The THI Language Center offers language and intercultural electives for enrolled students of THI. Depending on your degree program, you can take these subjects as electives with ECTS credit or as free electives with a university certificate. To find out which subjects you can choose for your degree program, please contact the responsible program director directly.

In principle, you can take all subjects of the Language Center, even if a module is not offered as an elective subject for your degree program. If you are interested, you can enroll in a subject after consulting the Language Center, in case that there are still places available.

The course offerings for German as a foreign language include:

1. Course-related compulsory and elective subjects with ECTS credits

•         General compulsory/elective subjects
•      Electives for language and social competence

2. Free electives that can be taken by all THI students (university certificate)

Please refer to the pdf for the course outline.

For information on course objectives and content, please refer to the Module Handbook of the Language Center.

The THI Language Centre offers THI students a placement test in German as a foreign language (Deutsch als Fremdsprache – DaF). THI students can find further details of the placement test under DaF in Moodle.

The THI Language Centre offers a number of courses for THI students as certificate courses. When students pass the examination at the end of the THI course, they are issued with a THI higher education certificate.

Foreign students who require a language certificate as a prerequisite for admission can have externally acquired certificates credited by THI.
This only applies to certificates that are classified as equivalent to the Goethe-Zertifikat. More information.

THI students will find details of the THI certificate courses in the Language Centre Module Guide on Moodle.

1. DW Deutsch lernen

   DW offers a wide range of free learning materials including videos, audio, interactive courses, and news tailored for DaF learners. Covers levels A1 to C2. The site supports learners in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Spanish, and more.
    

2. Goethe-Institut

   The Goethe-Institut offers high-quality exercises, videos, and grammar explanations from beginner to advanced levels (A1–C2). Most of the content is in German, with some sections offering English support. Great for structured learning and exam prep.
    

3. Deutsch Training

   DeutschTraining.de provides grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, and exercises for A1 to B2 levels. The content is mainly in German, so it's best for learners comfortable with basic German instructions.
    

4. buchstaben.com

   This site focuses on alphabet, spelling, and basic grammar. Perfect for A1 learners and literacy-level students. The content is in simple German, ideal for absolute beginners and visual learners.
    

5. thoughtco.com (German section)

   ThoughtCo’s German section offers grammar rules, vocab lists, and cultural articles. Suitable for A2–B2 learners. The explanations are in English, which makes it easier for English-speaking learners to follow.
    

6. Wirtschaftsdeutsch

   Wirtschaftsdeutsch is pecialized in Business German, this site includes texts, vocabulary, and exercises for B2 and higher. The materials are in German and suited for learners preparing for work-related communication.
    

7. Learn German (learngerman.dw.com)

   Learn German is part of DW, it offers structured online courses with videos and quizzes for A1 to B1. Learners can choose instructions in several languages including English, Arabic, Spanish, and more.
    

8. VHS Lernportal

   VHS offers complete self-study courses from A1 to B2, plus literacy and integration courses. The portal supports multiple languages (e.g., English, Arabic, Turkish), making it highly accessible for beginners.

    

9. vhb – Bavarian Virtual University (German as a Foreign Language)

   The vhb provides online German courses from A1 to C2, created by Bavarian universities. The materials cover grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading skills, academic writing, and subject-specific language.
   CLASSIC vhb: Semester-based courses with tutoring and the option to earn ECTS credits.
   OPEN vhb: Open, flexible courses for anyone, with no admission requirements.
   SMART vhb: Short learning units (approx. 45 min) focused on specific topics.

    

10. Conjugio

    Conjugio helps you practice verb conjugations using real sentences instead of relying only on grammar tables. It makes it easier to understand which tense naturally fits in spoken language.

• Deutsch Perfekt: the magazine from ZEIT Sprachen is available both online and in print format. It consists of not too complex articles in German on topics of everyday life, politics/society and others. Some articles are also available as audio files. Other language learning areas include grammar, listening comprehension, communication and vocabulary.
• Deutsche Welle: a leading news portal for reading the latest news in German.

Book Tips

• PONS 600 exercises (in) German as a foreign language: with the textbook you learn German grammar and vocabulary on the basis of 600 exercises and puzzles.  Vocabulary can also be downloaded as lists.
• Langenscheidt Sprechtraining Deutsch für den Beruf (German for the Job): for all those who want to learn oral communication for the professional life. It consists of meaningful vocabulary and helpful formulations. The listening and speaking exercises are available as MP3 downloads.
• ASSiMiL Deutsch ohne Mühe heute für Ausländer / Assimil German with ease: aimed at those who do not like cramming grammar. The Assimil method is based on intuitive learning. After completing the learning workshop, 2,000 German words will have been learned and you’ll be able to form sentences for everyday life. Assimil-Verlag (Publisher)
• Phonetiktrainer: Kurs- und Selbstlernmaterial für A1-B1 von Kerstin Reinke mit 2 Audio-CD, vielen Videos und Tricks zur Aussprache. Klett Verlag

1. Deutsch Gespräche Podcast
   This podcast features authentic everyday conversations in German – ideal for advanced learners.
2. Stories in German
   This channel offers short and engaging stories in simple German – perfect for beginners.
3. DW – Kurz und leicht
   Find short videos on current topics, clearly explained – especially useful for beginners.
4. DW – Learn German with Music
   Learn German through music videos and interactive exercises – suitable for A2 to B2 learners.
   Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91ow-fNIIEE&list=PLs7zUO7VPyJ5Eg0NOtF9g-RhqA25v385c 
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku1xByCG9WA&list=PLs7zUO7VPyJ7AAK5J08RnRw2L16KU_DaS
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYoBsGxUB_s&list=PLs7zUO7VPyJ7y41Uul0aOJsvlcwr8iRla
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYEZrn2uDLg&list=PLs7zUO7VPyJ4DcIf9o_Rm5iJQ8iTvR_De

1. Nico’s Way (Nicos Weg)
   This series follows Nico, a Spaniard new to Germany – full of everyday situations for beginners.
2. Jojo sucht das Glück
   Jojo, a student from Brazil, looks for happiness in Cologne – an entertaining series with learning support.
3. Extra in German
   This funny series for German learners includes clear dialogues and typical everyday situations.
4. Hello from Berlin
   This youth series shows life in Berlin through songs, everyday topics, and young characters.
5. First Steps in Germany
   This series offers useful tips for life in Germany – from official procedures to leisure activities.
6. Gute Arbeit Originals
   A satirical sketch series about everyday working life in Germany – ideal for advanced learners who enjoy humor and cultural commentary.

1. Germany for Beginners
   A must watch very first video after coming to Germany! This series provides a simple introduction to life, systems, and culture in Germany – great for newcomers.
2. The Germany Lab (Das Deutschland Labor)
   In this series, young hosts explore different aspects of life in Germany – from daily routines to social values.
3. German Festivals and Traditions
   These videos present important German holidays, traditions, and cultural events in an easy-to-understand format.
4. Church and Religion in Germany
   This series provides an overview of religious diversity and how faith is practiced in Germany.
5. Education in Germany
   Here you can learn about the German education system – from school and vocational training to university.
6. German Cities and Regions
   This playlist introduces various cities and regions in Germany, showcasing local culture, dialects, and lifestyle.
7. Working in Germany
   This series explains how to apply for jobs, write a CV, and understand the work culture in Germany.
8. Food and Drink in Germany
   Discover Germany’s food culture, regional specialties, and popular dishes in this enjoyable series.