University of Siegen Language Center

This seminar offers you insight into the work and organization of a book publishing company and introduces you to the day-to-day operations of a publishing press office, the role of a publishing press spokesperson, and the tools of corporate communications.

The focus is on practical application. That’s why we don’t work with abstract concepts, but rather with concrete examples from the publishing industry and original materials from selected book publishers. In this course, you’ll learn how to write your own press releases with publisher-specific content and develop a PR strategy for a book title.

This seminar serves as career guidance and provides insight into the publishing industry. To deepen your understanding, digital tours of book publishers will be conducted, and you’ll receive a ticket to visit the Frankfurt Book Fair on one of the three trade visitor days.

In cooperation with the International Office, the Language Center hosts international movie nights several times each semester. These events give you the chance to watch exciting films from around the world while improving your foreign language skills in an entertaining way.

Each movie night is accompanied by a culinary and cultural program that gives you the opportunity to sample typical specialties from the respective country and learn more about its culture. This creates a fully interactive experience that combines film, language, and culture in a variety of ways.

Come join us on any (or all!) of the following dates for lunch and casual conversation in English: 

July 29, September 2, September 24, October 7

Emails & Phone Calls
Communicate clearly and confidently in everyday workplace interactions. This module focuses on writing professional emails and handling phone or video calls effectively—including scheduling, following up on progress, and negotiating deadlines. You will practice structuring clear messages, choosing the appropriate level of formality, and using polite, natural phrases for requests, follow-ups, and clarifications. Through realistic tasks, you will develop the language skills and strategies needed for smooth communication at work.

At the Language Café, participants not only play games together but also engage in conversations about personal topics, culture, or regional studies, with the Language Café team facilitating and providing support.

All languages are welcome. We always have language partners for German as a Foreign Language (DaF), English, French, and Spanish. For other languages, it’s best to come with your tandem partner. If you register early, we may also be able to find a language partner for your desired language.

The test of academic English communication

The TOEFL iBT® test is the world's leading English test for academic purposes and is recognized by over 13,000 universities and institutions in more than 160 countries. It assesses your English language skills in realistic university situations - ideal for studies, scholarships, visa applications or professional qualifications.

The language learning tandem will begin a new round in the 2026/27 winter semester. We invite all registered participants to the kickoff meeting.

Meetings: Planning, Hosting, and Participating
Learn how to plan, host, and contribute to effective meetings in today’s hybrid workplace. This module covers arranging meetings, welcoming participants, leading discussions, and closing with clear outcomes—including team discussions on workload and capacity planning. You will practice useful phrases for agreeing and disagreeing politely, reframing ideas, and summarizing key points. Build confidence in managing online and in-person meetings while improving your professional English.

Negotiation & Problem Solving
Strengthen your ability to reach agreements and resolve conflicts at work. This module focuses on collaborative communication across departments, negotiating deadlines and workloads, and handling complaints. You will practice using persuasive and diplomatic language to propose solutions, set boundaries politely, agree or disagree tactfully, and negotiate compromises. Through realistic role-plays and scenarios, you will gain practical experience in resolving issues, fostering cooperation, and maintaining positive working relationships in English.