Close cooperation in language examinations

Once again, the final examinations in the biblical languages Greek and Hebrew were taken by theology students at Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen on site in St. Peter am Hart (Austria) at the end of the academic year 2022/2023. The oral examinations took place in June under the direction of Dr. Wernfried Rieckmann (pictured 2nd from right) from Friedensau Adventist University (FAU).

Friedensau and Bogenhofen have been cooperating in language examinations for the last 13 years, after forming a cooperation agreement between the two institutions. Through its state recognition, the FAU is in a position to award corresponding state-recognised educational qualifications. In addition, the cooperation between the two Adventist educational institutions makes it possible to establish uniform standards and assessment criteria for the language examinations, which leads to greater comparability of the exam results. In addition, sharing resources reduces the costs of conducting the examinations. Martin Pröbstle, Dean of the Theological Seminary in Bogenhofen, said in a short summary: “We have been cooperating excellently for years, and this shows the markedly collegial cooperation between both educational institutions. It was and is profitable for both sides."

Smiling faces also on the Bogenhofen teaching staff Johannes Kovar (2nd from left) and Martin Pröbstle, Ph.D. (1st from right), as all candidates achieved good and very good results. They will receive their certificates of the Graecum and Hebraicum, respectively, in a few days.

Dr. theol. Wernfried Rieckmann has been a lecturer in Biblical Languages and Old Testament at Friedensau Adventist University for 32 years. He taught many cohorts of theology graduates Hebrew and Greek. One of those graduates, who is now working at Andrews University, recently praised Dr Rieckmann’s accuracy of teaching as well as his reliability, because—to the chagrin of many a late rise—Dr Rieckmann was on time for class (and morning devotions) even in heavy snow. He excellently taught the Biblical languages, including vocabulary and grammar, within the given number of classes.

Andrea Cramer