Latinum at university: which degrees require it
In short
Whether a degree requires the Latinum is set by each German university in its examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung). It is often required in Theology (for ordination), Classical Archaeology and some teacher training subjects such as History; for other teaching subjects the Kleines Latinum is often enough. Medicine does not require a Latinum, but a course in medical terminology. What counts is always the current regulations of your own university.
Examples from universities
| Subject | Requirement (examples) |
|---|---|
| Protestant Theology (ordination) | Latinum, Graecum and Hebraicum, for example in Tübingen, Marburg and at LMU Munich |
| Classical Archaeology | Latinum in the bachelor’s and master’s programme (Regensburg) |
| Teacher training, History | in North Rhine-Westphalia the Kleines Latinum; in Tübingen “as a rule” the Latinum for teacher training |
| Teacher training, German, English, French, Italian, Spanish | Kleines Latinum (Regensburg, grammar school) |
| Master’s in History | Latinum (University of Duisburg-Essen) |
| Medicine | no Latinum; a course in medical terminology under the licensing regulations for doctors |
The universities’ lists are explicitly “without guarantee”, and regulations change. For law we found no requirement for a Latinum. So before you start, always read the examination regulations for your own subject or ask the student advisory service.
If you do not have the Latinum
Many universities offer Latinum courses, usually over one to three semesters, sometimes with intensive courses during the semester breaks. The certificate itself comes from the state supplementary exam (Ergänzungsprüfung). If you plan early, you can fit the courses into your first semesters. How to get the Latinum later.
Foundations alongside your degree
University courses expect a lot of independent work; the University of Regensburg expects four to five hours of preparation and follow-up per session. Forms, syntax and vocabulary are easy to practise every day in short sessions – exactly what Disce ludens is made for. It does not replace the course, but it takes pressure off it. The app is in German: exercises, hints and meanings are German, as in the original.
Try it
A real exercise from Disce ludens:
Disce ludens II · Lesson 2 · Subjunctive in main clauses II, card 4
Utinam ante multos annos ________.
Perfect or pluperfect subjunctive? “If only I had lived many years ago!” (vivo, vixi, victum – to live) Table: perfect subjunctive laudav-eri-m, pluperfect subjunctive laudav-isse-m.
Hint 1: This is a wish about the past that can no longer be fulfilled!
Hint 2: Choose the pluperfect subjunctive
Error points: 0
© Disce ludensWhat Disce ludens does – and what it doesn’t
What Disce ludens does
- Practises the foundations that Latinum courses take for granted.
- Fits into short sessions alongside your studies.
- Leads you to sentences based on Caesar with Verte ludens.
What it doesn’t do
- Does not replace a Latinum course or the exam.
- Does not tell you bindingly what your own examination regulations require.
- Does not practise reading Cicero.
Frequently asked questions
Which degrees require the Latinum?
Often Theology (for ordination), Classical Archaeology, History in teacher training or at master’s level and some languages in teacher training – depending on the university. What counts is the examination regulations.
Do I need the Latinum for medicine?
No. The licensing regulations for doctors (Approbationsordnung) provide for a course in medical terminology instead.
Do I need the Latinum for law?
We have not found any examination regulations that require it. Latin legal terms still come up in a law degree.
Can I get the Latinum during my degree?
Yes, many universities offer courses that prepare you for the state supplementary exam.