German Studies (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
You can expect a remarkably wide range of courses in the fields of Old and Modern German Literature, as well as Germanistic and Historical Linguistics. You will gain nuanced insight into the breadth of the subject of German Studies, and can also pursue more in-depth work. Research-related studies related to your personal specialised interests are a matter of course here.
Please choose
- Major Field of Study
- Minor Field of Study
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The programme provides fundamental and wide-ranging knowledge and skills in the field of German Studies. It covers both the content and methods of linguistic and literary studies, incorporating questions and theoretical approaches from cognitive, cultural, and media studies.
Students develop the ability to analyze linguistic structures and communicative processes from both diachronic and synchronic perspectives. They also learn to analyze and interpret literary texts, situating them within their cultural and historical contexts; particular attention is given to questions of gender.
The programme prepares students for careers in which linguistic communication and the handling of texts and historical-literary processes are central tasks. Such fields include school-based and extracurricular education and training, publishing, journalism, documentation, and language instruction. It may also serve as preparation for a teaching-related master’s degree, where required.
Additionally, the programme provides a solid foundation for an academic career in German Studies.
Major field of study (120 CP)
Mandatory modules (68 CP)
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Basic module Linguistics | 9 CP |
| 02 | Basic module Old German Literature | 7 CP |
| 03 | Basic module Modern German Literature | 7 CP |
| 04 | German Language History | 6 CP |
| 05 | Text and Discourse | 6 CP |
| 06 | Word and Sentence | 8 CP |
| 07 | History of German Literature III from 1800 to the Present | 6 CP |
| 08 | Text and Media Analysis I | 9 CP |
| 09 | Bachelor’s Dissertation | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (32 CP)
Select 2 of the following modules:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | History of German Literature I – from the beginnings to 1650 | 8 CP |
| 11 | History of German Literature II – 1600–1850 | 8 CP |
| 12 | Text and Media Analysis II | 8 CP |
Select 1 of the following modules:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Linguistic Communication Processes | 6 CP |
| 14 | First and Second Language Acquisition | 6 CP |
| 15 | Linguistic Variation | 6 CP |
Select 1 of the following modules:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Practical Orientation | 10 CP |
| 17 | Practical Training | 10 CP |
General elective modules (20 CP)
Modules totaling 20 ECTS credits can be freely chosen from the designated module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions.
Special features
You can expect a remarkably comprehensive range of courses in the areas of modern and older German literature, German studies, and historical linguistics. You will gain detailed insights into the breadth of the subject of German studies. A research-oriented course of study tailored to your personal interests is a matter of course for us.
Curiosity and an open mind regarding the unknown, a keen interest in the subject matter (German literature and language), a love of reading, an appreciation for the discovery of linguistic structures and the willingness to work independently.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
In addition to the Master of Education, you can also choose from master's programmes such as German Literature, European Literatures, and Linguistics.
Find out more in the overview of HU study programmes or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
The programme prepares you for fields of work in which linguistic communication and dealing with texts and literary history processes are central tasks: areas such as school and extracurricular education, publishing, journalism, documentation, and language teaching. The programme may prepare you for a teaching-related master's degree or a master's degree in linguistics or literary studies.
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study subject counselling and recognition of credits
Department of German Literature
Universitätsgebäude am Hegelplatz, Dorotheenstraße 24, 10117 Berlin