German Language Program
It is expected that within the first two years of their studies doctoral students from abroad acquire adequate proficiency in German for teaching math tutorials. ZGSM offers specially designed German language courses at the level of the international standards A1, A2, B1 and - if requested - B2 and C1. Participants pay a contribution towards the costs of the courses they attend.
The courses build on one another. Each fall semester, there is an A1.1 course for absolute beginners. Depending on your individual language proficiency, you can join the ZGSM language courses at any level.
If you are interested in one of the offered courses please go to the button "Further Questions" (see below) to send an email.
Description of courses
The courses are taught by certified DAF (Deutsch als Fremdsprache) language instructors.
In general for doctoral studies in Mathematics at Zurich no credit units are awarded for language courses (please also see "Credit Units").
ZGSM awards a certificate for the successful completion of different course levels (starting from A2, only with examination) and supports students wishing to earn an internationally recognized certificate of the Goethe Institute.
Level A1.1 Beginners Course
A specially designed course for new members of the Graduate School from abroad who have little or no knowledge of German.
Goal: enable participants to communicate in German with a focus on comprehension and speaking skills. Topics are basic vocabulary, small dialogues, simple sentences with direct object, conjugation of important verbs.
Requirements: none
Specifics: offered in the fall semester, four lessons a week of 45 minutes each.
Level A1.2 Immersion Course
Goal: enable participants to understand more complex sentences and improve their speaking skills.
Requirements: basic knowledge of German or completed A1 level.
Specifics: offered in the semester break in winter, up to 9 lessons a week of 45 minutes each.
Level A2.1
Goal: enable participants to understand more complex sentences and improve their speaking skills.
Requirements: basic knowledge of German or completed A1 level.
Specifics: offered in the spring semester, four lessons a week of 45 minutes each.
Level A2.2 Immersion Course
Goal: enable participants to understand more complex sentences and improve their speaking skills.
Requirements: basic knowledge of German or completed A1/A2.1 level.
Specifics: offered in the semester break in summer, up to 9 lessons a week of 45 minutes each.
Level B1.1
Goal: fluency in German language; good reading and some writing skills.
Requirements: solid basic knowledge in German (e.g. successfully passed A2 test).
Specifics: offered in the fall semester, four lessons a week of 45 minutes each.
Level B1.2
Goal: knowledgeable in advanced grammar, idiomatic expressions, mathematical vocabulary & phrases, enable participants to teach mathematics in German.
Requirements: advanced knowledge in German.
Specifics: offered in the spring semester, four lessons a week of 45 minutes each.
Level B2
Goal: deepening of grammar and vocabulary, deepening of oral and writing skills, understanding of complex texts, discussions in German on various topics.
Requirements: good knowledge in German (e.g. successfully passed B1 test).
Specifics: only offered if there are enough participants, four lessons a week of 45 minutes each, sometimes organized as 'Conversation Course' with less grammar and vocabulary and only two lessons a week.