Overview

The Linguistics program offered by Goethe University Frankfurt focuses on one subject and builds on the knowledge participants gained during their bachelor's degree. It specializes in research-oriented studies in three fields of linguistics: working and research. Available research fields include syntax, semantics, phonology, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, language variation and change, and constraint-based grammar.

The program qualifies students to make theoretically founded and empirically based statements about different aspects of language and to investigate them further in independent, research-oriented work. To this end, the program expands and deepens the theoretical foundations and techniques of linguistic language description. Additionally, the program focuses on engaging with the current state of research and initiatives. The goal is to guide students in independently conceiving and executing research projects.

What is theoretical linguistics?

At Goethe University, it involves using logical and mathematical tools to analyze language as in the theories of the Minimalist Program, Montague Grammar, Optimality Theory, and Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Syntax
Semantics
Phonology
Psycho‑ & Neurolinguistic
Language Variation & Change
Constraint‑based Grammar

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-28 00:00:00

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in German

TOEFL^® IBT

85

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IELTS

6

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Disciplines

Linguistics View 24 other Masters in Linguistics in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

85

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You need a bachelor's degree in the subject of linguistics from Goethe University with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters/180 CP.
Equivalent German or international degrees in the same or a related subject area with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters/180 CP are also acceptable.
If the certificate is not yet available: transcript of records or a comparable document listing completed coursework and the overall grade, along with the current enrolment certificate for the bachelor’s program
You need English language skills at level B2.
Copy of the higher education entrance qualification (e.g., high school diploma), if you are not already enrolled at Goethe University.
For foreign diplomas/certificates, you will also need a translation by a certified translator in either German or English.
Applicants from India, Vietnam, and the People's Republic of China are required to provide an APS certificate (original only).

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free
Applies to you

Applies to you

Free

Additional Details

Although tuition fees have been abolished, a semester fee of €381.28 still applies.

Living costs

Frankfurt am Main

Germany

941 - 1519 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Linguistics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

What is theoretical linguistics?

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Frankfurt am Main

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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