This program was the first in the Gulf countries to provide specialized study in German language and translation.
Program Description
The program is designed to produce graduates with the following competencies:
Bilingual Proficiency: Mastery of German communication alongside advanced skills in Arabic for professional and academic contexts.
Translation & Interpretation Skills: Ability to translate various text types (economic, legal, and political) and perform oral interpretation between the two languages.
Intercultural Communication: Deep understanding of German-speaking cultures and societies to facilitate effective partnerships and “multicultural coexistence”.
Dictionary & Linguistic Tools: Proficiency in using monolingual, bilingual, and specialized dictionaries, including mastering phonetic symbols, abbreviations, and cross-references.
Critical Thinking & Research: Development of skills to analyze linguistic structures and conduct research within the field of German studies and translation.
Labor Market Readiness: Preparation for professional roles that contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in diplomacy, tourism, and international trade.
Placement into the German major is not direct; it depends on your performance during the preparatory phase:
- Common First Year (CFY): Applicants must first be admitted to and complete the Humanities Track (Preparatory Year).
- GPA Allocation: After the CFY, students are allocated to the German Department based on their cumulative GPA. While the minimum fluctuates, a GPA of 3.5/5.0 or higher is typically competitive for this major.
- National Standardized Tests: For Saudi students, the “Weighted Ratio” is critical, combining:
- High School Grade: (30%–50%)
- GAT (Qudrat): (25%–30%)
- SAAT (Tahsili): (25%–40%)
- Gender Availability: The program is available for both male and female students on their respective campuses.
First Year – First Semester (Common First Year)
| Course Code | Course Name | Status | Credit Hours | Offering Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 100 | English Language | Compulsory | 6 | University |
| NHG 101 | University Skills | Compulsory | 3 | University |
| TQN 102 | Computer Skills | Compulsory | 3 | University |
| FGB 101 | Fitness and Health Culture | Compulsory | 1 | University |
| STAT 102 | Introduction to Statistics | Compulsory | 3 | University |
First Year – Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Status | Credit Hours | Offering Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 161 | Reading 1 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 162 | Listening 1 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 163 | Grammar 1 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 165 | Writing 1 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 166 | Speaking 1 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
Second Year – First Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Status | Credit Hours | Offering Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARB 118 | Reading Skills | Compulsory | 2 | College |
| 260 | Reading 2 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 261 | Listening 2 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 262 | Grammar 2 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 263 | Writing 2 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 264 | Speaking 2 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 365 | German Language Culture 1 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
Second Year – Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Status | Credit Hours | Offering Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARB 140 | Writing Skills | Compulsory | 2 | College |
| 270 | Reading 3 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 273 | Listening 3 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 274 | Grammar 3 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 275 | Writing 3 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 276 | Speaking 3 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 277 | German Language Culture 2 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
Third Year – First Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Status | Credit Hours | Offering Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARB 234 | Grammar 1 | Compulsory | 3 | College |
| 360 | Reading 4 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 361 | Listening 4 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 362 | Grammar 4 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 363 | Writing 4 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 364 | Speaking 4 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 365 | Introduction to Translation | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 366 | Translation of Humanistic Texts | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
Third Year – Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Status | Credit Hours | Offering Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARB 255 | Specialized Writing | Compulsory | 2 | College |
| 370 | Linguistics and Semantics | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 371 | Advanced Grammar 1 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 372 | Scientific Research Methodology | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 373 | Computer Applications in Translation | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 374 | Translation of Scientific & Technical Texts | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 375 | Translation of Humanistic Texts 2 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
Fourth Year – First Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Status | Credit Hours | Offering Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARB 350 | Applied Stylistics | Compulsory | 3 | College |
| 460 | Semantics and Stylistics | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 461 | Advanced Grammar 2 | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 462 | Translation of Scientific & Technical Texts 2 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 463 | Translation of Islamic Texts | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 464 | Oral Translation 1 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 465 | Issues and Problems in Translation | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
Fourth Year – Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Status | Credit Hours | Offering Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 470 | Graduation Project | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 471 | Advanced Grammar 3 | Compulsory | 4 | Department |
| 472 | Discourse Analysis | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 473 | Translation of Administrative & Legal Texts | Compulsory | 3 | Department |
| 474 | Translation of Literary Texts | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
| 475 | Oral Translation 2 | Compulsory | 2 | Department |
University Requirements (Elective)
Students must choose 2 credit hours from the following courses:
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| QUR 100 | The Holy Quran | 2 |
| SAL 100 | Studies in Sirah (Prophet’s Life) | 2 |
| SAL 101 | Fundamentals of Islamic Culture | 2 |
| SAL 102 | Family in Islam | 2 |
| SAL 103 | Economic System in Islam | 2 |
| SAL 104 | Political System in Islam | 2 |
| SAL 105 | Human Rights | 2 |
| SAL 106 | Medical Fiqh | 2 |
| SAL 107 | Work Ethic | 2 |
| SAL 108 | Contemporary Issues | 2 |
| SAL 109 | Women’s Role in Development | 2 |
Program Overview
To request more information about the program
Contact Admission
King Saud University