German Sign Language

German Sign Language

German Sign Language (deutsche Gebärdensprache, DGS) is a visual and manual language, which is spoken by deaf, hard of hearing, as well as hearing people in order to communicate. There are about 80,000 deaf people in Germany who consider DGS their mother language. The deaf world is very different from the hearing world because deaf people require eye contact, as they live visually without sound. German Sign Language has been recognized as a language since 2002. It has its own grammar, which fundamentally differs from German spoken or written language.

Our Sign Language course provides an introduction into the basics of DGS and teaches the skills that are necessary to effectively communicate in Sign Language. We think it’s important that students learn about the language as well as the culture of deaf people to develop a deep understanding of DGS.

You can find out more on the homepage of the German Association of the Deaf:

• https://www.gehoerlosen-bund.de/gesetze/bundesbeh.-gleichstellungsgesetz
• https://www.br.de/br-fernsehen/sendungen/sehen-statt-hoeren/20-jahre-anerkennung-dgs-100.html

Kawai Severin