About the person
Prof. Dr Rupert Hochholzer (born 1961) is a linguist and Professor of German as a Second Language at the University of Regensburg. He studied German language and literature, history and theology, was awarded his doctorate in 1994, completed his habilitation in 2003 and has held the W2 professorship in German as a Second Language since 2008.
About our research
His work focuses on multilingualism research, which also encompasses internal multilingualism. His research centres on language-biographical studies of multilingual individuals, particularly the linguistic prerequisites and challenges involved in learning German in both school and non-school contexts. Other key areas of his academic work include the links between language policy and integration, as well as the promotion of German as a second language in the context of migration.
Consultation hours
Meeting ID: 697 2950 1188
Passcode: 552086
Mobile speed dial:
+496950502596,,69729501188# Germany
+496971049922,,69729501188# Germany
Academic background
Born in 1961
| Year | Position |
|---|---|
| 2008 | W2 Chair in German as a Second Language, University of Regensburg |
| 2003 | Habilitation |
| 1997 | Second State Examination for teaching at grammar schools |
| 1994 | Doctorate |
| 1989 | MA, State Examination for Secondary School Teaching (German Studies, Catholic Theology) |
| 1981 | A-levels, Pfarrkirchen Grammar School |
Key areas of research
- Research into multilingualism
- Internal multilingualism
- Concepts of language support in German as a Second Language
- Migration linguistics
- Language policy
- Integration and Language
Recent publications
Rupert Hochholzer (2024): Empirical research into multilingualism in educational institutions. In: Siegfried Gehrmann, Rupert Hochholzer, Ana Petravic, Mario Grevic and Yvonne Klietz: Multilingualism in Education and Academia. A European Perspective. Münster and New York
Juliette Breton, Björn Hansen, Rupert Hochholzer, Konstanzia Lüke & Ayfer Şahan-Barat (2024): “I am a truly proud Bavarian Croatian” – a linguistic biographical interview with Bavarian Minister of State Michaela Kaniber. In: Siegfried Gehrmann / Rupert Hochholzer / Ana Petravic / Mario Grevic / Yvonne Klietz: Multilingualism in Education and Academia. A European Perspective. Münster and New York
Rupert Hochholzer (2024): Why internal and external multilingualism should not be separated. A statement. In: ide (Information on German Didactics – Journal for German Language Teaching in Academia and Schools) Issue 3
Rupert Hochholzer (2024): Internal Multilingualism and Social Participation. In: Jörg Meier / Verena Blaschitz / Inci Dirim (eds.): Handbook of Multilingualism and Social Participation. Interdisciplinary Approaches. Bad Heilbrunn
Rupert Hochholzer (2020): Internal and external multilingualism in a Regensburg school. In: Rudolf Bühler / Hubert Klausmann / Mirjam Nast (eds.): Everyday Language and Dialectal Practices from a Linguistic and Cultural Studies Perspective. Tübingen
Rupert Hochholzer / Anna Ritter (2019): ‘Language Biographies of Multilingual Young People: A Study of Newly Arrived Pupils’. In: Critical Multilingualism Studies 7:3
Teaching
Winter term 2026/27:
35340 Lecture Basics of German as a Second Language
35344 Language and Integration
35350 Language biographies
35354 Accompanying Seminar on Extracurricular Internships
35357 Contrastive language observation and job-related communication
Research projects
Current research project:
- Interview study on the Bavarian baseline screening
Completed research projects:
- Preparatory courses in Bavaria
- Language support in Bavaria (STMAS and Caritas)
- Language support in Neutraubling
- Mercator Project
- FITiS
- ProSalamander
- miteinandR German as a Second Language
- IMpuLs!
University roles
- Head of the Master’s programme in ‘Multilingualism and Regionalism’ (together with Prof. Dr Björn Hansen)
- Member of the FoMuR (Forum on Multilingualism and Regionality) steering committee
- Head of the Centre for Migration and Education (together with Prof. Dr Munser-Kiefer and Prof. Dr Gruber)
- Interim Head and Managing Director of FZ DiMOS
- 1 October 2019 – 30 September 2021: Member of the Faculty Council
- 2017 – 2018: Managing Director of the Institute of German Studies
- 1 April 2014 – 31 March 2016: Executive Director of the PUR Doctoral College of the Faculties of Arts
- 1 October 2013 – 30 September 2015: Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Arts III
- 1 October 2011 – 30 September 2013: Deputy Head of the Centre for Language and Communication (ZSK) at the University of Regensburg
- 2009 – 2010: Managing Director of the Institute of German Studies
Memberships
- Bavarian Integration Council
- Forum on Multilingualism and Regional Identity
- DIMOS
- Regensburg City Integration Advisory Board (2015 to 2021)
- Member of the Regensburg University Centre for Teacher Training (RUL)