Language fellowships and German courses

The working languages of the group programme events are English and German.

German courses in the fellow’s own country prior to the stay in Germany

In order to enable fellows to begin learning German as soon as possible the Humboldt Foundation will consider applications for financial support for language courses in fellows’ own countries prior to the fellowship. Fellows with little or no previous knowledge of German are particularly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Application for financial support for a German language course in the respective fellow's home country prior to the stay in Germany

If you are an International Climate Protection Fellow and would like to submit an application, please log in first. You will be given access to an online form which has been partially filled in with your personal details. You can then complete and submit this form.

Language fellowships prior to the introductory seminar

Fellows who do not have an adequate knowledge of German may be granted a language fellowship for an intensive language course in Germany for up to two months by the respective Alexander von Humboldt Foundation selection committee. The intensive language course falls immediately prior to the introductory seminar and will be held in Bonn for all fellows. The language fellowship can neither be interrupted nor taken up once the fellowship in Germany has begun.

In the context of a language fellowship the Humboldt Foundation covers the fees for the course as well as the cost of accommodation. A further monthly sum of €690 is granted towards meals and pocket money.

On application, marital partners accompanying fellows during the stay in Germany are also welcome to attend the intensive language course prior to the introductory seminar. They are eligible to be granted a language fellowship on identical terms. For organisational reasons, however, accompanying children may only join their parents in Germany after the language course has come to an end.

German language courses during the fellowship period

Once the fellowship period has begun application may also be made to the Humboldt Foundation for the reimbursement of course fees for further German courses, such as those offered by adult education centres (VHS) and universities. Intensive language courses which would interrupt the fellowship cannot be sponsored by the Humboldt Foundation.

Application for support of a German language course in Germany

If you are an International Climate Protection Fellow and would like to submit an application, please log in first. You will be given access to an online form which has been partially filled in with your personal details. You can then complete and submit this form.