This degree programme equips you for translation work in the language pair Czech-German / German-Czech. You will gain sound language proficiency and fundamental translation and interpreting skills. This also includes specific cultural contexts, professional working methods and tools, the necessary skills to take on challenges in translations and a professionally relevant internship.

At a glance

  • Field of study

    humanities and linguistics
  • Degree type

    undergraduate
  • Degree

    Bachelor of Arts
  • Language of instruction

    German, some foreign language
  • Full/part-time

    full-time, part-time
  • Course start

    winter semester
  • Admission restriction

    without admission restriction
  • Standard period of study

    Six semesters

  • ECTS credits

    180

Requirements

general higher education entrance qualification, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification

  • Knowledge of a modern foreign language at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

When choosing translation-relevant elective modules, the following language skills are required for the chosen language:

  • Knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages;
  • Knowledge of French at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages;
  • Knowledge of Spanish at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Contents

The binational programme in Intercultural Communication and Translation Czech-German is offered by Leipzig University in cooperation with Charles University of Prague. You can start the programme with or without previous knowledge of Czech. If you have no previous knowledge of the language, you will take intensive Czech courses in your first two semesters.

The combined range of courses offered by the Institute of Slavonic Studies, the Institute of Applied Linguistics and Translatology (Leipzig University) and the Institute of Translation Studies (Charles University of Prague) not only equips students with profound knowledge of the two languages Czech and German, but also fundamental translation skills. The aim of the programme is to train you to work in the Czech-German/German-Czech translation field and to familiarise you with the methodological instruments required to tackle translational problems.

Learning outcomes include:

  • the confident use of means of expression in the two working languages,
  • methodological and theoretical knowledge to effectively tackle typical problems in translation,
  • the ability to independently solve problems of an academic or practical nature with a focus on a specific subject and/or vocational field,
  • the ability to recognise cultural contexts and particularities relevant to translation and interpreting and to include these appropriately when working with texts and
  • knowledge of particular terminological and lexicographical working methods and professional tools.

Particular emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary and comparative aspects. For students who begin the BA in Leipzig, the programme consists of four semesters of study at Leipzig University (semesters one to four) plus two semesters of study at Charles University of Prague (fifth and sixth semesters). During the programme, you will work together with fellow students from Prague in tandem partnerships for a total four semesters.

The bachelor’s programme in Intercultural Communication and Translation Czech-German has a total of 180 credit points. It is made up of compulsory elective and compulsory courses together with the bachelor’s thesis in a core subject (90 credit points) in addition to a free elective area or an elective subject.

The elective area or elective subject are worth 60 credit points. You can either choose courses from an overarching range of courses in the elective area or decide to specialise in translation (English, French or Spanish with the appropriate language proficiency). It is also possible to intensify the core subject with an additional 30 credit points.

Besides this, 30 credit points are earned in courses focussing on key skills. Of these, 20 credit points are completed in Leipzig and 10 credit points in Prague.

  • Degree from two universities
  • Combined range of courses offered by the Institute of Slavonic Studies, the Institute of Applied Linguistics and Translatology (Leipzig University) and the Institute of Translation Studies (Charles University of Prague)
  • For students with particularly good marks, DAAD scholarships are available for the two compulsory semesters abroad

After completing the programme, you will have communicative skills in both working languages, basic translation skills for general and specialised texts with average difficulty into Czech or German and the ability to interpret consecutively in both directions. The programme prepares you for independent work as an expert for tasks in language services.

Career prospects

  • Translation and interpreting,
  • Culture and knowledge management, cultural exchange,
  • Foreign trade and business,
  • Tourism,
  • Public relations and advertising,
  • Journalism/media, or
  • Foundations and international organisations.

After successfully completing the Intercultural Communication and Translation Czech-German bachelor’s programme, it is possible to add an MA.

It is advisable to make useful professional contacts in the course of your studies. Leipzig University Career Service can advise you on preparing for your transition to the world of work.

The binational bachelor’s programme in Intercultural Communication and Translation Czech-German at Leipzig University and Charles University of Prague includes a mandatory two-semester period of study abroad at the respective partner university. Students who begin the programme at Leipzig University complete their studies at Charles University of Prague in the fifth and sixth semesters.

The two partner universities each recognise academic achievements abroad. Once you have passed the final bachelor’s examinations, both Leipzig University and Charles University of Prague issue a diploma.

During your stay abroad, you complete an internship.

Application

Course start: Winter semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–31 May
Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please ensure that you read and take note of the further information provided on the pages “Online application”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Options in the winter semester: 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 4th semester and 6th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)

You can find more information on our page for “Applying for higher semesters of study”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Internationality

Two semesters of study at foreign partner universities

Award of a double degree with an international partner university