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Language Centre
Information About Us

 What are we for?
 How are the courses organised?
 Which languages do we offer?
 How much are the courses?
 How much time will I need for the course?
 Where and How Can I Register?
 How do I know which level is right for me?
 Intensive courses and the Mediothek
 Language References  
 

What are we for?

The Zentrales Sprachlabor (ZSL) offers a language teaching centre that is open to students from all faculties of the university. Responding to the increasing internationalisation of all areas of life, students are given the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the foreign languages that are indispensable in today's world.

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How are the courses organised?

Courses in the ZSL are divided into three different levels:

1. Beginner Level
  • Grundkurs I
  • Grundkurs II
  • Aufbaukurs I
  • Aufbaukurs II

The beginner level is oriented towards the acquisition of general language skills. The courses can only be attended in the order shown because of their interdependent structure. After the successful completion of written and oral tests the beginner level is completed with the award of a certificate of basic language competence.

2. Intermediate Level
  • Brückenkurs

The bridging course (Brückenkurs) refreshes students' knowledge of the language studied through the use of intermediate level texts and resources. These courses are intended to prepare students for the more extensive use of topic based texts at the advanced level.

3. Advanced Level

The advanced level courses are available in three main areas:

  • Cultural Studies (Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften)
  • Natural Sciences and Medicine (Naturwissenschaften und Medizin)
  • Business and Law (Wirtschafts- und Rechtswissenschaften)

Two topic based courses are available:

  • Kurstyp I : Listening Comprehension and Speaking
  • Kurstyp II : Reading Comprehension and Writing

Kurstyp I and II can be attended in any order.

After the successful completion of both of these courses a Sprachzertifikat of advanced level language competence is awarded.

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Which languages do we offer?

We currently offer courses in the following languages:

  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Czech
  • English
  • French
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish

Arabic, Chinese, Czech, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese and Swedish are only offered on the beginner level.

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How much are the courses?

Fees must be payed per course. For details see Infos .

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How much time will I need for the course?

All courses have four hours per week, covering two days (either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday). In addition, sufficient time is given for preparation and homework. Students should note that only regular attendance will allow them to reach a good level of attainment.

Students should note that only regular attendance will allow them to reach a good level of attainment.

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Where and How Can I Register?

Who? Only students from the University of Heidelberg, the Pädagogische Hochschule Heidelberg and staff of the University of Heidelberg can participate in the courses.
Where? Students must register in person in the ZSL. Registration per e-mail or telephone is not possible.
When? On Friday, October 09, 2009 between 9 and 1 o'clock; on Monday, October 12, 2009 between 9 and 12 o'clock and between 1 and 3 o'clock
What do I have to bring with me? A valid student card is necessary as proof of identity.
How many courses can I do? Students can only register for one course.
When do the courses start? The list of successful applicants will be displayed on the notice board (Ground Floor ZSL) on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 (5 o'clock). The courses start on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.
Distribution of Places Due to the high demand for places on many of the courses in the ZSL, the award of a place has to be done by lot, when the numbers exceed 25 students per group.
Advance Registration Students who have completed a course in the previous semester and wish to continue, must still register in person at the above times.
Payment ! The fee for each course will be payed by use of the Campus-Card !
only when students have secured a place on the relevant course

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How do I know which level is right for me?

During the registration times staff from each of the relevant languages and courses will be available to answer questions. This advice should in any case be used especially if you are unsure about the right course and level for you. In addition, each course starts with a language placement test, thus providing every teacher with some useful information about your level of attaintment. A change of level is possible after the test - the aim being diagnostic rather than to exclude potential participants from finding the right course for them.

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Intensive Courses and the Mediothek

In addition to the semester courses a number of Intensive Courses are offered during the semester breaks. These courses are intended to supplement the semester courses.

All students have the possibility of using the tape and video cassettes provided by the ZSL's self-study centre (Mediothek). This is located on the Ground Floor in room 22. It is normally open from Monday to Thursday between 10 and 6 o'clock, and on Friday's from 10 to 3 o'clock. Please note that other times usually operate during the semester breaks (with the new times usually pinned to the door).

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Language References

The standard forms for language references, normally required for students applying for foreign study to organisations such as DAAD, ERASMUS, Fulbright etc., are available from the Akademisches Auslandsamt. The tests themselves are normally held during the office hours of the language teachers. In order to arrange a test, contact the teacher concerned during their Consultation Hours. Fees must be payed for these tests.

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EDV-Beauftragter: Franz Lambert  -  letzte Änderung 17.07.2009