Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Language Centre

German Intensive Course (DaF) before the winter semester – Pre-Semester Intensive Course

The German Intensive Course (DaF) before the winter semester takes place from September 1st  to September 26th, 2025.

Intensive course (DaF) in September

  • Online registration
    • Course fee: 500 EUR
    • Course hours (CH)
      95 CH
      1 CH = 45 min.
    • ECTS points
      7 credit points (ECTS) for regular  attendance (80%)

      The result of the placement test on the first day of the course determines the language level of your German course.

    • Certificates
      Certificate listing the number of course hours, ECTS points, your language level, and a mark following the German grading system.
    • Course structure

      Minimum age 18 years, good English skills
      Participants per course: 12-16
      German lessons: 5 CH per day (1 CH = 45 minutes), total: 95 CH
      Location: HU Language Centre, Dorotheenstraße 65, 10117 Berlin

Detailed course information

  • Beginning of the course with a placement test

    The Pre-Semester Intensive Course starts on Monday (September 1st, 2025) with registration, a short induction, and the mandatory placement test.

    Registration for the placement test:
    9:30
    Location: Dorotheenstr. 26, 10117 Berlin

  • First day of class

    Classes will commence on Tuesday (September 2nd, 2025) at 9am at the Language Centre in Dorotheenstr. 65 (3rd floor).

    Please come early so you have time to locate your classroom from the notice board in our hall.

  • Course times

    The courses take place from Monday to Friday, 09:00 am to 13:30 pm. 

    Break times and course ending times will be decided individually in every group.

Notes on registration

  • Online placement test

    In order to familiarise yourself with the format of our placement test, you may take the online version of our test.

    On the first day there is a mandatory placement test in person.

    Listenelement Placement test

  • Placement test 1st day

    The result of the placement test on the first day of the course determins the language level of your German course.

  • Language levels

    The Pre-semester Intensive Course, the placement test and the awarding of certificates are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. These specifications may differ from those of other countries.

  • Registration

    1. Online registration (Please specify your e-mail!)
    2. You will receive a confirmation of registration containig our account information
    3. Transfer the complete fee in a lump sum
    4. Receipt of payment/registration confirmation

Fees and expenses

  • Course fee

    German intensive course before the winter semester: 500 EUR

  • What is included?

    The course fee includes registration, placement test, German lessons, teaching materials/books, Certificate with ECTS points and grade, cultural events

    Not included: transfer fees, shipping fees for visa invitation letter, tickets for public transport (you are not entitled to a student discount)

  • Visa fee

    A visa invitation letter sent by email or fax is free of charge.

  • Cancellation fees

    If you cancel your participation up to 14 days before the beginning of the course, a cancellation fee of 50 EUR will be charged. If you cancel after that or if you cancel after the beginning of the course, we cannot reimburse you any fees.

  • Bank transfer fees

    All bank transfer fees have to be paid by the applicant. 

  • Insurance obligation

    We strongly advise you to take out health insurance for the duration of the course. This must be valid for Germany (preferably for Europe). We also strongly recommend that you take out accident and liability insurance. Otherwise, you will be liable for any damage you cause.

Payment information

  • Payment deadlines

    Within three weeks after the registration, the full course fee must be paid. If the payment is not credited to our account within this period, we have to cancel your registration. Your registration for the course can only be definitively confirmed once the course fee has been received in full!

    General payment deadlines:
    German intensive course before the summer semester: 15th February
    German intensive course before the winter semester: 31st July

  • Bank data

    Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
    Account No.: 512620605
    Bank routing No.: 10070848
    Swift/BIC-Code: DEUTDEDB110
    IBAN: DE84 1007 0848 0512 6206 05
    Bank: Deutsche Bank PFK AG
    Reference: ERASMUS + Applicant's name


    Important note for reference: Please indicate the reference number, the chosen course, the module and your name!
    Example: ERASMUS - Max Mustermann

  • Addresses
    Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
    Unter den Linden 6
    10099 Berlin, Germany

    Deutsche Bank PFK AG
    Unter den Linden 13-15
    10117 Berlin, Germany

Visa

  • Visa requirement

    You are responsible for your visa application! Usually a tourist visa is sufficient for our 4-week German courses. Please inform yourself at the German Embassy in your home country about the entry and residence regulations.

  • Visa invitation

    We offer to send you an official invitation to support your application at the German Embassy. We can send an official invitation by email free of charge or by courier (subject to charge). The invitation is only valid for the duration of the course! Invitations will be sent only after the payment of the course fee has been received.

  • Request an invitation

    Indicate during the registration online, if you need an invitation. Please provide us with the following data for an invitation:
    Last name, first name, registration address (in German and in your own language), residential address (if different from the registration address), date of birth, place of birth, telephone number (by courier), passport number

General information

  • Code of Conduct

    1. Participants of the Pre-semester Intensive Course treat each other and their tutors fairly and respectfully. In particular, they respect the right of free expression of instructors and other participants.
    2. Participants assume responsibility for their own learning and prepare for the classes. In course tests/assessments, they do not use any aides other than those permitted by the teacher.
    3. Participants assume responsibility for problems that might appear during their studies or courses. In situations of conflict, they are supposed to react appropriately and contribute to finding constructive solutions.
    4. They treat each other respectfully. This includes being attentive, focusing on, and actively participating in the courses. Therefore, use of mobile phones during class should be limited to a minimum.
    5. The participants of the Pre-semester German Intensive Course are on time to class.

  • FAQ