Study International Summer School for German Language and Culture at Universität Heidelberg
Press Release No. 87/2025
29 July 2025
Language courses and cultural program on the topic of “Zeitenwende: Politics and Society in Transformation”
Around 450 young people from nearly 60 countries are set to visit Heidelberg University from 31 July to 27 August 2025 to take part in the International Summer School for German Language and Culture. The program is aimed at students and other interested individuals from abroad looking to learn German or enhance their existing language skills. This year’s central theme is “Zeitenwende: Politics and Society in Transformation.” The Summer School will officially open its doors on 31 July in the Great Hall of the New University building.
Language courses are available for complete beginners as well as participants with basic, intermediate, or advanced German skills. Specialized training is also offered for international teachers of German and German Studies scholars. In addition, a dedicated course in Business German will be provided. An afternoon program will reinforce the core language curriculum with a wide range of level-specific seminars. These will include practical language training for everyday life in Germany, text analysis, vocabulary building, and creative writing.
Participants can also choose from a variety of workshops, including photography, journalism, and theater. In addition to sports activities and cultural events such as film screenings and concerts, several excursions are planned, including city trips to Nuremberg, Cologne, Trier, and Strasbourg (France), as well as a boat tour along the Neckar River. The international guests will be supported by student mentors from Heidelberg, who will also assist with everyday matters and recreational activities.
A public lecture will also be part of the cultural program, where Prof. Dr Gertrud Rösch from the Institute of German as a Foreign Language Philology at Heidelberg University will speak on the topic “Old Heidelberg was Yesterday – New Heidelberg in Contemporary Literature.” The lecture will take place at 5:15 p.m. on 21 August 2025 in Lecture Hall 13 of the New University building.
Many of those participating in the International Summer School for German Language and Culture are scholarship holders from Heidelberg University’s partner institutions. In addition, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has awarded scholarships to around 70 students.