Business Communication in Germany

Specialised Course & Language Course

Period: 05.-31.08.2012

Target Group: Medium and Upper Levels (B2-C2). This course is for anyone who is interested in economic issues and business communication.

Requirements: English language skills level B2 or higher. Basic knowledge of economics is an advantage but not required.

The focus of this course is an insight into Germany, with its specific communication forms and social context, as a business location.

Specialised Course "Business Communication in Germany"

Economic experts use their "own" language. Within this course you will practice the basic terminology through current case examples of the German economy. In this way you acquire the skills to employ suitable knowledge in a negotiation situation, thus contributing to a productive work atmosphere.

Special attention is drawn to German communication and leadership concepts. You become familiar with these culture-specific conditions and learn behavioural strategies for negotiations and applications in Germany.

Overview of the course content:

Negotiation and interview training (supported by video)
Visits to companies and economic organisations
Analysis of German firms and product presentations
Planning of professional and business trips to Germany

Intercultural Language Course

The language course in the morning equips you with the necessary linguistic and regional background knowledge for the in-depth specialised course in the afternoon.

Within each level, all courses deal with the following regional topics with varying degrees of difficulty:

Germany Through Foreign Eyes
Everyday Life in Germany
Regional Variety
Cultural Variety
Germany in the World

"German as a foreign language" consists not only of vocabulary and correct sentence structure. Germans also structure their conversations in a particular way and adhere to a culture-specific set of values. This adherence to culture in communication is a particular focus. Therefore a connection between foreign language and foreign understanding is formed.

At the start of the summer university, you will be allocated to the course which is most suitable for you by means of an assessment. You strengthen your German language skills through dealing with stylistics, idiomology, and vocabulary relevant to the issue. Aspects of German literature, culture, and society will be analysed and discussed. You can also give your own presentation if you wish.

This course consists of 28 hours per week:

20 hours of language course in the morning from 9 am to 12:30 pm and
8 hours of specialised course in the afternoon from 1:30 pm to 3 pm.

With regular attendance and a successfully passed final exam, you will receive ECTS credits for this course.

You may choose from the culture programme in the afternoon and evening according to your interests.

Costs: Course fee 650 € + registration fee 100 € + accommodation