Although the FU-BEST program does not have a German language prerequisite, we strongly encourage each participant in the program to enroll in German on-site.

Please note: For Spring 2026, German language classes are still mandatory.

We offer “Intensive” German language courses on all levels from Beginner to Intensive, which involve 11 hours per week (Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. until noon, with breaks) for 12 weeks. Participants in these courses will normally complete 2 levels of German language training in the course of the semester. The decision regarding transfer to the second language level depends on the result of the student’s exam at midterm (the final exam for the first part of this two-course track).

In addition to the intensive track, the FU-BEST program also offers “Experiential Beginning German”, limited to absolute beginners of German. This section comprises 5.5 hours of instruction per week (Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. until noon, with breaks) plus 6 additional course days with local field-trips featuring applied language learning (Tuesday or Wednesday, 9 a.m. until noon). Please note that absolute beginners may of course also sign up for the Intensive track Beginner 1 and 2 levels.

Each language section features various exams, tests, and regular homework. The language program utilizes resources and hands-on experiences available in the Berlin area, particularly in the form of course-related local field-trips.

The FU-BEST program awards workload-based ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. 1 ECTS requires 25-30 hours of workload. FU-BEST participants receive 9 ECTS for successful completion of the Intensive German, with the exact number of credits to be transferred left up to participants' home institutions to decide. “Experiential Beginning German” is worth 6 ECTS, with the exact transfer again left to the discretion of the home institution.

Our teaching books, methods, and additional materials conform to the standards of the Common European Frame of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Communication, the acquisition and improvement of all linguistic competences and of self-correction strategies, cultural context and a steep progression play an essential role in our curriculum. In our Intensive German language instruction, we use Das Leben of the Cornelsen Verlag and Kontext of the Klett Verlag; in “Experiential Beginning German”, we use Hueber’s Momente A1.

Please note: For Spring 2026, our Intensive German language instruction uses Akademie Deutsch (Hueber Verlag) and Kompass (Klett Verlag). In “Experiential Beginning German”, we continue to use Hueber’s Momente A1.

The links above are intended for use by German language faculty at home institutions whose students plan to participate in the FU-BEST program, in order to facilitate advising and program review. Please contact the program at daf@fubest.fu-berlin.de with any questions or concerns.

NOTE: Please download the extensive curriculum and course descriptions available at this website for detailed information in German and English concerning the various levels of language instruction available: Experiential Beginning German, Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Intermediate 3, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. The distinctions between competency levels prevalent in students’ home countries do not always easily match what is common in Germany. However, using a three-step placement process prior to program start, we will always place FU-BEST participants in the German level which best fits their abilities and which ensures the biggest possible progress during their stay in Berlin.

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