German, Introductory Course I
Learn German from scratch! This course provides a broad introduction to the German language and German-speaking countries. The course combines theoretical elements with practical exercises to help you learn to understand and express yourself in basic German.
You will learn about the structure of the German language and develop your basic vocabulary. Practical elements include exercises in reading and writing texts, as well as listening comprehension and oral communication, focusing on everyday situations. The course also covers current cultural, political, and social issues in German-speaking countries.
This course requires proficiency in Swedish. No prior knowledge of German is expected. The course is offered as part-time studies during both the autumn and spring semesters.
For more practice in conversation skills, we recommend the language cafés at the Language Studio. These offer additional resources to support language studies, including a tandem program, two computer labs with drop-in sessions, and a media database.
The course consists of the following modules:
Modules
Language knowledge I, 5 credits
This module covers the basics of German grammar. The most fundamental structures of German morphology and syntax are studied using basic grammatical concepts. The course begins the process of building a basic German vocabulary. Reading skills are also practiced.
Written language proficiency I, 3 credits
This module applies basic grammatical knowledge and basic German vocabulary through practical writing exercises.
Oral proficiency and listening comprehension I, 2 credits
This module practices the ability to understand, recognize, and use common German words and phrases so that you can describe yourself and your surroundings.
German conversation I, 5 credits
This module focuses on developing the ability to understand and converse in German on everyday topics and the subjects covered in each seminar. German pronunciation is also practiced.
Teaching Format
Teaching consists of seminars and (group) exercises.
Compulsory components are oral and written presentations at seminars or on the current learning platform. If you miss deadlines for submissions, you can compensate the course work with a substitute assignment given to you by the teacher.
80% attendance at all teaching sessions is compulsory. That means that a maximum of 3 seminars can be compensated.
Specified deadlines for submitting mandatory assignments must be met for the student to participate in subsequent examinations.
The language of instruction is German.
Teaching takes place either remotely or on campus as indicated for each instance of the course.
Assessment
Language knowledge I, 5 credits
This module is examined through a written exam.
Written Language Proficiency I, 3 credits
This module is assessed continuously through assignments submitted for each seminar.
Oral Proficiency and Listening Comprehension I, 2 credits
This module is assessed continuously through assignments submitted for each seminar.
German conversation I, 5 credits
This module is assessed continuously at each seminar and through a group oral exam.
Grading Scale
Grading is based on a criterion-referenced seven-point grading scale:
A = Excellent
B = Very Good
C = Good
D = Satisfactory
E = Sufficient
Fx = Fail, some more work required
F = Fail, much more work required
The modules Written Language Proficiency I, 3 credits, and Oral Language Proficiency and Listening Comprehension I, 2 credits, are assessed according to a criterion-referenced two-point grading scale:
U = Fail
G = Pass
The principles for weighting the individual examination assignments are stated in the grading criteria (please see the Swedish page for more information). The examinations are conducted in German.
- Schedule TYA001 Autumn semester 2025 Evening-time 50% Distance learning
- Schedule TYA001 Spring semester 2026 Evening-time 50% Distance learning
- Schedule TYA001 Autumn semester 2026 Evening-time 50%
- Schedule TYA001 Autumn semester 2026 Evening-time 50% Distance learning
- Schedule TYA001 Spring semester 2027 Evening-time 50% Distance learning
Career Opportunities
Learning German is beneficial for those considering a career in Sweden or abroad. German is an official language in several European countries and Germany is Sweden’s largest trading partner. Therefore, good knowledge of German is in demand in the job market. German is one of Europe’s most important languages, spoken by around 100 million people as a first language. Some students study German at university in order to become teachers. However, an increasing number of students are choosing to study German alongside another subject.
After the Course
The next course in the progression is German, Introductory Course II, 15 credits.
