Being confident and competent in a linguistically active manner in all environments is a necessary key skill essential for your future working life and in preparation for a study or internship abroad.
Meet the challenges of today's globalised world well prepared. We can supply you with:
In almost every degree programme, one or more elective (AWP) courses or compulsory language courses must be taken by the end of the studies in addition to the regular classes. You can find out when langauge and elective (AWP) courses are scheduled in your degree programme not only from our overview, but also from the study and examination regulations that apply to you.
Each elective (AWP) course and each compulsory language course may only be chosen once. For example, if you choose the same language for the second time, it must be different in content (title) or level from the first choice. In the end, the decisive factor is not when, but that you have completed ALL required language and elective (AWP) courses by the end of your studies.
An elective (AWP) course is a "compulsory elective subject of a general academic nature" prescribed by the study and examination regulations, which must be successfully completed. You can choose from the following three major areas:
The range of subjects offered varies from semester to semester; not every subject is offered in every semester. Current courses can always be found in the lecture schedule for languages and electives (AWP).
Like an elective (AWP) course, a compulsory language course is prescribed in the study and examination regulations for the respective degree programme and must be successfully completed by the end of the studies. It comprises 2 - 5 ECTS points and counts to the overall average grade.
If you have already completed all the required elective (AWP) courses/ compulsory language courses or if your degree programme does not include such subjects, you will of course have the opportunity to take these subjects on a voluntary basis – as long as there are free seats available.
Voluntary subjects can always be chosen at the beginning of the semester. There are NO ECTS points for these voluntarily taken subjects, they do not count to the overall average grade.
It is not possible to "change" a voluntary subject into a language or elective (AWP) course afterwards.
The grade of the subject you choose as elective (AWP) course/ compulsory language course counts and cannot be changed afterwards.
If you need to change the course you have registered for or the group within a course due to justified reasons, please send a short request with your matriculation number, your degree programme, the course and the reason to sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
Reasons for changing courses:
The following reasons can NOT be taken into account:
If you have already taken an exam in a language or elective (AWP) course in another degree programme at this or another university, you can apply for a recognition of academic achievements.
Please submit all documents required in accordance with the Checklist for the Recognition of Academic Achievements to the Language Centre.
Please use the following form for the recognition of language and elective (AWP) courses: Request for recognition
Applications for the recognition of academic achievements in the Language Centre must be submitted via email or personally to Iris Bubenhofer in office ITC2 2.35 no later than by the end of the lecture period of the semester in which enrolment or a change in degree programme took place (section 4 IV 2 APO).
Vhb subjects can also be recognised under specific conditions. A possible recognition should be clarified in advance with Iris Bubenhofer.
Dates for examination registration are announced on the DIT website. As with other examinations, registration for language and elective (AWP) examinations takes place via the Primuss portal.
Please pay attention to the type of crediting when registering:
Elective (AWP) course, compulsory language course, voluntary subjects. A subsequent change is not possible!
Please note that a minimum of 75% attendance is required for admission to sit an exam, as stated in the general examination regulations section 4 paragraph no.3.
If you need to repeat a language or elective (AWP) examination, the usual deadlines apply. A failed first attempt must be repeated no later than one semester after the exam results are announced, and a failed second attempt no later than one year after the results are announced. To resit the examination, please register during the relevant examination registration period.
Since the attendance requirement was fulfilled in a previous semester, you can decide yourself if you want to attend the required language course again. However, it is helpful to discuss the examination content with the respective lecturer in preparation for the examination, or participate in the last classes before the examination.
Lecturers can vary from semester to semester. The language lecturer for the current course creates and grades the examination. If the course isn't scheduled for the current semester, the repeat examination will be set by a lecturer from the Language Centre if necessary.
Deggendorf Institute of Technology is a licenced examination centre for TestDaF examinations.
Thursday, 06 February 2025
In order to register for the TestDaF examination, please contact the Language Centre at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
The fees are €210.00
Training material and practice examinations can be found on the TestDaF website.
TestDaF- test German as a foreign language – is an internationally accepted and worldwide standardized language examination offered by the TestDaF Institute who examines language competencies on levels of B2/C1 (according to CEFR). The examination is aimed at those who already have advanced knowledge of the German language and university applicants who are in need of a language certificate for their application. TestDaF also serves as proof of language proficiency in professional surroundings and for exchange students who want to acquire a language certificate at the end of their stay in Germany.
It is recommended to take the examination after a preparation period comprising about 800-1000 lessons. Our preparatory semester Let's get started can help you prepare for the examination as well.
The TestDaF examination consists of the following sections:
Each section is individually scored into one of these 3 levels:
TestDaF certificates are recognized by all German universities. If participants obtain less than level 3 (U3), they have failed the examination and are not assigned to a level. In this case, all sections of the examination must be repeated. The examination can be taken as many times as needed.
University applicants who have passed at level 4 or above, may apply for a German-based degree programme.
For more information on the admission requirements of a certain degree programme please have a look at the websites of the respective universities.
Deggendorf Institute of Technology is a licenced examination centre for telc examinations.
30.11.2024 telc C1 Hochschule in Deggendorf
In order to register for the telc examination, please contact the Language Centre at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
You need to register at least 31 days before the examination date.
The fees are €110.00 for B2 examinations and €150.00 for C1-Hochschule examinations.
If a participant decides to repeat a failed telc examination, written or oral passed sections from the previous failed examination may be credited towards the new examination. The passed section from the previously failed examination do not need to be repeated. Previous results can only be credited for the same test (B2 for B2, etc.) A credit of C1 for C1-Hochschule or vice versa is not possible. As crediting is only possible within a certain period of time, students must read the validity information on the back of their certificates.
Training material and practice examinations can be found on the telc website.
After examination registration, participants will receive a schedule by e-mail one week before the examination at the latest.
PLEASE NOTE: Keep the whole examination day free from other appointments.
Examination results take approx. 6-8 weeks. The certificate can be picked up at the Language Centre on presentation of a photo ID card, or can sent by post upon request.
Unfortunately, this service is not offered.
With a signed authorization from you and a copy of your ID you can have the certificate collected by a person you trust. The person must also show their own ID card.
Telc qualifications are valid indefinitely.
Both the telc B2 examination and telc C1 Hochschule are generally recognized as proof of language skills for studying in Germany. However, pay attention to the individual requirements of your desired degree programme.
Deggendorf Institute of Technology is a licenced examination centre for TOEIC examinations.
to be announced
In order to register for the TOEIC examination, please contact the Language Centre at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
Please note that the number of participants for TOEIC examinations is limited and registration needs to be made four weeks prior to the examination date.
The fee is €150.00 (incl. certificate).
Training material and practice examinations can be found on the TOEIC website.
TOEIC is a globally well-known English certificate. Examination questions are based on professional situations in the work environment and Business English.
No. Depending on your proficiency, you can earn a total of 990 points (a maximum of 495 points can be earned per section in listening and reading comprehension).
Course levels refer to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
75% attendance is …
... 12 absent times* for courses with 8 weekly semester hours
If this limit of absences is exceeded, the Centre for Studies will send an email to notify you of your examination exclusion.
It is not necessary to excuse absences. However, do make sure to keep medical certificates and other documentation justifying your absences until the end of the semester.
As part of the foreign language course accompanying your studies, you have the opportunity to earn a foreign language certificate in Spanish at DIT.
Prerequisites are the successful completion of a level, such as all parts of level A1. Your Spanish skills will then be tested in an oral examination.
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Virginia Wallner, the Spanish Coordinator.
DAAD language certificates are often required for applying to scholarships and studies or internships abroad, although they are are not internationally recognised qualifications. The examination consists of a 30-minute test of your written and oral skills. On passing, the examiner will award you with your certificate.
Please direct your enquiries to:
For English: Jocelyn Flohr
For Spanish: Dr. Virginia Wallner
For French, Italian, Portuguese: Tanja Mertadana
The DAAD language certificate is free of charge. For your own planning, please make sure to take the test well in advance, as processing time can vary.
The DAAD website has the appropiate form for you to download, titled "Language Certificate for Candidates from Germany Applying for a DAAD Scholarship Abroad".
07 - 17.08.2018: 10 students participated in English courses in Griffith College Cork partner university.
04 - 17.09.2016: 14 students participated in English courses in Glyndŵr University partner university.
27 - 31.07.2015: 18 students participated in Spanish courses in Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona a partner university.
The Tandem programme offers you the chance to learn a foreign language in an intercultural and authentic way with a native speaker. You will be paired with one or more student(s) to teach each other your native language. Design your own programme and monitor your own progress, independent of a curriculum or textbook. In addition to the four language skills (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, oral and written expression), you will also develop intercultural skills. There is no specific location; participants can meet wherever they like: in the park or at home while cooking for example!
University blog report
Read "The Tandem Trick" in our university blog, written as a personal experience from an international student who immersed herself in the German culture by participating in the tandem programme and learning German.
Video report
View the video report from a tandem student below, which is spoken in Spanish with English subtitles.
You can register for the Tandem programme at the information event at the beginning of the semester, or simply register by e-mail tandem@th-deg.de.
Next information event: 16.10.2024, 1.00 pm, B 004
Register for the Tandem examination on iLearn during the regular examination registration period.
Exchange students earn ECTS points and a certificate of participation if they successfully complete the Tandem programme.
Regular students who successfully complete the Tandem programme will receive a certificate of participation and it will be listed as a voluntary subject in the transcript of records.
1. Meet at least 11 times during the semester (at the same time on the same day)
2. Spend 45 minutes on each language per meeting, 90 mins in total
3. Keep a vocabulary list, at least 10 words per meeting should be learnt (a total of at least 110 words)
4. Keep notes of each Tandem meeting, including the summary sheet used and topics discussed. Download the summary sheet
5. Attend one of the two general Tandem meetings
6. Upload the vocabulary list and the summary sheet to iLearn or submit the documents via e-mail to tandem@th-deg.de at the end of the semester
German as a foreign language:
English:
Spanish:
French:
All of the above material is available in our library, among a selection of other language material (DVDs, CDs, Books, etc.).
The theatre is to attract international students to the German language. It gives them the opportunity to take part in a drama group and perform in a chosen German play, performed in German. All participants are incoming students who are learning German and have a love of language and drama. The theatre has been staged since 2014, view previous performances below.
If you are interested please contact Dr. Virginia Wallner.
The origin: Don Quijote de la Mancha
1605/1615 Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
The plot revolves around the adventures of a noble from La Mancha named Alonso Quixano, who reads so many chivalric romances that he loses his mind and decides to become a knight-errant to revive chivalry and serve his nation, under the name Don Quixote de la Mancha. He recruits a simple farmer, Sancho Panza, as his squire, who often employs a unique, earthy wit in dealing with Don Quixote's rhetorical monologues on knighthood ...
The production: The Nobleman from the Mancha
In this production, Don Quixote is in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. He thinks the nurse is Sancho Panza and relives all his life's adventures with the nurse by his side ...
The doctor is not sure whether Don Quixote's abnormality is treatable, because he refuses to believe he is a patient ... but maybe it is not Don Quixote who needs help?
The myth of Bluebeard
A wealthy, old widower of a noble position with a blue beard is now looking for a seventh wife. Seduced by his wealth, a young woman leaves her family and marries Bluebeard. In his castle, Bluebeard lets her know that she has all the treasures and may enter all rooms. When he travels, he leaves the key to her. She is only denied access to a small chamber. However, the young woman cannot resist and enters the forbidden chamber where she finds the bodies of the six previous wives. Terrified, she drops the key, which now has a bloody stain that can no longer be removed. When Bluebeard returns, he looks at the key and realises what has happened, therefore he tries to murder his seventh wife. Luckily, she is saved by her brothers who hurry over, they murder Bluebeard and his widow inherits his fortune.
The production
The version created for this production is completely different as the original plot was used exclusively as a starting point. The Bluebeard story serves as a metaphor for the strength of all women who, despite all emancipations, still have to sometimes fight for freedom.
We have an extensive range of courses at levels A1 - C1, enabling you to develop and expand your German language skills and knowledge of the German culture.
In addition to the regular language courses, which focus on reading, listening, writing and speaking skills, additional courses covering areas such as text production or conversation and presentation are available.
Additionally, the THEATRE or the Tandem programme are different ways to learn German and boost your language skills .
We also welcome the participation of non-students in language classes during the semester, as long as places are available. Courses start at the beginning of the semester. If you are interested please contact the Language Centre at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
Two-week intensive courses regularly take place in lecture free periods. The content of a 4-SWS regular semester course is covered, which corresponds to about 60 teaching units of 45 minutes each. Generally, the intensive courses run daily from 8am - 1pm, with an examination on the last course day. Find out more at intensive language courses - learning German.
Please note that courses can vary from semester to semester.
As external participants you can take part in language courses at DIT, although you will not have student status and therefore cannot sit any university examinations.
Two-week intensive courses regularly take place in lecture-free periods. The content of a 4-SWS regular semester course is covered, which corresponds to about 60 teaching units of 45 minutes each. Generally, the intensive courses take place daily (not on Saturdays and Sundays.
Our upcoming intensive language courses will take place from 25 February to 10 March 2025 (examination on 11 March 2025). Registration is possible from 3 December to 15 December 2025. For further questions please contact us at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
Here you can find the course offer for February/March 2025:
Intensive language courses are generally scheduled at the end of the semester break.
The content of a 2-SWS regular semester course is covered, which corresponds to about 30 teaching units of 45 minutes each. Courses take place daily (except Saturdays and Sundays) in the morning or afternoon.
Our upcoming intensive language courses will take place from 3 March to 10 March 2025 (examination on 11 March 2025). For further questions please contact us at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
Here you can find the course offer for March 2025:
Information on Intensive Language Courses
Examination Schedule for Intensive Language Courses
For intensive language courses:
It makes no difference in which semester the course is taken.
Please note, however, that intensive language courses cannot replace faculty language classes.
Registration is possible from 3 to 15 December via the following link:
https://pmit-ext.th-deg.de/awp/login
For remaining seats please contact us at sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
Courses will be offered only to groups of 15 participants or more. Places are limited.
External participants may take part in language courses as long as there are availbale places.
Registration: sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
More information will be provided in the confirmation email. The required course material is not included in the fees.
Students of DIT: Grades are automatically entered into your transcript of records approx. 4 weeks after completion of the intensive course.
Registration takes place automatically and does not require prior examination registration via Primuss.
External Participants: Upon passing the examination, external participants receive a certificate (by email or post) stating the examination grade.
During the lecture-free period, shortly before the start of the new semester, we offer preparatory language courses for English and German.
Here you can find the course overview. Further details on the individual courses are outlined below.
The English Refresher is a course offered to both new and current DIT students.
The course is designed to brush up on the students’ basic English skills and to prepare them for the compulsory English courses in terms of the basic language skills (grammar and vocabulary) required for their degree programme.
If you are feeling a bit rusty in English or would like to freshen up your English in a more informal setting, we recommend that you participate in our Refresher course.
Please refer to the course description for more details on the course content.
Our next English Refresher course will take place from Monday, 03 March to Friday 07 March 2025, every day from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
You can register at the Language Centre, by sending an informal e-mail to sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de stating your name, matriculation number and degree programme.
Please note that this course is entirely voluntary and carries no ECTS points.
The course fee is € 39.
To take part in the Refresher course, you must already have an A2 level of English and be enrolled at Deggendorf Institute of Technology.
The course German A1 / Part 1 + 2 is a course for beginners only. Only DIT exchange students are eligible for this course.
For your exchange semester in Germany, it is helpful to start with a basic knowledge of German, both at university and privately. The course provides a basic foundation of vocabulary and grammar rules, with no previous knowledge required.
During the semester, you can continue with the German A1/ Part 3 + 4 course and this way complete the entire A1 level.
Please refer to the course description for more details on the course content.
Our next preparatory German course for beginners will be held from 25 February to 10 March 2025, each day from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm (no lessons on Saturdays and Sundays). The examination will take place on 11 March 2025.
You can register by contacting Nadine Kappl at the International Office. Just send an informal e-mail to nadine.kappl@th-deg.de.
You can already acquire 4 ECTS for your Learning Agreement for this course after successfully passing the examination.
The course will be held online and is free of charge.
You don’t need to have any previous knowledge for this course.
Please note that the course is only open to exchange students.
More details to follow soon!
German prep courses for international applicants.
`Let’s get Started´ is a preparational semester for international applicants, who have a university entrance qualification but an insufficient level of German for the admission to a German-based degree course. The programme aims to prepare these applicants for their studies in German and they are required a minimum GER level of B1 to enrol. DIT is an official examination centre, so students can easily take part in the required telc admission examinations at our campus examination centre in July, in preparation for the semester start in October.
Download the Let's get Started flyer.
Let's get started takes place annually during the summer semester from mid-March to August.
Due to internal restructuring, registration will next be available for March 2026.
The application period is the 1 September of the previous year as long as there are capacities (limited number of participants).
If you wish to apply in advance, please contact Tanja Mertadana or sign-up online.
Before I came to Germany, I was looking for an intensive German course that would give me the opportunity to successfully start an engineering degree in Germany. I fond the "Let's get started" course in Deggendorf, which gave me exactly this opportunity. I attended the course from 15 March to 30 September 2015. During this time I not only got to know a lot of German but also many people from all over the world. In the winter semester 2015/2016 I started to study mechatronics at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. Thanks to "Let's get started" the beginning of my studies was not that difficult, because we learned many scientific terms in the subjects mathematics, physics and computer science already in the course. I am now in my third semester and passed the previous semesters successfully.
After two semesters of General Engineering at DIT, I wanted to perfect my German by taking part in the preparatory semester "Let's get started". So I started the programme on 17 March, 2015. At the end of July I successfully passed the TestDaF exam. In October of the same year I started the study "Resources and Environmental Management" at DIT. I find this preparatory course with its practical learning methods by highly qualified professors very efficient. During the course, reading and listening comprehension are practised very intensively. In addition, great importance is attached to correct writing and speaking during the course. We were students from different countries and yet we always spoke German in class. I find that very important. Furthermore, there was always a great atmosphere in the course and it was great fun. So I can recommend "Let's get started" 100% to other students.
I was informed by fellow students about the possibility of a German preparation course at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. Therefore I completed the "Let's get Started" German preparation course in the summer semester 2016. I had mainly satisfying and wonderful experiences not only with the course but also with my whole stay here in Deggendorf. Personally, I think that the course is very well structured. The lecturers have helped us to practice the course materials intensively. For me the content of the course was interesting and informative. In addition, the lecturers are very friendly and helpful. I am infinitely grateful for them because without them I could not have passed the exam that well. Furthermore, the people here in Deggendorf are friendly and nice. I have had some unforgettable experiences and they have impressed me very much. At the moment, I'm studying full-time here at the university in the mechatronics course and so far I'm doing quite well. Nevertheless, I am very much looking forward to my student life here in Deggendorf. Above all, I feel very happy that I have the opportunity to study here.
My name is Krastyo Stoychev and I come from Bulgaria. I came to Germany five years ago to study engineering. Since my German language skills were not sufficient, I first took part in the preparation course "Let's get started" in 2012. "Let's get started" gave me the right start for my studies. The comprehensive course programme not only improved my German language skills, but also taught me the basics in all the main subjects. Furthermore, "Let's get started" familiarised me with the German university system. In addition to the lessons, there were also numerous excursions and cultural events where you could see the sights of Germany. "Let's get started" was like a family for all participants because of the commitment and friendliness of the lecturers and organisers. Thanks to the preparatory semester, I successfully completed my Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering within the standard period of study and currently I am continuing my studies in the master's degree at Deggendorf Institute of Technology. "Let's get started" - no other way leads faster to a successful study.
Please note that the range of courses can vary from semester to semester.
Courses are held either in English or German
In addition to the possibility of attending in-house courses at DIT, we would like to inform you about the courses offered by the Virtuelle Hochschule Bayern (virtual university Bavaria). The vhb's online courses, which are flexible in terms of location and time, are available free of charge to enrolled students of Deggendorf Institute of Technology: https://www.vhb.org
Please note that only language courses and courses outside your subject area can be accredited – subject to case by case review. Please clarify any possible recognition of a vhb course as an elective (AWP) or compulsory language course in advance with sprachenzentrum@th-deg.de.
(in German)
Report by Felix Sturm, Wintersemester 2020/2021
As part of the general science elective subject (AWP) "Ehrenamt ist Ehrensache" (Volunteering), students can get involved in one of eight social institutions in the Deggendorf district. Contact is made through the Deggendorf volunteer centre "mach mit". From the curative education day centre, the Kreisjungendring to the TSV, there is a lot to choose from. The AWP is open to all courses of study and includes 30 hours of work as well as a final study paper.
I decided to work for the Bavarian Red Cross and spent the main part of my 30 hours at TagWerk. This is a component of the social therapeutic services offered by the Bavarian Red Cross and the Deggendorf district association in Plattling. They provide low-threshold access and day-structuring services for people with mental disabilities through counselling centres, additional income projects and employment initiatives. The aim is to provide individual support, increase self-esteem and thus improve the quality of life in the long term. People can work in different areas, such as the food distribution, flea market or clothes shop, depending on their qualifications and interests, without having to compete in the primary labour market.
I mainly supported in the food distribution, the Tafel. There, people in need can receive a well-filled food basket every week for a small fee. To ensure that the food was available, we collected various foodstuffs from the food distribution from the surrounding supermarkets that were close to their expiry date or just over it. Seasonal goods such as fruit and vegetables with blemishes or bruises also go into the baskets. Thanks to the deposit donation system of the regional grocery shops, long-lasting goods also find their way into the baskets. By means of a lottery number principle, everyone has a fair chance to get hold of the food that is needed but not always available in sufficient quantities.
If you want to gain a wealth of experience that will accompany you throughout your life and want to give something back to society, I can recommend the AWP "Ehrenamt ist Ehrensache" (Volunteering). Especially during the Corona pandemic, when social contacts became scarce, and because it enabled me to get out of my daily university routine, I learned to appreciate it. Anyone can find themselves in a situation where they need help and support, so it's not embarrassing to ask for help. But it is even more important to give back when you can give. It doesn't always have to be a large sum of money, it's enough to press the "Tafelspende" button when returning a deposit. For me, it is the sum of small gestures that makes the difference.
The Grow4Digital certificate accompanying the course is for students of all courses. In order to receive the "Grow4Digital" certificate, you must achieve at least 24 ECTS. You can put these together individually according to your interests, as long as you have successfully completed at least one course from different areas (digital technologies, innovation and digitization, start-up and growth and ICH development). The components mentioned are made up of courses from the various faculties and elective (AWP) courses. No special order is required for attending and completing these subjects.
Overview of individual subjects for the Grow4Digital certificate.
To apply, please send an email to Prof. Dr. Thomas Geiß. After successful completion of the above mentioned courses, your "Grow4Digital" certificate will be issued with your graduation certificate.
For all students (except Industrial Engineering students) who have successfully completed all of the three elective subjects below:
To apply, please send an email to the responsible person in the Centre for Studies. No special order is required for attending and completing these subjects. After successful completion of the above mentioned courses, your certificate will be issued with your graduation certificate.
This certificate is for all Engineering students who have completed the following three elective subjects:
To apply, please send an email to the responsible person in the Centre for Studies. No special order is required for attending and completing these subjects. After successful completion of the above mentioned courses, your certificate will be issued with your graduation certificate.
Before the semester begins, you can register for compulsory language courses, elective (AWP) courses, as well as voluntary subjects.
Should you be unsure whether and when you have to choose which courses, please have a look at the overviews of languages and electives.
Please note that courses can only be offered with a minimum of 15 participants.
The exact dates and further details on registration will be announced by e-mail.
FAQs about Languages and Elective (AWP) courses:
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the selection of language and elective (AWP) courses.
https://pmit-ext.th-deg.de/awp/login
The language and elective (AWP) courses that are up for selection can be found on our lecture schedules from the start of the selection (subject to change!)