German is more relevant than ever. Not only is it the official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg, but it is the second most popular language to learn in the EU. It plays an influential role in many countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Germany has the largest economy in the European Union and the third largest in the world, and it is the world’s leading exporter and importer.

The German studies program at Union offers a wide range of courses in language, literatures and cultures of German-speaking Europe. By combining exciting, thought-provoking content with the development of sophisticated language abilities, our classes are challenging but conducted in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. You will gain a broad yet nuanced understanding of the German culture as you interact in small classes with professors who are experts in immersive, interdisciplinary learning, and passionate about their teaching and scholarship.

First and second-year core courses support students in developing grammar and vocabulary skills through speaking, reading, listening and writing, with increasing emphasis on vocabulary building, idiomatic expressions, conversation and composition based on cultural and literary texts. Upper-level courses examine social, political and cultural challenges in German-speaking countries.

Experience the German culture firsthand on Union’s faculty-led spring term abroad based in Berlin, a city celebrated for its diverse and multicultural flavor, and Freiberg, on the edge of the Black Forest, known for its ancient university, medieval cathedral and advanced environmental practices. The term focuses on language, art, history, cultural studies, sustainability and innovation.

In conjunction with our active German Club, the German studies program offers a variety of activities, including film screenings, hikes, dinners, board game nights, soccer matches and field trips to German theater events, restaurants and beer gardens. A weekly lunch-time German Table in Reamer Campus Center is the perfect opportunity for informal conversing. We celebrate Oktoberfest and Fasching with style, and we continually add enriching, entertaining events, from German cabaret nights to poetry slams.

Students who major or minor in German studies integrate their knowledge in a broad spectrum of careers, including engineering, the arts, medicine, international business and law, marketing and teaching. They also are active in government, human rights and tourism.

What some of our alumni have been up to: