German Language and Literature

Overview

Programs in German language and literature teach the spoken and written traditions of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking countries.

German language and literature programs include topics such as:

Reading, writing, and speaking German language
German society and culture
Art
History
Translation techniques
Literature and poetry
Music and film
Folklore
Dialects
Linguistics

Concentrations

In German language and literature programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Conversation
Interpreting
Literature
Teaching

Schools

Community colleges offer associate degree programs in German language and literature. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in German language and literature. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in German language and literature. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Contemporary World Issues
European History
Humanities
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Second Language
World Geography
World History

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. In addition, you must be able to speak, read, write, and understand German at an advanced level.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Undergraduate degree or significant course work in German literature
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Academic writing sample

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Applied Phonetics
Civilization and Cultural History
Conversation and Composition
Linguistics
Literary Studies
Literature, Film, and Folklore
Reading and Speaking Skills
Study in the German language or its dialects (beginning, intermediate, advanced)
Translation

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs in German language and literature typically require:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Colleges that do not offer programs in German language and literature may offer elective courses or certificates as part of a major in interdisciplinary studies or liberal arts. Many programs offer certificates at the graduate level as well.

Students who major in German language and literature may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, and studying abroad. Most programs coordinate semester abroad or work internships. In most cases, you can participate in these after you have completed at least two years of language study.

At some schools, German language and literature programs are part of Germanic and Slavic language departments. In addition, many schools combine this program of study with Scandinavian language and literature.