Learning German in the Czech Republic

The German language is very important in the Czech Republic. Given the fact that the country shares borders with two German-speaking nations, German skills are both important and in demand.

Many German companies have their headquarters in the Czech Republic and are looking for German-speaking professionals in many different sectors. German can therefore also be a key advantage when searching for a job.

Šprechtíme

In autumn 2011, the German and Austrian embassies jointly initiated the ŠPRECHTÍME campaign to support the German language in the Czech Republic. A number of German and Austrian institutions are involved in the campaign. The aim is to show the Czech people that learning German in schools can be fun and that German skills are very useful later in life. More information about the Šprechtíme campaign and German instruction in the Czech Republic is available here.

Where in the Czech Republic can you learn German?

German is taught at many state schools and private language schools in the Czech Republic.

Below is a list of schools we know from personal experience:

German can also be learnt and used outside schools and language courses.

Further Organisations

At http://www.sprechtime-databaze.cz/ you will find a number of organisations that are committed to fostering German-Czech relations.

Information about these organisations is divided into six categories according to their target groups.

Language Proficiency Tests

To study in Germany, you will need to take one of the following exams:

In the Czech Republic, you can take German Abitur exams at the following schools:

Deutsche Schule Prag
Schwarzenberská 1/700
158 00 Praha 5
E-mail: dspragdsp-praha.cz
www.dsp-praha.cz
Gymnázium F. X. Šaldy
Partyzánská 530/3
460 01 Liberec 11
E-mail: deutschgfxs.cz
deutsch.devel.gfxs.cz

DSH exams can only be taken in German-speaking countries. Since each German higher education institution organises these examinations itself, they vary in terms of format and procedure. For this reason, you will need to obtain information directly from your chosen higher education institution and request a sample test.

Information on the specific dates of the DSH exams is available from the International Office of the respective higher education institution. As a rule, the exams take place three to four weeks before the start of the semester.

At some higher education institutions it is possible to take the DSH test free of charge, but most do require you to pay a fee.

The Goethe-Institut exams can be taken at the Goethe-Institut in Prague or at these locations.

Goethe-Institut Prague
Masarykovo nábřeží 32
110 00 Praha 1
Tel.: +420 221 962 111
E-mail: infoprag.goethe.org
jazykové kurzy
kurzyprag.goethe.org
www.goethe.de/prag

The test needed for admission to a degree programme in Germany can also be taken in the Czech Republic. This is called the TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language for Foreign Applicants). The test was developed in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut and can be taken four times per year at various test centres.

The TestDaF differentiates between various languages proficiency levels since language requirements may vary depending on the intended course of study. The test is always prepared and marked centrally in Germany, meaning that all participants have the same opportunities. A detailed description of the tests, specific test dates, a list of test centres and various versions of the tests are available online at http://www.testdaf.de.

Univerzita Hradec Králové
Pedagogická fakulta, Katedra německého jazyka a
Hradecká 1227
500 03 Hradec Králové 3 literatury
Tel.:+420 49 333 1303
Fax:+420 49 33 31 367
Technická Univerzita v Liberci
Katedra německého jazyka
Komenského 314/2
46001 Liberec
Contact:Adam Lengiewicz
Tel.:+420 485 354 281
E-mail: adam.lengiewicztul.cz
Homepage: http://www.fp.tul.cz/knj
Hello language centre s.r.o.
Novinářská 7
70200 Ostrava
Contact:Tomáš Černý
Tel.:+420 604 796 740
E-mail: cernyhello.cz
Homepage: http://www.hello.cz
Univerzita Pardubice
Faculty of Arts
Dept of Foreign Languages
Studentská 84
532 10 Pardubice
Contact:Ms Bianca Beniskova-Schulze
Tel.:+420 40 603 62 15
Fax:+420 40 603 62 28
E-mail: bianca.beniskovaupce.cz
Homepage: http://www.upce.cz
University of West Bohemia in Pilsen
Institute of German Studies
Riegrova ul. 11
306 14 Pilsen
Contact:Mr Zdenek Vavra
Tel.:+420 37 763 5404
Fax:+420 37 763 5402
E-mail: zvavrakgs.zcu.cz
Homepage: http://www.kgs.zcu.cz

The DSD Level II exam can be taken at German schools abroad and also at state or private educational institutions around the world that are authorised to give the test. The prerequisite for obtaining such authorisation in the Czech Republic is proof that the institution offers 1,200 to 1,600 hours of German instruction in at least 5 or 7 consecutive classes. This test is taken in the presence of an authorised teacher from Germany (Kommissionsobmann). The written section is corrected and graded in Germany.