CRC 1646

A detailed programme with all the times will follow here soon.

You can find the course titles and the respective lecturers below.

A. Foundations / Methods

• Aleksandra Ćwiek (Nicolaus Copernicus University Toruń, Poland): Basic Bayes for Linguists. [Abstract]
• Anke Himmelreich (Bielefeld University, Germany): Introduction to Generative Syntax. [Abstract]
• Anne Breitbarth (Ghent University, Belgium): Historical Linguistics and Language Change: Fundamental Problems and How to Deal with Them. [Abstract]
• Jean-Marc Dewaele (VIZJA University, Poland/University College London, UK): Multilingualism. [Abstract]

 

B. Topical Classes in Morphology and Syntax

• Hans-Martin Gärtner (Research Centre for Linguistics, Hungary): Non-Finite Root Structures. [Abstract]
• Theresa Biberauer (University of Cambridge, UK): Language Acquisition and Emergent Variation in the Three Factors Era. [Abstract]
• Jana Häussler (Bielefeld University, Germany) & Thomas Weskott (University of Göttingen, Germany): Experimental Syntax: Making Sense of Variability in Linguistic Judgments. [Abstract]
• Jessica Coon (McGill University, Canada): Hierarchy Effects. [Abstract]

 

C. Topical Classes in Semantics and Pragmatics

• Dean McHugh (University of Edinburgh, UK): Conditionals: Meaning and Applications. [Abstract]
• Sarah Zobel (Leibniz University Hannover/Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany): Nominal Semantics: Personal and Impersonal pronouns. [Abstract]
• Beata Gyuris (Research Centre for Linguistics, Hungary): Discourse Particles. [Abstract]
• Vesela Simeonova (Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Austria): The semantics and pragmatics of evidentiality. [Abstract]

 

D. Topical Classes on Linguistic Creativity

• Jutta M. Hartmann & Ralf Vogel (both: Bielefeld University, Germany): Linguistic Creativity in (Morpho-)Syntax. [Abstract]
• Désirée Kleineberg (Bielefeld University, Germany): Creativity and Language Change in Grammar. [Abstract]
• Alon Fishman (Bielefeld University, Germany): Creativity of Gestures, by Gestures, for Gestures. [Abstract]
• Oliver Bott (Bielefeld University, Germany): Introduction to Experimental Semantics: Exploring (Some of the) Mechanisms Underlying Creativity in Meaning. [Abstract]

A. Foundations / Methods

• t.b.a. (Introduction to Syntax).
• Gereon Müller (Leipzig University, Germany): Introduction to Contemporary Morphological Theories. [Abstract]
• Elin McCready (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain): Introduction to Pragmatics. [Abstract]
• Berit Gehrke (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany): Introduction to Semantics. [Abstract]

 

B. Topical Classes in Morphology and Syntax

• Martina Wiltschko (Pompeu Fabra University, Spain): Above and beyond the Sentence: The Grammar of Interaction. [Abstract]
• Caroline Heycock (University of Edinburgh, UK): Copular Clauses. [Abstract]
• Gianina Iordachioaia (University of Graz, Austria): Nominalizations at the Morphology-Syntax Interface. [Abstract]
• David Pesetsky (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA): Dissimilation in Syntax. [Abstract]

 

C. Topical Classes in Semantics and Pragmatics

• Louise McNally (Pompeu Fabra University, Spain): Verb Phrase Semantics: Varieties of Event Reference and Event Description. [Abstract]
• Daniel Gutzmann (Ruhr University Bochum, Germany): Contexts: Semantics and Pragmatics for Indexicals and Linguistic Interaction. [Abstract] 
• Maryam Mohammadi (Bielefeld University, Germany): Semantics-Pragmatics of Polar Questions. [Abstract]
• Mitcho Erlewine (French National Centre for Scientific Research, France): Focus Semantics. [Abstract]

 

D. Topical Classes on Linguistic Creativity

• Sabine Arndt-Lappe (Trier University, Germany): Creativity in Word-Formation: Theoretical Challenges & Empirical Evidence. [Abstract]
• Farhat Jabeen (Bielefeld University, Germany): Introducing and Modeling Prosodic Creativity. [Abstract]
• Fritz Günther (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany): Computational Modelling of Lexical Creativity. [Abstract]
• Daniel Duran (Bielefeld University, Germany): Sociophonetics: The Creative Use of the Multiethnolect in German Rap. [Abstract]

There will be a weekend programme between week 1 and week 2.

Stay tuned! Details t.b.a.

The courses will be accompanied by various creative social events in the evenings. 

Details t.b.a.

Please note: The application deadline for the scholarship for international students has passed. The deadline cannot be extended for individual people. 

The German Linguistics Society (DGfS) is happy to announce two scholarships for advanced MA or PHD students from low- and middle-income countries[1] to attend the DGfS Summer School 2026. 

Each scholarship holder will receive 2,500 EUR, which are intended to cover all costs related to attending the two-week DGfS summer school in Bielefeld, Germany (August 10-21, 2026): fee, travel, accommodation, daily allowance, costs related to visa. The money must not be used for purposes that are not related to attending the summer school. The scholarship holders receive payment details along with their letter of acceptance.

Application deadline: February 1st, 2026 
Please note: The application deadline for the scholarship for international students has passed. The deadline cannot be extended for individual people. 

Notification: Beginning of March 2026 

[1] "low- and middle-income countries" as defined by the World Bank for 2025-2026. Applicants with a university or research institute affiliation in high income countries are explicitly excluded. Please find more information on which countries are excluded here.

The German Linguistics Society (DGfS) is happy to announce five scholarships for attending the DGfS Summer School 2026 awarded to PHD students that are currently affiliated with a German university but do not receive funding from their university or other scientific scholarships.

Each scholarship holder will receive 500 EUR, which are intended to help with the costs related to attending the two-week DGfS summer school in Bielefeld, Germany (August 10-21, 2026): fee, travel, accommodation. The money must not be used for purposes that are not related to attending the summer school. The scholarship holders receive payment details along with their letter of acceptance.

Please send your application to the Vice Chair of the DGfS, Anke Himmelreich, at anke.himmelreich@uni-bielefeld.de

Your application must have the following format: Please submit a single PDF file including points 1-4 below. The application must be entirely in English and the format guidelines must be followed:

• Letter of motivation including a statement of your research interest and a description of how the summer school would benefit your scientific and scholarly progress. Please make clear which classes would benefit you the most and why (max. 3 pages, 12pt Times New Roman, 2.5cm (1 inch) margin on all sides)
• Proof of affiliation
• Proof of lack of funding
• Two contacts for letters of recommendation by current or former professors or supervisors

Please note that only applications that are complete and meet the formatting guidelines can be considered in the decision process.

Please submit your application as a single PDF file via email to:
anke.himmelreich@uni-bielefeld.de

Application deadline: April 15th, 2026 

Notification: Mid May 2026

The Summer School is held on the campus of University Bielefeld. All activities will be held in building X (building X is number 14 on the map above; click here for a zoomable Campus map).

For navigation, please use: 
Bielefeld University
Universitätsstraße 25
D-33615 Bielefeld

 

Directions:

• by train:
  You can reach Bielefeld by long-distance trains and regional trains. They will take you to the mainstation, Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof.
  From Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof take tram line 4 in the direction of Lohmannshof to the stop Universität (journey time 7 minutes; every 10 mins during the day).
  For the timetable for your time of arrival, check here. 

 

• by car:
  From the north:
  Motorway A2: Exit Bi-Ost, Detmolder Str. direction Zentrum (6 km, approx. 10 min). Way via Kreuzstr., Oberntorwall, Stapenhorststr., Kurt-Schumacher-Str. (is signposted).
  
  From the south:
  Motorway A2: At the Bielefeld junction, take the A33 towards Bi-Zentrum, exit at Bi-Zentrum, follow the signs to the city centre on Ostwestfalendamm (B61), exit at Universität, follow Stapenhorststr., Kurt-Schumacher-Str. (is signposted).

 

• by plane:
  Closest airports are Düsseldorf (190 km from Bielefeld), Dortmund (110km from Bielefeld), Hanover (110 km from Bielefeld), Cologne-Bonn (200 km from Bielefeld) and Frankfurt am Main (320 km from Bielefeld). All of them can be reached (with mostly only one change) by train. For more details, click here. 

Participants are expected to arrange their own accommodation.

However, here are some options for you to consider which are all in the city and easily reachable by public transport:

• Jugendgästehaus Bielefeld (Youth Hostel Bielefeld)
• B&B Hotel Bielefeld City and Ost/East
• Brenner Hotel Bielefeld 
• Ibis Styles Bielefeld
• Mercure Hotel Bielefeld
• Boardinghouse Cityhome Bielefeld
• Légère Hotel Bielefeld 
• Altstadthotel Bielefeld
• Comfort Garni Hotel

The Linguistic Society of Germany (DGfS) "is the leading professional association for individual academic linguists and linguistic institutions in Germany".[2] Alongside conferences and publications, the DGfS also holds biannual summer schools, and we are delighted to get the chance to organize this year’s DGfS Summer School here in Bielefeld. Click here to find out more about our predecessors.

 

[2] https://dgfs.de/en/content/about/about-dgfs (last checked: 3.2.2026).

By participating in the events related to the DGfS summer school 2026 at Bielefeld University, you agree to participate in the creation of a space free from any form of discrimination or violence.

We do not tolerate any form of harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or bullying of community members. This not only applies to attendees of the conference but to anyone who chooses to become involved with the larger DGfS community, e.g. by being part of the organisational team or by providing other forms of support.

This particularly concerns harassment related to anyone’s appearance, language, age, origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion (or lack thereof), nationality, abilities, as well as physical or mental impairments or disabilities, as well as the disruption of presentations during sessions or other (virtual) meetings.

These rules also apply to metalinguistic uses of language. Studies which require citations of discriminatory language with the characteristics listed above are exempt. Such citations must, however, be prefaced by a content warning and clearly indicated as, e.g., quotes or corpus attestations. In all other contexts, discriminatory language should not be used in linguistic argumentation.

During the conference, all participants must abide by the instructions of the session’s chairperson and the local DGfS organising team. Furthermore, presentations and contributions in discussions should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or promotions of services.

If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, the conference organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, which includes putting the offender on notice or expelling them from the conference without a refund of the conference fee.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact one of the local organisers to request a (confidential) conversation.

Contact during the DGfS summer school 2026:

Email: lincc-summer2026@uni-bielefeld.de

or in person: members of the organisational team will be available during the whole summer school

 

Please be assured that your complaint will be kept in strict confidence, and that we will consult with you on any actions which may be taken.

Please be aware that there will be someone from the organisational team taking pictures for the purpose of documentation and follow-up reporting (including social media). The photographer will make him/herself known and the angle with which the picture will be taken. We ask you to move out of the picture or let the photographer know, if you do not want to appear on the picture. 

In case of any questions or comments, or if you want a picture of yourself removed, please do not hesitate to contact us via email or come speak to one of the members of the organisational team in person during the event.

If you yourself want to take a picture, we kindly ask you to ask for consent of all people involved.

The venue of the summer school is barrier-free. Do you need (mobility or any other kind of) assistance on the day of the event? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

There is also an app available helping you navigate around campus with maximised accessibility: UniMaps. 

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us: lincc-summer2026@uni-bielefeld.de. 

 

Organisational Team

local organisers CRC: 

• Jutta Hartmann
• Birgit Kohn
• Julia Settinieri
• Elena Schrenk

Vice Chair of the DGfS:

• Anke Himmelreich