Which Qualifications Do Students Have to Acquire?
The Knowledge of Germany Certificate covers five modules.
To pass these modules, students have to successfully complete one course per module. The courses that may be attended are listed on the flyer. The credits obtained may be included in your total final grade.
Module 1: Knowledge of the German Language
It is for a purpose that this module is listed first. German language is of central importance to communication with Germans, may it be fellow students, doctoral researchers, employees, professors, people you meet in the street, other foreign students, and your colleagues at work, of course. Closer contact is only possible through language.
For Module 1, you must provide proof of a language level of at least B1 according to the GeR. The language level can be achieved within the last two years before the beginning of the studies or during the studies. The courses of the Studienkolleg (StK) are particularly suitable for language acquisition during studies. Here, international students can also take one German course per semester free of charge.
Your Contact Person for Module 1:
Ksenija Fazlic-Walter
Adenauerring 2, building 50.20, room 312, 76131 Karlsruhe
Phone: +49 (0)721 608 44903
Email: ksenija.fazlic-walter∂kit.edu
Module 2: The Culture of Germany and Europe
Every cultural area or society has different rules of conduct, different priorities, and different ways of behaving in the public or among friends. Habits deemed normal by a German may be considered confusing or strange by a person from another culture. To act as an intermediary between cultures, it is important to know these differences. At the workplace, this kind of knowledge is highly appreciated, because employees from another culture can translate the meaning of statements made, the body language, and behavior of other persons in negotiations.
To pass the module, you have to attend a course of at least two credits at the Centre for Cultural and General Studies (ZAK) or the House of Competence (HoC):
ZAK
• A one-semester course on the culture of Germany and Europe in the area of ”Seminare zur interkultureller Kompetenz".
HoC
• Course on “Interkulturelle Kompetenz/Interkulturelle Kommunikation“ (intercultural competence/intercultural communication), area 2 (presenting and communicating).
Your Contact Persons for Module 2:
ZAK
Dr. Christine Mielke
Rüppurrer Str. 1a, house B, 5th floor, 76128 Karlsruhe
Phone: +49 (0)721 608 46920 / 46919
Email: christine.mielke∂kit.edu
HoC:
Dr. Alexa Maria Kunz
Fritz-Erler-Str. 23, 76133 Karlsruhe
Tel.: +49 (0)721 608-45847
Email: alexa.kunz∂kit.edu
Module 3: Key Competencies for Studies and Work
In the global knowledge society, employees are required to possess expert knowledge as well as communication skills, creativity, commitment, independence, or adaptability. These are deemed key competencies or key qualifications. In different cultures, these competencies will be needed in different ways. An example is the correct citation of scientific work. This knowledge is particularly important for those, in the home countries of whom things are handled differently. Without this knowledge, a graduation thesis or presentation may become an insurmountable obstacle.
To pass the module, courses of at least two credits in total must be attended at the House of Competence (HoC) or the Centre for Cultural and General Studies (ZAK):
HoC
Eine Veranstaltung aus den folgenden Schwerpunkten:
• Organizing learning
• Presenting and communicating
• Research: Organized - reflected – creative
• Scientific writing
• Shaping the future
ZAK
A course in the area of “Schlüsselqualifikationen,” Studium Generale, Bereich "Kreativität und Kommunikation"
Your Contact Persons for Module 3:
HoC
Dr. Alexa Maria Kunz
Fritz-Erler-Str. 23, 76133 Karlsruhe
Tel.: +49 (0)721 608-45847
Email: alexa.kunz∂kit.edu
ZAK
Dr. Christine Mielke
Rüppurrer Str. 1a, house B, 5th floor, 76128 Karlsruhe
Phone: +49 (0)721 608 46920
Email: christine.mielke∂kit.edu
Module 4: Work in Germany or Social Work
This module serves to familiarize students with working life in Germany. Afterwards, students can provide proof of this experience. Students have a variety of opportunities, including work in associations or clubs. To obtain good insight, students have to work for at least six months. This has to be documented.
To obtain the ZDeK Certificate, the following activities are recognized:
• Work experience in Germany (voluntary internship).
• Work as a student assistant (HiWi) at KIT.
• Work as a student assistant at another university in Germany.
• Work experience in Germany in the field of studies.
• Work as a tutor for participants in German language courses at Studienkolleg.
• Intercultural and organizational tasks for exchange students, e.g. in the Erasmus Group or as tutor of the international buddy program.
• Language partner for international students.
• An active membership in a registered club in Germany (e.g. sports club, orchestra).
• Active work in a German-speaking KIT university group (ENACTUS, AKFlieg, KARaceIng, etc., for the complete list, click www.asta-kit.de)
To pass this module, either present a certificate issued by your workplace or report your experience on one to two pages. This is no scientific report. Your subjective impressions must be reported. The reader is to obtain a general idea of your activity (goal, purpose).
Module 5: Transition to the Job: Application Training
Module 5 supports your change from the university to the job. You will obtain knowledge on how to start a career, e.g. on the search for jobs, the application procedure, and the start of work. Choose one course among various lectures, webinars, and workshops:
• Setting up application documents (one-day workshop).
• Applying for a job in Germany (1.5 h).
• Preparing for job interviews (1-day workshop).
• Training of soft skills (workshop of half a day).
These and other courses can be found at https://www.irm.kit.edu/english/Trainings.php.
Your Contact Person for Module 5:
Julia Neer
Vincenz-Prießnitz-Str. 1, building 07.07, 3rd floor, room 304, 76131 Karlsruhe
Phone: +49 (0)721 608 46988
Email: julia.neer∂kit.edu
