German Courses – Intensive

You are here: / German Courses – Intensive

German Intensive Courses

General Information

German in Austria is standard German as it spoken and written throughout the German-speaking world. As in all other German-speaking regions, Austrian German also has its own special features:

  • the pronunciation is soft and melodic;
  • in addition to the common German vocabulary, there are particular Austrian expressions, for example in the fields of food and drink or of politics and administration;
  • German in Austria reflects the cultural tradition of the Habsburg monarchy as well as the language and culture of the modern Republic of Austria as they appear in texts by Austrian authors and in the mass media.

Our Intensive German Language Program is offered at all levels nearly all year round, is geared to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and prepares learners for:

  • supplementary exams (VAAU);
  • integration tests of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF);
  • language examinations for the Austrian Language Diploma (ÖSD).

Our course certificates also serve as proof for the application for admission to study (A2) as well as for admission to full-time studies and university courses (B2 or C1) at the University of Klagenfurt. See overview of all examinations. Further information can also be found in the decree of the Rectorate.

Division into sub-levels "/a" and "/b"

The language levels of our courses are based on the European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) – however (this mainly serves to determine the students’ performance), they are divided into sub-levels (“/a” = introduction stage and “/b” = consolidation stage). If you are a beginner or your goal is to complete a level, then a 2-week course is not enough! Please note, a class for every single sub-level is not offered automatically! Only if the maximum number of participants per level is exceeded will students be assigned to either an “/a” or “/b” class.

14 PARTICIPANTS

The class size is limited to max. 14 participants. In reality, it is usually less.

FROM THE AGE OF 17

Our courses are open to anyone interested in languages ​​who is at least 17 years old.

COURSE DURATION: 2 – 9 WEEKS

The standard length (and most frequently booked option) is 3 weeks. 2 weeks are also possible, as are long-term courses, 5 weeks or longer.

Course Schedule

Our intensive courses are composed of 24 teaching units (TU) of 45 min each per week. In case of undersized courses we reserve the right to either reduce the intensity of the course or, in agreement with course participants, to arrange an alternative schedule. This rarely occurs, however.

The timetable as shown below is binding. Morning and afternoon classes cannot be taken separately. Make sure to have a minimum attendance of 80 % as this, in addition to active participation and taking the interim and final tests, is prerequisite for receiving a final certificate at the end of the course.

Please note: Courses are also held on public holidays! In agreement with all learners, classes may be cancelled on a public holiday, as long as the missing lessons are compensated over the remaining days. However, this practice is an exception!

Monday to Thursday: 08:00 – 12:15 (5 teaching units)
Friday: 08:00 – 11:30 (4 teaching units)
24 teaching units per week

Course Contents

In the framework of communicative teaching methodology with individual supervision, learners use current issues and authentic texts to practice the four language skills (speaking, writing, listening and reading). Alongside focused work on vocabulary and grammar, at least two teaching units per week are dedicated to phonology, which are conducted by our specialized speech trainers. Tuesday and Thursday afternoon lessons are reserved for level-specific, project-oriented activities. It goes without saying, that learners are continually assessed by their instructors.

A word about the teaching and working language German: multilingualism and linguistic diversity is becoming increasingly important and is of course of great importance to us. Imagine taking a German course in Italy as an Italian: the teacher will explain to you and your colleagues every now and then in your mother tongue and that’s perfectly fine. The participants in our classes, on the other hand, are multinational. It is not uncommon for up to 10 different languages ​​to meet in a class. The use of e.g. English as lingua franca might help some, but for others it would be of little use. Therefore, the language of instruction is the target language: German! The language spoken, that is, is German, even in courses for beginners. Learners’ mother tongues may be resorted to as a “bridge language”, if at all, only outside the classroom.

A rich supporting program is available to our course participants during the summer courses. Participation is of course voluntary, but it is recommended, especially when it comes to cultural activities. You can find further information on the page leisure activities and cultural programs.

The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Download Brochure

Course Completion Certificate

Students who successfully complete one of our intensive German courses receive a certificate including the following information:

  • Course length (from – to)
  • Total number of teaching units (TU)
  • The language level at which the course was held
  • Separate assessment* for each of the four skills: speaking, writing, reading, listening
  • Global assessment according to the following scale: 1 = very good, 2 = good, 3 = fair, 4 = satisfactory, 5 = insufficient

To receive a certificate, students must attend at least 80 % of lessons, participate regularly in class, and sit the midterm and final exams. In the event too many lessons are missed or for other reasons that prevent the issue of a certificate, a certification of attendance can be requested.

Attention: To receive a positive overall mark, all four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) must be satisfactory. If one of the skills is judged to be insufficient, the global assessment is automatically negative.

* The separate assessment of individual skills is effected only in courses of a length of at least 3 weeks. Certificates for two-week courses give only an overall mark.

Credits following the US educational system: For students from the United States of America, certificates can indicate, in addition to the information given above, the semester credit hours. These are calculated as follows: 15 contact hours (teaching units) = 1 credit. Students who need credit hours indicated on their certificates should inform their teacher at the beginning of the course. Attention: ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) are awarded not for the Intensive German Courses but for the Semester Evening Courses (ULG DaF/DaZ) and for the Preparatory Course Program for Supplementary Examinations (VAAU).

German Online Test

Our online test gives you an idea of which language level you are currently at and which course level is suitable for you. You just have to register for the German test in Moodle, take the test and submit it. You will receive the result immediately afterwards.

Attention: The online test does not replace the placement test before the start of the course. It serves only as an aid in self-assessment of your language level. The placement test, which we administer at the language center and which all participants (with the exception of absolute beginners) must sit, also contains an oral part that is essential for the final determination of the language level.

Curious? Then let’s get started!

Click here for the German Online Test

Read our ex-students experiences:

„Im Wissen, dass ich drei Jahre hier in Klagenfurt bleiben würde, wollte ich meine Deutschkenntnisse so weit wie möglich entwickeln. Ich habe in Schweden Deutsch studiert, allerdings bereits vor 8 Jahren und daher war dieser Kurs einfach super für mich.“

„Der Kurs war gut organisiert. Die Lehrer waren sehr hilfsbereit und immer für uns da. Sie haben unseren Unterricht interessant und trotzdem sehr gemütlich gestaltet. Gefallen haben mir auch die Sprachspiele an den Nachmittagen – auf diese Weise sind die Kursteilnehmer sofort Freunde geworden.“

„Mehr als ein Kurs … mehr als ein Urlaub … eine unvergessliche Erfahrung!“

„Vielen Dank! Der Kurs hat mir sehr geholfen. Ich habe sehr viele nette Leute kennengelernt und hier drei schöne Wochen verbracht.“

„Deutsch in Österreich war einfach toll. Wir haben nicht nur die deutsche Sprache erlernt, sondern auch mit vielen Leuten aus vielen verschiedenen Ländern Spaß gehabt. Es ist eine sehr internationale Erfahrung und ich habe nur gute Erinnerungen daran. Jetzt habe ich viele neue Freunde auf der ganzen Welt.“

„Zum Kurs kann ich nur schöne Worte sagen, weil alles wunderbar organisiert war. Das Problem war nur, dass wir bei dem vollen Programm gar nicht richtig ausschlafen konnten, aber dafür haben wir ja zuhause genug Zeit. Ich will mich bei allen bedanken, die diesen Kurs organisiert haben und allen anderen kann ich nur raten: Nehmt bitte teil, es lohnt sich!“

„Es ist schon richtig, dass es INTENSIV-Kurs heißt! Ich habe viel mehr gelernt, als im Semesterkurs!“

„Learn German in Austria – or improving your ability – to speak a foreign language can be an enjoyable and rewarding part of international travel. We definitely discovered this to be true in September when we took a 2-week course in intermediate German at the University of Klagenfurt in Austria. We found the small classes, conducted in modern university buildings fun and stimulating and the teachers helpful and encouraging. We thoroughly enjoyed the other students, who came from a variety of countries. We stayed in the inexpensive youth hostel near the university; rooms were spartan but clean and comfortable. Klagenfurt is located in a quiet corner of southern Austria, away from the main tourist routes. A city of some 90,000 people, it is next to beautiful Wörthersee, has wonderful walking and bike paths and is surrounded by towering mountains. Summer and fall classes, for beginners through advanced, range from two to eight weeks in length.“

„For me, Deutsch in Österreich was a lifetime experience! … not only because of the high standards ensured by the quality of the faculty and the course content, but also because of the serene surroundings ideal for learning a foreign language. Teaching methods are effective with a focus on high degree of self-work supported by interaction between fellow students. Klagenfurt is a special place where I made new friends, thoroughly enjoyed the breathtaking view of the Karawanken ranges, cycled along the picturesque Wörthersee and spent hours practicing German in a small, laid back city with very friendly people. Whether it is to sharpen my German language skills or to combine that with a great time in south of Austria … I would return to Klagenfurt if I can.“

„I took the intensive course autumn #2. We were in a class of 6 students including myself. I was the only Japanese in the class. We had students from Croatia, England, Italy, Russia and Sweden. I really enjoyed studying in this school and the lessons helped me a lot to brush up my German. I have had some intensive courses at other Austrian universities before, but I think that the courses here at the University of Klagenfurt are the best of all.“

„The course was great! It helped me lot with understanding, writing, reading and speaking. You can learn a great deal with these courses and the professors will assist and help you with any question and exercise. This course shoud be taken!“

„The only problem with the intensive course is that you don’t get to stay in Klagenfurt long enough. Everyone is so helpful, the city is so nice and you meet the greatest friends – you won’t want to leave! The nine o’clock starts can be a nuisance but everything else is wonderful!“

„I had a wonderful experience in Austria. I feel that I have learned more in one month than I learned in a year in my university. Being out into an atmosphere where German is spoken all around me has made me realize I have a long way to go, but I love German and I will learn it one day. I’ve also met so many international students and I’ve loved every day with them.“

„My experience in Klagenfurt was very unique. I learned a great deal in a relayed atmosphere. In addition I was able to meet people from all over the world and travelled throughout Europe. All in all it was a very positive experience that I would recommend to anyone.“

„The DiÖ program is to be highly recommended. The instructors are well-learned in their fields and are able to give individual help when requested. Klagenfurt is one of the best-kept secrets – the garden spot of Europe. The area is quite beautiful and the climate in summer generally pleasant. There are more opportunities to speak the target language than in other locations where I have taken similar language courses.“

„It was very pleasant to study in this course. We had a small group and wonderful teachers. We had a good practice in spoken German and interesting activities in the evenings. I’d like to stay here more or come again.“

„It was really great to be here, ’cause I met so many new people and it’s the best language course of all. The school program was good. Klagenfurt is a really nice city but I had problems with the banks because they close that early. But in general it was GREAT!“

Dates, Prices + Registration

In order to register you must present a copy of a valid passport or ID card.

Please note that the final registration deadlines are four days before the beginning of the courses. It is possible, however, that some courses are fully booked before the deadline: We recommend you to register at least two weeks before the beginning of the courses.

Attendance on the first day of courses is compulsory since on that day placement tests are administered, which determine the division into groups.

If we receive your booking at least 8 weeks before the starting date of the course, we will grant you an early bird discount of 3 % on the regular course price. You can see whether you still benefit from an early bird discount by looking at the prices below.

On request we book rooms for the duration of the course:

  • single-, double- or multi-bed rooms either in the Klagenfurt Youth Hostel (in the spring and autumn) or
  • in the student dormitory Concordia (for summer courses).

Detailed information on all housing possibilities can be found on the accommodation site.

Note

ALL course levels are offered for each course date (placement test on the 1st day of the course)!

Do you have any questions about our services?

Contact us now!

Contact

Language Center “German in Austria”

University of Klagenfurt
Universtitätsstraße 65 – 67
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
A U S T R I A
Tel: (+43) 463 24180
Fax: (+43) 463 24180-3
dia@aau.at

Newsletter

Our newsletter informs you once a month about the latest and most exciting news. With our newsletter, the language center is always nearby. Register here!

Partners