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Author of the article
December 10, 2025

This language, whose mastery is considered difficult for a French-speaking person, may seem like an insurmountable obstacle for those who want to join a German university.

To answer the question, if you can study in Germany without speaking German, the answer is yes, but with important nuances. Indeed, many German universities offer programs that are taught entirely in English. This allows foreign students to immerse themselves in German education without necessarily knowing the local language.

These programs are often designed to be accessible to international students, eliminating the language barrier and providing an inclusive learning environment.

The advantages of studying in Germany

Many advantages explain why Germany is one of the most popular higher education destinations.

First of all, the majority of courses are offered at an unbeatable cost. Some German public universities do not require tuition fees, even for foreign students! When they exist, these fees remain much lower than those applied in most countries, especially in the Anglo-Saxon countries. As the cost of living in Germany remains affordable, it is possible to study there for around 850 euros per month.

Above all, the very quality of the courses offered attracts thousands of students every year. Whether in science, management, engineering or even the humanities, German universities offer cutting-edge education, combining high-level research and close links between companies and research laboratories. A third of Nobel Prizes come from German research institutes!

German degree holders enjoy a solid reputation among employers. Beyond their academic skills, they will be judged on their work capacity, their seriousness and their technical ability, all qualities associated in France with teaching across the Rhine.

Thus, despite the initial language barrier, the benefits of German studies remain undeniable. Now let's look at the solutions to overcome this obstacle.

The language barrier

While the advantages of studying in Germany are not lacking, there is a major obstacle for those who do not master German: the language itself.

Indeed, in the majority of university courses, courses are given in German. Without a solid foundation in this language known to be arduous, it is extremely difficult to follow courses. Taking notes, writing written assignments or even taking exams are becoming mission impossible!

Even outside of studies, communicating on a daily basis and carrying out administrative procedures is complicated without a concept of German. Germans, especially in the east of the country, are rarely at ease in English. Student expatriation can quickly turn into isolation without linguistic bases.

Fortunately, more and more German establishments are aware of this challenge. They offer international students solutions to acquire the basics: intensive preparatory year, language tutoring, linguistic tandem with a native... These devices allow them to start their university studies more calmly across the Rhine.

Other alternatives also exist for those who want to study in Germany without learning the language of Goethe. Let's discover them.

The different possibilities of studying in Germany without speaking German

Even without a solid foundation in German, it is now possible to complete all or part of one's university studies across the Rhine. Explanations.

First of all, more and more master's and bachelor's courses are offered entirely in English at German universities. Courses in business, finance, marketing and engineering take place in the language of Shakespeare in order to attract students from all over the world. Some don't offer any courses in German!

Then, some universities set up language support systems. Introductory courses to the language, mentoring with a German-speaking student, some institutions thus support internationals in their gradual learning of German. The university can also serve as a springboard for further improvement.

It is best to target the cities and Länder that are the most “English-friendly”. Berlin, Hamburg or Munich are keen on foreign students and are more familiar with English than regions of the former GDR. Likewise, large multidisciplinary institutions offer more courses in English than specialized universities.

Even if you are a beginner in German, it is now possible to join Goethe's country to follow all or part of your higher education there. As long as you show method in your research, there is no shortage of opportunities!

German universities with internationally oriented programs

Several German universities offer programs in English for the Bachelor and Master courses. A process that gives several foreign students who have not yet mastered the language the opportunity to choose Germany as a destination for their higher education.

The 9 best German universities to study English

  • The Free University of Berlin

  • Founded in 1948, the Free University of Berlin has won the competition of excellence organized by the German federal and regional governments three times. This multi-faceted institution offers a wide range of over 150 programs spread across eleven departments and four central institutes.
    Each year, around 600 students from all over the world enrich teaching and research at the Free University of Berlin, bringing valuable diversity to this renowned institution.

  • Humboldt University Berlin

  • Since June 15, 2012, Humboldt University in Berlin has been one of the eleven universities of excellence in Germany. This institution conducts extensive research on socially relevant topics and issues, actively communicating the results obtained to the general public. It has more than 39,000 students, 21% of whom are foreign.

  • The Technical University of Berlin

  • The Technical University of Berlin plays an active role in the international metropolis and has long represented the city's main scientific center. However, its academic offering is not limited to technical fields. Many international students also follow programs of study in the field of social sciences there.

    It was founded in 1879 and is ranked 12th nationally.
    HTW Berlin
    Still known as the University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Economics, HTW Berlin was founded in 1994 and offers over 70 courses in the fields of technology, computer science, business, business, law, law, culture, and design.
    It is one of the universities with the largest student shares in Germany, accounting for 40% out of 13,628 students.

  • The University of Hamburg

  • It is the largest university in Hamburg with several courses (law, history, art, physics). It is financed by the public institution and more than 43,000 students.

  • HafenCity University Hamburg

  • Recently, the HCU was founded in 2006 with around 2,400 students to date.
    The HafenCity University of Hamburg (HCU) distinguishes itself in Europe by devoting itself exclusively to architecture and metropolitan development.

  • Hamburg University of Technology

  • Civil and environmental engineering, process and bioprocess engineering, logistics to techno-mathematics, these are the courses offered by the Hamburg University of Technology. With 7615, it is one of the best technical universities in Germany.

  • Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

  • The Hamburg University of Applied Sciences offers practical insight into the field of computer science, life sciences, design, media, economics, and social sciences.

  • Technical University of Munich

  • The Technical University of Munich is one of the most active and innovative research institutions in Europe. It currently offers 178 academic programs covering a wide range of specialties, including engineering, natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, and economic and social sciences.

    Learning German is essential


    Although the language is not a major obstacle for some programs, a basic knowledge of German may be useful, if not necessary, for daily life in Germany. Outside of the academic setting, language proficiency facilitates social integration, interactions with locals, and the understanding of German culture as a whole.

    Some specific programs, such as the fields of humanities, literature, or philosophy, may require some proficiency in German.

    Indeed, some academic courses cannot be taught only in this language.

    For students who want to improve their German, many universities offer intensive German language courses. They are mostly integrated into academic programs or accessible in parallel.

    It is an opportunity to develop their language skills while continuing their studies.

    Author of the article
    December 10, 2025
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