Petra Gretsch

Petra Gretsch is a Professor of Linguistics and Language Didactics at the Institute for German Language and Literature at Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, where she has held a professorship since 2010. Her academic career spans over 25 years, including positions as Junior Professor (2009-2010), Academic Staff Member (2008-2009), and research roles at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen (1998-2005). She completed her PhD with distinction in 2000 at the University of Tübingen.

Her educational background includes a Master's degree from the University of Tübingen (1994) with top grades in all subjects, where she studied General Linguistics (major), Psychology and Computer Science (minors), with additional studies at the University of Edinburgh. Her academic journey began with research assistant work within the DFG project on complex syntax acquisition at the University of Tübingen (1990-1993).

Professor Gretsch's research focuses on linguistics and language didactics, particularly continuous language education across educational transitions. Her work examines three dimensions: vertical (educational biography transitions), horizontal (institutional cooperation), and diagonal (multilingualism as a resource). She investigates language acquisition from early childhood through school transitions, with special attention to visual literacy in language learning and language-sensitive teaching across subject areas.

Her recent publications (2023-2025) show consistent output in language education, with a focus on language assessment, inclusive education, and digital learning tools. These works demonstrate her commitment to practical applications of linguistic research in educational settings, particularly regarding language support for diverse learners and subject-specific language development.

• PhD with distinction (s.c.l.) in 2000
• Scientific Advisory Board Member of Goethe Institute (since 2024, elected deputy chairperson 2024-2027)
• Scientific Advisory Board Member of Central Office for Foreign Schools (since 2020)
• Scientific Advisory Board Member of Daimler and Benz Foundation (2015-2021)

Professor Gretsch leads the 'Durchgängige Sprachbildung Freiburg' project (since 2012), which has developed a comprehensive framework for continuous language education across institutional transitions. She also co-leads the Erasmus+ IDE project (2024-2027) on interpreter-mediated deaf education and participates in the STELT project strengthening German language teacher education in Norway. Her international collaborations include work with institutions across Europe, Asia, and South America through the Goethe Institute and ZfA.

She directs research on practical applications of language education theory, with particular focus on developing accessible language learning materials like the 'Boto' framework for children aged 3-11, and creating tools for language assessment and support in inclusive educational settings.