Can I study in Germany in English?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Updated on: March 2023

Key Takeaways: Study in Germany in English

Yes, you can study in Germany in English—especially at the Master’s level, but Bachelor’s programmes are also available.
In Germany, many English-taught degree programmes exist across public and private universities.
However, learning German still matters—for daily life, internships, social integration, and long-term career opportunities.
You’ll need to meet language requirements: IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught courses, and TestDaF or telc, for German-taught ones.
Preparing early—especially with the help of professionals—can greatly reduce stress and improve your chances of success.
German Educare supports you with language training, university applications, visa processes, and on-ground support.
With the right guidance, studying in Germany becomes an achievable and enriching life experience

In recent years, Germany has become a popular study destination for Malaysian students thanks to its tuition-free education. However, many students are worried about the language barrier and the challenges of learning a new language.

“Can I study in Germany in English?” This is a common question we get all the time.

Yes, it’s actually possible and here’s a link where you can find Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees offered in English – https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programmes/en/

Are there English-taught programmes in Germany?

Germany offers many degree programmes that are entirely in English, especially at the Master’s level. Many public and private universities have expanded their international offerings to attract global talent.

DAAD’s database of International Programmes in Germany

A quick search for English-only Bachelor’s degree courses in Germany yields around 143 results, out of which 71 of them are tuition-free and the remaining involve some fees. This is good news for those who wish to study in Germany in English and want to save the hassle of learning a new language. Not only can students choose courses that are fully taught in English, but many of these universities also offer basic German courses to their students. At these universities, international students can start studying in Germany right away without spending another year or more to master the language.

However, while students can study in Germany without learning German, we do not recommend it for the following reasons.

Learning German still matters

Even if your entire degree is taught in English, German remains essential for thriving—not just surviving—in Germany. While university lectures may be in English, real life in Germany speaks German.

From buying groceries and opening a bank account to building friendships and securing a job, learning the language is your gateway to full participation in society.

Here’s why learning German makes a difference:

Limited English-taught courses

Students who do not know German will have significantly fewer university choices to choose from compared to those who are fluent in German, simply because majority of the Bachelor’s degree courses are offered in German. Besides, the location of your university is also more limited as English courses are usually offered in bigger cities such as Berlin. Even though there are a couple of English courses offered in other areas of Germany, you must also consider the community in which you live, which leads us to the next point.

Daily interaction with the locals

While you can expect your professors and faculty staff to speak English, you can’t expect the same from the cashier at the supermarket checkout counter or the barista at the coffee shop. Germans take pride in their language. While they are known to be very accommodating to tourists who can’t speak German, they do appreciate and expect decent German from those who are living long-term in Germany. Having said that, bigger cities, especially common tourists destinations, have a much higher English literacy rate compared to rural areas. Similarly, the younger generation is more exposed to English compared to the older generation. Hence, if you are looking for a place where you can easily order a meal or buy a train ticket in English, the top cities would be Berlin and Munich, followed by Hamburg and Frankfurt. Averagely, these cities have around 60% English proficiency, which makes them most foreigner-friendly.

Nevertheless, German is still the most important language within Germany. If your desired course or university is located in a region with lower English proficiency, you will struggle with your daily interactions, particularly on official matters such as visiting the hospital or government offices. Apart from that, German also comes in handy when you are traveling and visiting neighboring countries. German is the official language in five other countries apart from Germany: Austria, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Therefore, knowing German can definitely make your stay more interesting and you will be able to get around and make friends with locals.

Difficulty in getting a job

Many students who are studying overseas will want to work part-time to earn some allowances, and that’s allowed in Germany. Students are allowed to work part-time for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Some just want to cover their living expenses, while others want to gain working experience in relevant fields. However, many employers prefer someone who can speak German. Hence, if you have already mastered German, you will be able to get a part-time job once you start studying, whereas for those who are learning German concurrently with their Bachelor’s degree, you may face difficulty getting a job until you are more confident in communicating in German.

Similarly, after completing their studies, graduates would take the opportunity to work and gain valuable experiences before returning home or furthering their studies. At this point in time, knowing German is important. Being fluent in German is often a requirement in many companies, and it is particularly crucial if your work is people-facing. For example, a nurse will have to be able to communicate with the elderly who will not be able to understand English. Based on our consultation experiences, we have encountered a few German graduates who could not secure a job in Germany upon graduation because they do not speak German. This is such a shame!

Easier visa, insurance, and legal processes

Navigating Germany’s legal and administrative systems can be complex—even more so if you don’t speak the language. Visa applications, health insurance paperwork, rental agreements, and municipal registrations are often only available in German.

While some universities and agencies provide support, being able to understand and complete official documents yourself saves time, prevents costly errors, and reduces your reliance on translators or third parties. Mastering German empowers you to take full control of your legal and bureaucratic responsibilities.

Cultural understanding and confidence

Language is the gateway to understanding a country’s culture, and German is no exception. Speaking the language allows you to connect more deeply with German traditions, humor, and values.

Whether you’re enjoying local films, music, or festivals, knowing German enriches your experience and helps you feel like a true part of the community. It also boosts your personal confidence—you’ll feel more independent, less anxious in unfamiliar situations, and more empowered in everyday life. Over time, this confidence leads to greater happiness and a stronger sense of belonging in your new environment.

Language requirements: English and German

To study in Germany—whether your programme is in English or German—you’ll need to meet certain language requirements. These ensure that you’re prepared for academic success and can communicate effectively in and outside the classroom.

English-taught programmes: English proficiency requirements

If you’re applying for an English-taught degree, most German universities will ask for proof of your English language skills. This is particularly true for international students whose previous education wasn’t conducted in English.

The most commonly accepted English proficiency tests include:

IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 6.0–6.5 is typically required, depending on the university and course.
TOEFL iBT: Many institutions accept scores between 80–95.
Cambridge English: Certificates such as C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) are also widely accepted.

In addition to official language test scores, strong English communication skills—especially in academic writing, presentations, and discussions—are vital for your success in class.

German-taught Programmes: German proficiency requirements

For those pursuing German-taught degrees, universities require formal proof of German language proficiency. This is particularly important for public universities, where many Bachelor’s programmes are primarily taught in German.

Recognised German language exams include:

TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache): Widely accepted; typically a minimum score of TDN 4 in all sections is needed.
DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang): Universities often require DSH-2.
telc Deutsch: B2 or C1 Hochschule level is commonly accepted.

Students who need to improve their German before enrolling in a degree course can take university preparatory programmes before heading to Germany.

Remember, even if your programme is in English, basic German knowledge is often encouraged—or even required—for handling administrative tasks, understanding lectures with mixed language use, and participating in internships or group projects with local students.

How German Educare can help you?

Preparing to study in Germany—whether in English or German—can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re managing language exams, university applications, visa requirements, and cultural adjustments all at once.

That’s where German Educare comes in. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, helping you transition from interest to enrolment with confidence and clarity

Comprehensive language preparation

Whether you’re aiming for an English-taught programme or a German-medium course, language proficiency is key. German Educare offers structured German language courses, tailored to meet university requirements.

Our German classes are aligned with CEFR standards, taking you from beginner levels up to B2 or C1 if needed. We focus not only on passing exams like TestDaF or telc, but also on equipping you with practical communication skills for daily life in Germany.

University application support

Choosing the right course and university can be a daunting task, given the wide range of options available. Our experienced advisors help you identify programmes that match your academic background, language skills, and career goals.

We guide you through every detail—from preparing motivation letters and academic documents to meeting admission deadlines and understanding entrance requirements.

Visa & documentation guidance

German visa requirements are strict, and incomplete or inaccurate submissions can delay your plans. At German Educare, we offer personalised support for your visa application, including financial proof guidance (like blocked accounts), health insurance advice, and tips for a successful visa interview. We ensure that you meet the latest embassy or consulate requirements and timelines, giving you peace of mind.

Pre-departure and on-ground support

Our support doesn’t stop once you’ve received your university offer or visa. We help you prepare for life in Germany with practical briefings on housing, cultural norms, opening a bank account, registering with local authorities, and more.

Upon arrival, we continue to assist with settling in—connecting you with alumni and community groups, and providing check-ins during your early months abroad.

Wrapping up

You can study in Germany in English. However, having basic German is highly recommended as it will make your time in Germany a lot smoother and rewarding. Probably one of the best parts about studying overseas is experiencing the local culture as raw and real as possible. While you will still be able to finish your entire course in English and live within an English-speaking community, you will be missing out on so much. It is a different experience when you surround yourself with Germans, do things the German way, and are able to freely speak to anyone on the street. That’s the real fun of studying in Germany, isn’t it?

With German Educare by your side, you won’t just study in Germany—you’ll thrive there.

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