Learning German

Learning German will enrich your experience in Germany!

Have fun and reap the benefits:

  • Improved communication in daily life and at work
  • Apply for Permanent Residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) sonner!
  • Be prepared to work in industry in Germany

MPI SusMat supports als international staff and scientists in their efforts to learn German by:

  • Cooperating with the local university (Heinrich Heine) to offer our scientists privileged entry into their language courses
  • Partial reimbursement of fees for German courses taken at private language schools. See more below.

Courses at Heinrich-Heine University

  • Contact the International Office to sign up for these courses. Unfortunately only MPI SusMat scientists can sign up, not spouses or children.
  • Intake is twice per year: in April (deadline to sign up in March) and October (deadline in September).

German Courses at Private Language Schools

You can also participate in language courses at private language schools, if these suit your schedule better.

You’ll need to pay for these courses yourself, but a partial reimbursement of the course fee is possible - maximum €123.76 per level -, in many cases.

Please check with the International Office beforehand, to see if you fulfill all the requirements. Then take these steps:

  • Fill in the application form and get permission from your Group Leader and the International Office before starting the course

  • Participate successfully in the course

  • Apply for a refund by sending the course completion certificate and receipt to the International Office

  • Note: Guests and repeated courses are not eligible for reimbursements

Please contact Hannah Titchener to find out more.

Examples of Private Language schools

  • Volkshochschule (VHS): VHS is a public adult education provider. Course fees are low and they offer courses in different districts of Düsseldorf.

  • inlingua and Sprachcaffe Düsseldorf or Goacademy offer German courses near the institute.

  • Employees of the MPI SusMat can get a 15% discount for courses from the Goethe Institute.

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