Deutsch als Fremd- und Wissenschaftssprache in China: Aktuelle Situation, Herausforderungen und Ausblick

This article examines the role of German as both a foreign and an academic language in China. While the number of learners of German as a foreign language (DaF) has declined globally, China shows a contrasting trend marked by growing demand. This development is primarily attributable to Germany’s appeal as a destination for higher education and to educational policy initiatives introduced by the Chinese government, which officially recognized German as a school subject in 2018 and integrated it into the national university entrance examination (Gaokao). The study focuses on the institutional teaching of German at schools and universities, where curricular structures vary according to school type and program design. The analysis reveals that German in China is typically learned with a clearly defined purpose – most commonly within German-related degree programs or as preparation for studies in Germany, but also to improve professional opportunities. At the same time, German is increasingly taking on the role of a (foreign) academic language within Chinese higher education. The findings also highlight persistent shortcomings in the development of academic language competence. Curricular expansion and pedagogical adaptation are therefore essential to sustainably strengthen the position of German as both a foreign and an academic language in China.