'How Studies Work at German Universities: Format, Credits, Exams, and

Studying at a German university is usually built around independence: the student plans part of the schedule themselves, earns ECTS credits, prepares for exams, and often combines theory with practical experience. This does not mean there is no structure, but the approach differs noticeably from the school model, where every step is planned in advance by the teacher.

What makes a German university different

Germany has different types of higher education institutions. Traditional universities are more strongly focused on academic theory and research, while Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften, meaning universities of applied sciences, more often emphasize practical projects, internships, and applied tasks.

In many programs, students are given not only mandatory modules but also elective courses. Because of this, schedules may differ even among people in the same major. It is important to review the Modulhandbuch in advance: it describes the subjects, the number of credits, the exam format, and the admission requirements.

How the ECTS system works

German programs use ECTS credits. One credit reflects the study workload rather than just classroom time: it includes lectures, seminars, preparation, independent reading, projects, practical work, and exams.

Bachelor’s programs usually include 180 to 240 ECTS, while master’s programs more often include 90 to 120 ECTS. The exact volume depends on the university, the federal state, the field of study, and the program structure, so it should be checked on the page of the chosen Studiengang.

Class formats

The curriculum may include several types of classes:

• Vorlesung, a lecture where the instructor presents the core material;
• Seminar, discussion of a topic in a small group, often with presentations and written assignments;
• Übung or Tutorium, practical sessions and walkthroughs of tasks;
• Praktikum or Praxisphase, laboratory, workplace, or project-based practice;
• Projektarbeit, independent or group work on an applied task.

The main difficulty for newcomers is usually not an individual subject but time management. Instructors may not remind you every week about deadlines, so it is best to track your calendar, list of Prüfungsleistungen, and module requirements from the start of the semester.

How exams work

An exam at a German university does not always mean an oral answer at the board. Common formats include written Klausur exams, take-home assignments, presentations, lab reports, projects, portfolios, and term papers. In some programs, the final grade is made up of several parts.

If an exam is not passed, it can usually be retaken, but the number of attempts and the re-registration rules depend on the Prüfungsordnung of the specific program. Before starting your studies, it is worth reading this document specifically: it matters more than general stories about the system.

Practical training and connection to work

The practical part is especially noticeable in engineering, IT, business, medical, teaching, and applied programs. A thesis is often connected to a research or work-related task rather than only a retelling of literature.

Students can also look for Hiwi positions at university departments, internships, or a Werkstudentenjob. This format is useful not only for income but also for understanding the labor market: German employers often value experience gained during studies.

Part-time work during studies

International students in Germany are allowed to work, but the rules depend on citizenship, residence status, and type of employment. For students from non-EU countries, there is usually an annual limit on working days without a separate permit, while self-employment and freelance work require particular caution and often additional approval.

A Werkstudentenjob usually means work related to your field of study and a limit on hours during the semester. In practice, people often use 20 hours per week as a reference point during the study period, while during semester breaks the workload may be higher if that does not violate the visa conditions, employment contract, or social insurance rules.

It is better to check pay based on the specific vacancy and federal state. Old benchmarks like “12.5 to 16 euros per hour” become outdated quickly and are not suitable as a universal rule.

Do you need perfect German

You can study in Germany both in German and in English. English-language programs are more common in master’s degrees, international business, engineering, IT, and natural sciences, but the choice depends on the university and the field.

For admission to a German-language program, you usually need a confirmed level of German, for example through TestDaF, DSH, or another recognized certificate. English-language programs often require TOEFL or IELTS; GMAT or GRE may be needed for some business and management programs, but they are not a general requirement for all universities.

Even if the program is fully in English, German still helps in everyday life, bureaucracy, housing searches, part-time work, and internships. That is why it is best to set aside time for the language from the first semester.

What to check before choosing a program

Before submitting documents, it is worth checking:

• the language of instruction and the required certificates;
• the number of ECTS and the length of the program;
• mandatory and elective modules;
• the exam format and retake rules;
• whether there is practical training, an internship, or a project semester;
• part-time work requirements for your residence status;
• the cost of the semester contribution and any Studiengebühren.

Common student mistakes

New students often underestimate the amount of independent preparation, register for exams too late, or choose too many courses in the first semester. Another mistake is looking only at the program title without reading the Modulhandbuch and Prüfungsordnung.

A good strategy is to spend the first month understanding the semester calendar, the registration system, the library, the exam rules, and the Studienberatung counseling options. This reduces stress more effectively than trying to learn all subjects in advance.

In short

Studying at a German university requires independence, but it gives flexibility: you can choose part of your courses, shape your academic profile, add practical experience, and gradually enter the labor market. The main thing is to check the requirements of the specific program, not rely on general promises, and understand in advance how credits, exams, the language of instruction, and part-time work rules are organized.