Official Study Guide for Germany
German studies
German language and literature are the main subjects of German studies. Students analyse them from a linguistic, literary and cultural studies perspective.
Overview of the academic discipline
German studies not only deals with contemporary language and literature (since 1500, ‘modern times’), but also with earlier forms (e.g. Old or Middle High German). The aim of German studies is to gain in-depth knowledge of the development of the German language and the most important trends in German literature.
German Studies is closely related to Scandinavian Studies (also known as Nordic Studies, Nordic/Nordic Germanic/Scandinavian Philology or Northern European Studies), which deals with the Scandinavian languages (Danish, Faroese, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish), literatures and societies. German Studies, on the other hand, is distinct from ‘Slavic Studies’.
Which topics are included in the curriculum?
The German Studies programme is divided into three sections:
- German linguistics is dedicated to the systematic study of the German language, emphasising linguistic elements.
- Modern German literature studies deals with German literature from the 16th century to the present day. It analyses literary genres, differentiates between periods and epochs and provides in-depth knowledge of different approaches and interpretations.
- German Medieval Studies deals with linguistic and literary studies of German literature from its beginnings around 800 to the early modern period. The curriculum also includes ‘Middle High German’.
In addition to the German studies core subject, students usually have to study a supplementary or minor subject from the cultural or social sciences.
Specialisation is possible in the Master's degree course. Depending on the university and specialisation, you can choose from modules in areas such as the history of literature and genres, synchronic and diachronic linguistics, language and literature mediation or German as a second and foreign language. Additional skills are taught in modules such as text production, intercultural German studies, media aesthetics, media/communication or technical communication.
What are the requirements?
For a successful degree programme in German and Scandinavian Studies, it is an advantage if you have a good knowledge of the following subjects: German, History, English and Latin.
What study programmes are there to choose from?
The subjects German and Scandinavian Studies are offered exclusively at universities.
What job opportunities are there after graduation?
Outside the teaching profession, German and Scandinavian studies graduates can find employment in publishing or as editors in the press, radio and television or in public relations, advertising, libraries and documentation. They can also work in adult education, at universities and other research institutions or as dramatic advisors at theatres and television and radio stations. Due to their communication and presentation skills, they also often find jobs in human resources, as project managers or management consultants.