Learn German in Graz: Our mission & values
Deutsch in Graz is the oldest educational institution for DaF/DaZ in the Styrian capital. Since 1982 – the year the language school was founded at the KFU Graz – we have been operating as a non-profit organization.
Our domain is teaching German to people whose mother tongue is not German: competently and sensitively.
Then as now
[dig] is a place for intercultural encounters and lively and tangible communication between native speaker teachers and students, in the spirit of its founder and long-time mentor, the linguist Prof. Dr. Karl Sornig.
Then as now, the association defines its activities as a contribution to better understanding across language borders and individual language barriers. This is done in the spirit of tolerance and humanity, taking into account the numerous diversities and gender mainstreaming in a multilingual, globalized world.
Brand standards [dig]
We offer a wide range of courses and seminars throughout the year at all levels of the CEFR in homogeneous small groups (max. 12 people) – carefully designed after careful assessment (oral, written or online) and packaged in professional foreign language pedagogy, always practical, skills-oriented and geared towards sustainability.
We trust
can rely on more than 40 years of teaching experience in the field of GFL/German as a foreign language and on a team of university-trained teachers. The association considers the very best qualifications, proven teaching practice and continuous further training of all employees in the sense of a language institute that not only teaches but also learns to be the essential plus of the [dig] brand.
We advise
our course participants comprehensively and competently in the run-up to and, of course, during the course. Depending on the individual starting situation and personal objectives, we accompany and support each individual with our know-how in a very responsible manner and provide practical tips and suggestions for self-study.
All our employees pass on their knowledge of learning techniques, the use of modern media and the specific requirements for obtaining recognized certificates to interested customers and partners.
We give gifts
We give our course participants and ourselves the gift of a relaxed learning atmosphere that arises from our own enjoyment of this profession.
We have always felt that this additional motivation, combined with Styrian hospitality and the Austrian way of life, creates a sense of identity for our school and the association.
We guarantee
We therefore wish all those who choose the [dig] brand a cordial and mutually appreciative working relationship. We are convinced that our sincere efforts to promote quality relationships in foreign language teaching, to which modern cognitive research attaches such crucial importance with regard to successful foreign language learning, make us as distinctive yesterday as we are today.
Then as now: the whole city as a classroom
In keeping with our original motto “the whole city is a classroom”, we welcome several hundred language enthusiasts to our “Graz Classroom” every year, both newcomers and returning students.
Then as now, we appeal to all our course participants:
lives, learns, reads – always with joy among friends.
Questions & answers about our German courses
How does the placement into the correct language level work?
At our language school, Deutsch in Graz, we place great importance on ensuring that everyone is taught in a group that matches their individual language level. For this reason, we conduct a placement test for all German courses in order to determine each participant’s language level and recommend a suitable course level. The decision regarding which level you will be placed in is made by the course management.
To ensure that you receive the best possible support, we ask you to take the placement test conscientiously and to rely on the recommendations of the course instructor. You can take the placement test at our institute in advance so that you know which level you will be taught at before the course starts. The test is possible without prior registration and is free of charge.
Our opening hours for the placement test are Monday to Friday between 12:00 and 15:00 and Saturdays between 10:00 and 14:00.
Which German course should I attend to make progress as quickly as possible?
If you need/want to learn German quickly, we recommend that you take part in our intensive courses. Not only can you learn very intensively in small groups, you can also prepare for an exam.
How am I assigned to a level?
Every language course at Deutsch in Graz begins with an oral and written placement test. The test should be taken before the start of the course at Deutsch in Graz so that lessons can begin on the first day of the course.
How long will it take me to complete an entire level?
The classification of levels corresponds to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Deutsch in Graz offers 10 levels. An intensive course lasts 4 weeks (100 units plus 16 units workshop), the evening courses 8 weeks with 64 units per course (or 16 weeks with 32 units per course).
Can I complete my course with an officially recognized exam?
At Deutsch in Graz you have the opportunity to take an ÖSD exam or an ÖIF exam every 4 weeks. You can find more detailed information under: Exams
What do I need to bring with me on the first day of the course?
Please bring a photo ID, proof of payment and a dictionary with you on the first day of the course. You will receive all course materials from your course instructor.
Can I also study at the institute after class?
In the workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, you can repeat, practise and consolidate the subject matter. You also have the opportunity to take model exams during this time.
Can I change the course level?
Our team will make every effort to ensure that you learn at the level that suits you right from the start. If this is not the case, you can change level up until Wednesday in the first week of the course.
What does the leisure program look like?
You can find more detailed information here: [dig]-Leisure program
Can I also book accommodation with Deutsch in Graz?
We will be happy to organize accommodation for you in our [dig] summer school, with host families or in a student residence. You can find more detailed information here: [dig] accommodation