Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Germanistic Linguistics

Degree

Combined bachelor, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Where relevant, please also refer to German Studies (with teacher training option) and German Literature as a combined bachelor.

Standard time for completing course

6 semesters

Start of study

Winter semester only, with numerus clausus

Combinations

Germanistic Linguistics can be studied as:

Core subject: 120 CP*, with a second subject
Not possible with German Studies as a second subject
Second subject: 60 CP, with a bachelor’s core subject
Not possible with German Studies as a core subject

For further information see the  ‘Bachelor’s and master’s courses at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin" FAQ. You will also find information about potential combinations there. For information on the range of subjects, see the current ’Course catalogue’.

*One credit point (CP) equals a workload of 25 - 30 hours for preparation, follow-up and attendance at classes.

Language skills

We recommend a knowledge of at least two foreign languages, and adequate German skills are required.

Studying abroad

We recommend taking study abroad periods on the basis of ‘learning agreements’.

Why study Germanistic Linguistics at HU?

You can expect a remarkably wide range of courses, offering you a differentiated insight into the core areas of Germanistic Linguistics and into the breadth of the subject. Research-related studies are a matter of course here.

What particular prerequisites do you need?

You should have an interest in the specific characteristics of languages and the special features of German.

Course objectives

  • Provision of fundamental linguistic skills and methods
  • Training to become an expert in the German language
  • Development of sound analytical skills relating to linguistic structures and communicative processes
  • Development of reflective and communicable language skills and the ability to form and check hypotheses by combining skilled abstract thinking with methodical precision
  • Preparation for professional fields in which linguistic communication and/or dealings with language are of primary or secondary importance, e.g. in areas such as further training / human resources, publishing, press / media / public relations, technical documentation, new media, clinical linguistics, language training
  • Basis for an academic career (master’s course).

Course content

The best way to find information about course content is using the course regulations (www.amb.hu-berlin.de, no. 67/2014, 1. amendment no. 60/2018) and the annotated university calendar (hu-berlin.de/vorlesungsverzeichnis). You can also consult the Course Advisory Service.

Core subject Germanistic Linguistics with 120 CP

Mandatory subjects (77 LP):
Module 01: Fundamentals of Linguistics (9 CP)
Module 02: Grammar I: Sounds and Words (8 CP)
Module 03: Grammar II: The Sentence (8 CP)
Module 04: Text and Discourse I (8 CP)
Module 05: Language History (6 CP)
Module 10 Grammar III (9 CP)
Module 11: Language in context (9 CP)
Module 12: In-depth module Germanistic Linguistic (10 LP)
Module 13: Bachelor’s thesis (10 CP)

Mandatory elective modules (23 CP):
Students must select two of modules 6 to 9, one of which must be worth 6 CP and the other 7 CP
Module 06: Language Change (6 or 7 CP)
Module 07: Linguistic Communication Processes (6 or 7 CP)
Module 08: Frist and Second Language Acquisition (6 or 7 CP)
Module 09: Linguistic Variation (6 or 7 CP)
Module 14: Practical orientation or
Module 15: Internship (each 10 CP)

General elective modules (20 CP)

In addition to specialised study, Students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 20 CP. The general elective modules can be chosen from the module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions (see: http://agnes.hu-berlin.de/)

Second subject Germanistic Linguistics with 60 CP

Mandatory subjects (39 CP):

Modules 1-5 from core subject

Mandatory elective modules (21 CP):

Students must select two of modules 6 to 9

Module 06: Language Change (6 CP)
Module 07: Linguistic Communication Processes (6 CP)
Module 08: First and Second Language Acquisition (6 CP)
Module 09: Linguistic Variation (6 CP)

Students must select one of modules 10 and 11

Module 10: Grammar III (9 CP)
Module 11: Language in context (9 CP)

General elective course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies

Module 25: Levels of linguistic description (5 CP)
Module 26: Linguistic behaviour (5 CP)
Module 27: Linguistic variation and language history (5 CP)
Module 28: Language development (5 CP)

Master’s degrees

Completing the Bachelor of Arts in Germanistic Linguistics enables you to study for a "German as a Foreign Language", "Historical Linguistics" or "Linguistics" master’s course in the Department of German Studies and Linguistics. Find additional HU programmes in the Course catalogue.

Important addresses

Department of German Studies and Linguistics: www.linguistik.hu-berlin.de, Tel. +49 30 2093-9629
Course Advisory Service and Classification and recognition of studies and qualifications: Dr. Zeige, Tel. +49 30 2093-9677, lars.zeige@rz.hu-berlin.de
Applications,  How to apply, Information for prospective international students

Links to job market: careers information centre, Hochschulteam calendar of events

Version: November 2023
Back to Course catalogue


Contact for questions or feedback regarding this page: studienberatung@uv.hu-berlin.de

Information according to EU-DSGVO

 

When contacting facilities of the study department, personal data are partly collected and processed. The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number shall always be in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU-DSGVO) and in accordance with the Berlin Data Protection Act (BlnDSG). Further information on this, your rights and options can be found at https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/hu/impressum/datenschutzerklaerung