First accredited German language centre in Wales
17 October 2012
Cardiff University's Centre for Lifelong Learning is the first language provider in Wales to be accredited by the Goethe-Institut to conduct internationally recognised German language examinations.
The Goethe-Institut, with headquarters in Munich, is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany whose purpose is to promote knowledge of the German language and culture abroad. Their examinations correspond to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are well known throughout the world and accepted as a qualification by employers.
After assessing the Centre and its German language provision, the Goethe-Institut signed a partnership agreement for holding the examinations of the Goethe-Institut at Cardiff University.
Helga Eckart, Senior Lecturer at the Centre said: "With Germany being a top-employment country for British people it is hoped that many will be encouraged to sit these exams. We are excited that from 2013 onwards we will be an examination centre of the Goethe-Institut and I am thrilled that we are the first and the only institution in Wales to sign such an agreement."
The range of German language courses that the Centre offers, from beginners to advanced, will provide ample opportunity to practise for these certificates.
Juliana Nau, a German Tutor at the Centre said: "Taking some of the Goethe-Institut exams will punctuate your progress and attest your level of competence at any given time. The Goethe-Institut exams offer some of the most widely recognized German language qualifications and are offered at six different levels, from basic to near native proficiency. They are purely skills based rather than predominantly academic. In other words, spoken communication, listening to news and interviews, reading texts and e-mails feature high on the agenda. Most of our German classes follow a syllabus that will prepare you for these exams."
Over the years, strong links with Paris, Madrid and Sienna have been developed for the DELF/DALF qualifications in French, the DELE in Spanish and the CILS in Italian and more recently Public Service Interpreting - qualifications which many language students have benefitted from.