Language

In which language should I submit my application?

You may write your application in either English or German.

My undergraduate / postgraduate thesis is written in a language other than English or German. Must I have it translated?

If the thesis is not written in English or German, we will accept the full-text copy in the original language plus a summary of the thesis and the table of contents in English or German.

Is knowledge of German imperative for participation in the International PhD Programme “Literary and Cultural Studies” (IPP)?

For most disciplinary areas, the language of the dissertation and the dissertation defence is German or English. The PhD Committee may accept the language of your respective discipline (i.e. French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese) as well. Find information on special language requirements in the different disciplines at the JLU here (Anlage/Annex 2).

If the language of the dissertation is other than German, sufficient skills in German need to be proven. The IPP may cover the cost of the German courses the members take until B1, which is the level required by the Promotionsordnungen der Geisteswissenschaften. We would warmly advise you, however, to acquire a basic knowledge of German before coming to Giessen.