I am the programme coordinator for DaZ and DaF at our university. I’d be happy to advise you before you start your studies if you have any questions about the course content.
CAS German as a Second and Foreign Language (GSL/GFL) - Basic course
The teaching of German as a second language and the development of language skills are of great importance not only at all school levels, but also in vocational and adult education: German as a second and foreign language is regarded as a central component of continuous language education across all stages of education.
This certificate programme equips you to teach German as a second and foreign language in both school-based and non-school contexts, and to support children, young people and adults in developing their language skills. You will acquire a solid foundation for dealing with societal multilingualism and learn to adapt second-language and multilingualism teaching concepts to teaching and learning settings specific to different stages of education and working life. In this way, you will be able to provide learners with opportunities to experience language education as both a means and an end in personal development, and as a key to expanding their career prospects.
- Application deadline
- 15 September 2026
- Duration of study
- 1 semester
- Scope
- 15 CP
- Qualification
- CAS
- Start of studies
- 8 October 2026
Target audience
This programme is aimed at
- teachers at all school levels,
- educators working in school-related settings, as well as
- teachers in various fields of adult education, such as vocational training, further education and professional development, in special needs schools and language schools.
Career prospects
You can apply the expertise gained on the certificate programme in mainstream teaching, in all-day schools, in special needs schools and in vocational language support across all areas of vocational education and training.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for the certificate programme are
- a completed university degree comprising at least 180 CP
- at least one year’s professional experience in the education sector
- proof of German language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Application
Please email your application, together with the required documents, to the Centre for Academic Continuing Education.
Legal basis
Organisational consultancy
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A023
Phone
Learning outcomes and skills
Participants will acquire knowledge and skills relating to:
- the critical and sensitive use of language(s), language learning and language teaching in a society characterised by migration,
- findings from research into second language acquisition and multilingualism,
- informal and formal language proficiency assessments as a basis for language education programmes and their targeted use,
- the fundamentals of language teaching,
- the implementation of language- and content-oriented second-language and multilingualism teaching approaches in teaching and learning settings specific to educational and vocational stages, as well as
- language learning counselling for learners.
Course structure and dates
The certificate programme runs for one semester and can be undertaken whilst working. The course consists of three seminars, each comprising two days of face-to-face teaching and distance-learning components.
You will complete the CAS by submitting a dissertation in which you develop a concept for a teaching and learning environment in the relevant type of school or institution, based on the content covered in the certificate programme. This concept may take the form of a language education project, a support programme or a school-wide concept. Upon successful completion of the Continuing Education Certificate in German as a Second and Foreign Language (DaZ/DaF) – Fundamentals (CAS), you will receive 15 credit points (CP).
Introduction to the course: 8 October 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (online)
The face-to-face sessions will take place on Fridays and Saturdays on the following dates:
| CAS module | CP | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Language acquisition, assessment and approaches to language teaching | 5 | 10 October 2026, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (face-to-face) 31 October 2026, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (face-to-face) 5 February 2027, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (online, discussion of the results of the independent study) |
| Language(s) and language education in a society of migration | 5 | 24 October 2026, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (face-to-face) 13 November 2026, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (online) 15 January 2027, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (online, discussion of the results of the independent assignment) |
| Designing language- and content-aware teaching and learning environments and language learning guidance | 5 | 12 December 2026, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (face-to-face) 22 January 2027, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (online) 19 February 2027, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (online, discussion of the results of the independent work) |
| Discussion of final projects | 10 December 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (online, plenary session) 28 January 2027, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (online, one-to-one consultations) |
Academic advice and supervision
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
3
Room
204
Phone
Availability
By arrangement; see also the booking system in StudIP
Fees
The total fee is 1,300 euros. This includes the following services:
- Face-to-face seminars and e-learning modules,
- advice and support from the lecturers throughout all stages of the course,
- use of the university’s information and communication platform, and
- a recognised certificate (Certificate of Advanced Studies) upon successful completion of the programme.
Legal basis for fees
Leaflet
Any questions?
Our Centre for Academic Continuing Education is here to advise you on all matters relating to admission, the organisation of your studies, funding and the recognition of prior learning.
Centre of Continuing Education
Organisation
Karlsruhe University of Education
Building
2
Room
A023
Phone
Updated on 22 October 2026 by Central Web Editorial Office