Live and learn
To study in Germany, you have to prove that you have a good command of the German language. The only exception to this rule are the international programs taught in English. The easiest way to learn the German language is, of course, by being in Germany. You can attend one of the international summer courses available at universities in Germany. The courses are designed in such a manner that people of the same age group have a chance to learn German and a bit about the country. Participants often live with host families during the time they attend a summer course. That's a good way to learn about every day life in Germany.An alternative is renting a place at a student dormitory. The courses themselves cost anywhere from 300 to 650 eruo.
In many countries of the world, Germany's Goethe Institutes offer language instruction at all levels. They also conduct preparatory courses for higher level examinations.
Deutsche Welle offers free language courses via the internet. The beginners course "German - Why not?" is available in more than 20 languages.
Know your German
As a foreign student you must prove adequate knowledge of the German language in order to study in Germany. You can demonstrate your knowledge by taking the “German language proficiency test for college entry for foreign students”, known for short as “DSH”. Students take the examination at the respective college that they've applied to in Germany. In some specific cases, you might be able to bypass this step. For instance, if you have the lower or higher language diploma from the Goethe Institute or have passed the central higher examination of the Goethe Institute, you don’t have to undergo any further language tests. Also exempted are holders of the “German language diploma of the ministry for education and cultural affairs conference” (Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz). Likewise if you’ve taken your school leaving examination in a German-speaking school or wish to spend only one semester in Germany, you don’t need to prove your language skills. The “TestDaF” stands for “Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache” (test in German as a foreign language). You can take this examination, which has the same status as the “DSH”, beforehand in your country of origin. International study courses and some further training courses do not require any proof of language proficiency.
Source: Campus Germany
