Our DGS language courses (online and face-to-face courses) are aimed at employees and students of TU Dresden, so registration is only possible with your own TU Dresden email address.

Experience has shown that our introductory courses are in high demand and regularly fully booked, so unfortunately we are currently unable to accept external participants.

The courses (online courses and face-to-face courses) are offered every semester as long as funding is still available. All courses take place on a weekly basis. Each course is always 90 minutes long and is based on the regular DS lecture times at TU Dresden. There are 12 dates per course. The exact dates for each semester can be found on the website: German Sign Language Courses.

The StuRa also offers regular courses in German Sign Language, see here: Course page -DGS language courses of the StuRa

Registration takes place via OPAL with a valid ZIH login. The date on which registration for the courses opens will be announced shortly on the Sign Language Courses website.

On the day registration opens, Diversity Management will send an email to interested parties informing them that registration is open.

To receive this email, please send an email to Diversity Management () stating that you would like to be added to the mailing list for interested parties. Those who have previously participated in a DGS course are already on this list. Registration expires when you leave TU Dresden, or you may cancel it in advance by email.

There is no exact curriculum for the DGS courses at TU Dresden. The course content is shaped by the participants' questions and interests. The lecturers of the DGS language courses are also happy to receive requests for topics from the participants.

Unlike traditional foreign language courses, the DGS courses at TU Dresden are not based on the usual language reference levels (A1-C2). The courses primarily teach basic skills, while the in-depth courses and conversation courses focus on practical sign language practice.

As the sign language courses are open to all TU Dresden associate members — both employees and students — and are deliberately designed to be as inclusive as possible, there are no formal examinations. Due to a lack of financial and human resources, it is not possible to continuously develop further courses that lead to higher language reference levels. The course content, on the other hand, is flexible and geared towards participants' questions and interests 

Nevertheless, the following topics are often covered in the courses, as a rough guide, to differentiate between them.

Introductory courses

The introductory courses are aimed at anyone who would like to gain a first insight into DGS. The basics are taught in a relaxed atmosphere so that simple conversations can be held: This includes, for example:

• Greetings and introductions, expressing names with signs.
• Finger alphabet and numbers
• Family gestures and indicating ownership
• State of mind and describing people

This course is ideal for beginners who want to discover the visual language and learn their first small sentences in sign language.

Advanced courses

The advanced courses are designed for participants who have mastered the fundamentals of the introductory courses and wish to delve deeper into the world of DGS. Participants will expand their vocabulary and learn to have more complex conversations, e.g., about

• Hobbies and daily routines
• Introduction to DGS grammar
• Understanding the basic structure of sign language and how to use it
• Living, times, and seasons -

This course offers the opportunity to consolidate the first basics and make your language use more versatile and confident.

Conversation course

In the conversation course, the focus is on the practical application and development of your communicative skills. You will use what you have learned in everyday and specific situations. This course is aimed at more advanced learners who want to apply and develop their skills in everyday exchanges. It is recommended that you attend the advanced course beforehand.

No, an overview or schedule of the courses has not yet been provided. The lecturers usually discuss and agree in advance in the session what will be covered in the upcoming session, as this is mainly based on the interests and wishes of the participants, so each course will always be slightly different each semester.

Our DGS courses - whether face-to-face or online - are run by qualified teachers with a great deal of experience and commitment:

• The face-to-face courses are led by lecturers from the language school Scouts - Gebärdensprache für Alle .
• The online courses are led by lecturers from GebärdenVerstehen in Leipzig and Heidelberg.

The lecturers are deaf themselves and teach from a perspective that combines authentic language competence and lived sign language culture. This provides learners with particularly direct access to German sign language and the culture of the Deaf community.

You can find interviews with some of our lecturers on our Sign Language at TU Dresden website. More interviews and photos will be added.

Depending on the course format - face-to-face or online - different materials are used, each tailored to the specific learning conditions.

In the face-to-face courses, a variety of visual materials are used to teach German Sign Language (DGS) interactively. These include, for example

• Sign vocabulary lists with pictorial representations (including hand position, directions of movement, and facial expressions), which are also made available as copies to all participants. If someone has missed a session, please ask the lecturer or other participants. It is not possible to send them by e-mail or download them afterwards for copyright reasons.
• Picture material and picture books
• Word cards, sentence building blocks, and game elements such as taboo cards

These materials promote direct, communicative, and physical access to DGS.

The online courses focus on digital tools:

• Digital vocabulary lists to visualize the vocabulary
• Chats and communication rooms to deepen and apply the content

The online format enables flexible participation regardless of location and offers the opportunity to review content at any time during the course and actively exchange ideas via chat.

Both course formats are designed to provide you with the best possible support in learning DGS – with appropriate methods and materials in each case.

Participants in online courses will receive a confirmation of attendance by email at the end of the course (usually 1-3 weeks after the last course date) if no more than two sessions have been missed.

For face-to-face courses, you can ask Diversity Management at the end of the course whether you can be issued with a certificate of attendance for the course you attended. Please write an email stating your name and which course you attended.

As the sign language courses are open to all associate members of TU Dresden - both employees and students - and are deliberately designed to be as inclusive as possible, there are no formal examinations. For this reason, unfortunately, no binding statement can be made at this point about the creditability within the framework of one's own study program.

It is possible to receive a certificate of attendance at the end of the course, provided that no more than two course dates in the semester have been missed. Each of the sign language courses offered comprises a total of 12 sessions and is completed without a final examination. Only the responsible Academic Affairs Office can ultimately decide whether and to what extent credit can be awarded. We therefore recommend that you contact them directly.

As a supplementary note: The StuRa also offers sign language courses (in presence) with a slightly higher number of hours, in which an exam can be taken at the end. There may be a better chance of formal recognition here. Your Academic Affairs Office will also be able to provide you with more information on this.

Don't worry - this can, of course, happen. As a rule, participants quickly find their way back into the program, as the courses are designed in such a way that it is possible to get back into the program even after a short break.

For data protection and resource reasons, the sessions cannot be recorded. If you are missing materials, it is worth having a brief exchange during the course with the lecturers or with other participants - many are happy to share their notes or sign vocabulary lists with pictures that can be photographed or copied by others. For copyright reasons, it is not possible to send them by e-mail or download them afterwards.

Regular attendance is a prerequisite for a participation certificate. Unfortunately, anyone who misses more than two sessions will not be able to obtain a certificate, as the practical exchange and joint practice are central components of the learning process.

Our courses deliberately focus on a low-threshold, inclusive learning environment without exam pressure. This means that you learn at your own pace - but practicing together is crucial, because sign language thrives on exchange!

TU Dresden does not currently offer any official tandem programs for German Sign Language (DGS). However, we encourage all participants to network with each other as part of the courses, whether for joint practice meetings, casual conversation, or mutual learning support. This often results in wonderful learning partnerships that are very informal and enjoy the language.

We would particularly like to recommend the Dresden sign language get-together, which takes place every two weeks from 6 p.m. in different locations. Here, deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people meet in a relaxed atmosphere to communicate in sign language. Previous knowledge is not a must - even those who have just started to learn sign language are very welcome!

The focus is on exchanging ideas, learning from each other, and having fun signing together. The following applies for the duration of the meeting: Please do not unpack your spoken language and cell phone - otherwise, the piggy bank will be happy to receive a small contribution.

You can find more information and the current dates on the website: https://www.gebaerdensprachstammtisch-dresden.de/

Yes, absolutely - our courses are designed to accompany the learning of German Sign Language (DGS) step by step.

In contrast to traditional foreign language courses, our DGS courses are not strictly based on the standard language reference levels (A1-C2). Instead, the focus is on the practical acquisition of basic skills and practising together in an appreciative atmosphere.

Both employees and students of TU Dresden can take part in our DGS courses (introductory courses, in-depth courses in face-to-face format or as online courses) and the conversation course (in face-to-face format) and register at the beginning of the semester.

After the introductory course you can:

• Attend in-depth courses (online or face-to-face)
• Attend the conversation course in person to actively use and further consolidate the language

It is possible to take part in a course several times to refresh content or gain more confidence in signing. However, in the long term, it is important to look at how the courses are utilized and whether there are too many waiting lists due to multiple visits.

Diversity Management will inform interested parties by email on the day of registration activation if it is possible to register for the courses via OPAL.

You will receive information on course registration by circular email from Diversity Management at TU Dresden as soon as registration via OPAL is activated. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send a short message to ()

Note: People who have already attended one of our DGS courses are already on the distribution list. The registration expires when you leave TU Dresden or, if you wish, in advance by e-mail to Diversity Management.

Our DGS courses are deliberately designed to be inclusive: There are no exams or formalized degrees, so that learning remains possible at your own pace and according to your abilities. The focus is on the fun of signing and appreciative exchange.

Learning sign language is fundamentally different from learning spoken language. It is a visual-spatial language with a grammar that relies heavily on facial expressions, eye movements, and body language.

Many learners find it unfamiliar or slower to get started, mainly because they have to express themselves more physically. For some, this is associated with insecurity or shyness, especially with pantomime elements.

Our courses aim to encourage this: With patience and practice, a new linguistic body awareness develops, which can also sharpen the perception of emotions. For some learners, especially people with different communicative needs or perceptual styles, the visual-emotional expressiveness of sign language can open up a new form of communication. The pictorial nature of facial expressions and gestures can help to grasp emotions more intuitively and incorporate them into communication.

As the courses take place once a week and do not cover standardized levels such as A1-C2, the learning process takes place at an individual pace.

What counts: Keep at it and practise. In the conversation course in particular, but also in the in-depth course, it becomes clear how much can be learned through regular use, repetition, and interaction.

By focusing on understanding rather than performance, we deliberately avoid exams. In this way, we want to enable all learners to learn at their own pace, free from pressure and with room for individual development.

Many participants experience a certain amount of uncertainty, even frustration, at the beginning - and that is completely normal! Sign language requires physical implementation as well as understanding: hand shapes, facial expressions, direction of gaze and flow of movement need to be practiced.

Our courses focus on continuous, practical learning. Experience has shown that those who attend regularly, are patient and also use sign language in everyday life make good progress - sometimes more slowly, but more sustainably.

There are no exams or certificates, only confirmations of participation - instead, we create space to try things out, learn and grow in a protected, appreciative environment.

Whether you take part in several courses or practice at home - if you keep at it, you will experience how sign language can be not only a language, but also a new way of meeting yourself and others.

Sign languages - such as German Sign Language (DGS) - are fully-fledged languages with their own grammar, sentence structure and logic.

The big difference: they function visually and spatially, not acoustically or in writing.

Instead of spoken or written words, sign language uses hand shapes and movements:

• Hand shapes and movements
• Facial expressions and facial expressions
• direction of gaze and body posture
• the spatial arrangement in the signing room

Space plays a central role.
Instead of saying "he, she, it", a gesture points to a specific place in the room - and "anchors" the person or object there. This point can then be referred to and grammatical relationships and meanings can be expressed.

Sign language is therefore not a "gestural translation" of spoken language, but a language in its own right with its own rules - complex, creative and highly expressive.

➡️ Conclusion:
Sign language is not a substitute, but a language of equal value - it "speaks" through movement, expression and space. Anyone who learns it discovers a whole new dimension of communication.

For many deaf or deafened people, German Sign Language (DGS) is the first language they have grown up with - be it in the family, in the deaf community, or through early childhood education.

Sign language as a native/first language means:

• It is the language of thinking, feeling, and communicating.
• It conveys identity, belonging, and cultural affinity.
• Emotional nuances, humor, and complex thoughts can be expressed in a particularly authentic way.
• Spoken and written language are often second languages that are acquired later - comparable to a child growing up bilingual.

Native/first language here does not mean being able to hear, but being understood - at eye level.
This is why sign language interpreting, sign language videos, and visual communication are crucial for barrier-free participation - for example, in education, culture, or at events.

Sign language is just as lively and changeable as spoken language - and is constantly evolving. There is not always an established sign for new or very specific terms (e.g. technical terms or neologisms). In such cases, there are three common strategies:

Finger alphabet
The word is spelled letter by letter using the finger alphabet - especially if it is a proper name or a very specific term.

Paraphrasing
The meaning is explained using familiar gestures - very similar to the game "Taboo". This promotes understanding, even without a fixed sign.

Creative new creations in the community
If a term is used frequently, a new sign is often developed for it - usually within the deaf community. Aspects such as meaning, form, association or phonetic echoes play a role here.

In sign language, too, new signs are often created through composition (combining several signs) or through derivations of existing signs - comparable to the formation of new words in spoken languages.

Conclusion:
Sign language is dynamic, creative and flexible. It adapts to new realities of life and grows with its speakers - much like spoken languages.

Yes - just like in spoken languages, German Sign Language (DGS) also has regional variants, so-called dialects. There are often different signs for the same word, depending on the region, social environment or where and how someone learned DGS

Example: More than six different signs are documented for colors such as "blue" or "green". A good overview of such variants can be found in the

Digital Dictionary of German Sign Language from the University of Hamburg

Over time, DGS users learn to infer meaning from context and communicate across dialects - similar to people who understand different regional spoken language forms.

This openness also helps to familiarize oneself with other national sign languages (such as ASL, BSL or LSF) - although these are all independent languages.

No - sign language is not the same all over the world. Just as there are many spoken languages (German, English, Spanish ...), there are also many different sign languages - each with its own grammar, vocabulary and cultural background.

A few examples:

• In Germany, German Sign Language (DGS) is used.
• In the USA, American Sign Language (ASL) is used.
• In the UK, on the other hand, British Sign Language (BSL) is used - which, incidentally, is very different from ASL.
• Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg also have their own national or regional sign languages.

Some differ in the finger alphabet (one- or two-handed), others in the sentence structure or facial expressions.

And what about International Sign (IS)?
There is a kind of "auxiliary language" for international meetings: International Sign. It is based on simplified, often iconic gestures and is sometimes used at world conferences or in video clips. However, it is not a fully-fledged language, but rather a kind of communication aid - similar to basic English when traveling.

Conclusion:
Sign language is just as diverse as the cultures in which it originates - and that's what makes it so exciting.

Deaf culture – often referred to as Deaf Culture – is a distinct cultural community with its values, traditions and rich history. It is closely linked to sign language and creates a sense of identity, belonging and pride.

What is part of Deaf culture?

• A common language: sign language as a central means of communication
• Visual communication in all areas of life - with a great deal of expressiveness, creativity and sensitivity
• A strong sense of cohesion and solidarity within the community
• Cultural forms of expression such as sign language poetry, theater, humor, storytelling
• Commitment to self-determination, accessibility and participation

Why is this important?

Deaf culture shows that communication does not need a voice to be strong, vibrant and human. It expands our understanding of language, identity and diversity – and enriches our society with new perspectives.

Deafness brings with it its own language and culture - and expands our view of communication. Because the focus is not on hearing, but on being understood

Audism is the belief that hearing and speaking are "more normal" or "better" than other forms of communication, such as sign language. This attitude can emerge consciously or unconsciously, and influences how inclusive our society is.

Examples of audism in everyday life include

• Assumptions that sign language is less "full".
• Another example is the lack of subtitles or sign language interpretation at events, films, and television.
• The expectation that deaf people should adapt to spoken language and communicate in it as much as possible.
• When people who are deaf are talked about without including them.

Why is it important to recognize this?
Anyone who deals with audism learns to value linguistic diversity and different approaches to the world, instead of judging them. This is an important step toward genuine participation, accessibility, and a society that is sensitive to discrimination.

⇒ Deafness is not a limitation; it is a different way of perceiving and communicating with the world. 

Good communication starts with attentiveness, respect – and a willingness to engage with new forms of expression.

When communicating with deaf or sign language speakers, a few simple things will help you:

• Make eye contact - it replaces the spoken "hello" and shows that you are present
• Use facial expressions and body language consciously – they are a natural part of sign language.
• Don't act hastily, but ask if you haven't understood something.
• Don't be afraid of aids - writing, typing, or drawing can help.

Important: For many deaf people, written language is not their first language, and can be just as challenging as a foreign language for hearing people. Therefore, sign language is not a stopgap solution, but a fully-fledged, living language with enormous cultural richness.

Sign names are personal name signs in sign language.
They usually consist of a characteristic movement, hand shape, or position in space – often inspired by an external feature, a characteristic, a hobby, or the first letter of the name.

Why do they exist?
Spelling a name in sign language over and over again using the finger alphabet is often impractical in everyday life. A sign name makes communication easier – especially in groups or digital spaces.

Who gives the sign name?
Traditionally, sign names are given by members of the deaf community – as a sign of belonging and recognition.

In many language courses or inclusive settings, however, it is also perfectly legitimate to come up with a sign name yourself, especially for learning purposes. The important thing is that the name is meaningful, respectful, and unique – and is not confused with existing signs.

Can you have several sign names?
Yes – depending on the context or relationship: different sign names can be used in the family, among friends, or at work – similar to nicknames or role designations ("mom", "coach", "Tina from work").

Tip: If you are unsure whether a sign name fits well or is already in use, you can simply ask - e.g., with deaf people or in a regulars' table setting.

Yes - people who are blind or deafblind can communicate using sign language. Special forms are used that work via touch or amplified visual stimuli. After all, language is not just about ears and eyes - it is about the whole experience.

Tactile signing:
Signs are not seen, but felt - by "signing" them directly into the hands of the deafblind person.

Lormen:
A tactile alphabet in which individual letters are transmitted by touching certain parts of the hand. Fast, discreet – and for many a bridge to real-time communication.

Large form and contrasts:
For visually impaired people, a larger radius of movement and greater visibility are used. Facial expressions and posture also play an important role.

Braille devices:
With a so-called Braille notetaker, text can be entered using a keyboard and output in Braille – this means that even complex conversations or translations can be held, including in combination with speech technologies/translation software for various languages.

These forms of communication are part of highly specialized contexts - they require special didactics, technical equipment, and a lot of experience in handling.

Our DGS courses at TU Dresden are currently aimed at sighted people.
Unfortunately, it is not (yet) possible to integrate tactile sign language. Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness of how diverse communication can be, even with multiple disabilities, and that sign language plays a central role in this.

Tip: If you would like to find out more about these perspectives, you should take a look at Haben Girma's Instagram channel
Haben Girma is deafblind, a lawyer, human rights activist, and the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School.
Using a Braille computer, she has held conversations all over the world – in interviews, at conferences, and even in the White House.
She shows that there are many ways to communicate, and they are all equally valuable.

🔗 Find out more at https://www.instagram.com/habengirma/

Fortunately, there are many free or low-cost ways to learn sign language - even without a large budget.

Learn on site:
- The SLUB and municipal libraries in Dresden offer books, learning materials and, in some cases, DVDs to borrow. You can even submit acquisition suggestions there.

Online dictionaries (with videos):
Here you can see terms directly as signs - often with different regional variants:
- Spread the Sign
- SignDict
- Korpus-Dict (University of Hamburg)

(Tip: Don't be surprised if signs look different or if you have learned something different in the course - this is due to dialects and regional variants).

Learning platforms with exercises:
- gebaerdenlernen.de
- anysign.app - basic functions free of charge, plus content by subscription
- kestner.app - can be used offline, subscription for additional functions

Television, media libraries, and social media

• Seeing instead of hearing
  The only regular TV magazine in German sign language - with exciting reports, interviews, and social topics.
  Available in the ARD media library:
  https://www.ardmediathek.de/suche/Sehen%20statt%20H%C3%B6ren

• Gebärdenfuchs (YouTube & Instagram)
  Explains sign language simply and entertainingly - with videos on everyday sign language, tips, and sign knowledge.
  YouTube channel of Gebärdenfuchs
  Instagram of Gebärdenfuchs
• anysign (Instagram & YouTube)
  Interactive sign language learning platform - with challenges, tips, and insights into the community.
  YouTube from anysign
  Instagram from anysign

Practice together - live on site:
We would particularly like to recommend the sign language regulars' table in Dresden, which takes place every two weeks from 6 pm in different locations.

Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people meet there in a relaxed atmosphere - everyone is welcome, no matter how much sign language you already know!

Info & dates: gebaerdensprachstammtisch-dresden.de

(Small regulars' table rule: no spoken language or cell phones for the duration of the meeting - the piggy bank will be happy to receive a small donation if you break this rule).

⇒ Learning is not primarily a question of money, but above all a question of meeting people.

Films are always a wonderful way to get to know new perspectives, promote empathy, and film examples offer the opportunity to familiarize oneself with sign language and deaf culture. They not only show different forms of communication, but also encourage people to think about language, perception, inclusion, and identity. In general, films also encourage reflection on the interplay of image and sound, visibility and invisibility, speech, silence, and stillness - topics that play a special role in sign language culture.

Fortunately, there are now more and more productions that authentically focus on deaf or hard-of-hearing people – not as marginal figures, but as supporting main characters with their voice.

Here is a small selection of recommended films and series (selection, no claim to completeness, or whether all information is correct):

A constantly expanding list of films and series related to deaf culture can be found here, for example:

Wikipedia: List of movies related to deafness