German language skills
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The language of instruction in most degree programs at the Hamburg University of Music and Drama is German. The colloquial language in the administrative and service areas is also German.
Applicants who have not completed their Abitur in Germany must therefore provide proof of good knowledge of German at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages as a prerequisite for admission to a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in addition to the entrance examination as proof of artistic and academic aptitude.
Sufficient knowledge of German is already required for participation in the entrance examination. In most degree programs, proof is only required in the case of admission to enrollment.
In some degree programs, proof must be submitted by the application deadline (see "Degree programs with special regulations" below).
When applying for a higher semester, proof of good German language skills at level B2 must be submitted by the application deadline as part of the online application.
Overview of recognized certificates
The following certificates (from level B2 upwards) are accepted at the HfMT HH:
- Goethe-Institut
- Central Upper Level Examination (ZOP)
- Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)
- Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)
- TestDaF (German as a foreign language) - level 3
- German Language Test for University Entrance for Foreign Applicants Level DSH Level I (The Hamburg University of Music and Drama does not offer a DSH exam.)
- German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs - DSD Level I
- telc language certificate "telc Deutsch B2 Hochschule"
The certificate must not be older than two years, unless you have started studying in Germany or completed recognized vocational training in Germany after completing the German examination.
Derogation
Applicants who are unable to provide proof of good German language skills may be admitted to the program on condition that
- by the end of the first semester in the case of a Master's degree,
- by the beginning of the first semester of a Bachelor's degree program
a certificate of good German language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (see overview of accepted certificates).
In the case of a Master's degree course, students are obliged to prove to the university that they are taking part in a recognized German course and making progress until the corresponding certificate is submitted.
If the certificate of good German language skills at level B2 is not submitted by the end of the first semester of a Master's degree course, students will be de-registered.
"German for Musicians" language course at the Hamburg Conservatory
If the certificate of good German language skills at level B2 is not available by the specified dates, the Bachelor's degree program can still be started with the obligation to attend the "German for Musicians" language course at the Hamburg Conservatory to obtain the language certificate in addition to the courses of the core module until the certificate is obtained. The curriculum of the Bachelor's degree programs builds on this language course. The course is intended to enable students to obtain proof of good German music-related language skills at level B2 and is a prerequisite for eligibility to study at the HfMT.
During the first two semesters, only courses from the core module, the artistic elective module and the mediation module may be attended.
The courses of the music theory and musicology modules may only be attended after the language competence has been acquired.
The Presidential Board of the Hamburg University of Music and Drama decides on cases of hardship.
Students must pay a fee to attend the language course. The fee per semester is currently € 1,410.
If proof of enrolment in the language course is not submitted by the start of the first semester of a Bachelor's degree course, enrolment will not be possible.
"German for musicians"
If the university only finds out during the course that students are unable to follow the lessons to a sufficient extent despite submitting a certificate, it may require them to attend the "Language course: German for musicians".
Study programs with other regulations
In the study programs
- Music Theory/Master,
- Opera/Master,
- Jazz/Master ("Dr. Langner Jazzmaster"),
- in all teacher training courses with music or theater as a teaching subject,
- in all cultural and media management courses
and for
- doctoral students
different regulations apply.
Please refer to the respective study and examination regulations to find out which language requirements must be met. You can find these in the "Course details" in the "Important documents" section.
In the Contemporary Performance and Composition (CoPeCo)/Master's and Multimedia Composition/Master's degree programs, teaching takes place in English.