Main Content

DaF (German as a Foreign Language)

Jump to category: Textbooks, Games, Pronunciation Tablet, Self-Study and Make-Up Plans, Foreign-Language Films

Web Links

Beginners

24h Deutsch mit Ida
The YouTube-Chanel 24h Deutsch takes beginners of German on a journey through a typical day in Germany. Your tour guide is a young woman called Ida, who presents an episode for every hour of the day. This way, you will learn something about life in Germany and find out about all kinds of aspects of the German language in context.

Beginner's Online Grammar Review
Basic German grammar review of 10 topics with examples and a short exercise to each lesson.

Busuu
Busuu is also a free app with a variety of interactive activities. This works both with your computer at home, and your smartphone on the go.

Deutsch für dich
A learning and teaching community (Goethe Institute) free of charge that offers interactive learning games, expert chat, forum and groups.

Deutschtrainer App A1
Learn German on the go - with this app from the Goethe Institute, that guides you through vocabulary and structures on topics of German daily life in 10 chapters.

Duolingo
A free language-learning platform.

Harry - gefangen in der Zeit
A bilingual, multimedia course composed of 100 episodes. You'll find 400 interactive exercises online, a vocabulary trainer with more than 3,500 words, as well as geographical information.

Learn German for Beginners
YouTube Channel. Watch the video lessons and get Germanized in a fun, fast and effective way.

Nicos Weg
A video course for beginners from Deutsche Welle: Follow Nico in his first weeks in Germany. The video clips in authentic German come with a transcript and exercises. The course leads up to B1 level.

Quizlet
An online collection of flashcards to various topics (including pronunciation samples). The collections include flashcards for the textbook Studio 21.

In addition to your book

Begegnungen A1+
Exercises for the text book "Begegnungen" from Schubert-Verlag.

DaF Kompakt
Exercises for A1 level

DaF Leicht
Exercises and Tests for A1 level

Studio 21 - Interactive online exercises
You can find the online exercises or additional material by entering the code from the front page of your textbook. The assistants in the Self-Study Center can help you with the first steps.

Language Skills

Reading

Die Zeitschrift Deutsch Perfekt
Texts at various learner levels with vocabulary lists and exercises. You can read these in the Self-Study Center and work with them there. Some examples are also available online.

Deutsche Welle
News for all language levels. Also available in simplified language.

Nachrichtenleicht
Current news articles in easy language.

Reading exercises from A1 to C1 on the Deutschlernerblog
The exercises can be done online, or you can download the texts and exercises as a PDF and work on paper.

by Ralf Kinas
Reading comprehension texts with tasks at various levels; indicates the time needed and the task type.

Listening

Short audio files on various topics and levels, recorded by native speakers.

Deutschlandlabor
For German learners with basic knowledge from A2 level onward: in this collaboration between the Goethe Institute and Deutsche Welle, two presenters take you on a journey through Germany. There are 20 short videos with online exercises.

Der Vorleser
Free audiobooks to download, some with accompanying transcripts.

Alltagsdeutsch
Audio reports about everyday life in Germany for learning German. For levels C1 and C2.

Jojo sucht das Glück
A telenovela with 33 short videos about a student from Brazil who comes to Cologne. With transcript and exercises, for learners at B1/B2 level.

Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten
For learners from B2 level: on Deutsche Welle's website you'll find current daily news from DW every day from Monday to Friday – spoken slowly and clearly. With a transcript to read along.

Lernabenteuer Deutsch - Ein rätselhafter Auftrag
An interactive app for your smartphone, tablet, or computer for learners at A2 level or higher. (Goethe Institute)

Nachrichten leicht
Current news in easy language – spoken slowly, with a transcript to read along. Some parts are already understandable at A2/B1 level.

Planet Wissen
Video streams and text material on scientific and social topics for advanced learners (from good B2 level upward). For some programs you can also turn on subtitles for the videos.

Radio Wissen
"Radiowissen" from Bayerischer Rundfunk offers materials sorted by subject for teaching and for expanding your own knowledge: every audio program comes with a transcript and tasks for use in class.

Slow German
Podcast for German learners with over 160 short audio texts on everyday topics from A2 level. Each episode comes with a transcript as a PDF. There are also many dialogues with transcripts that you can speak along with or repeat.

Vorlesungen von Literaturwissenschaft-Online
Literary studies lectures as video or audio presentations, some with summaries to read along (PDF), embedded PowerPoint slides, and live broadcasts.

ZDF-Mediathek
The online platform of ZDF (Second German Television): here you'll find reports, films, and programs on many different topics, which you can select in advance (under "Rubriken" at the top left).

Writing

Spelling / Orthography:

Die Rechtschreibregeln nach dem Duden
The spelling rules according to Duden

Die Rechtschreibregeln des Instituts für Deutsche Sprache
The spelling rules of the Institute for the German Language

Duden
Spell checker

Formale E-Mails in der Kommunikation an der Universität
Here you'll find sample emails for making an appointment, apologizing, etc.

Online-Rechtschreibübungen mit Orthografietrainer
Online spelling exercises with an orthography trainer

Online-Diktate mit Korrekturfunktion
Online dictations with a correction function

Richtig Bewerben
How do you apply for a job in German? Useful tips and examples for cover letters, CVs, and job interviews.

Schreiben im Studium
Guidance, explanations, and practical exercises from TU Darmstadt's Online Writing Lab, e.g. on term papers, minutes, and emails to professors.

Textbausteine und Übungen für Bewerbungsschreiben
Text modules and exercises for cover letters

Weitere Textsorten
Guidance for writing, e.g., thesis papers, handouts, and minutes.

Speaking

Phonetics Animation Project @ The University of Iowa
Here you can practice the pronunciation of German sounds. Animated graphics show tongue movement and the precise articulation of sounds in the mouth. Native-speaker examples illustrate various words and word positions where the sounds occur.

Grammar and Vocabulary

Grammar

Der Deutschlernerblog
Many useful explanations and online exercises at various levels.

Deutsche Grammatik 2.0
Explanations and numerous exercises on all important chapters of German grammar.

Deutsche Grammatikterminologie auf Arabisch
German grammar terminology in Arabic

Grammatiktraining B1-C1
Animated explanations and exercises also help with practicing the "more difficult topics."

Mein Deutschbuch.de
A nice overview of grammar topics and exercises, unfortunately now with a lot of advertising.

Ralf Kinas
Interactive exercises on grammar and vocabulary at various levels; indicates time needed; crossword puzzles, quizzes, and tests.

Schubert - Online Übungen
Here you'll find exercises and tasks for all levels (left-hand menu).

Konjugationstrainer Deutsch
Conjugation practice for over 10,000 German verbs, with several exercise modes.

Vocabulary

Bildwörterbuch
Explore the 17 subject areas to access more than 6000 images. Experience words like never before.

Languages Online
Extensive practice material on grammar and vocabulary, based on the textbook Logo 3. Games and listening comprehension exercises round out the offering (reference language: English).

Sprachnudel
Vocabulary on various topics.

Wohnheimwörterbuch
Illustrated dictionary on the topic of "student dormitory."

Wortschatz und Aussprache
A clear website for beginners and advanced learners, where vocabulary from different content groups is presented visually and audibly. The audio texts can only be heard if you open the site with the "Internet Explorer" browser.

Wörter Tools
Here you'll find synonyms and antonyms, as well as various word games.

Language Tests and Exams

Exams and Exam Preparation

Goethe-Institut exams

telc exams

DSH

DSH Marburg
Information on the DSH exam at the Studienkolleg Mittelhessen (Marburg and Gießen)

TestDaF

TestDaF model tests
For practice and self-assessment.

Placement Tests

Please note that the following tests do not count as a placement test for participation in a German course at the Language Center!

Cornelsen: Placement Test
Placement test for German learners at levels A1, A2, and B1.

Placement test from Spotlight-Verlag in cooperation with the telc language testing organization

Goethe-Institut: Placement Test
Placement test for German learners for placement within the Common European Framework of Reference.

Cultural Studies

Deutsch für dich
A free German learner community from the Goethe-Institut for various proficiency levels, with numerous videos and online exercises.

Erfinderland
This site offers numerous films, games, and information about German inventions from history and the present.

Informationen über Deutschland
This site is well suited for cultural studies research when giving presentations about Germany. The site is also translated into other languages.

Tatsachen über Deutschland
Portal of the German Federal Foreign Office with background information on German culture and society (the language can be changed under "Language").

Ticket nach Berlin
Interactive exercises on listening and reading comprehension, grammar, or vocabulary.

Portals and Teaching Materials (For Teachers)

deutsch-als-fremdsprache.de
Internet service for teaching German as a Foreign Language: job board, DaF links, forum, exercise database, references to further training.

Deutsche Welle
Extensive site with various sections: video and audio materials with worksheets; serialized novels, etc.

Deutsch und Deutlich and DaF.in
Both sites offer numerous units and worksheets for German lessons, some already fully prepared, though not DaF-specific, so they often need to be adapted.

tutory
With tutory, you can create worksheets, for example.

campus-germany.de
A multilingual website from the DAAD with reading and listening texts about life and studying in Germany. The glossary of terms from university life is helpful.

Das Deutschland-Portal
Online offering from the Press and Information Office of the Federal Government, available in several languages.

Der Weg
Portal of the magazine "Der Weg"; short texts with vocabulary on cultural studies, federal states, famous Germans, and current festivals and customs.

Deutsch als Fremdsprache - Landeskunde
A rich collection of cultural studies links, including on Austria, Switzerland, and the GDR.

Forum Wirtschaftsdeutsch
"Forum Wirtschaftsdeutsch" with information and topic-related materials for teachers and learners, e.g. business correspondence, telephone training, etc.

Gutenberg-Projekt
Archive of literary texts organized by author, for adaptation in the classroom, e.g. for creating "worksheets at the click of a mouse."

LeMO: Lebendiges virtuelles Museum Online
Virtual museum on modern German history from 1900 to the present. An engaging journey through the 20th century with texts, 3D animations, film, and audio documents.

SprachenQuests
SprachenQuests from the Goethe-Institut Krakau are small projects for German lessons that focus on internet research, teamwork, and language exercises. All SprachenQuests include instructions and materials needed to complete the tasks and can be used for levels A2-B2.

www.bund.de
The federal government's service portal for quick access to information about political parties and institutions, as well as the individual federal states.

Language Learning Apps and Platforms

Online Live

Lingoda
An online language school offering structured live lessons in small groups or one-on-one. The courses are led by qualified teachers and follow a set curriculum.

Preply
A platform for personalized online language lessons where learners can choose suitable tutors. The focus is on flexible one-on-one lessons tailored to personal goals.

italki
A marketplace for language lessons with professional teachers and community tutors worldwide. In addition to lessons, the platform also offers opportunities for informal language exchange.

HelloTalk
A language learning app that connects people worldwide for language exchange. Users can communicate with each other via chat, voice messages, or calls and learn from one another.

AI

Talkpal AI
An AI-powered language learning platform that lets you practice conversations in different languages. It simulates dialogues, provides feedback, and helps you flexibly improve your speaking and listening comprehension.

Language Learning Apps

Babbel
A language learning app with structured lessons that focus specifically on everyday communication. The emphasis is on grammar, vocabulary, and practical dialogues.

Busuu
An app with interactive courses and the option to have exercises corrected by native speakers. It combines self-study with community feedback.

Duolingo
A game-based language-learning app with short, varied exercises. It's particularly well-suited for beginners and regular practice.

Rosetta Stone
An immersive language-learning platform that relies heavily on visual learning and intuition. The language is taught directly in context without translations.

Mondly
An app with interactive lessons that also offers language exercises with speech recognition and AR/VR elements. It emphasizes practical dialogues and pronunciation training.

Online German Courses

Goethe-Institut – Online Live (Group)
Online German courses in fixed groups with qualified instructors. The lessons are structured and aligned with the official proficiency levels (A1–C2).

Goethe-Institut – Individual Online Instruction
Individual German lessons in a one-on-one setting with flexible scheduling. The content is tailored to personal learning goals and language proficiency.

DeutschAkademie
A language school offering interactive online German courses in groups. It provides structured lessons and many additional free exercises.

Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO)
An e-learning platform for German focused on academic studies, technical language, and professional contexts. The courses are particularly suitable for academic and professional settings.

deutsch.info
A free learning platform with extensive materials, exercises, and explanations. It is well-suited for independent study and review.

Collection of Learning Resources

Deutsch lernen online
A meta-platform featuring a collection of free online resources for learning German. It provides an overview of various exercises, courses, and learning materials available on the internet.

Want to learn more? Check out our cross-language web links, too.

Textbooks with Audio

  • B1-B2: Aspekte - Mittelstufe Deutsch, Klett-Langenscheidt
  • A1: Studio [21] - Das Deutschbuch (+ Zusatzheft Intensivtraining + Audio-CD/Video), Cornelsen
  • A2: Studio [21] - Das Deutschbuch, Cornelsen
  • B1: Studio [21] - Das Deutschbuch, Cornelsen

Grammar

  • A1: Grammatik Intensivtrainer, Langenscheidt
  • A2: Grammatik Intensivtrainer, Langenscheidt
  • A1: Deutsch üben - Wortschatz & Grammatik, Hueber
  • A2: Deutsch üben - Wortschatz & Grammatik, Hueber
  • A1-A2: Übungsgrammatik DaF für Anfänger (+ 2 Audio-CDs), Hueber
  • A1-B1: Grammatiktrainer Deutsch - Grundstufe, Pons
  • A1-B1: Klipp und Klar (Übungsgrammatik Grundstufe Deutsch), Klett
  • A2: Deutsch für Besserwisser (+ 1 Audio-CD), Hueber
  • B1: Deutsch für Besserwisser (+ 1 Audio-CD), Hueber
  • B1: Fit in Grammatik-Taschentrainer, Hueber
  • A2-B2: Großes Übungsbuch Deutsch - Grammatik, Hueber
  • B1-C1: Übungsgrammatik für die Mittelstufe, Hueber
  • B2-C2: Übunggrammatik für die Oberstufe, Hueber
  • A1-B1: Gramática esencial del alemán - con ejercicios, Hueber
  • A1-B1: Almanca Temel Grameri - Aciklamar ve Alistirmalar, Hueber

Vocabulary

  • A1: Wortschatz Intensivtrainer, Langenscheidt
  • A2: Wortschatz Intensivtrainer, Langenscheidt
  • A1: Wie heißt das? - Die 1.000 ersten deutschen Wörter, Langenscheidt
  • A1-B2: Selbstlernen - Vokabeltrainer Deutsch, Pons
  • A2-C1: Großes Übungsbuch Deutsch - Wortschatz, Hueber
  • A2-C1: Übungen zum Wortschatz der deutschen Schriftsprache (+ 1 Lösungsschlüssel), Liebaug-Dartmann

Listening & Speaking

  • Phonetik intensiv - Aussprachertraining (+ 1 Audio-CD), Langenscheidt
  • Aussprachekurs Deutsch (+1 Audio-CD), Stauffenberg Verlag
  • A1: Deutsch üben - Hören & Sprechen (+1 Audio-CD), Hueber
  • A2: Deutsch üben - Hören & Sprechen (+1 Audio-CD), Hueber
  • B1: Deutsch üben - Hören & Sprechen (+1 Audio-CD), Hueber

Reading & Writing

  • A1: Deutsch üben - Lesen und Schreiben, Hueber
  • A2: Deutsch üben - Lesen und Schreiben, Hueber
  • A1: Lernkrimi "Der stille Tod" - Deutsch Grammatik + 3 Kurzkrimis
  • A1: Urlaub intensiv - Lektüre + Übungen
  • A1-A2: Felix und Theo - "Oktoberfest kriminell"
  • A1-A2: Felix und Theo - "Berlin filmreif"
  • A2: Deutsch üben -Lesen und Schreiben, HueberKrimis mit Carsten Tsara (A2-B1) + 2 Audio-CDs
  • A2: Hörkrimi "Sicher ist nur eins" + Audio-CD
  • A2: Hörkrimi "Verschollen in Berlin" + Audio-CD
  • A2: Felix & Leo - "Tatort Frankfurt"
  • A2: Hörbuch "Eine Frau, ein Mann" + Audio-CD
  • A2: Hörbuch "Die Blaumacherin" + Audio-CD
  • A2: Leo & Co. - "Oktoberfest und zurück" + Audio-CD
  • A2: Tatort St. Pauli - Deutsch Wortschatz und Grammatik - 4 Kurzkrimis
  • A1-B1: Der Hundetraum und andere Verwirrungen. Erzählungen.
  • A2-B1: Hörkrimi "Frankfurter Geschäfte" + Audio-CD
  • A2-B1: Hörbuch Leo & Co. - "Stille Nacht" + Audio-CD
  • A2-B1: DaF-Lektüre "Großstadtliebe" + Audio-CD
  • A2-B1: Felix und Theo - "Falsches Spiel in München"
  • B1: Hörkrimi "Schöne Augen" + Audio-CD
  • B1: Lernkrimi "Mörderische Intrige" - Deutsch Grammatik + 3 Kurzkrimis
  • B1: Lernkrimi "Der Schatz des Märchenprinzen"
  • B1-C1: Berlin, Meyerbeer 26. Erzählungen.

General Exam Preparation

  • A2-B2: Ich hab's kapiert! - Typische Deutsch-Fehler sicher vermeiden, compact
  • Lehr- und Übungsbuch der deutschen Grammatik - Testheft, Hueber

DSH Preparation

  • B2-C2: Mit Erfolg zur DSH - Übungsbuch (+ 1 Audio-CD), Klett
  • B2-C2: Mit Erfolg zur DSH - Testbuch (Neue Ausgabe, + 2 Audio-CDs), Klett
  • C1: DSH  Studienvorbereitung 2020 - DaF für Studentinnen und Studenten (+ 1 Lösungsschlüssel + 1 Audio-CD), Fabouda
  • B2-C1: Diagramme verstehen und beschreiben, Die Sprachzeitung

TestDaF Preparation

  • Test DaF - Training neu (+ 1 Lösungschlüssel, + 2 Audio-CDs), Fabouda
  • Test DaF - Kurs zur Prüfungsvorbereitung (+ 1 Audio-CD), Hueber
  • B2-C1: Deutsch Prüfungstraining TestDaF (+ 2 Audio-CDs), Cornelsen
  • Training Test DaF - Material zur Prüfungsvorbereitung (+ 2 Audio-CDs), Langenscheidt
  • TestDaf - Musterprüfung 1, Hueber

telc Preparation

  • B2: Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch, Klett

Goethe/ÖSD Certificate

  • B1: Deutsch Prüfungstraining Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat (+1 Audio-CD), Cornelsen
  • B1: Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat (+1 Audio-CD), Klett
  • B2: So geht's zu B2 - Vorbereitungskurs  auf das Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat (Lehrerhandbuch, +1 Audio-CD), Klett

Technical Language

  • Deutsch für Ärtzinnen und Ärtze- Kommunikationstraining für Klinik und Praxis (+1 Audio-CD), Springer

Other

  • A1-B1: Jeden Tag ein bisschen... Deutsch als Fremdsprache - Block mit 99 Sprachspielen, Rätseln & mehr, Cornelsen

Dictionaries

  • Wahrig Deutsches Wörterbuch
  • Großwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Langenscheidt
  • Deutsch als Fremdsprache - Power Wörterbuch, Langenscheidt
  • Duden - Deutsches Universalwörterbuch
  • Duden Band 8 - Die Sinn- und Sachverwandten Wörter
  • Duden Band 9 - Richtiges und Gutes Deutsch
  • Duden Band 10 - Das Bedeutungswörterbuch
  • Perfektes Deutsch - Der Ratgeber in sprachlichen Zweifelsfällen, Pons
  • Duden Band 6 - Das Aussprachewörterbuch
  • DAAD Dictionary - Higher Education Terminology

Newspapers and Magazines

The newspapers and magazines listed here are published monthly and are specifically designed for language learners. You can read them on-site at the Self-Study Center.

Presse und Sprache

Deutsch perfekt

Games

Learning is more fun when you play! At the Self-Study Center, you’ll find a wide selection of language and party games—from classic games to those developed specifically by the Self-Study Center team.

You can use the games during our events (e.g., Let’s Play) or meet up with other students to play and learn together.

Not sure which game is right for you? The staff at the Self-Study Center will be happy to advise you and show you our games.

What games do we have for German as a Foreign Language (DaF)?

For example, you’ll find…

  • Tick Tack Bumm
  • Applaus!
  • Dorfromantik
  • Activity
  • Erzähl mal
  • Think! Memo-Story
  • Pass auf, was Du sagst 

…and much more!

Pronunciation Tablet

Do you find German pronunciation difficult? Then practice with our pronunciation tablet in the Self-Study Center!

With interactive exercises, you can practice your pronunciation and improve your language skills. Headphones and a microphone are available for the exercises.

Just ask the staff at the Self-Study Center—they’ll be happy to show you how the tablet works.

Self-Study and Make-Up Plans

Would you like to learn German independently and intensively? With our self-study plans, you can work toward specific goals and achieve an entire language level. We offer self-study plans at levels A1, A2, B1, and B2.

Are you taking a course at the Language Center and have missed some classes? With our make-up plans, you can catch up on missed material on your own in the Self-Study Center.

For more information on the self-study and make-up plans, please contact the staff at the Self-Study Center.

Foreign-Language Films

In the Self-Study Center, you’ll find a large selection of foreign-language films, news reports, and documentaries from the Language Center’s DVD archive.

You can find an overview of all available films and recordings in the DVD archive folder on site. If you’re looking for a specific film, our staff will be happy to assist you.