The Winter School program is aimed at students who want to start learning German, as well as those who already have previous knowledge and want to improve their language proficiency. It is particularly suitable for those who are preparing for a stay in Germany. However, it is also a great opportunity for anyone who wants to practise and improve their German in an authentic classroom environment.

To enable all participants to improve their language proficiency, we offer intensive courses at different levels, from level A1 (basic knowledge) to level C1 (competent language proficiency). The designations A1 and C1 refer to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

In order to participate in the Winter School, you must

  • be at least 18 years old at the start of the Winter School,

  • be officially enrolled at a university (proof must be submitted during the application process).
  • 60 teaching units
  • Virtual learning
  • Activity-oriented
  • Networked teaching and learning
  • Interactive self-study units on (student) life in Germany
  • Daily open meeting points to practice German and exchange ideas with other participants and teaching staff

Here you have the opportunity to register for the International German Language Winter School (online).
After your registration has been processed, you will receive a registration confirmation by e-mail.
You can withdraw from your registration free of charge until the registration deadline, January 18, 2027. After that, 50% of the participation fees will be charged.
You must declare your withdrawal in writing (letter, fax, e-mail).
Further information on our conditions of participation can be found here.

The participation fee for the winter school “International Language School (German – Online)” is EUR 590.

The following services are included in the price:
– German language course including teaching materials
– License for the virtual textbook
– Intercultural training
– Learning support

Have you logged in for our Winter School? That’s great news. To help you prepare for your online German language course, we’ve put together a list of points to consider.

Technical requirements and digital readiness
Internet connection: stable broadband connection.
Device: laptop or tablet with camera, microphone and speakers/headset.
Browser & software: supported browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), installation of Zoom, use of various learning platforms (e.g. Moodle, Padlet, Kahoot, Mentimeter).
Contact for technical support: summer@uni-mainz.de


Program Schedule & Time Zones
– Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm CET.
– Link to a time zone calculator.
– We recommend that you check the time difference from your local time prior to registration in the course and adjust your sleep/study schedule for the duration of the course if necessary.
– Punctuality and attendance at the live sessions are requirements for the issuance of the certificate of attendance.

Learning materials and online tools
– Licenses for digital textbooks and PDF materials will be provided.
– Access to Moodle will be granted before the start of the program (LMS).
– Teachers will introduce and use the collaboration tools.
– Access to recordings or asynchronous assignments.


How to connect with other participants
We recommend that you stay in touch with your classmates outside of class:

– Join our course group on WhatsApp – you will receive the link after logging in.
– Introduce yourself in our “Meet & Greet” padlet before your first lesson: Share a photo, your location and an interesting fact about yourself.
– Open meeting points: Every day we meet informally in a 90-minute “Open Meeting Point” room – no homework, just chatting in German!
– Partner work: You can choose a learning partner to practise your spokesperson or repeat vocabulary between sessions.
– Online community board: Use the Moodle forum to share tips, playlists, memes or photos of “your winter view”.

You’ll be surprised how quickly online friendships can grow!