The German Language & Culture Minor is aimed at students developing a high level of competence in the German language as well as a critical understanding of the German-speaking cultures. Students can choose from courses in German language, linguistics, literature, society and film. The exact sequence of courses depends on the student’s language proficiency when beginning with the minor.

German is the most commonly spoken first language in the European Union, being spoken by about 100 million people in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. With a rich literary and philosophical heritage, German is a language of culture, science, technology, trade and international relations. This role has increased since Germany's reunification which is reflected in Berlin having become a centre of global youth culture (“Berlin ist cool!”).

Language level placement tests are held prior to commencement. 

Students are advised to check prerequisites carefully and plan their minor accordingly.

Learning outcomes

• On successful completion, students will have a range of language enabling them to express viewpoints and develop arguments without much searching for words, using some complex sentence forms to do so. Students who begin the German Language & Culture Minor without prior knowledge in the language can expect to achieve approximately the B1 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Students with previous knowledge can expect to achieve approximately a C1 level or higher.
• Students will be able to express themselves confidently, clearly and politely in a formal or informal register, appropriate to the situation and person(s) concerned.
• For students with previous knowledge this includes, appropriate for the language level, students can use the language for academic purposes, e.g. essay writing with referencing and class presentations.
• Through language, students will be able to demonstrate intercultural awareness and communicative ability.
• Students will be able to read literary texts and understand German films in the context of German-speaking cultures and will be able to analyse and critique them.
• Students will have an understanding of modern history of the German-speaking countries and will be able to relate this knowledge to their own cultural background.
• Students will be able to conduct a research project on a topic related to the German language and associated cultures and to write a report on their project.

Relevant Degrees

• Bachelor of Art History and Curatorship (BAHCR)
• Bachelor of Arts (BARTS)
• Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Affairs (BARTVMIA)
• Bachelor of Development Studies (BDEVS)
• Bachelor of European Studies (BEURO)
• Bachelor of International Relations (BIR)
• Bachelor of International Security Studies (BINSS)
• Bachelor of Languages (BLANG)
• Bachelor of Pacific Studies (BPAST)