You are here: Home › University of Freiburg … › Multilingualism

Multilingualism

Multilingualism is a natural part of the daily routine at the University of Freiburg. German, French, and English are the most widely used languages at the university; spoken, written, and taught in academia, in research, and in the administration. Many other languages are in use, however, whether it is the languages taught and researched at various departments in the Philological and the Philosophical Faculties, or the languages spoken by the nearly 18% of international students and researchers.

EPICUR European Model Language Policy

As a member of the European University Alliance EPICUR, the University of Freiburg has signed the Letter of Intent on Language Policy in January 2020. By signing this letter of intent, the alliance members showed their commitment to develop an EPICUR European Model framework for language policy and to implement it at all EPICUR partner universities. The policy paper released in 2021 can be read and downloaded at the link below.

EPICUR European Model Language Policy Paper

 

EPICUR Pilot project "Multilingualism/Language Policy" at the University of Freiburg (March-November 2021)

Based on the EPICUR Model Language Policy, the University of Freiburg committed to write its own position paper on language policy as a foundation for an "Institutional Language Policy" (ILP). The resulting paper, created by an EPICUR pilot project working group led by the International Office, can be read and downloaded at the link below.

Multilingualism at the University of Freiburg: Position Paper

University of Freiburg Glossary (DE/EN/FR)

How do you say “university fee” in French? What is the “Kanzlerin” called in English? What’s the German word for “guest lecturer”? Higher education terminology can pose a particular challenge for multilingual communication. There are often multiple options and no clear equivalent. The University of Freiburg’s trilingual glossary (DE/EN/FR) can help.

University of Freiburg Glossary

Translation and Language Advice

To promote multilingualism at the university, the International Office offers language advice and a translation service as part of the project 4D – 4 Dimensions of Digital and Didactic Development. If you have language questions or need a translation, please contact: