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German

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​Germany is a leading economic and political force internationally, and has historically played a central role in shaping European culture.

Our students develop a high level of expertise in the German language, together with an in-depth knowledge of social, cultural and political issues relating to the German-speaking world. Through the study of a wide range of topics in history, film, literature and linguistics, you will gain a deep understanding of the cultural developments that shaped modern Germany, including the profound impact of the reunification of East and West Germany in 1989.

German studies offers you a life-changing experience that opens doors and prepares you for your future. You will spend up to a year in Germany or Austria, studying at a partner institution, undertaking a work placement or working as a British Council language teaching assistant. This allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of the country and greatly improve your knowledge of German at the same time. The core language module in the second year will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to work and live abroad.

A total of 98% of our research overall in modern languages and linguistics is rated as world leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

You can study German as one of the options in our BA Modern Languages programme: either on its own, in combination with another language, or with another subject, such as Economics, English, History, International Relations or Business.

In each year you will study a German language module (starting from beginner’s, intermediate or advanced level in the first year, and achieving near-native fluency in the final year). Alongside the language module, you will take a number of cultural modules (the exact number of cultural modules you can take depends on whether you are studying German on its own, or in combination with another language or another subject). Examples of current modules include:

  • Icons of Modern Germany
  • German Texts and Genres
  • ‘Glorification, Denial and Contempt: Reconstructing Austria’s past’
  • The World of Words: Lexicology and Word Formation
  • Migration in Germany
  • War on Screen: Germany and its Films about WWII
  • German Language for Management and Business

Our modules are inspired by the research expertise of our staff, who bring their in-depth knowledge of, and their passion for, German Studies into the classroom.

By the time you graduate, you can expect to be able to write and speak fluently in German. Well-qualified linguists are in short supply in the UK, so there has never been a better time to study a modern language.

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About the department

Visit the Department of Languages and Cultures website.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying German at Reading. It is a small and friendly department with a personal feel. Staff are very supportive and encouraging.

Emma Quin
BA German

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