Requirements
For the full degree program in theology (Magister Theologiae), knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew is required. Knowledge of Latin must be demonstrated by passing the Latinum exam. Knowledge of Greek must be demonstrated by passing the classical Graecum or biblical Graecum (two-semester course) exam. If Latin and/or Greek skills must be acquired during the course of study, instead of the Hebraicum (two-semester course), only successful participation in the one-semester Hebrew course or in a one-semester introduction to the Hebrew language must be demonstrated. If proof cannot be provided at the beginning of the course of study, it must be submitted at the latest at the beginning of the 5th semester.
Basic knowledge of Latin is also required for the Catholic Religious Education program for teaching at secondary schools (Realschule+). If this knowledge is not already available at the beginning of the program, it must be acquired during the bachelor's program. Proof of basic knowledge of Latin must be provided by passing a university examination in a Latin course comprising 4 SWS. Proof of these language skills is a prerequisite for admission to the master's program.
The Catholic Religious Education degree program for teaching at secondary schools (Gymnasium) requires advanced knowledge of Latin and basic knowledge of biblical or classical Greek. Advanced knowledge of Latin must be demonstrated by the state Latinum certificate; proficiency in Greek must be demonstrated by passing the classical Graecum, the biblical Graecum (two-semester course), or by successfully completing a basic course in biblical Greek (one semester; 4 SWS). Proof of these language skills is a prerequisite for admission to the master's program.
Offered language courses
The Faculty of Theology in Trier, in cooperation with the Felixianum, offers language courses in Latin and Greek, which enable students to obtain the accepted language certificates for the various degree programs in two or three semesters, allowing them to turn their attention to philosophical and theological studies more quickly. The following courses are offered:
A Latin course with subject-specific focus (including theological Latin texts), which covers the winter and summer semesters and an intensive phase in September/October, preparing students for the state Latinum examination, which takes place annually in October.;
A Greek course (biblical Greek) that begins in the winter semester. Teacher training students can obtain the Greek certificate after the winter semester; students in the master's program obtain the biblical Graecum in the exam after a two-semester course at the end of the following summer semester.
In addition, the Faculty of Theology in Trier (Chair of Old Testament Exegesis) offers a two-semester Hebrew course, which begins in the summer semester and leads to the Hebraicum after the following winter semester. Students who only acquire Latin and/or Greek certificates during their university studies only need to take “Biblical Hebrew I” (in the summer semester) and complete an oral exam.
Varying approaches to language courses
Students who have passed the Latinum exam in their high school diploma can obtain the Graecum certificate in the winter semester and the following semester break, and the Hebrew certificate in the following summer semester. From the third semester onwards, they are free from all language study requirements for their theology studies.
Students who need to obtain language certificates for Latin, Greek, and Hebrew can begin Latin in the first semester, completing the Latinum after the intensive phase in September/October before the third semester. In the second semester (summer semester), they take Hebrew courses and obtain the Hebrew certificate (end of July). In the third semester, they then take Biblical Greek, which they complete with the Graecum certificate after the intensive phase before the start of the fourth semester.
Teacher training students who need to catch up on Latin and Greek take the Latin course from the first semester through to the intensive phase in September/October and take the Latinum examination. In the following winter semester, they complete the basic course in Biblical Greek and obtain the Greek certificate. From the fourth semester onwards, they are free to pursue their theological studies.
A helpful tip: Starting Latin and Greek language courses at the same time is only recommended for students who are highly gifted in languages.
