Online courses for alumniGerman courses for alumni
Who can participate?
- registered members of Heidelberg Alumni International and/or their partners
What courses are available?
Whether it's out of pure interest in the German language and culture or for living and working in Germany, our online German courses will get you (back) in shape for everyday communication. We offer general language courses for all levels from A1.1 (absolute beginners) to C1.2/C2 (advanced learners). Typically, one course covers half a level (e.g., B1.1 = first half of B1 / B1.2 = second half of B1). A semester course consists of 60 units (60 x 45 minutes), spread over 30 90-minute sessions. You complete one course per semester with us. In the next semester, you typically move on to the next level.
If you did not attend a course with us in the immediately preceding semester, we will need you to take an online placement test first (see dates below) to assign you to the most suitable course.
All courses focus on training the four fundamental skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) while also providing cultural information. As the course level increases, the role of formal (written) grammar and vocabulary becomes more significant. However, the courses are not designed as a preparation for a specific exam format. Since you will be attending classes alongside international visiting scholars, doctoral candidates, and employees, you will also have ample opportunity for authentic exchange about life and work in Heidelberg.
When do the courses take place?
All classes take place as online video conferences during the general lecture times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Dates in the Sommer semester 2024
Online placement test: Tuesday, 09 April 2024, 06:00 pm
The placement test is mandatory only if you did not attend a course with us last semester.
Access to the online placement test
Email notification of course assignments: no later than Sunday, 14 April 2024, 8:00 pm
Please also check your spam/junk folder.
If you have not received a course assignment by the above time, please write to gastwissenschaftler@isz.uni-heidelberg.de.
First class: Tuesday, 16 April 2024, 6:00 pm
Last class: Thursday, 25 July 2024
Dates in the Winter semester 2024-25
Online placement test: Tuesday, 08 October 2024, 06:00 pm
The placement test is mandatory only if you did not attend a course with us last semester.
Access to the online placement test
Email notification of course assignments: no later than Sunday, 13 October 2024, 8:00 pm
Please also check your Spam/Junk folder.
If you have not received a course assignment by this time, please write to gastwissenschaftler@isz.uni-heidelberg.de.
First class: Tuesday, 15 October 2024, 6:00 pm
Last class: Thursday, 06 Februar 2024
No classes: from 20 December 2024 to 06 January 2025
How much is the course fee?
The course fee is €195.00 per person. You will receive detailed payment information after your registration.
Cancellation and Refund
The email containing your course assignment will also include your cancellation deadline: typically, this is 14 days after the start of the course or, if you registered later, 14 days after your course assignment. A refund of your course fee is only possible if you inform us of your withdrawal by email within the cancellation deadline: gastwissenschaftler@isz.uni-heidelberg.de
Please note:
- Withdrawal with a refund of the course fee is not possible after the cancellation deadline has passed.
- Mere absence from class does not constitute a valid cancellation.
Please inform us in any case if you will no longer attend your course so that someone else may be offered your place.
Do I receive a certificate / confirmation?
If you miss no more than 6 sessions, you will receive an ungraded certificate of regular attendance at the end.
How do I register?
Please re-register for a German course even if you participated in a course last semester.
Registration opens:
- March 1st for the summer semester
- September 1st for the winter semester
To register, please send an e-mail with your full first and last name as well as your current contact information to Heidelberg Alumni International:
service@alumni.uni-heidelberg.de
If you are also registering your partner, please provide their personal email address if possible.