Language Policy – Leibniz University Hannover

Internationalisation is a central element in the mission statement of Leibniz University Hannover and extends to all areas of university life. This is accompanied by a clear, university-wide language policy. The language policy defines the framework for action and a university’s approach to languages, how it presents languages internally and externally, appreciation of languages and how it encourages its members to learn languages. With the language policy, LUH endeavours to establish general awareness of the policy's objectives and to inspire exchange and discourse on languages and their roles in teaching, research and administration at the university.

Our language policy pursues the following goals

Reinforce the roles of

German and English

as academic languages

Become acquainted with

linguistic diversity

in a globalised university context

Using languages

to encourage

a welcoming culture

As is the case in the internationalisation strategy and in the basic principles of diversity management, linguistic and cultural diversity of all members of the university is conceived as a resource and promoted as an element of global education.

Internationalisation Strategy

Diversity Management (PDF)

Mission Statement

The language policy operates on four levels

Languages in teaching

Leibniz University Hannover does not consider the choice between German and English as a course language as an "either/or" decision, but rather as a continuum, in which the aim is to emphasise the importance of both academic languages in German-speaking higher education. The use of both languages goes hand in hand with accompanying language training. Learning specialised English is pursued with particular motivation if the language is also used in teaching. Mobility periods and the establishment of lasting networks are encouraged by providing a broad range of mobility languages, language courses for key regions, as well as tandem partnerships and intercultural opportunities.
Languages in research

Publications, lectures and research reports are increasingly (in some fields, exclusively) held in English. Leibniz University Hannover therefore requests and encourages good knowledge of English among researchers. German courses are provided for international researchers in order to facilitate their work and everyday university life.
Languages in administration

The involvement of administration plays an important role in the internationalisation process and in the language policy of Leibniz University Hannover. LUH has defined minimum language requirements for the employment of front office administrative staff. Leibniz University Hannover demonstrates multilingual diversity at the ServiceCenter and via front office staff. English language skills should be further improved through a structured further education programme for university staff.
Languages in public relations

Leibniz University Hannover maintains an international image. Relevant pages of the central university website will also be provided in English. Where necessary, flyers will also be available in German and English.