The language requirements at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main depend on the language of instruction for each program (German or English). Here’s an overview of the language requirements:

1. Programs Taught in German

Most undergraduate programs and some master's programs are conducted in German. International students must demonstrate proficiency in the German language to be admitted to these programs.

German Language Requirements:

• DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang):
  • Generally requires a DSH-2 level for most programs.
• TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache):
  • Minimum score: Level 4 in all four sections (reading, listening, speaking, writing).
• Goethe Certificate:
  • C1 or C2 levels are typically accepted.
• Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule:
  • Recognized as proof of proficiency for academic purposes.

Note: Some programs may accept students with a lower level of German proficiency, but this varies by program.

2. Programs Taught in English

Several master’s programs and some bachelor’s programs are offered in English. For these programs, students must demonstrate proficiency in English.

English Language Requirements:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
  • Minimum score: Typically 80–100 (iBT), depending on the program.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
  • Minimum score: Generally 6.0–7.0 overall, with specific minimum scores in each section.
• Cambridge English Qualifications:
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) are accepted.

Alternative Proof:

• A previous degree completed in English (such as a bachelor’s degree) may also serve as proof of English proficiency, depending on the specific requirements of the program.

3. Bilingual Programs

Some programs may require proficiency in both German and English, particularly in fields that combine both languages in instruction and coursework. These programs may have specific requirements for each language.

4. Preparatory Language Courses

• Goethe University offers German language courses for international students who need to improve their language skills before starting their studies. These courses are aimed at enhancing students' proficiency to meet admission requirements.

5. Exemptions

• Students may be exempt from providing formal language certification if they have completed prior education in the language of instruction.

How to Apply

Goethe University Frankfurt am Main offers a wide range of programs across various fields, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Here are some of the course specialties for which the university is particularly well-known:

1. Social Sciences

• Programs: Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Education
• Specialties:
  • Sociology: Focus on social theory, research methods, and empirical studies.
  • Political Science: Emphasis on international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.
  • Psychology: Offers specializations in clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology.

2. Economics and Business

• Programs: Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Management
• Specialties:
  • Economics: Focus on microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
  • Finance: Specializations in banking, financial markets, and risk management.
  • International Business: Emphasis on global market strategies and international trade.

3. Natural Sciences

• Programs: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Sciences
• Specialties:
  • Biology: Focus on molecular biology, ecology, and biodiversity.
  • Chemistry: Offers specializations in organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry.
  • Environmental Sciences: Emphasis on sustainability, climate change, and conservation.

4. Humanities

• Programs: Philosophy, Literature, History, Cultural Studies
• Specialties:
  • Philosophy: Focus on ethics, political philosophy, and German philosophy.
  • Literature: Emphasis on German literature, comparative literature, and cultural theory.
  • History: Specializations in modern history, cultural history, and global history.

5. Law

• Programs: Law (Jurisprudence)
• Specialties:
  • German Law: Comprehensive understanding of the German legal system.
  • European Law: Focus on EU law and its impact on member states.
  • International Law: Specializations in human rights law and international trade law.

6. Medicine and Health Sciences

• Programs: Medicine, Health Sciences, Public Health
• Specialties:
  • Medicine: Comprehensive training in clinical medicine, research, and public health.
  • Public Health: Focus on epidemiology, health policy, and health promotion.

7. Mathematics and Computer Science

• Programs: Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science
• Specialties:
  • Mathematics: Focus on applied mathematics, statistics, and mathematical finance.
  • Computer Science: Emphasis on software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data analysis.

8. Cultural Studies and Communication

• Programs: Media Studies, Communication Science
• Specialties:
  • Media Studies: Focus on media theory, digital media, and communication technology.
  • Communication Science: Emphasis on interpersonal communication, public relations, and marketing.

9. Interdisciplinary Programs

• Programs: Global Studies, Environmental Studies
• Specialties:
  • Global Studies: Examines global issues such as migration, human rights, and sustainability.
  • Environmental Studies: Focuses on environmental policy, sustainability practices, and ecological research.

10. Cognitive Science

• Programs: Cognitive Science, Neuroscience
• Specialties:
  • Cognitive Science: Interdisciplinary approach integrating psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics.
  • Neuroscience: Focus on brain functions, neurobiology, and cognitive processes.

Goethe-Universität — Research at Goethe University

Programs

Scholarship information

International student help

Goethe-Universität — Jobs and opportunities

Goethe University Frankfurt am Main is home to many esteemed professors known for their contributions to research, teaching, and their respective fields. Here are some of the top professors associated with the university:

1. Manfred G. Schmidt

• Field: Political Science
• Expertise: Specializes in political theory, comparative politics, and public policy.
• Affiliation: He has authored several influential books and papers in political science and is a leading figure in the department.

2. Angela B. Schwenk

• Field: Sociology
• Expertise: Focuses on social inequality, migration studies, and cultural sociology.
• Affiliation: Known for her research on social movements and their impact on policy and society.

3. Johannes A. Schmitt

• Field: Economics
• Expertise: Specializes in labor economics, development economics, and economic policy.
• Affiliation: A prominent researcher in economic theory and empirical studies, frequently published in leading journals.

4. Ulrike D. Thiemann

• Field: Psychology
• Expertise: Known for her research in clinical psychology, focusing on anxiety disorders and therapeutic interventions.
• Affiliation: Actively involved in training future psychologists and contributing to psychological research.

5. Martin G. Fischer

• Field: Philosophy
• Expertise: Specializes in ethics, philosophy of science, and German idealism.
• Affiliation: He has published numerous works on contemporary philosophical issues and theories.

6. Christina W. M. Steyer

• Field: Biology
• Expertise: Focuses on molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.
• Affiliation: She leads research projects aimed at understanding genetic disorders and their implications.

7. Rainer W. Wiegand

• Field: Physics
• Expertise: Known for his work in condensed matter physics and material science.
• Affiliation: Has made significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology and quantum materials.

8. Gabriele D. Lang

• Field: Law
• Expertise: Specializes in international law, human rights law, and constitutional law.
• Affiliation: Actively involved in legal scholarship and serves on various advisory boards.

9. Susanne K. L. Schneider

• Field: Media Studies
• Expertise: Focuses on media theory, digital culture, and communication.
• Affiliation: Known for her research on the impact of digital media on society and culture.

10. Andreas H. Hartmann

• Field: Mathematics
• Expertise: Specializes in applied mathematics, statistics, and mathematical modeling.
• Affiliation: A prominent figure in mathematical research and education, contributing to interdisciplinary studies.

Goethe University Frankfurt am Main has been associated with several Nobel Prize laureates across various fields, particularly in the sciences and economics. Here are some notable Nobel Prize winners linked to the university:

Notable Nobel Laureates

1. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

• Field: Literature
• Nobel Prize: While Goethe himself did not win a Nobel Prize (the Nobel Prize was established after his death), he is a significant literary figure and the university is named in his honor. His works have influenced countless writers and scholars.

2. Theodor W. Adorno

• Field: Philosophy, Sociology
• Contribution: Adorno, a member of the Frankfurt School of critical theory, contributed significantly to social theory and philosophy. He did not win a Nobel Prize but is regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.

3. Max Born

• Field: Physics
• Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1954 for his fundamental research in quantum mechanics, particularly in the statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics.
• Affiliation: Born was a professor at Goethe University and made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics.

4. Richard von Weizsäcker

• Field: Peace
• Nobel Prize: Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his role in promoting peace and cooperation among nations.
• Affiliation: Weizsäcker was an honorary member of the university and contributed to various academic and cultural initiatives.

5. Otto Stern

• Field: Physics
• Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1943 for his research on the molecular beam method and his contributions to atomic physics.
• Affiliation: Stern was a professor at the university and significantly impacted the field of quantum mechanics.

6. Niels Bohr

• Field: Physics
• Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922 for his investigations of the structure of atoms and the radiation emanating from them.
• Affiliation: While primarily associated with the University of Copenhagen, he had academic ties with Goethe University through various collaborations.