Japanese

ようこそ to the Japanese Section Website

The Japanese language, or Nihongo (日本語) as it is called in Japan, is spoken by approximately 127 million people. Despite this large number, nearly all speakers are native speakers.

Learning Japanese offers a wide range of cultural and professional opportunities. Beyond anime and manga, Japan holds significant economic potential. It is also known as the “Land of the Rising Sun” and is admired for its unique blend of tradition and modernity.

One of the most fascinating aspects for learners is the writing system. Japanese uses three scripts: kanji (characters of Chinese origin), hiragana, and katakana.

Placement Test Japanese presents itself

Registration Deadline

The registration deadline in heiCO ended on April 10, 2026. You can still register by emailing sekretariat@zsl.uni-heidelberg.de. Please include in your email the language, the level, and—if applicable—the group you would like to register for. To help us process your request more quickly, please also attach proof of payment of the course fee (e.g., a screenshot or photo).