Glossary for studying in Germany
We have compiled the German terms you will most often encounter during your studies, application, visa and bureaucracy in Germany, with simple explanations.
Anerkennung
The official recognition of degrees and qualifications obtained abroad in Germany.
Anmeldung
The mandatory official residence (address) registration at the Bürgeramt within two weeks of arriving in Germany.
Aufenthaltstitel
The official residence permit that allows you to stay legally in Germany.
Ausländerbehörde
The government authority that handles residence permits, extensions and residence matters for foreigners.
Blaue Karte EU
The EU Blue Card for highly qualified graduates, granting work and long-term residence rights.
Bürgeramt
The citizens' office where the address registration (Anmeldung) and many municipal procedures are handled.
DSH
The university German exam required for admission to German-taught universities.
ECTS
The European Credit Transfer System; it measures workload in credits and enables transfer between universities.
Exmatrikulation
The ending or cancellation of a student's university enrollment.
Immatrikulation
The official enrollment at the university; once completed you gain student status.
Krankenversicherung
The health insurance mandatory for all students in Germany, costing about €110 per month.
Matrikelnummer
The personal student number assigned after enrollment (Immatrikulation).
Numerus Clausus (NC)
The admission restriction or required grade threshold for programs with limited places.
Praktikum
The internship or practical work phase completed during studies, mandatory in most programs.
Regelstudienzeit
The standard study duration foreseen for completing a program.
Semesterbeitrag
The fee paid to the university each semester, usually including the Semesterticket.
Semesterticket
The student transport ticket that lets you use regional public transport for the whole semester.
Sperrkonto
The blocked bank account that proves financial means for the student visa (2025: €11,208).
Sprachnachweis
The official language certificate proving your German or English level.
Studienkolleg
The Studienkolleg, a pre-university preparation program for students whose diploma is not directly recognized.
TestDaF
A standardized, internationally recognized German language exam for foreign students.
uni-assist
The central service that pre-checks international student applications and forwards them to universities.
Werkstudent
The working-student status, working legally part-time alongside your studies.
Zulassungsbescheid
The official acceptance letter sent by the university confirming admission to the program.
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