Self-directed learning for German – Leibniz Language Centre

With SDL courses, you learn and practise with audio-visual and interactive materials on online learning platforms. The core material is based on the textbook Netzwerk neu, either as a digital or hybrid version (with a printed book) on the BlinkLearning or the Allango platform. Your learning process is supported by explanatory videos, interactive exercises, learning tips and self-assessment on the ILIAS platform. The textbooks must be purchased by you. The ILIAS courseware is free of charge.

If you are taking an SDL course for the first time or need support, you can arrange a consultation.

There are currently two SDL courses available at levels A1 (A1.1 and A1.2) and A2 (A2.1 and A2.2). Courses at B1 level will follow shortly. We currently offer some digital learning materials at B1 level.

To the German SDL courses

What learning options do you have?

As a student of the Leibniz University or one of our partner universities, you have two options for self-directed learning with our courses:

SDL courses without ECTS

You can freely use the learning material on offer according to your own interests. This means that you choose the learning material that will help you in your individual learning process. There are no requirements, assessments or performance tests. Accordingly, there are also no certificates of achievement or participation. You can start learning German at any time, regardless of lecture times. Course registration on Stud.IP is recommended, as the online learning consultation appointments are allocated via Stud.IP. Please send an e-mail to Dr. Tushar Chaudhuri.

SDL courses with ECTS during the lecture period

The SDL courses with credit points only run during the lecture period starting in October or April. If you require ECTS points, you must fulfil certain criteria: You must register for a course on Stud.IP, use the digital textbook in the learning management system on BlinkLearning, participate in learning consultations and group meetings and demonstrate your learning progress according to the learning plan provided. The credit requirements must be fulfilled within the lecture period. Further information can be found in the respective course descriptions.

How does learning in the SDL course work?

The most important thing for self-directed learning is your own desire and motivation to learn German. You should also be able to organise yourself well and regularly find time to learn German. The ideal amount of time is 15 to 30 minutes per day.

If you are learning a language independently for the first time, you will find a chapter with many learning tips for self-directed learning in the course materials on ILIAS.

Basically, the learning process works as follows:

1. Choose learning objectives on ILIAS

Each learning unit on ILIAS contains an overview of its learning objectives to help you find your way around the course. In courses without ECTS credits, you can choose exactly what and how much you want to learn or practise.

2. Practise with digital materials on the learning platforms

After selecting the chapter, you can, for example, go over a page in the textbook Netzwerk neu (on BlinkLearning or Allango) or watch one of the learning videos on ILIAS, which usually explain important grammar and vocabulary in English and sometimes also contain exercises. In the textbook you will find exercises on the various skills, i.e. listening, reading, speaking and writing. On ILIAS, there are also videos on regional topics and music videos to familiarise you with German culture and current music. On all platforms, you can practise with interactive tasks that are automatically analysed and give you feedback. On ILIAS you will also find references to AI tools that can help you learn German, for example to practise free writing.

3. Evaluate your learning progress on ILIAS with the end-of-chapter tests

There are final tests for each chapter on ILIAS, which you can use to check whether you have understood the most important learning materials of a chapter. If something is not clear or you are stuck in your learning, you can arrange a counselling session with experienced teachers and tutors. If you are satisfied with your learning progress, you can select a new learning unit and set new learning objectives.

What level do you already have?

Have you already learnt some German? Here you can take a test to find out which level best suits your previous knowledge. The tests assess the material in Netzwerk neu, are automatically evaluated and recommend which level or chapter of Netzwerk neu you should start with.

Placement test A1

Placement test A2

Placement test B1

Learning materials for level B1

On the ILIAS platform, there are two material collections with videos and interactive exercises at B1-level, B1.1 and B1.2. You can currently only use these learning materials without a course. To do this, log in to the ILIAS platformwith your LUH ID and follow this path.

Magazine > Central Facilities and Administration > Leibniz Language Centre (LLC) > current semester (e.g. 2024-25 WiSe)

The ILIAS self-study material at all levels can also be used to review specific content and refresh your knowledge of German.

To the ILIAS learning platform