Exchange students are offered the opportunity to take additional courses during the semester. These include both German language courses and courses on regional and cultural studies. Courses on regional and cultural studies are taught in English. Language courses are available at different levels (A1 to C1) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
These courses are open to all exchange students. Registration costs EUR 15 per course. This fee is not refundable, not even if you cannot participate in the course. A minimum number of participants is required for each course. Courses might be canceled due to lack of enrollment.
The German lessons were very helpful for learning a new language in a new country. It’s fun to realize you are starting to understand the language in just a few short months.
If you would like to participate in an extracurricular course, please register via our myUniMA portal. You will receive an e-mail containing the link to the portal in May or November respectively. Registration for the courses takes place at the end of January or at the end of August respectively. Each student can register for a maximum of three extracurricular courses. For further information on the registration please visit myUniMA. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may use the computers at the Express Service in L1, 1 to register (during opening hours only); you do not need any log-in data.
You are required to attend the first day of the course. Otherwise, you will lose your place on the course and can no longer attend. Courses are limited to a maximum of 15 participants. In view of the limited number of participants we kindly ask you to make your choice carefully. When planning your semester schedule, please make sure that the courses on German language and culture and the courses of your regular curriculum do not overlap. If you de-register in time, your place can be offered to other students on the wait list.
If you have regularly attended and successfully completed your German language course, you will receive the indicated number of ECTS credits. Only two unexcused absences per course are allowed. If you participate in an intensive language course, you may only miss one course unit.
Each course comprises different examinations such as a final examination, several tests, and/
You can find an overview of our current courses here: [German language courses from myUniMA]
| No. | Course title | Start date | Course times | Level | Hours | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1111 | General Language Course (Complete Beginner) | A1.1 | 4 | 6 | ||
| This course is meant for students who have no knowledge of the German language. The main focus of the course is the understanding and use of familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases such as introducing him- or herself and others and answering questions about personal details such as where he or she lives.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level A1 of the GER*: W-phrases, Yes/No-questions, definite/indefinite articles, adjectives, personal pronouns, the present and present prefect tenses , past participles, imperative, modals, numbers, verbal phrases with accusative and dative, adverbials of time and place as well as possessive articles.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
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| 1112 | General language course (Complete Beginner) | A1.1 | 4 | 6 | ||
| This course is meant for students who have no knowledge of the German language. The main focus of the course is the understanding and use of familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases such as introducing him- or herself and others and answering questions about personal details such as where he or she lives.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level A1 of the GER*: W-phrases, Yes/No-questions, definite/indefinite articles, adjectives, personal pronouns, the present and present prefect tenses , past participles, imperative, modals, numbers, verbal phrases with accusative and dative, adverbials of time and place as well as possessive articles.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
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| 1113 | General Language Course (Complete Beginner) | A1.1 | 4 | 6 | ||
| This course is meant for students who have no knowledge of the German language. The main focus of the course is the understanding and use of familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases such as introducing him- or herself and others and answering questions about personal details such as where he or she lives.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level A1 of the GER*: W-phrases, Yes/No-questions, definite/indefinite articles, adjectives, personal pronouns, the present and present prefect tenses , past participles, imperative, modals, numbers, verbal phrases with accusative and dative, adverbials of time and place as well as possessive articles.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
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| 1122 | General Language Course (Beginner) | A1.2 | 4 | 6 | ||
| This course is meant for students who have prior knowledge of the German language. The main focus of the course is the understanding and use of familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, such as introducing him- or herself and others and answering questions about personal details such as where he or she lives.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level A1 of the GER*: W-phrases, Yes/No-questions, definite/indefinite articles, adjectives, personal pronouns, the present and present prefect tenses, past participles, imperative, modals, numbers, verbal phrases with accusative and dative, adverbials of time and place as well as possessive articles.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
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| 1211 | General language course (Elementary, Part I) | A2.1 | 4 | 6 | ||
| This course is meant for students who have prior knowledge of the German language and wish to further their language proficiency. The main focus of the course is the understanding of frequently used expressions that are related to simple and routine tasks that require the direct exchange of information in familiar and routine matters, , e.g. the sharing of very basic personal and family information, shopping, obtaining and giving directions and seeking employment. Moreover, students should be able to describe aspects of his or her background and the immediate environment in relation to areas of immediate concern in simple terms.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level A2 of the GER*: the past tense, subclauses (weil, obwohl, wenn, dass), “sollt”-phrases, comparative and superlative, declension of adjectives (nominative, dative, accusative), “Was für ein…”- and “Welch…”-phrases, relative clauses, future I tense, final clauses with “um…zu”, infinitive with “zu”.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 1221 | CANCELLED: General language course (Elementary, Part II) | A2.2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who have prior knowledge of the German language and wish to further their language proficiency. The main focus of the course is the understanding of frequently used expressions that are related to simple and routine tasks that require the direct exchange of information in familiar and routine matters, e.g. the exchange of very basic personal and family information, shopping, obtaining and giving directions and seeking employment. Moreover, students should be able to describe aspects of his or her background and the immediate environment in relation to areas of immediate concern in simple terms.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level A2 of the GER*: the past tense, subclauses (weil, obwohl, wenn, dass), “sollt”-phrases, comparative and superlative, declension of adjectives (nominative, dative, accusative), “Was für ein…”- and “Welch…”-phrases, relative clauses, future I tense, final clauses with “um…zu”, infinitive with “zu”.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
| ||||||
| 1222 | Oral Communication (Elementary) | A2.2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who wish to train their oral communication skills. The main focus of the course is the understanding of frequently used expressions that are related to simple and routine tasks that require the direct exchange of information in familiar and routine matters, e.g. the exchange of very basic personal and family information, shopping, obtaining giving directions and seeking employment. Moreover, students should be able to describe aspects of his or her background and the immediate environment in relation to areas of immediate concern in simple terms. The special emphasis of the course is to practice presentations on a given or a self-selected topic and to train vocabulary in the field of phraseology.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level A2 of the GER*: the past tense, subclauses (weil, obwohl, wenn, dass), “sollt”-phrases, comparative and superlative, declension of adjectives (nominative, dative, accusative), “Was für ein…”- and “Welch…”-phrases, relative clauses, future I tense, final clauses with “um…zu”, infinitive with “zu”.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 2111 | CANCELLED: General language course (Intermediate, Part I) | B1.1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who already have basic knowledge of the German language. The main focus of the course is the understanding of the main points of clear standard communication on familiar matters regularly encountered at work, in school, leisure, etc. Students should be able to deal with most situations which may arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Besides, students should be able to produce simple connected texts on topics that are familiar or of a personal interest, describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level B1 of the GER*: The past tense past perfect, passive mood, subclauses (als, wenn, nachdem, damit, ohne…zu + infinitive, da, statt…zu + infinitive, so dass, so…, dass, seit, bis, während, bevor), subjunctive II, direct and indirect questions, personal pronouns, reflexive verbs and pronouns, relative clauses and n-declension.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 2113 | CANCELLED: Grammar (Intermediate, Part I) | B1.1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who already have basic knowledge of the German language and wish to improve their grammar skills. Grammar is the foundation of every language, and good grammar skills facilitate good communication and understanding. Deepening your grammar knowledge will thus help you to understand the main points of clear standard communication on familiar matters regularly encountered at work, in school, leisure, etc. faster and better. Besides, it will increase your sense of security when dealing with situations which may arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Moreover, this course will help to improve your ability to produce simple connected texts on topics that are familiar or of a personal interest.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level B1 of the GER*: The past tense, past perfect, passive mood, subclauses (als, wenn, nachdem, damit, ohne…zu + infinitive, da, statt…zu + infinitive, so dass, so…, dass, seit, bis, während, bevor), subjunctive II, direct and indirect questions, personal pronouns, reflexive verbs and pronouns, relative clauses and n-declension.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 2121 | General Language Course (Intermediate, Part II) | B1.2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who wish to broaden their immediate knowledge in the German language. The main focus is the understanding of the main points of clear standard communication on familiar matters regularly encountered at work, in school or leisure, etc. Students should be able to deal with situations which may arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Besides, students should be able to produce simple connected texts on topics that are familiar or of a personal interest, describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions as well as briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level B1 of the GER*: The past tense, past perfect, passive mood, subclauses (als, wenn, nachdem, damit, ohne…zu + infinitive, da, statt…zu + infinitive, so dass, so…, dass, seit, bis, während, bevor), subjunctive II, direct and indirect questions, personal pronouns, reflexive verbs and pronouns, relative clauses and n-declension.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 2123 | Grammar (Intermediate, Part II) | B1.2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is addressed to students who possess intermediate German language proficiency and wish to deepen their knowledge of German Grammar. Grammar is the foundation of every language, and good grammar skills facilitate good communication and understanding. Deepening your grammar knowledge will therefore help you to understand the main points of clear standard communication on familiar matters regularly encountered at work, in school or leisure, etc. faster and better. Besides, it will increase your sense of security when dealing with situations which may arise whilst travelling in n area where the language is spoken. Moreover, this course will help to improve your ability to produce simple connected texts on topics that are familiar or of a personal interest.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level B1 of the GER*: The past tense, past perfect, passive mood, subclauses (als, wenn, nachdem, damit, ohne…zu + infinitive, da, statt…zu + infinitive, so dass, so…, dass, seit, bis, während, bevor), subjunctive II, direct and indirect questions, personal pronouns, reflexive verbs and pronouns, relative clauses and n-declension.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 2211 | General Language Course (Upper Intermediate Level, Part I) | B2.1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who wish to deepen their intermediate proficiency of the German language. The aim of this course is to enable the understanding of the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his or her field of specialization. Students will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that enables regular and effortless interaction with native speakers. Besides, students will learn how to produce clear and detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and how to explain a viewpoint on an issue through giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level B2 of the GER*: : causal clauses, consecutive clauses, conditional clauses, subjunctive I + II, prepositions, declension of adjectives, passive, nominal style and the genitive.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 2213 | CANCELLED: Grammar (Upper Intermediate Level, Part I) | B2.1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who wish to deepen their intermediate proficiency of the German Grammar. Grammar is the foundation of every language, and good grammar skills facilitate good communication and understanding. Deepening your grammar knowledge will therefore help you to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics including technical discussions in your field of specialization. Besides, students will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that enables regular and effortless interaction with native speakers.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level B2 of the GER*: causal clauses, consecutive clauses, conditional clauses, subjunctive I + II, prepositions, declension of adjectives, passive, nominal style and the genitive form.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 2221 | General Language Course (Upper Intermediate Level, Part II) | B2.2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant students who want to further their intermediate proficiency of the German language. The aim of this course is to enable the understanding of the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Students will be able to interact with degree of fluency and spontaneity that enables regular and effortless interaction with native speakers. Besides, students will be able to produce clear and detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on an issue through the giving of advantages and disadvantages of various options.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level B2 of the GER*: : causal clauses, consecutive clauses, conditional clauses, subjunctive I + II, prepositions, declension of adjectives, passive, nominal style and the genitive form.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 2225 | Oral Communication (Upper Intermediate Level, Part II) | B2.2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who wish to deepen their intermediate proficiency in the field of oral communication. The main emphasis of the course is to practice presentations on a given or a self-selected topic and to train vocabulary in the field of phraseology. The aim of the course is to en able interaction with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that enables regular and effortless interaction with native speakers. Besides, students should be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics including technical discussions in his or her field of specialization, as well as produce and present clear and detailed texts on a wide range of subjects in class.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level B2 of the GER*: causal clauses, consecutive clauses, conditional clauses, subjunctive I + II, prepositions, declension of adjectives, passive, nominal style and the genitive form.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 3001 | General language course (Advanced) | C1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course is meant for students who possess an intermediate proficiency of the German language. The aim of the course is to en able the understanding of a wide range of demanding and longer texts as well as to to recognize the subtleties of the language. Besides, students will be able to express him- or herself fluently and spontaneously without needing to search for expressions as well as use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. In addition, students will be able to produce clear, well-structured and detailed texts on complex subjects, showing the accurate usage of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
The course will cover the following grammar topics corresponding to the language level C1 of the GER*: participle constructions, modal verbs, nominal style, passive.
Students will be required to buy a textbook.
You will receive a detailed course description from your instructor at the end of the course which will provide an overview of the topics you have learned and discussed in class.
*Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen für Sprachen / Common European Framework of Refernce for Languages
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| 3310 | CANCELLED: Streifzug durch die deutsche Geschichte von 1806 bis heute (in German) | B1/B2 | 2 | 3 | ||
| Das Seminar widmet sich der Geschichte Deutschlands ab der Auflösung des Heiligen Römischen Reiches Deutscher Nation im Jahre 1806. Dabei werden zunächst die wichtigsten Schritte der deutschen Nationenwerdung im 19. Jahrhundert (napoleonische Kriege, Vormärz, 1848er Revolution, Gründung des Kaiserreichs) beleuchtet. Es schließen sich die Zeit des II. Reiches, der Erste Weltkrieg, die Weimarer Republik, die Zeit des Nationalsozialismus sowie die Nachkriegszeit sowohl im westlichen als auch im östlichen Teil Deutschlands an.
Dabei stehen nicht nur die politischen sondern auch wirtschaftliche, kulturelle und soziale Aspekte im Mittelpunkt. Den Teilnehmern soll anhand von Text-, Hör- und Bildquellen ein Gesamtüberblick über die letzten zweihundert Jahre wechselvoller deutscher Geschichte gegeben werden, der zu einem tieferen Verständnis des heutigen Deutschlands und Europas führen soll.
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| 4009 | United in diversity - a history of the European Union (in Englisch) | all | 2 | 3 | ||
| This course follows the path of the European unification process starting with the first ideas of a unified Europe until today’s European Union (EU) of 28 in(ter)dependent states.
During this course we will
- look at the historical developments in the 19th and 20th centuries which led to the EU’s founding
- analyze the different reasons and motives why European countries decided to come together and to give up a part of their sovereignty
- acquaint ourselves with famous European politicians and thinkers
- analyze the role that different countries played
- retrace the different steps of the European unification process, including the most important treaties, decisions and the enlargement rounds
- look at the development of the European institutions like the Parliament or Commission
- discuss the role the EU has played on the world stage
The seminar wants to broaden your knowledge about an institution that profoundly changed the course of European history and helped to keep the peace on a war-torn continent.
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| 4013 | Germany at a glance (in English) | all | 2 | 3 | ||
| Germany at a glance
This course is an introductory course on German culture and customs with a special focus on Mannheim and the region. Germany is a diverse country with a long history and rich traditions.
During this course we’ll
- talk about German society,
- look at the political system at the local, state and federal level,
- acquaint you with the geography and climate,
- offer a glimpse into the economy and the educational system,
- analyze the role religion and the media play today.
The course wants to help you to understand 21st century Germany, its values, behaviours and morals in order to get the most from your stay in this very special country.
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