European Languages and Cultures - German

Would you like to become an expert on the cultures, languages and politics of Europe?

The more deeply you delve into the language, history, literature, films and media of present-day Germany, the more you will realize how unique the position of Germany in Europe is, what German culture and literature have to offer, and how important a role language plays in this. The University of Groningen enables you to immerse yourself in all things German, and to largely determine your own study programme. 

By studying the key linguistic, political, cultural and social topics of contemporary Europe, you will learn to understand the mutual relationship, differences and similarities among national and regional cultures. In doing so, you will learn to understand future challenges and inform advanced decision-making in cultural, political and educational institutions.

Why German?

If you would like to study the German language as well as German culture, politics and history, then the degree programme in European Languages and Cultures with German as a specialization may be just what you’re looking for. You will follow a broad programme in which you will focus on the German language, culture, politics and history and learn to contextualise it within a European framework. In addition, Groningen is just a short train ride away from Leer and Oldenburg.

You bring your mastery of German language to an expert level in small-group teaching in the intensive German proficiency part of the programme where content and language learning go together. For example, you learn the language by watching and discussing films and documentaries, monitoring the media, making vlogs and podcasts as well as writing journalistic texts in German.

The programme has a flexible structure. From your second year onward, you will specialise in one of the profiles:

• European Language and Society
• European Culture and Literature
• European Politics and Society