I'm doing a STEM bachelor's in English in a German city that isn't very English-friendly, and I only know German up to A2. With exams coming up, should I prioritize German or my coursework?
Prioritize your STEM coursework right now. Failing exams carries immediate consequences, since most German universities allow only two or three retake attempts, and failing introductory classes blocks advanced modules next semester. Your A2 German already covers daily survival tasks, so serious language study can resume once exams finish.
Your coursework needs to come first this exam season, because failing carries consequences that hit immediately, while your German can keep developing at a steady pace afterward. Your current A2 level already covers your daily survival needs, so there is no urgent reason to divert study time away from your exams.
Why Exams Take Priority Right Now
| Risk If You Fail | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Limited retake attempts | Most universities allow only 2 or 3 attempts per exam |
| Blocked prerequisites | Failing intro STEM classes blocks registration for advanced modules |
| Visa complications | Too many failures can jeopardise your academic progress certificate |
Study Survival Strategies For Now
- Team up with fellow international classmates to build English-speaking study groups for your toughest modules.
- Lean on the universal language of mathematics, code and chemical formulas, which need no translation.
- Supplement confusing German-influenced slides with English textbooks or resources like MIT OpenCourseWare.
- Use translation apps like DeepL for complex official letters rather than stressing over grammar now.
My Advice
Pause heavy German study until the lecture-free period after your exams, and treat the language as a marathon you resume rather than one you must win this week. Tell me how many weeks remain until your first exam and how many exams you are registered for, so I can help you plan the balance realistically.
Looking for a specific course in Germany?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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