General Information
The Language Center is responsible for organizing language courses and providing translation services for the university.
We offer German courses for most levels, which are available for our students and staff free of charge. For further information, please contact us.
In addition to the curricular language courses that are built into the different degree programs, we also offer free preparation courses for our students. The goal of these courses is to prepare students for the curricular language modules. As the preparation courses are not part of the degree programs, students do not receive ECTS points for completing them.
Complete beginners can register for the preparation courses (French 1, Italian 1 and Spanish 1) in Stud.IP from September until the beginning of the lecture period. If you are not a complete beginner, please contact the Language Center to complete your registration.
Both the curricular and preparation courses have mandatory attendance.
We also issue language certificates for students planning internships and study periods abroad. To request a certificate, please contact us in the relevant target language and include information about your degree program and any language courses you have taken at HGU.
The Language Center also handles internal translation, editing, and proofreading requests. Our translation team can be reached through the link 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)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course(Französisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) or (Französisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semester 5: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Französisch) 3 ECTS credits | min. A2 | Simone Weiß
Pre-registration: End of semester 4 (notification will be given)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Italienisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1) or (Italienisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semester 5: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Italienisch)3 ECTS points |min. A2 | Daniela Ceroni
Pre-registration: End of semester 4 (notification will be given)
Beverage Technology (B.Sc.)
Semesters 1 & 2: (Optional) preparation course (Französisch Vorkurs 1 & 2; A1)or (Französisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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)or (Italienisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2)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)or (Spanisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2)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) or (Französisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2)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)or (Italienisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2)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)or (Spanisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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) or (Französisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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) or (Italienisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2)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) or (Spanisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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) or (Französisch 3 & 4; A2)
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semesters 3/5: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Französisch) | min. A2 level | Simone Weiß
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) or (Italienisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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) or (Spanisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) no ECTS credits
Pre-registration: Stud.IP from October 1
Semester 3/5: Optional module (Fachfremdsprache Spanisch) 3 ECTScredits |min. A2 | José Martinez
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) or (Italienisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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) or (Spanisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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) or (Französisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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) or (Italienisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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) or (Spanisch Vorkurs 3 & 4; A2) 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)
