“With every language you learn, you free a spirit that was previously bound within you.”
Friedrich Rückert

“Every new language is like an open window that shows a new view of the world and expands your attitude towards life.”
Frank Harris

The languages of the Bible are Biblical Hebrew (Ancient Hebrew), Biblical Aramaic and Greek (Koine Greek or Ancient Greek). The Old Testament is written in Hebrew and, in some parts, also in Aramaic. The New Testament and the Septuagint (LXX) are written in Greek.
The works of the Church Fathers and some translations of the Bible (e.g. the Vulgate or Vetus Latina) have been handed down in Latin. To this day, official texts of the Church (e.g. conciliar or legal texts) are written in Latin.
In many subjects of theology, learning and knowing these languages is thus an important skill.

You can find out more about the language requirements for the various degree programmes below.

Language requirements: You will need certain language skills for various degree programmes in theology. Here you can find out which ones are required by your degree programme.

Note: You can receive instruction in all languages at our faculty during your studies. In the course catalogue, you can find which courses are offered each semester (or crash courses during semester breaks). Alternatively, we also recognise equivalent language courses offered by the Language Centre, for example.

For students enrolled in…
Two-subject bachelor’s programme (with teaching qualification): You will need the Basic Latin language certificate (kleines Latinum) and knowledge of Greek and Hebrew (4 hours of instruction per week (SWS) each). Important: You must prove that you have obtained the required language skills by the time you reach the MEd GymGes, as they are a prerequisite for this programme.
Magister Theologiae: You will need the Latin language certificate (Latinum) and knowledge of Greek or Hebrew (6 hours of instruction per week (SWS)). If you have already passed the Latinum, you must acquire knowledge of Greek and Hebrew (6 hours of instruction per week (SWS) each). Click here for more information.
All other degree programmes (ZFB without teaching qualification, BA HRSGe, BA G and BA sF): No further language skills are required.