In order to be able to communicate in everyday life in your host country, we recommend that you acquire at least a basic knowledge of the language before you start your studies -- it is best to start in Berlin. The following options are available for this purpose:

• Language Center of the FU: https://www.sprachenzentrum.fu-berlin.de/en/index.html
• Language tandem of the International Club of the FU: http://www.internationalerclub.de/
• Adult education centers: http://www.berlin.de/vhs/kurse/sprachen/
• Language and Culture Exchange of the TU: http://www.skb.tu-berlin.de/

Many partner universities also offer language courses before the semester begins and/or courses to accompany the semester.