After an introduction to language learning, six thematic units will present new language in spoken and written form, invite you to collaborate and communicate in German, and revise and consolidate what you have learned.
The following themes will be covered:
New language, including useful phrases, grammatical features and tips for interacting successfully with speakers of German, are interspersed with cultural information and critical thinking skills. Up-to-date technology, such as machine translation and online communication tools, is discussed and critically evaluated.
We appreciate the diversity of learners and acknowledge that not every topic might be of interest to you. From the beginning, you will be encouraged to select appropriate elements of the course and focus on areas you need to develop, including a wide range of skills for communicating in a second language environment. And most of all, you’ll learn to enjoy different cultures and views of the world by meeting German-speaking people in videos, audio clips and through authentic texts from German media.
This module is designed to enable you to achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level A2 of the Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You will have developed your knowledge and understanding of the language as well as an awareness of cultural diversity in German-speaking countries which form a key part of the learning outcomes for studying at this level. By the end of the module, you will have developed key OU level 1 undergraduate study skills, such as learning to work independently and using strategies which enable you to solve problems and analyse data.
In addition to language skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing in German), you’ll develop critical thinking, digital skills, a limited range of translation skills and skills for summarising, presenting and mediating information between different languages.
Employability skills developed through this module include selecting and presenting information, mediating between languages, and communicating in intercultural contexts. By learning a new language, you’ll also develop flexibility of mind, for example, the skill to guess and to communicate creatively when words might be failing you.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
TMAs test your writing and speaking skills. Your listening and reading skills will be tested by iCMAs. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the module.
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You will also be provided with printed course books, comprising 180 hours of study material, and online learning material, comprising 120 hours of study and revision.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
L103 is an option module in our:
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2036.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
No prior knowledge of German is required to study this module. To help decide if this is the module for you, use our self-assessment quiz.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
As part of the module, there will be an induction week to help you to familiarise yourself with OU materials, websites, and terminology.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L103 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
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If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
