German – French: Language, Literature and Culture

University of Leipzig, Germany

Bachelor's Degree

University of Leipzig

University of Leipzig, Germany

German – French: Language, Literature and Culture

1000 € / years

Bachelor's Degree36 months

Historic University of Leipzig Augusteum main building with modern glass facade on Augustusplatz, students walking across the campus square on a sunny day, European city center architecture in the background

Bachelor

Bachelor of Arts in German – French: Language, Literature and Culture

University of Leipzig

Language, Literature and Culture

Duration3 Years (6 Semesters)

LanguageGerman & French

FormatFull-time

Credits180 ECTS

Program Overview: German – French Language, Literature and Culture

The Bachelor of Arts in German – French: Language, Literature and Culture is a unique binational degree program jointly offered by the University of Leipzig and the Université Lyon 2 in France. This integrated program allows you to earn both a German and a French bachelor's degree, combining the strengths of two renowned European university traditions in a single course of study.

The program focuses on French and German literature, linguistics, cultural studies, and language practice, covering the French-speaking cultural areas of France, Belgium, Canada (Québec), and the Maghreb. You will spend your first year studying in Leipzig, your second year at the Université Lyon 2, and then return to Leipzig for your final two semesters, gaining deep intercultural competence and bilingual academic fluency.

Embedded within the Franco-German University (DFH) network, this program prepares you for careers in education, cultural mediation, international organizations, and publishing. Graduates are also well positioned to pursue a subsequent master's degree that can lead to the state examination for the teaching profession in both Germany and France.

Key Program Highlights

Binational double degree: earn both a German B.A. and a French Licence upon graduation from a single integrated program
Immersive study-abroad year at the Université Lyon 2, France's second-largest city, with coordinated coursework in both German and French studies
Part of the Franco-German University (DFH) network, offering recognized quality assurance and potential mobility funding for the study period in France
Pathway to teaching careers in both Germany and France through a subsequent master's or state examination program

Curriculum & Modules

The program comprises 180 ECTS credits, with a core subject area worth 155 ECTS and key qualifications accounting for 15 ECTS. Coursework is divided between the University of Leipzig and the Université Lyon 2, with modules taught in German for academic subjects and in French for practical language modules. The bachelor's thesis carries 10 ECTS and is typically written during the third year of study.

French Linguistics

20 ECTS

Study the history, distribution, functions, and varieties of the French language. This module covers phonology, morphology, syntax, and sociolinguistics of French in its European and global contexts.

French Literature

20 ECTS

Explore the foundations of literary analysis and interpretation, covering genres including the novel, theater, poetry, and Francophone cinema. You will engage with canonical and contemporary works from France and the wider French-speaking world.

Romance Cultural Studies

20 ECTS

Examine the historical, cultural, political, and social realities of French-speaking regions including France, Belgium, Québec, and the Maghreb. This module builds strong intercultural and interdisciplinary competence.

French Language Practice

15 ECTS

Develop advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in French, working toward a target proficiency of C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

German Studies (Germanistik)

25 ECTS

Covers German linguistics, literature, and cultural studies, providing a solid grounding in the German language sciences that complements the French studies component. Modules taken partly at the Université Lyon 2 during the study-abroad year.

Educational Sciences

15 ECTS

Introduces professional fields and the role of the teacher, didactic concepts for secondary education, and psychological foundations of teaching and learning. This module prepares you for potential continuation into a teaching career.

Elective & Key Qualification Modules

Media Education and Digital Literacy Political Education in Schools Body-Voice Communication Intercultural Competence and Communication

Admission Requirements

Admission to this binational bachelor's program requires passing a specific aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsprüfung) conducted by the Faculty of Philology. The aptitude test takes place via video conference in early July and evaluates your motivation, interest in French culture, and readiness for intercultural study in France. All applications and inquiries should be directed through Uni4Edu.

Academic Requirements

Secondary EducationGerman Abitur or equivalent internationally recognized university entrance qualification
French ProficiencyFrench language skills at B2 level (CEFR), documented through school-leaving certificate or equivalent assessment
Additional LanguageKnowledge of another foreign language at A2 level (CEFR) or proof of Latin proficiency (Latinum)
Aptitude TestMandatory aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsprüfung) evaluating motivation, French language skills, and intercultural readiness
Numerus ClaususNo GPA-based restriction (admission-free regarding Abitur grade), but aptitude test is required

Language Requirements

FrenchB2 level (CEFR) — documented via Abitur certificate, DELF B2, or equivalent assessment
GermanNative or C1 level proficiency required as the primary language of academic instruction
Third LanguageA2 level (CEFR) in another foreign language, or proof of Latin proficiency

Required Documents

Secondary school leaving certificate (Abitur or equivalent) with certified translation if applicable Proof of French language proficiency at B2 level (CEFR) Proof of a third language at A2 level or Latin proficiency certificate Aptitude test confirmation letter issued by the Faculty of Philology Curriculum vitae and motivation letter outlining interest in Franco-German studies

Application Deadlines

June 15 (submit to the Institute for Romance Studies) Aptitude Test Application

September 15 (after passing the aptitude test) Winter Semester Enrollment

October (Winter Semester only) Program Start

For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu

Scholarships & Funding

As a binational program within the Franco-German University (DFH) network, students may be eligible for mobility grants to support their mandatory study year in France. Additional funding opportunities are available through German and French academic exchange organizations. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options for this program.

Franco-German University (DFH) Mobility Grant

The DFH provides monthly mobility allowances to students enrolled in its accredited binational programs during their mandatory study period at the partner university abroad. This grant helps cover additional living costs incurred during the year in Lyon.

DAAD Study Scholarship for International Students

Approx. EUR 992 per month

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students pursuing degree programs in Germany. Awards typically include a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a travel allowance. Eligibility and conditions vary by country of origin.

Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

EUR 300 per month

A merit-based national scholarship co-funded by the German federal government and private sponsors, awarded to high-achieving students regardless of nationality. The scholarship is granted for at least two semesters and does not need to be repaid.

For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this binational program are uniquely positioned for careers that require bilingual proficiency, intercultural expertise, and deep knowledge of Franco-German relations. The double degree is recognized in both Germany and France, opening doors across the European job market. With a subsequent master's degree, graduates can also qualify for the teaching profession in both countries.

2 Recognized Degrees (German B.A. + French Licence)

199+ DFH Partner Programs Across Europe

C1 Target French Proficiency Level at Graduation

Potential Career Paths

Secondary School Teacher (German/French) in Germany or France Cultural Mediator and Intercultural Consultant Editor or Content Manager in Educational Publishing Project Officer at International Organizations (EU, DAAD, OIF) Marketing and Communications Specialist with Franco-German Focus Language Data Manager and Public Relations Specialist

Potential Employers

Goethe-Institut Institut Français European Union Institutions DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) Franco-German Chamber of Commerce

Rankings & Recognition

The University of Leipzig, founded in 1409, is one of the oldest and most respected universities in Germany. It is consistently ranked among Germany's top 20 universities and features prominently in multiple international ranking systems. The university is particularly noted for its strengths in linguistics and humanities, making it an excellent home for this binational language and culture program.

QS World University Rankings

#535

2026

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking)

201-300

2025

U.S. News Best Global Universities

#296

2026

CWTS Leiden Ranking

#423

2025

Subject	Ranking Body	Rank
Linguistics	University Guru	#1 in Leipzig
Liberal Arts & Social Sciences	EduRank	#23 in Germany
Communication & Media Studies	QS Subject Rankings	#101
Arts & Humanities	CWUR	Top 300 Worldwide

How to Apply

Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.