End of semester 4 (notification will be given)
Food Safety (B.Sc.)
- Level: min. B1
- Timing: Compulsory module in semesters 1 & 2 (Fach.-u. Wirtschaftsenglisch 1) 6 ECTScredits | Compulsory module in semesters 3 & 4 (Fach.-u. Wirtschaftsenglisch 2) 6 ECTS credits | Semi-compulaory module in semesters 5 & 6 (Advanced Business English)6 ECTS credits
- Lecturers: Sangeetha Madhaven, Brigitte Lückoff
Viticulture and Enology (B.Sc.)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Französisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Französisch) 6 ECTS credits |min. A2 level | Abdesslem Aboub
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Italienisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Italienisch) 6 ECTScredits |min. A2 level | Daniela Ceroni
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Spanisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3 & 4: Compulsory module (Fachfremdsprache Spanisch) 6 ECTS credits | min. A2 level | Silvia Soto de Kamann
Pre-registration: End of semester 2 (notification will be given)
