Learn German for Your Studies: How to Prepare Linguistically for Germany

Key Facts at a Glance

• German language skills not only make your studies easier, but also help with everyday life, finding housing, and meeting new people.
• For many German-language degree programs, you must demonstrate a certain level of language proficiency when applying. The exact requirements are set by your university.
• You can start learning in your home country through websites, apps, online courses, video channels, or language institutes.
• In Germany, language schools, tandem partners, and especially daily exposure to the language can help you improve.
• Important: While taking a language course before starting your studies, you are not officially a student yet and therefore need separate health insurance, such as Provisit Educare24.

Overview

1. Why German language skills are important for your studies
2. What level of German do you need?
3. Learning German before you arrive
4. Learning German in Germany
5. Essential German vocabulary to get you started
6. Language course before your studies: Remember your health insurance
7. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
8. Takeaways

Why German Language Skills Are Important for Your Studies

Even though you can often get by with English in Germany, having basic German language skills can make your life as a student much easier. You’ll find your way around your new surroundings more quickly, be able to read signs, notices, and forms, and handle everyday situations more easily—from shopping and eating at the cafeteria to dealing with government offices.

Even more importantly, the better you speak and understand German, the easier it is to start conversations with other people. Making new connections and friendships is one of the best parts of studying abroad—and language is the key to it. It gives you easier access to the local culture and allows you to experience your time in Germany more fully.

What Level of German Do You Need?

Language skills are generally classified according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)—from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native proficiency). The level you need for your studies depends on your degree program and university.

For German-language degree programs, universities usually require an official language certificate, such as the DSH or TestDaF. For English-language degree programs, German skills are often not an admission requirement—but they are still useful for everyday life. Check with your chosen university early on to find out which language certificates it accepts for your degree program.

Learning German Before You Arrive

You can start learning German well before you leave for Germany. There are many ways to get started:

• Websites and apps: There are plenty of resources that offer information, grammar exercises, and vocabulary for self-study. A translation app or a small dictionary can also be a practical companion during your first few weeks.
• Online courses and language institutes: If you prefer learning with others, you can take online courses with instructors or attend a language institute in your home country.
• Video channels: You can find many German-learning channels on video platforms. In addition to teaching you the language, instructors often provide insights into German culture and mentality—a great way to prepare for a possible culture shock.
• Practice speaking: Some apps connect you with native speakers. You may also be able to find German speakers in your area to practice with. After all, the only way to improve your speaking skills and pronunciation is to practice regularly yourself.

Learning German in Germany

If you’re already in Germany, you have a major advantage: You’re surrounded by the language every day. Make the most of it!

• Language courses: Take a course at a language school, academy, or language institute. Many international students take an intensive language course before starting their studies.
• Language exchange partners: Find someone you can meet with regularly to practice each other’s languages. You can find language partners through social media or specialized websites and apps, for example.
• Everyday life as a learning opportunity: Speak German as often as possible—at the bakery, in your shared apartment, or with your fellow students. Mistakes are completely normal, and most people will understand you anyway. Many people are happy to have a conversation, and you’ll gain new motivation along the way.

Essential German Vocabulary to Get You Started

Even if you’re just getting started, a small basic vocabulary can be incredibly helpful during your first few days. This includes greetings, ways to say thank you, everyday questions, and phrases you can use to introduce yourself.

Language Course Before Your Studies: Remember Your Health Insurance

Many international students take a language course in Germany before starting their studies. One important point is often overlooked: During your language course, you are not officially a student yet. This means you cannot use the insurance coverage linked to your student status during this period.

What does this mean for you? You need separate health insurance for the duration of your language course. It protects you if you become ill or have an accident in Germany, as medical and hospital costs can quickly become expensive without appropriate coverage. Proof of health insurance is also generally required as part of the visa application process.

That’s exactly why we created Provisit Educare24 —health insurance for the duration of your language course in Germany. This way, you can focus fully on learning.

 Discover Provisit Educare24 now

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know German to study in Germany? It depends on your degree program. For German-language degree programs, universities usually require proof of German proficiency. This is often not the case for English-language degree programs—but knowing German will still be helpful in everyday life.

Where can I learn German before coming to Germany? You can learn through websites, apps, video channels, and online courses, or attend a language institute in your home country. Apps that connect you with native speakers can also help you practice speaking.

What is the fastest way to learn German in Germany? Combine a language course with as much practice as possible: Find a language exchange partner and speak German as often as you can in everyday situations. Making mistakes is part of the learning process.

Am I covered by student health insurance during my language course? No. As long as you are taking a language course before starting your studies, you are not officially a student yet. You therefore need separate health insurance for this period, such as Provisit Educare24.

Takeaways

• German language skills make studying, everyday life, and meeting new people easier—even if you are enrolled in an English-language degree program.
• Your university determines which level of German proficiency you need, so find out early.
• Start learning before you leave your home country with apps, online courses, and video channels.
• In Germany, language courses, language exchanges, and speaking German every day can help you progress the fastest.
• During a language course before starting your studies, you are not yet a student and need separate health insurance, such as Provisit Educare24.

^{Article status: September 2026. Language requirements and visa requirements may change and vary depending on the university, degree program, and country of origin. For your specific situation, please check directly with your university or the relevant German diplomatic mission.}