German vs English Taught Degrees in Germany (The Truth)

Summary

This 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

00:00

📚 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.

05:01

🌐 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.

Keywords

💡English-taught degree program

An English-taught degree program is an educational course conducted in the English language, often aimed at international students. In the context of the video, it represents an alternative to traditional German-taught programs, offering a different set of advantages and challenges. The script mentions that these programs are harder to get into but do not necessarily indicate superiority over German-taught ones.

💡German-taught degree program

A German-taught degree program is a course of study conducted in the German language, typically preferred by students who wish to integrate into the German academic and cultural environment. The video emphasizes that these programs are more accessible, with a greater selection and often free of admission, reflecting the German state's intention to encourage language and cultural integration.

💡DAAD University database

The DAAD University database is a resource mentioned in the script that contains information about degree programs in Germany. It is used as a reference to highlight the predominance of German-taught programs over English-taught ones, with approximately 20,000 German-taught programs compared to 2,000 English-taught.

💡Admission free

In the script, 'admission free' refers to programs that accept all applicants who meet the basic requirements, without additional selection criteria. This term is used to illustrate the relative ease of entry into German-taught programs compared to English-taught ones.

💡Computer Science

Computer Science is a field of study within the video that serves as an example of a degree program. It is mentioned to highlight the presence of English elements even in German-taught programs, such as coding and terminology, which can make the courses accessible to non-German speakers.

💡Modulhandbuch

The Modulhandbuch, or module handbook, is a document that outlines the course plan for a degree program in Germany. The video script encourages prospective students to consult this document to understand the language of instruction for each course, which is crucial for making an informed decision about their program choice.

💡B2 German

B2 German refers to a proficiency level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), indicating that a speaker can communicate effectively in most everyday situations. In the video, it is mentioned as the general language requirement for German-taught degrees, emphasizing the need for a solid grasp of the German language.

💡C1 level

C1 level, or 'proficient user' in the CEFR, represents a high level of language proficiency, where a speaker can understand and express ideas fluently and spontaneously. The script uses this term to describe a higher language requirement for some programs, indicating a deep fluency in German.

💡Private universities

Private universities are educational institutions that are not state-funded, often charging tuition fees. The video contrasts these with public universities in Germany, noting that most English-taught degree programs are found at private institutions and come with a 'huge price tag.'

💡Integration

Integration in the context of the video refers to the process of becoming part of a society or culture, specifically the German society and culture. The script suggests that studying a German-taught program can facilitate this integration, as it aligns with the German state's goals and the taxpayer-funded education system.

💡Job market

The job market in the video is discussed in relation to the advantages of studying a German-taught program versus an English-taught one. It is emphasized that fluency in German is highly valued, and German-speaking candidates are often preferred by employers, which can impact career opportunities post-graduation.

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.