German vs English Taught Degrees in Germany (The Truth)
Summary
TLDRThis video explores the decision between English and German-taught degree programs in Germany. It highlights the larger selection and easier admission into German-taught programs, often integrated with English elements, especially in fields like computer science. The video emphasizes the importance of German language proficiency for better job opportunities and integration into German society. It also discusses the appeal of English-taught programs, often at private universities, which may lack the long-term benefits of German language skills. The speaker advises considering the long-term implications of the choice on career prospects and the importance of learning German for a successful stay in Germany.
Takeaways
- 📚 There are approximately 20,000 German-taught and 2,000 English-taught degree programs in Germany according to the DAAD University database.
- 🎯 Getting into a German-taught program is generally easier, with more options and less stringent admission requirements.
- 🌐 Even German-taught degrees often include English elements, especially in fields like computer science where technical terms are commonly in English.
- 📘 At the bachelor's level, most courses are in German, but some English-taught courses may be available, such as 'Innovation Management'.
- 📚 For masters, German-taught programs tend to have more English content, and some students may even write their thesis in English.
- 📖 It's recommended to read the 'Modulhandbuch' or course plan to understand the language of instruction for each course.
- 💰 German public universities offer free education funded by taxpayers, with the expectation that students will contribute back through taxes once they start working.
- 🌍 The main purpose of studying in Germany is integration into the country and culture, which is why German-taught programs are promoted.
- 🗣️ The general language requirement for German-taught degrees is B2 level German, with some programs requiring even C1 level fluency.
- 🏫 English-taught programs are often found at private universities and can be as expensive as US programs, with fewer options available.
- 🎓 For master's degrees, many public universities offer English-taught programs that are tuition-free and highly international.
- 📈 Studying in German significantly improves job opportunities and access to internships and part-time jobs due to the preference for German-speaking candidates in the job market.
- 🤔 The decision between German and English-taught programs involves considering the investment in learning German versus the cost of an English-taught program and its potential impact on long-term career prospects.
- 🏛️ Employers may perceive English-taught degree holders as less likely to integrate into Germany, which could be a disadvantage in the job market.
- 👨💻 While tech jobs and international companies in Germany may operate in English, being bilingual is advantageous and increases job opportunities.
- 📚 Learning German while studying an English-taught degree is challenging but can lead to better integration and respect from the community.
- 📋 German bureaucracy and university administration often require German language proficiency, emphasizing the importance of learning the language for daily life in Germany.
Q & A
What is the primary language of instruction for most degree programs in Germany?
-The primary language of instruction for most degree programs in Germany is German, with about 20,000 German-taught programs out of a total of 22,000.
Why might it be easier to get into a German-taught degree program?
-Getting into a German-taught program is usually easier because there are programs that are admission-free, meaning they accept everyone who meets the basic requirements, even with lower grades.
How does the presence of English elements in German-taught degrees affect international students?
-Even though the primary language of instruction is German, the presence of English elements, such as slides in English or coding terminology, can help international students follow along even if they are not fluent in German.
What is the Modulhandbuch and how can it help prospective students?
-The Modulhandbuch is the course plan for degree programs. It helps prospective students understand the language of instruction for each course, which is crucial for making an informed decision about their studies.
Why do German public universities offer free education?
-German public universities offer free education because it is funded by taxpayer money with the idea that students will stay in Germany, pay taxes, and contribute to the economy once they start working.
What is the general language requirement for German-taught degrees?
-The general language requirement for German-taught degrees is at least B2 German, which means students need to be able to speak proper German. Some programs may even require a C1 level of fluency.
Why are English-taught programs more expensive and what are the implications for students?
-English-taught programs are more expensive because they are often offered at private universities. Students may face fewer options and potentially higher costs, similar to programs in the US.
What are the advantages of studying an English-taught master's degree in Germany?
-Studying an English-taught master's degree in Germany can be advantageous because many of these programs at public universities are tuition-free and very international, often involving research and collaboration with universities in other countries.
How does the choice of degree program affect job opportunities in Germany?
-The choice of degree program can significantly affect job opportunities. Students who study in German have better access to research, internships, and part-time jobs, as most employers in Germany prefer candidates who can speak German.
What is the perception of English-taught programs among employers in Germany?
-Some employers in Germany may perceive English-taught programs as less desirable, thinking that students who choose these programs might be unwilling to integrate into the country or were too lazy to learn German.
What advice does the speaker give for students who want to study in Germany but don't know any German?
-The speaker advises students to start learning German, even if they plan to enroll in an English-taught program, as being at least at the A2 level is important for survival in Germany and shows an intention to integrate.
Outlines
📚 Choosing Between English and German Taught Degree Programs in Germany
The script discusses the decision-making process for international students considering studying in Germany, weighing the pros and cons of English versus German taught degree programs. It highlights that German taught programs are more abundant and often easier to enter, even with lower grades, due to the admission-free nature of some programs. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the language of instruction and the integration aspect of studying in Germany, which is funded by taxpayer money. It also mentions that German taught degrees have English elements, especially in fields like computer science, and that the language requirement for these degrees is typically B2 German. The video encourages viewers to read the Modulhandbuch for detailed course language information and to consider the long-term implications of their choice on job opportunities.
🌐 Language Proficiency and Job Opportunities for International Students in Germany
This paragraph delves into the job market implications for students who choose English taught programs versus those who opt for German taught programs. It points out that fluency in German significantly increases access to research, internships, and part-time jobs, as most employers in Germany prioritize German-speaking candidates. The script contrasts the ease of entry into English taught programs with the potential challenges in the job market, suggesting that employers might perceive candidates from English taught programs as less integrated into the country. It also touches on the competitive nature of jobs that require only English and the benefits of learning German while studying. The video ends with advice on the importance of starting to learn German early, even for those pursuing English taught programs, to ensure better integration and opportunities in Germany.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡English-taught degree program
💡German-taught degree program
💡DAAD University database
💡Admission free
💡Computer Science
💡Modulhandbuch
💡B2 German
💡C1 level
💡Private universities
💡Integration
💡Job market
Highlights
Choosing between English and German taught degree programs in Germany is a significant decision affecting study experience and job opportunities.
Out of 22,000 degree programs in Germany, 20,000 are German taught and 2,000 are English taught according to the DAAD University database.
German taught programs offer the largest selection and are often easier to get into, even with lower grades.
Many German taught degrees incorporate English elements, especially in fields like computer science.
Bachelor's level courses are predominantly taught in German, but some English-taught courses may be included.
German taught master's degrees tend to have more English content and may allow for English theses.
The Modulhandbuch provides essential information on the language of instruction for each course.
German public universities offer free education funded by taxpayers, with the expectation that students contribute back through taxes after working.
Studying in German is encouraged to integrate into the country and culture, aligning with the purpose of free education.
The general language requirement for German taught degrees is B2 German proficiency.
English taught programs are attractive to international students and usually do not require German language skills.
Most English taught degree programs are found at private universities and often come with high tuition fees.
English taught programs have fewer options and may not offer the desired degree in English.
Master's level English taught programs at public universities are tuition-free and highly international.
Learning German while studying an English taught program can be challenging but beneficial for job prospects.
Employers in Germany prioritize German speaking candidates, making German language skills crucial for job opportunities.
Graduating from an English taught program might be perceived negatively in the job market, suggesting a lack of integration.
Despite the challenges, tech jobs and international companies in Germany offer opportunities for English speakers.
Learning German is essential for survival in Germany, even for those pursuing English taught programs.
The speaker promises upcoming videos on learning German and encourages subscribing for more information.
Transcripts
If you want to study in Germany, you have
the tough choice
between an English taught
and a German taught degree program.
So which one is better for you?
Which one gives you
the best opportunities?
I'm going to tell you the pros and cons,
the study experience
and most importantly,
the job opportunities.
I want you to watch the entire video
because there are a
couple of extremely important
points that are crucial
for surviving in Germany.
Now if you look at the DAAD University
database, out of the 22,000 degree
programs, about 20,000
are German taught and
2000 are English taught.
So first, let's quickly talk about the
standard German taught degree programs.
Here you will definitely have the biggest
selection and every
student in Germany will
encourage you to go for this one.
My current degree program, computer
science and design is
also in this category.
Now I want you to know that getting into
a German taught program
is usually easier
Even with lower grades, you have a good
chance because there are
also programs that are admission free
which basically means that they accept
everybody who meets
the basic requirements.
So I get this question almost every day.
Do you know any English taught bachelor's
degrees in computer science?
This means that so many students must be
trying to go for these kinds of degrees.
English taught programs are hard to get
into, but it doesn't
mean that they are superior.
Now something that a lot of people forget
is that German taught degrees also have a
lot of English elements.
I've seen professors who have their
slides in English, but
they speak and teach in German
for the entire semester.
Especially in degrees like computer
science, the coding and
terminology will be in English.
So even if you're not 100% fluent in
German, you can follow along.
At the bachelor's level, it's most likely
that the majority of
all courses will be taught
in German.
But you know, they also tend to sprinkle
in a few courses taught in English.
My degree program in Munich is German
taught, but for example,
this semester, we have a
course called "Innovation Management" that
is entirely in English.
From what I know, German taught masters
have a lot more English
parts and some people even
end up writing their
master's thesis in English.
In every case, I can recommend you read
the Modulhandbuch, the
course plan of the programs
you're interested in.
You'll be able to see what the language
of instruction for each course is.
But there is one important
thing you need to understand.
Education at German public universities
is funded by taxpayer money
The idea of offering free education to
our students is that we
stay in Germany because
once we start working, we pay it back
through our own taxes.
Degree programs in Germany increase the
chances a lot because why
else would you speak German
if your intentions are not to move to a
German speaking country?
The main purpose of studying in Germany
is to integrate
yourself into the country and culture.
So the German state wants to offer and
push German taught programs.
I mean, why would German taxpayers fund
English language
university education for students
who don't want to pay tuition or learn
German to study here?
Now, the general language requirement for
German taught degrees
is B2 German, and this
means you need to be
able to speak proper German.
I would say anybody can reach B2 in one
year of studying the language.
But some programs even
want you to be on the C1 level.
This would mean you're fluent in German.
I'm going to create a lot of videos about
learning German soon,
so definitely subscribe.
Now, on the other hand, an English taught
program is certainly very
attractive for international students.
I can absolutely understand that.
You usually don't need to speak German to
enroll or be on the A2
level, which is really
achievable in a couple of months.
And you also have a lot of international
students around you.
It seems like paradise for most students.
You can find most of the English taught
degree programs at private universities.
Compared to German taught programs, the
quality of education
is basically the same.
They just do it in English and slap a
huge price tag on it.
In the end, they might be just as
expensive as programs
in the US, for example.
Now, there are definitely fewer options
compared to German taught degrees.
Only 10% of all the degree programs are
English taught, and there
might be the chance that
your dream degree is
not offered in English.
For bachelor's degrees,
there are even fewer options.
On the master's level, it gets really
interesting because a lot
of these programs at public
universities are English taught.
They are tuition free and very
international because these programs
often do research and
collaboration with
universities in other countries.
So if you want to go for an English
taught degree program,
go for your master's.
But most of the time, it's the question.
Do you want to invest
time to learn proper German?
Or do you want to skip all of this and
pay a bunch of money to
compensate for the fact
that you don't want to learn German?
An English taught program
seems too good to be true.
Just pay some money and you
can study in Germany.
Which is not a bad thing, by the way.
But I also want you to know about the
consequences this choice
can have later in your career.
So the decision of which kind of degree
program you take
What I can say is that if you study in
German, the opportunities
you get will be way better
compared to people who just study an
English taught program.
You will automatically have access to
more research,
internships and part time jobs.
It makes sense, right?
You are living in Germany and employers
are looking for people
who can speak German.
If you look for jobs on any job portal in
Germany, the vast
majority will require fluent German.
It's just the truth.
Industries in Germany prioritize German
speaking candidates.
Because they want you to contribute to
the German economy and
deal with German customers.
So just imagine you want to apply for an
engineering role that only
requires you to speak English.
Sounds really attractive, doesn't it?
Well let's say two people apply who
performed quite well in their degree.
Person one can speak English and German
and person two can only speak English.
Well the company is
definitely going to hire person one.
Because it will feel safer onboarding
someone who can also speak German.
Being able to speak multiple
languages is always a big plus.
Think about it.
If you graduate from a private university
and the degree program also happens to be
English taught, the employer might think
that you were too lazy
to learn German and that
you are not really planning to integrate
yourself into the country.
And this is very
unattractive in the job market.
Now a lot of people in Germany seem to
hate English taught
programs and say that they
are worthless.
It doesn't mean that you
won't get a job with only English.
In fact a lot of tech jobs are in English
and there are enough
international companies
here in Germany.
So don't worry about that.
But remember they are much harder to get
and insanely competitive.
Maybe one in ten job postings are in
English and they would
still prefer the candidate
who can speak both languages.
I mean there is always the option to
learn German while you are
studying an English taught
degree and reach B2 or
C1 when you graduate.
But universities in Germany are not easy
and learning proper
German from zero while
also trying to perform
well in your courses is tough.
It's like having two full-time jobs,
learning German and also
performing well at university.
And you also might want to work part-time
during your studies, right?
So the earlier you start learning a
language, the better.
Even though there might be English taught
degree programs, you live in Germany.
The course professors might speak
English, but the
university and city administration
don't necessarily speak English.
The German state with all its bureaucracy
will not take into
account that you do not
understand German documents.
On the other hand, the amount of respect
you will get for trying
hard to learn German is crazy.
People will genuinely try to help you
improve your language skills.
But picking the easy way now
might lead to problems later.
If you pick the German taught degree
instead, you will have an
advantage in the long run.
I get this question a lot.
Hey, I want to move to Germany next year.
I don't know any German and
I don't know where to start.
To this I can answer, you
need to start learning German.
Even if you really want to go for an
English taught program,
being at least on the A2 level
of German is important to survive here.
A lot of videos about the
German language are coming soon.
Also don't forget to enroll in the free
Germany Starter Kit course
in the video description.
Download the free studying in Germany
guidebook and join our
huge Discord community.
Love you and stay focused.
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