Germanistic Linguistics (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
Analyze how language works: In the bachelor's program in German Linguistics at Humboldt University in Berlin, you will explore the structure, history and diversity of the German language—with a solid theoretical foundation and a practical approach.
Please choose
- Major Field of Study
- Minor Field of Study
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
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.
Major field of study (120 CP)
Mandatory modules (77 LP)
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fundamentals of Linguistics | 9 CP |
| 02 | Grammar I: Sounds and Words | 8 CP |
| 03 | Grammar II: The Sentence | 8 CP |
| 04 | Text and Discourse I | 8 CP |
| 05 | Language History | 6 CP |
| 10 | Grammar III | 9 CP |
| 11 | Language in Context | 9 CP |
| 12 | In-depth module Germanistic Linguistic | 10 CP |
| 13 | Bachelor’s thesis | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules(23 CP)
Select 2 of modules 6 to 9, one of which must be worth 6 CP and the other 7 CP:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 06 | Language Change | 6 or 7 CP |
| 07 | Linguistic Communication Processes | 6 or 7 CP |
| 08 | Frist and Second Language Acquisition | 6 or 7 CP |
| 09 | Linguistic Variation | 6 or 7 CP |
Select 1 of the following modules:
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Practical orientation | 10 CP |
| 15 | Internship | 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. Modules can be freely chosen from the designated module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions.
General elective course offerings (ÜWP) for students coming from other courses of studies
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Levels of linguistic description | 5 CP |
| 26 | Linguistic behaviour | 5 CP |
| 27 | Linguistic variation and language history | 5 CP |
| 28 | Language development | 5 CP |
Special features
- 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 programme)
You should have an interest in the specific characteristics of languages and the special features of German.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
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 programme in the Department of German Studies and Linguistics.
Find out more in the overview of HU study programmes or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
A degree in Germanistic Linguistics opens up diverse career opportunities, including in:
- press, media, and public relations
- publishing, editing, and documentation
- cultural institutions, libraries, and archives
- language teaching, communication training, and technical writing
- research and academia
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study subject counselling and recognition of credits
Department of German Studies and Linguistics
Universitätsgebäude am Hegelplatz, Dorotheenstraße 24, 10117 Berlin