Frequently Asked Questions - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible to take the language courses?
Students and staff at KIT, students from other universities, and students from Eucor and EPICUR universities are eligible to participate in the Language Center’s courses.
Please note: You may not take courses in your native language (e.g., native Spanish speakers may not take Spanish courses). ECTS credits earned in this way will not be accepted by the Departments.
Please note: You may not take courses in your native language (e.g., native Spanish speakers may not take Spanish courses). ECTS credits earned in this way will not be accepted by the Departments.
2. When and where do the courses take place?
Semester courses take place during the lecture period and begin in the second week of classes. We will post information about intensive courses during the break from classes on the homepage. The Language Center is located in two buildings: Building 08.03 (near Marktplatz) and Building 50.20 (at Durlacher Tor). You can find the locations of these buildings under “Contact” and “Directions.”
3. When and how can I register?
Registration for our courses is handled through SignMeUp. Students interested in an English course who have not yet taken one must take a placement test before registering. No placement test is required for other languages.
Priority Registration: For certain degree programs (e.g., EUKLID, Ethics, Art History) as well as for students and staff preparing for a study abroad program, priority registration is available (typically 4 weeks before the regular start date).
You can find all details regarding dates and required credentials under Registration.
4. How much do the courses cost?
One course per semester is free of charge for KIT students as well as students from Eucor and EPICUR universities. Additional courses in the same semester are subject to a fee. A refund for fee-based registrations is only possible if you cancel before the course begins. For details, see the Fee Regulations.
5. When am I eligible for a discount on the course fee?
Eligibility for a 50% discount on the course fee is determined by the bylaws. You can find out what you absolutely must keep in mind here
.
Important: You must present the required documents. A refund after the fact is not possible!
Important: You must present the required documents. A refund after the fact is not possible!
6. How do I get a refund for my course fee if I’ve already paid?
A refund of course fees is only possible if you cancel your registration via SignMeUp before the course begins. No refunds will be issued after the course begins. See the Fee Regulations (§4) for details.
7. Are there courses offered during the break between semesters?
Intensive courses in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish are offered during the break between semesters. For more information on the dates, see the section for the respective language.
8. What is the class size?
Min.: 10 (beginner courses) or 7 (advanced courses)
Max.: up to 25
Max.: up to 25
Courses may be canceled if enrollment is too low.
9. How do I earn ECTS credits?
Information on earning and recording ECTS credits in semester and intensive courses can be found under “Key Competency(-ies).”
10. Can I receive credentials for my language proficiency by participating in the course?
The Language Center does not issue separate credentials for your language proficiency. If you need credentials for a semester abroad (e.g., Erasmus), you can provide these using your transcript. You can find out how to include language courses on your transcript under “How do I earn ECTS credits?” If participating in a language course is not sufficient for your application, you can take a language test to demonstrate your current language proficiency as credentials.
11. When will I find out the program for the next semester?
The tentative schedule (subject to change) will be published on the pages for the respective languages about one month before the start of classes, including class times.
Although we do not publish the dates until they have been definitively confirmed, changes to the schedule may unfortunately still occur at short notice. Please check the relevant information again before you register and before attending your first class.
Although we do not publish the dates until they have been definitively confirmed, changes to the schedule may unfortunately still occur at short notice. Please check the relevant information again before you register and before attending your first class.
12. Can I take language proficiency tests outside of a course (e.g., for a DAAD scholarship)?
Yes! Exams are offered regularly for English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Please find more information here
. If you are a student at another university, you may only take exams with us in languages that are not offered at your university. This option is not available for other languages.
According to our bylaws, a fee of 35 euros is charged for such language proficiency tests, which must be paid by bank transfer.
According to our bylaws, a fee of 35 euros is charged for such language proficiency tests, which must be paid by bank transfer.
13. How are the language programs structured?
Language 1:
for beginners with little or no prior knowledge
Language 2: for beginners with some prior knowledge
Language 3: solid beginner-level knowledge
Language 4: good conversational skills.
Language 2: for beginners with some prior knowledge
Language 3: solid beginner-level knowledge
Language 4: good conversational skills.
Intensive Language:
An intensive course with 3 SWS. After two intensive courses, students reach the level that is normally achieved after three courses of 2 SWS each.
Rápido / Express 1: With 4 SWS, the content of Language 1 and 2 is covered within one semester.
Language Rápido / Express 2: With 4 SWS, the content of Language 3 and 4 is covered within one semester.
Rápido / Express 1: With 4 SWS, the content of Language 1 and 2 is covered within one semester.
Language Rápido / Express 2: With 4 SWS, the content of Language 3 and 4 is covered within one semester.
Current Topics / Conversation:
Participants should be able to express themselves fluently on topics of moderate difficulty (independent language use).
Technical Language: Alternatively, technical or business-oriented content.
Parallel courses are distinguished by letters (e.g., Chinese 1a, 1b, 1c) (same level).
For more details on the content and teaching materials for each course, please contact the instructors.
Technical Language: Alternatively, technical or business-oriented content.
Parallel courses are distinguished by letters (e.g., Chinese 1a, 1b, 1c) (same level).
For more details on the content and teaching materials for each course, please contact the instructors.
English courses are accredited for UNIcert® certification, and the program is structured accordingly. More information
14. Do I need to buy a textbook?
You can check the “Content” page for each course to see if you need to buy a textbook. If you do need a textbook, we recommend KIT’s used book exchange.
15. Can’t find your question here?
Visit the consultation hours of the relevant program directors or send them an email. You can find your contact persons under “Contact.”