IYPA German courses
Summer semester 2026
IYPA German courses
Do you want to improve your German, feel more confident when presenting, or prepare effectively for job interviews? Then our IYPA German courses are just right for you.
In a relaxed atmosphere, you will work on the topics that really matter in your studies and later in your career – practical, personal, intensive, and entirely in German.
The courses are offered at different proficiency levels. Have you already completed B2? Then sign up for the C1-level course. IYPA courses are not designed to take you to the next language level. Instead, they focus on developing your language skills through topics related to academic studies and professional life.
Registration
Please register for courses taking place during the semester by October 30, 2026. Registration is binding. You can find the registration link directly below each course.
You may register for up to two courses at the same time. Each course is limited to 15 participants. For online courses, please make sure that your camera and microphone are working properly.
No ECTS credits will be awarded for participation.
German courses during the winter semester 26/27
The courses take place weekly and can be easily integrated into your study routine. You will continuously work on your language skills and have enough time to apply what you have learned directly.
Date
Wednesday | 2:30–4:30 pm
4 November – 13 January
9 sessions
Format
Online
Requirement
- Prerequisite: Completion of A2.2 or B1.1
- Regular attendance: At least 7 out of 9 sessions
- Course requirements: Leading a short class activity of approximately 10 minutes and submitting at least one homework assignment
Content
This course focuses on B1-level grammar and vocabulary. Using topics related to academic and professional life, we will review and expand key grammatical structures and put them directly into practice.
You will learn how to describe experiences and events, talk about plans and wishes, express reasons and connections, describe people and situations in more detail, and share your opinion. We will cover important B1 grammar topics such as subordinate clauses and connectors, relative clauses, verbs with prepositions, the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II), the passive voice, and infinitive constructions with zu. At the same time, you will expand your vocabulary for academic, professional, and everyday situations.
Short videos, social media clips, and other authentic examples will help you explore grammar and vocabulary in context. You will then have the opportunity to put what you have learned into practice through exercises and conversations.
Once during the course, you will also prepare a topic and lead a short learning or discussion activity for the group.
Date
Fridays | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
6 November – 15 January
9 sessions
Format
On campus | Room K3a
Requirement
- Prerequisite: Completion of B2.2 or C1.1
- Regular attendance: At least 7 out of 9 sessions
- Course requirements: Leading a class activity of approximately 20 minutes and submitting at least one homework assignment
Content
This course focuses on developing your speaking skills at C1 level for academic and professional contexts.
We will explore a range of topics related to university and professional life and use them as a starting point for conversations, discussions, and presentations.
You will practise skills such as expressing and defending your point of view convincingly, presenting arguments and counterarguments, disagreeing politely, explaining complex ideas clearly, and moderating discussions.
We will also work with typical situations from academic and professional life, such as presenting ideas and projects, developing solutions together, giving and responding to feedback, and discussing different perspectives within a team. Possible topics include work and careers, digitalisation and AI, communication and collaboration, higher education and research, and current social issues.
Along the way, you will expand your vocabulary and learn useful phrases and expressions that will help you communicate more precisely and effectively.
Once during the course, you will take the lead: You will choose a topic, prepare a short introduction, and lead a conversation or discussion activity for the group.
Date
Fridays | 12:15–2:15 p.m.
6 November – 15 January
9 sessions
Format
On campus | Room K3a
Requirement
- Prerequisite: Completion of A2.2 or B1.1
- Regular attendance: At least 7 out of 9 sessions
- Course requirements: Leading a short class activity of approximately 10 minutes and submitting at least one homework assignment
Content
This course focuses on practical B1-level speaking skills for the German workplace. You will practise typical situations you may encounter when starting your career and in your everyday working life.
These include introducing yourself and your work, getting to know colleagues, making small talk, and choosing the appropriate form of address. You will also practise asking questions, asking for help, explaining things and asking for clarification, and resolving misunderstandings. Other typical situations may include making and rescheduling appointments, discussing tasks, passing on information, writing short work-related messages, participating in meetings, and responding to feedback.
Through useful phrases and vocabulary as well as plenty of exercises, dialogues, and simulations, you can try out different situations and put your German directly into practice. We will also explore communication and collaboration in the German workplace and some of the conventions you may encounter in your professional life.
Once during the course, you will choose a topic and lead a short activity for the group.
German courses during the semester break
These courses are offered in a block format, making them particularly intensive and compact. With 5 contact hours per session, you will work in a focused way on your German skills and can complete the course within four weeks. Perfect if you want to make rapid progress. All dates and details can be found on OLAT. The registration deadline is the Sunday before each course at 11:59 pm.
Date
Friday, 10:00 am–2:30 pm
25 September – 16 October
3 sessions
Format
hybrid | Raum K3a
Requirement
Completed B1 or B2 level
Content
In this course, you will practice typical forms of communication in academic settings. You will work on presentations and seminar discussions as well as basic forms of academic writing.
Good to know
- All courses are free of charge – for international students at Hochschule Mainz.
- Registration is via the links on our website in the right-hand sidebar.
- Organizer: IYPA (International Young Professionals Academy).
- Certificate of participation: If you attend all scheduled course sessions, you can receive a certificate of participation from IYPA upon request.
Sponsors
IYPA is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
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