As a German major or minor, you’ll develop strong speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in German, while exploring some of the most influential works of literature, film, and philosophy from the German-speaking world. You'll examine how these works reflect and shape major historical events, cultural developments, and political movements—from the Middle Ages, Enlightenment and the Nazi regime to modern democracy, reunification, and a more diverse contemporary German society.
In addition to language and culture, the program offers insight into how German has changed over time and how it’s used today across different regions and social groups. Whether you’re interested in international careers, graduate study, or simply want to broaden your world perspective, studying German opens the door to a rich intellectual and cultural tradition—and to exciting job opportunities around the globe.
Why Study German?
10 Reasons to Learn German
- German is the most spoken native language in Europe.
About 100 million people speak it as their first language. German is spoken in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and parts of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Italy. - Boost your career opportunities.
Germany is the largest economy in the EU and a major player in international business and science. Companies like Volkswagen, BMW, Siemens, Bosch, Adidas, Bayer, and Lufthansa are active in the US and around the globe and value German speakers. - Access world-class education—often tuition-free.
Many German universities offer degrees in English or German with low or no tuition fees. Institutions like the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and its Austrian and Swiss counterparts provide generous funding for research opportunities. - It’s the language of influential thinkers.
Goethe, Hannah Arendt, Nietzsche, Freud, Einstein, and Marx wrote in German. - Great for travel
Hip cities like Berlin and Vienna, pristine nature in the Alps or at the ocean, unique cultural events like Munich’s Oktoberfest or attending a soccer game – the German-speaking countries have a lot to offer, and it’s even better if you know the language. - German culture is big in the United States
Immigrants from German-speaking countries shaped the US – in places like the Midwest, but also in Louisiana. Discover an often overlooked part of history. - German and English are close relatives.
They share roots, making vocabulary and structure easier to pick up. - Immerse yourself in German literature, media, and culture.
Books, films, music, and series like *Dark* or works by Kafka and Hesse have more depth in the original. Four recent Nobel Prize winners in literature (Günter Grass, Elfriede Jelinek, Herta Müller, Peter Handke) write in German. Due to generous state funding, the German-language theater scene is one of the most vibrant and interesting world-wide – from grandiose Wagner operas to wild experimentation. - It’s the second most commonly used scientific language.
Knowing German is an asset in fields like engineering, philosophy, and chemistry. - It challenges and strengthens your brain.
Learning a complex language like German improves memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.