Do I have to be able to speak German to go off campus on my own?
No, Germans often understand and speak some English. But if you feel better to go off campus with someone, just ask a German speaker or your host family to accompany you.
Do I have to learn German?
It is highly recommended to learn the language as it is a useful asset to have. Some majors make it a mandatory requirement but for the others it is your decision.
What other languages can I learn besides German on campus?
Spanish, French, Russian and Chinese courses are offered at Jacobs. The language lab in the basement of the IRC (library) is equipped with a language lab, where you can learn over 20 languages through self-study. It is highly recommended to learn a language at Jacobs.
Are there languages barriers on campus?
Every student is required to have TOEFL level English, and every member of staff is fluent (i.e. administration, professors, RAs, etc.). Sometimes interacting with catering, cleaning or gardening staff may require some German. However they are very friendly and facilitate communication with their broken English. But it always useful to speak the local language.
Some basic German may be required for off campus interaction. In order to work off-campus knowledge of German is indispensable and always considered an asset.
For more details on the language courses policies see here.
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This post does not really encourage people to learn German. Sure, I might be biased, being a German myself, but there are certainly situations off-campus when it is of great help to speak German. Not only to get around in difficult situations, but also to have more fun, e.g. if you make trips to places other than tourist locations where everything is labeled in many languages. I'm sure that many students have made such experiences – either where it paid off to know German, or where they regretted not having learnt any. According to Murphy's law, your host family or any other native speaker will probably not be around when you need them most urgently.
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