Studying Protestant Theology and Religion is based on reading different literature: It is centered around texts of the Old and New Testament, as well as theological documents from the beginning of the church until today. To reach a fundamental understanding of the theological discussion every student should be able to read the original text. Three languages are important: Greek (primarily for the New Testament, but also for text from the Old Church), Hebrew (for the Old Testament and related Jewish text) and Latin (for text sources from the Old Church, Reformation, Middle Ages and early modern time).
Learning these languages allows for independent work with ancient texts, but more importantly it deepens the understanding of the ancient authors, their thinking and cultural backgrounds.
During a short intensive study students can take the needed language exams. The Theology Faculty offers per semester language courses and during the semester break compact courses. In one semester students can learn one out of the tree languages. For students obtaining a teaching profession (B.A.) we recommend the compact courses during the semester break for the intermediate Latinum qualification (winter semester), which is necessary to start Greek language classes related to the specific field (summer semester).


Which language certificates do I need?

Protestant Theology program (diploma and degree in pastoral ministry): Latinum, Graecum, Hebraicum

Protestant Religion program (2-subject-bachelor focusing on the teaching profession): intermediate Latinum qualification, Greek language skills related to the specific field (New Testament Greek)

Business and Human Resources Education program with Protestant Religion as a second subject: Greek language skills related to the specific field (New Testament Greek)

Ph.D program (Dr. theol.): Latinum, Graecum, Hebraicum


Latin
Schools and universities in Lower Saxony accept the intermediate Latinum qualification, the Latinum and the advanced Latinum qualification. On the German secondary school diploma (qualifying to enter university) you will find an entry of your language certificates. Alternatively students can take the exams for the intermediate Latinum and Latinum at the end of the specific language courses.

The Theology Faculty as well as the Philosophy Faculty offer language courses for the intermediate Latinumand the Latinum.

To ensure better planning, we recommend contacting the student advisory office at the Faculty or the Latin teacher Mr. Reinhard Fähndrich (rfaehndrich@hotmail.com) to find out about language courses for the different study programs.

Contact person for the language courses at the Philosophy Faculty: Dr. Goldmann (bgoldma@gwdg.de)


Greek
The Graecum is an accepted certificate for Greek language skills by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. Some schools offer Greek, but usually it is offered at the university. On the German secondary school diploma (qualifying to enter university) you will find an entry of your language certificates.

Students seeking to obtain a teaching profession need to verify Greek language skills related to the specific field (New Testament Greek). In exams students need to be able to translate basic up to medium leveled text. The New Testament Greek is easier to learn than Platons Greek needed for the Graecumcertificate.

Greek courses are offered every semester at the Theology Faculty: To reach the level of Greek language skills related to the specific field students need to take the basic course Greek I. The advanced course Greek II prepares for the Graecum. Courses are either during the semester or during the semester break. During the semester break the Faculty offers compact courses over several weeks.

For further questions about language courses please go to the student advisory office or to the teacher in Greek Dr. Andrea Bencsik, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 2, 37073 Göttingen, Ph.: +49 (0)551/397135 (priv. +49 (0)551/2053650).


Hebrew
Every semester the Theology Faculty offers a Hebrew languages course. At the end of the semester students will take the needed exam (Hebraicum).

For further information please go to the student advisory office at the Faculty or contact the teacher in Hebrew Herrn apl. Prof. Dr. Thilo Rudnig, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 2, 37073 Göttingen, Ph.: +49 (0)551/397109.