Courses, Grades, ECTS

Types of Courses

Lecture (Vorlesung): Here, the content of a course is presented by a lecturer. Active student participation is not in principle expected, but nevertheless appreciated by some professors. Regular attendance by students is not monitored. Erasmus students have the option of doing a written or oral examination on the content of the lecture at the end of the semester. It is not necessary to register in order to visit a lecture. However, it is necessary to register with the relevant professor to take part in an examination.

Exercise (Übung): Assessment of participation in an exercise is based on two pieces of work: a 2-3 hour written examination and an assignment, which has to be written during the semester holidays. The assignment involves solving a case and a multitude of legal problems. Generally, an assignment has to be 20-25 pages, with between three and six weeks allowed for its completion.

 
Seminar: Seminars provide a deeper understanding of an area of the law. Each participant is required to undertake independent research on a specific legal topic. The student must provide a 20-30 page seminar paper on his/her topic and give an oral presentation on it, followed by a discussion. Registration with the relevant professor is required.

Work Group (Arbeitsgemeinschaft): Work groups help students acquire the technique for solving cases. They prepare the students for participation in an Exercise (Übung). Work groups are run by the professor’s research assistants.

Examinations

Examinations are generally held at the end of the semester. An examination may also be offered at the beginning of the semester holidays, as an exception. The individual professor determines whether a written or oral examination will be offered and whether students will be required to solve a case or answer questions on the content of the course.

"Schein" (Certificate)

The "Schein" provides a record of achievement. They will be issued to students after passing an examination. The Schein shows the mark and the number of ECTS points. Students who regularly visit a lecture but do not complete an examination may receive a so-called "Sitzschein" (certificate of attendance). This confirms participation in the lecture.

Grades

Examinations are passed with 4 points or more. The average mark for written examinations is between 4 and 7 points. Only rarely, in the event of extremely high achievement, is a grade of 15 to 18 points awarded.

ECTS-Points

       
    

         3 ECTS    6 ECTS    9 ECTS    12 ECTS
                   
             
               
          

Grades according to the ECTS-System