Comparison between DaF and DaZ majors studying in Germany

Germany has superior geographical conditions, developed economy, perfect education system and strong learning atmosphere. There are many majors in German universities, which is better, DaF or DaZ? I am here to sort out the comparison between DaF and DaZ majors studying in Germany, hoping to help you.

What are 1.DaF and DaZ respectively?

German as a foreign language (DaF) is mainly studied as a third language after English overseas, so it focuses on the teaching methods of the third language.

German as a second language (DaZ) is usually aimed at immigrants: educational topics usually include different dimensions of using multiple languages in real life, such as language politics or discourse about integration.

All these majors focus on teaching German to non-native German speakers from an academic point of view. Graduates usually can't be teachers in public schools because they don't take the national examination when they graduate. Most students majoring in DaF and DaZ generally teach in adult education at home and abroad after graduation. In addition, they can also engage in publishing, foreign culture and other fields.

Second, whether to provide DaF or DaZ undergraduate majors, colleges and universities have different priorities.

Many universities in Germany offer undergraduate courses in DaF or DaZ. These majors mainly teach linguistics, teaching methods and methodology, national surveys and cross-cultural pedagogy, and each university has different emphasis: some schools focus on the linguistic description of German or the psychological premise of foreign language learners, while others focus on how to diagnose language errors with the help of social research methods. Some schools focus on the cross-cultural learning process, while others focus on the use of media in language teaching.

Many master's programs are aimed at undergraduates majoring in DaF/DaZ, Germanic linguistics or other linguistics and philosophy. However, there are also master's programs for undergraduate graduates of other majors. "DaF/DaZ has more master's places than undergraduate places. Angle, executive director of FaDaF, said that this is mainly because graduates from other majors (such as education) are willing to choose DaF/DaZ when they need to apply for a master's degree. Anne Egret Middecke said. The goal of master's course is either to expand extensive and rich basic knowledge or to dig deep into specific professional content. The professional emphasis of each school is different: some master's programs mainly focus on language science, while others focus on examination development.

The professional orientation of DaF/DaZ is also related to the basic situation of the school: for example, the Polytechnic University focuses on the teaching of technical terms. In some cases, the focus of teaching can be seen from the professional name (for example, "German as a second language and German as a foreign language and cross-cultural communication" or "German as a second mother tongue: language diagnosis and language promotion").

Usually, students can choose between different majors and focus on German as a foreign language or German as a second language.

Dr. Midko explained: "German as a foreign language (DaF) is mainly learned as the third language after English overseas, so it focuses on the teaching methods of the third language. In contrast, German as a second language (DaZ) is usually aimed at immigrants: educational topics usually include different dimensions of using multiple languages in real life, such as language politics or discourse about integration.

Third, internship is suitable for both undergraduates and graduate students.

Schools usually encourage and even require students to complete internships, which is applicable to both undergraduates and graduate students. Midko also thinks this is very important: "If we cooperate with other parts of education under the guidance of appropriate theories, which is usually the case, then the benefits it brings to students cannot be underestimated: internship can help students understand the workplace and prepare for their future career.

The experience of internationalization is usually very popular: many DaF/DaZ majors explicitly state that they are open to domestic and foreign students, while others are only open to non-native speakers, that is, educated people from abroad. Studying abroad has been widely supported and cooperation with foreign partner schools is also very common.

4. Continuing education and continuing education are open to all.

In addition to undergraduate and master's majors, there are many practice-oriented distance and continuing education majors, which are open to the career transition population with or without teaching experience. Finally, there are a series of off-campus further education and continuing education programs, such as "Deutsche Unter Richten" of Goethe Institute, which are aimed at experienced German teachers who have obtained university degrees or received vocational training. In addition, other public and private training institutions also offer similar courses.