Program Overview

Introduction to the Deutsch(land)kurs Willkommen Spring Program

The Deutsch(land)kurs Willkommen Spring program is a preparatory course designed for international students of the University of Potsdam. The course aims to help students settle in Potsdam, get to know the university, and improve their German language skills.

Course Details

• Duration: The course takes place from March 17th to 31st, 2026.
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (later applications may be considered).
• Credits: The course has an academic value of 3 ECTS credits, depending on the requirements of the student's home university.
• German Language Level: The course is open to students with beginner level A, as well as B1 and B2 levels.
• Course Fee: The fee for the course is 295 Euro, excluding accommodation.

Registration

Registration for exchange students and individual participants (non-exchange students of the University of Potsdam) is available through a provided form, which should be filled in and sent by mail.

Course Objectives

The course is designed to:

• Help students communicate in everyday situations.
• Increase confidence in speaking German.
• Build vocabulary and grammar skills.
• Train reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills.
• Facilitate contact with other international students.
• Develop awareness of cultural perspectives and practices.

Technical Requirements

• Device: PC, laptop, or tablet.
• Internet Connection: Stable internet connection.
• E-learning Platform: Moodle (access provided by the course organizers).
• Headset: External headset for better audio quality (recommended).
• Software: Zoom (for video/audio in virtual formats).

Supporting and Cultural Program

In addition to language lessons, the course offers a supporting and cultural program, including:

• City tours of Potsdam and Berlin.
• Virtual and leisure activities organized by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).

Scope and Methodology

• Contact Hours: 6 hours per day, with 48 contact hours in total (plus homework, self-study, and excursions).
• Course Times: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
• Methodology: Includes DK-Outside (visiting real places), multi-sensory learning, role-playing, case studies, project work, and a communicative approach.

Course Fee and Housing

• The course fee includes placement tests, course materials, city tours, and a certificate of completion.
• Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation, with options including:
  • Accommodation in a student dorm.
  • Dormitory place through the International Office placement service.
  • Individual housing found by the student.

Registration and Requirements

• Language Level: At least A2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
• Conditions of Participation: Available separately.
• Registration is open to international Erasmus+, exchange, or program students, as well as individual participants not part of an exchange program.

Certificates and Memberships

The University of Potsdam holds various certificates and memberships, including Bundesinitiative Klischeefrei, Code of Conduct, and Systemakkreditierung, among others.