French

Why Learn French?

Watch this YouTube Video
Yeah, OK... but more specifically?

1. Because it’s fun!

   Forget the awful teachers you may have had (or be grateful for the good ones), don’t be afraid (unfortunately, hypnosis sessions aren’t included in the courses), and just enjoy speaking this beautiful language!

   Our courses are designed with two main goals: Have fun and speak a lot! (or the other way around!). That way, you’ll make faster (and more efficient) progress!

2. For your career!

   France is Germany’s (and especially Saarland’s) number one trading partner in Eu-rope — for both exports and imports.
   This means there’s a high chance that you’ll come into contact with French partners in your professional life, regardless of your field. So, having knowledge of French and of France really makes a difference in your CV!

   Moreover, within the framework of Saar-land’s France Strategy (2013–2043), French language skills are intended to be-come a criterion for hiring in the public sec-tor.

   Oh, and by the way — French is set to be-come the next world language by 2050. No joke!

3. For the culture, the cuisine, your next weekend — or better yet, your next vaca-tion!

   Cuisine, Savoir-Vivre, Convivialité… To truly feel the French vibe!

   Discovering the rich diversity of French cit-ies and regions is definitely more enjoyable with some language skills.
   And honestly, it doesn’t get easier than here: Saarland borders France, and Sarreguemines is even reachable with the Saarbahn!
   You can spend your weekends shopping in Metz, Strasbourg, or Nancy, go out to the movies or a restaurant in the evening, and immediately put what you’ve learned into practice — experiencing how it changes your perception of France and how the French perceive you. Even Paris is only 1 hour and 50 minutes away from Saarbrücken with the TGV!

4. To make it easier to learn other languages (for even more holidays!)

   French isn’t all that foreign for German or English speakers — many French words have made their way into both languages.
   50% of today’s English comes from French, and learning French makes it much easier to pick up other Romance languages like Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. A lot of Europeans already have a feel for French — even if they don’t realize it.
   Yes, even YOU have that feel! 

5. Whoever lives in Saarbrücken has the perfect opportunity to learn a bridge language!

Alors à très vite !

The Most Important Requirement

Click here to watch theYouTube Video…

Course Structure UNIcert I (A1 to B1):

UNIcert Basic (A1)

• GER: A1
• French courses:
  • French A1 Part 1 (previously: Elementary Course 1)
  • French A1 Part 2 (previously: Elementary Course 2)
• ECTS credits: 3 each

UNIcert Basic (A2)

• GER: A2
• French courses:
  • French A2 Part 1 (previously: Intermediate Course 1)
  • Extra and special course without ECTS: French for Returning Learners
  • French A2 Part 2 (previously: Intermediate Course 2)
• ECTS credits: 3 each

UNIcert I (B1)

• GER: B1
• French courses:
  • French B1 Part 1 (previously: Certificate Course 1)
  • French B1 Part 2 (previously: Certificate Course 2)
  • Extra and special course: MEDIKURS: le français médical (Campus Homburg, counts as B1 Oral Communication for medical students)
  • Oral Communication (previously: Certificate Course 3)
• ECTS credits: 3 each

Notes:

• Please note that a placement test must always be taken for French. This also applies to registration for the French A1 Part 1 or Part 1+2 courses.
• The French A1 Part 1+2 course is a double course with two sessions per week (4 SWS).
• Since we currently cannot offer a double course for A2 and B1, it is possible to take French A2 Part 1 and Part 2 or French B1 Part 1 and Part 2 at the same time during a single semester. Please contact the program coordinator for information on this.
• Attending the extra course “French for Returning Learners A2” does not automatically qualify you for enrolment in a B1 course the following semester. The corresponding result of the placement test or successful completion of French A2 Part 2 is required.
• To attend courses at the B2 level, all 3 B1 courses must be completed. Then, the UNIcert Level I certificate can also be applied for. The French B1 – Oral Communication course can be taken at the same time as French B1 Part 1 or Part 2.

Course Structure UNIcert II (B2)

UNIcert II (B2)

• GER: B2
• French courses:
  • Course I (general): French B2 – Part 1* (previously: General Course 1)
  • Course II (general): French B2 – Part 2* (previously: General Course 2)
  • Course III (oral): French B2 – Oral Communication (previously: Conversation B2)
  • Course IV (written): French B2 – Written Communication (previously: Le plaisir d’écrire)
  • Course V (culture/oral): Cours de civilisation / Partir à l’étranger
• ECTS credits: 3 each

*Courses I and II use a textbook. (Part 1 = Winter semester = first half of the textbook / Part 2 = Summer semester = second half).

Notes:

• After completing all 3 B1 courses, please start with French B2 Part 1 (winter semester) or Part 2 (summer semester). Direct enrollment in courses III to V is only possible with the corresponding placement test results.
• If conditions allow, two courses can be taken simultaneously.
• Please note: To apply for the UNIcert Level II certificate, a total of 5 B2 courses must be successfully completed.

Kursstruktur UNIcert I (A1 bis B1)

Notes:

• Please note that a placement test is always required for French. This also applies to registration for French A1 Part 1 or Part 1+2 courses.
• The French A1 Part 1+2 course is a double course with two sessions per week (4 SWS).
• Since we currently do not offer double courses for A2 and B1, it is possible to take French A2 Part 1 and Part 2 or French B1 Part 1 and Part 2 at the same time in a single semester. Please contact the program coordinator for details.
• Taking the extra course "French for Returning Learners A2" does not automatically qualify you for enrolment in a B1 course in the following semester. The appropriate placement test result or successful completion of French A2 Part 2 is required instead.
• To attend courses at the B2 level, all 3 B1 courses must be completed. Then, the UNIcert Level I certificate can be applied for. The French B1 – Oral Communication course can be taken at the same time as French B1 Part 1 or Part 2.

Course Structure UNIcert II (B2)

*Courses I and II use a textbook. (Part 1 = Winter semester = first half of the textbook / Part 2 = Summer semester = second half).

Notes:

• After completing all 3 B1 courses, please start with French B2 Part 1 (winter semester) or Part 2 (summer semester). Direct enrollment in courses III to V is only possible with the corresponding placement test result.
• If appropriate, two courses can be taken in the same semester.
• Please note: To apply for the UNIcert Level II certificate, a total of 5 B2 courses must be successfully completed.

The placement test is crucial for successful participation in our courses, as it helps determine the right level for everyone. This ensures you’re not grouped with learners who are much stronger or weaker than you. If needed, your course level can even be adjusted afterward to find the best fit. When everyone learns at the same level, it’s much more fun!

Please note: The placement test in French is mandatory for all participants.

The placement test at the Language Centre, known as a C‑Test, consists of five gap-fill texts of increasing difficulty that assess overall language competence (vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, etc.).

Here’s how it works:
A C‑Test is a normal text in which only the first and last sentences are complete. In every other sentence, the second half of every second word is removed.

• For words with an even number of letters (e.g. 6 letters), half the letters are removed (3 letters).
• For words with an odd number of letters (e.g. 7 letters), more than half (in this case 4 letters) are removed.

For example:

This cou____ be an exa____ like thi_____."
"Isn’t tha__ kind of wei____?"

Start by reading the first sentence carefully—it sets the direction for the text. Then read one full sentence with gaps and begin filling in the missing parts.

Steps to Take the Test

1. After your registration , or if you're already registered with the Language Centre, you can take the test online from home via our Moodle learning platform. 

   On the test page, you’ll find a short explanatory video explaining the test format. After that, you’ll do a brief practise test to familiarise yourself. Then you’ll proceed to the actual test, which must be completed within 30 minutes.

2. Your results will appear in your course account ("My Courses"), typically within two working daysduring the registration period and beginning of the semester. Outside of lecture periods, it may take a bit longer.

   The test result is valid for three semesters.

3. In the language course programme you can filter available courses based on your placement level. Click on “show all courses”, select, for example “Kursniveau B1”, then click “Filter”. Only courses you qualify for will display. You can then read the course descriptions to choose the best fit.
4. Select your desired course and click “Register”!

If you still have questions after class, aren’t sure how to approach a particular homework task, or simply want someone to practice your French with a bit more, you also have the opportunity this semester to reach out to our French tutor.

The tutorial will take place starting from October 27, 2025, either online via Teams or in person by appointment. Each session lasts 15 minutes, and you may book one session per week throughout the semester.

• Available times: Thursday 12:00-18:00 and Friday 10:00-14:00
• Please register at least 24 hours in advance by contacting our tutor Aliona Maufus directly on Teams.
• When registering, please include your language level or the French course you are currently attending.
• If you are unable to attend a booked session, please cancel in good time, or let us know if you’re going to be late (e.g. due to a delayed bus).

If you are joining online via Teams, make sure in advance that Teams, your camera, and your micro-phone are all working properly.

Please note: The tutorial is intended only for students and guest students currently en-roled in a French course at the Language Centre. It is meant as a supplement to our courses, not as a free private lesson.

Bonne séance - Enjoy your session!

Team for Teaching and Course Programme

• Hendrikje Hartung
  • hartung(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de
  • Phone (at UdS): +49 681-302 5457
  • Teams ID (at UdS): HEHA006
• David Chemeta
  • chemeta(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de
  • Phone (at UdS): +49 681-302 5464
  • Teams ID (at UdS): DACH002

Lecturers

• Hafida Bouzid
  • hafida1bouzid(at)gmail.com
• Isabelle Cordier
  • isabelle_cordier(at)web.de
• Sébastien Dumont-Roty
  • sebastien(at)lemotjuste.fr
• Valérie Mauborgne
  • v.e.mauborgne(at)gmail.com
• Myriam Paty-Schneckenburger
  • myriam(at)paty-schneckenburger.de
• Valérie Touzalin-Rivrain
  • touz-riv.val(at)t-online.de

Next DELF/DALF exam period:

13 November 2025 (A2 and B1)
14 November 2025 (A1 and B2)
15 November 2025 (C1 and C2)

Registration for the upcoming DELF/DALF examinations is open during the following period:

29 September – 3 November 2025