Study German for Teacher Education

Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: German

Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Number of credits: 180 ECTS credits
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
Program language: German
Faculty: School of Humanities
Reminder for application deadline
Studierende sitzen an einem Tisch im Learning Center und tauschen sich aus.
  • Additional program facts and information

    Language proficiency
    In addition to German language proficiency (see “Application and selection”), you need to demonstrate proficiency in English and one additional language. To prove your level of proficiency, you can submit the grades you achieved in English classes taken during the final years of German upper secondary education, or take a language test, which you may, if necessary, also complete during your degree program (read more about proof of language proficiency).

    Program start
    Fall semester (September)
    Academic calendar

    Semester fee: EUR 194 (more information)
    Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
    Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650

  • Program overview

    Students of the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education: German study German, a second equally-weighted subject, Education Sciences, and Teaching Methodology.

    Modules in German deal with aspects of modern and classic German literature and linguistics. During modules on Literary Studies, you will look at different genres, theories, and the history of literature. Of course, it also involves reading lots of books by the likes of Friedrich Schiller, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Heinrich von Kleist, Franz Kafka, Feridun Zaimoglu, and Juli Zeh. Linguistics modules teach you about the development and functions of language, and linguistic features and structures.

    In the field of Teaching Methodology, you will engage with the practical foundations of teaching German.

    • Which methods can I use to teach pupils about a subject and to develop their skills?
    • Which content-related, methodological, or social approaches support effective teaching and learning?

    In interdisciplinary classes, you explore the challenges that come with teaching multicultural and multilingual groups.

    In Education Sciences, you will learn about the scientific principles behind teaching and learning, which will be complemented by the practical experiences gained during your first school placement.

    Distribution of ECTS credits
    You will complete 70 ECTS credits in German, 70 ECTS credits in your second subject, 19 ECTS credits in Education Sciences, 15 ECTS credits in Teaching Methodology, and 6 ECTS credits in your bachelor's thesis.

  • Why study Teacher Education: German at the University of Mannheim?

    Focus on heterogeneity in the classroom
    The bachelor’s program in Teacher Education in Mannheim prepares students for a teaching career right from the start, putting a spotlight on teaching linguistically and culturally diverse groups of pupils.

    A broad and diverse range of courses
    Our students particularly value the broad and varied range of courses available at the Department of German Studies, which cover the basic principles of Linguistics and Literary Studies, and address the latest topics in these fields. Focus is placed on different types of media, and the department works with a range of cultural institutions in the city such as the Mannheim National Theater..

    International focus
    With 450 partner universities and students from 100 countries, Mannheim is one of the most international universities in the country and provides students with an inspiring learning environment that facilitates excellent teaching and research.

    Working in small groups and good student-teacher ratio
    Students at the School of Humanities value the ability to work interactively in small groups and the favorable student-teacher ratio. The program managers will be happy to answer any questions you may have about organizing your studies. Academic advisors and teachers at the relevant department will help you with any questions about the program.

  • Career opportunities

    After graduation, you will have a wide range of continuing education and career opportunities. The traditional career path is working as a school teacher. If you want to become a teacher, you must also complete a master's degree in Teacher Education (M.Ed.) to be eligible for the preparatory service. After completing the preparatory service, you will be qualified to teach at secondary schools (Gymnasium) or vocational schools.

    Alternatively, you can build on the skills you have acquired by studying a master’s program in a literary, cultural, or linguistic field. After graduation, you will then, for example, be qualified to work in the cultural sector, publishing, the advertising industry, human resources, or adult education.

  • Studying abroad and internships

    Studying abroad
    In the Teacher Education programs, studying abroad is not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend that you do. You have a wide range of exciting opportunities for studying abroad, as the university is part of a global network and partners with about 450 partner universities. The perfect time for students to go abroad is the fifth subject-specific semester. Coursework and examinations completed abroad can usually be recognized so that your period of study does not need to be extended. The International Office will be happy to support you in planning your stay abroad.

    Internships
    All students of bachelor's programs in Teacher Education in Baden-Württemberg complete their first school placement during the program. The placement lasts for three weeks and gives you the chance to gain initial practical experience during your studies. Students at the University of Mannheim attend a block seminar while completing their placement. Both the placement and the seminar usually take place during the semester break before the third semester begins (June/July). You can complete your first school placement at a secondary school or a vocational school. The Center for Teacher Education and Educational Innovation can answer your questions on the application process and the format of the placement.

  • Interests and skills

    If you wish to study Teacher Education, you should

    • like working with young people and understand their problems,
    • enjoy presenting and explaining things,
    • be confident,
    • be enthusiastic about your subjects and teaching and be able to pass this enthusiasm on to others,
    • be able to accept criticism and reflect on yourself,
    • communicate in a clear and understandable manner.

    If you wish to study German, you should

    • have an excellent command of the German language,
    • have an interest in the academic study of German literature, language, and culture,
    • be interested in working with complex texts, theories, and methods,
    • enjoy reading (also in English),
    • engaging in critical thinking and discussions, and
    • writing academic texts.
  • Financing and funding

    Scholarships
    The University of Mannheim offers various scholarships. This funding enables you to focus on your academic achievements and continue your voluntary work alongside your studies. 
    Scholarship overview 
    Funding opportunities for international degree-seeking students

    Financial aid for students 
    The Studierendenwerk is the first place to contact if you have any questions on how to finance your studies. They will give you advice on BAföG and tell you about other funding options.
    Go to the Studierendenwerk

  • Application and selection

    Important information on the awarding of study places

    • For your application to be successful, you must apply in due time and form and fulfill the admission requirements for your chosen program of study.
    • If a program of study is selective, the selection criteria set out in the relevant selection statutes apply in addition to the admission requirements. The University of Mannheim does not apply a numerus clausus system (grade-point average for admission to certain programs of study).
    • All of our bachelor's programs require German language skills. If you do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent qualification), you must submit proof of proficiency in German at C1 level

    This program of study is currently not selective.

    Application period

    • Selective programs: from 1 June until 15 July
    • Non-selective programs: from 1 June until 31 August

    The earlier you apply, the earlier you will hear back from us. This will make the start of your studies less stressful.

Program structure

Semester 1

  • German
  • Lecture and tutorial: Einführung Literaturwissenschaft
  • Lecture and tutorial: Einführung Sprachwissenschaft
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Lecture: Einführung Bildungspsychologie

Semester 2

  • German
  • Introductory seminar: Einführung ältere deutsche Literatur und Sprache
  • Exercise course: Grammatik
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • First school placement with accompanying seminar
  • Teaching Methodology
  • Lecture: Sprachlich-kulturelle Heterogenität

Semester 3

  • German
  • Lecture and introductory seminar: Neuere deutsche Literatur
  • Introductory seminar: Ältere deutsche Literatur
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Lecture: Einführung Pädagogische Psychologie
  • Lecture: Aspekte der Bildungsforschung und Schulpädagogik

Semester 4

  • German
  • Introductory seminar: Sprachwissenschaft
  • Advanced seminar: Neuere deutsche Literatur
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Seminar: Themen der pädagogischen Psychologie
  • Teaching Methodology
  • Seminar: Grundlagen Fachdidaktik – German
  • Seminar: Grundlagen Fachdidaktik – Subject 2

Semester 5

  • German
  • Lecture and advanced seminar: Sprachwissenschaft
  • Subject 2

Semester 6

  • German
  • Advanced seminar: Ältere deutsche Literatur
  • Lecture: Neuere deutsche Literatur
  • Subject 2
  • Bachelor’s thesis

Course names are listed in the original language.

A portrait of Sören Hengstberger. He is standing in the Ehrenhof, smiling, wearing glasses and a gray sweater, and has short blond hair.

The University of Mannheim offers excellent Teacher Education programs. As students, we receive an exceptional academic training in subject-specific topics complemented by courses in Teaching Methodology and Education Sciences that have a strong practical orientation, thus preparing us very well for our future daily routine as teachers. Furthermore, we have the opportunity to choose a third subject, the so-called Master of Education extension subject, while still in the bachelor’s program. This way, it is possible to pursue one’s own interests and even improve one’s career prospects without having to extend the duration of the program. This is the reason why the University of Mannheim is an outstanding university to study Teacher Education.

Sören Hengstberger, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: German, Economics, Political Science
Portrait of Lena Stabel. She has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a light-colored wool sweater.

I decided to study at the University of Mannheim because of its beautiful campus and the choice of subjects The seminars and courses in German and Philosophy/Ethics are very interesting and diverse. In some cases, students are even involved in deciding on the subjects to be taught and may suggests topics that they are interested in! I like the practical orientation of the modules in Education Sciences that are constantly being enhanced, so for example by means of service-learning seminars. These allow me to gain practical experience and further develop as a future teacher.

Lena Stabel, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: German and Philosophy/Ethics
A portrait of Annamaria Grossmann. She is smiling, has long brown hair, and is wearing a dark blue top. She is holding a book with the gold title “Masterarbeit” (Master’s Thesis).

I decided to study at the University of Mannheim because of its excellent reputation in the field of Social Sciences. The University of Mannheim closely collaborates with schools and the master’s program in Teacher Education thus has been perfectly adapted to the challenges that schools face nowadays. I always felt like I was well looked after thanks to small groups in the German and Politics seminars. Since the academic approach to the subject is well combined with practical experience, you have a wide range of career opportunities, not only in teaching.

Annamaria Grossmann, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: German, Political Science

Contact

Porträtfoto von Laura Grabarek. Sie hat blonde Haare und trägt einen beigen Blazer.

Laura Grabarek, M.A.

Program Manager for Teacher Education Programs
University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 286
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
Tue 10–12 a.m. – Office consultation hours
Wed 10–12 a.m. – Online consultation hours

Please book an appointment for the consultation hours via https://www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/office-hours-teacher-education-programs/
University building L1 in front of a blue sky

Admissions Office