Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Language Centre

FAQ – Pre-Semester Intensive Course (DaF)


Who can sign up, and how can I register for the course?

Only incoming Humboldt exchange students can register online on our website, using the password you received in the welcome e-mail from the International Office (Abteilung Internationales) after registering with MoveOn. If you have not received the password, please liaise with the International Office (exchange-students at hu-berlin.de) or your Erasmus coordinator. Once you have the password, just choose the course period you are interested in and click on „Online registration“. If you have no Matrikelnummer yet, just use 123456 until you have it. Successful online registration does not grant you student status nor eligibility to enrol at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin!

If we have any remaining spots ~6 weeks before the course starts, regular students of Humboldt or staff can take any remaining spots (we usually have a few left)- please contact intensivkurse-spz@hu-berlin.de using your HU e-mail address. 


How is the Pre-Semester Intensive Course (DaF) structured, and do I get ECTS points?

The German courses consist of 5 contact hours (45 min) Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., resulting in 95-100 contact hours (UE) in total. A minimum participation of 80% and participation in all class tests is required to obtain the full 7 ECTS points on the certificate.


What levels do you teach, and how do you determine students' level of German?

We offer classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced (A1.1-C1/C2). A placement test on the first day of the course helps us assess your level of German. Participants will be placed in a group based on the results of this test, the lecturers will then do a second assessment during the first few days of the course to make sure the group is homogenous. 


Can I transfer the credits of the German course to my home university?

The transferability of ECTS credits acquired during the German course is determined by your home university standards. Consult your home university regarding credit transferability before you register.


Is a change of class possible after the course has started?

On the basis of your test result on the first day you will be placed in a German course. However, if the class level does not match your abilities, a change of class can be discussed with the teacher in the first couple of days.


How do I apply for a visa, and what are the fees?

If you need a visa, we can issue you a visa invitation for you. An invitation can be requested during the registration period. It can be sent to you by email free of charge. We need the following information from you: Name, sex, address, date and place of birthe, passport number. Please do not pay for the course until you get your visa: We can extend your payment deadline if you need to wait for a visa, please get in touch.


What is included in the course fee?

The course fee includes tuition, teaching materials/books, participation in voluntary cultural activities in the afternoon, and a final certificate with 7 ECTS points for those who complete the course successfully.


How do I pay?

Course fees can only be paid by bank transfer and in EUR. Payment in installments is not possible. Also, please enquire with your bank if they charge fees for international transfers - if so, you need to pay those on top of the course fee so that the correct amount is still credited to our account. Further details can be found under "payment information" on the course page.


When do I have to pay, and what if I have to cancel?

The course fee must be credited to our bank account within three weeks after registration, but a week before the course starts. Otherwise your registration will be canceled. If you have to wait for a visa, please get in touch - we can extend your payment deadline. If you have cancel the course, we will reimburse you the full cost of the course, subject to a processing fee of 50 EUR. For further information check fees and expenses on the course page.


How can I prepare for the German course?

Read up on German culture and language in advance. Refresh your language skills through self-study (online language training, German television, German podcasts)! However, comprehensive preparation for the German course is not mandatory.

Can I participate online?

Currently all our courses are only offered in person. If you cannot attend for the entire course period but would still like to participate, please let us know - but we do not recommend missing more than a week, and you loose credit points after 4 days.