German Language Studies
The Importance of German Studies
German-speaking people have long played a crucial role in European and world affairs. Currently, Germany is a leading trade partner and ally of the US, and is a linchpin in the European Community. Austria and Switzerland are fascinating countries whose cultural and linguistic traditions enrich the field of German Studies.
German Studies is the interdisciplinary study of the culture, economics, politics, and history of the German-speaking peoples. Acquiring proficiency in the German language is an integral part of German Studies at all levels.
Why Study German?
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- German is the most commonly spoken native language in the European Union.
- Germany’s economy is consistently ranked as one of the top five strongest economies in the world.
- After China, Germany exports more goods than any other nation in the world.
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- Germans are major travelers and their first travel destination overseas is the USA.
- After English, there are more German language websites on the internet than any other language.
- German was one of the world’s leading scientific languages in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Many colleges and universities recommend or require the study of German for students interested in: Anatomy, Architecture, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Art History, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Comparative Literature, Dramatic Art, Film Studies, Genetics, History, International Business, Linguistics, Logic & Methodology of Science, Mathematics, Music, Near Eastern Studies, Philosophy, Physical Science, Physics, Physiology, Political Science, Religious Studies, Telecommunications, and Zoology – to name a few.
- Over 42% of Wisconsinites state they have German ancestry.
- Where would we be without Gutenberg’s press, Einstein’s theory of relativity or Beethoven’s 9th symphony? Come study German and learn more about these amazing historical figures!
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Program Options at UW-L and Abroad
- German Studies Major: completion of the German Studies minor, plus four additional upper-level courses in German (12 credits) and nine credits in related areas outside the Department of Modern Languages
- German Studies Minor: 18 credits at the 300-400 level
- UW-L Exchange Program in Oldenburg, Germany
- Work/Study Abroad Requirement: the German Studies major requires students to complete an approved work or study abroad experience in a German-speaking country during their course of study