Major and Minor requirements in German Studies

Chart your path to a German Studies major or minor

The German Major

About the Major

Our majors receive comprehensive language training as well as extensive exposure to German history, politics and culture. Our language courses at the 1000-, 2000-, and 3000-level emphasize student participation and communication along with skills development in reading, writing, and listening comprehension. Cultural topics and authentic texts are introduced already in the first semester, and students at the 3000-level and above are intensively engaged with the analysis and discussion of German short stories, poetry, plays, novels, films, philosophical treatises, historical writing and journalism.

Upper-division courses generally have a thematic focus, with topics ranging from “Business German,” to “Children and Youth in the Third Reich,” to “Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud.” Survey courses like “Masterpieces of Modern German Literature” and “Germany Today” provide students with a broader perspective on German political, intellectual, and cultural traditions.

Requirements

Students interested in studying German may declare German as their major or second major. Majors and second majors are required to complete 25 units of course work (German 2020 and above), at least 12 of which must be at the 4000 level, with a grade of C- or higher. If students begin German at Washington University and follow the regular sequence of courses (German 1010 Basic German: Core Course I–German 1020 Basic German: Core Course II–German 2010 Intermediate German: Core Course III), they will be ready to begin the German major after three semesters. With the exception of German 3400 and its 1-unit discussion section, only courses taught in German will count toward the major. All majors and second majors are required to participate in the senior assessment interview in the final semester of their senior year.

Applications for admission to the honors program must be submitted by the first week of classes in the student's final year of study.

Note: For both majors and minors, at least half of the courses at the 3000 level and above must have been acquired either in residence at Washington University or in overseas programs affiliated with Washington University.

For detailed requirements, visit the 2024-25 Undergraduate Bulletin page for the German Major

The German Minor

Students who intend to minor in German must complete 16 units of course work (German 2020 Intermediate German: Core Course IV and above) with a grade of C- or higher. With the exception of German 3400, only courses taught in German will count toward the minor. At least 3 of the 16 required units must be at the 4000 level.

At least half of the courses at the 3000 level and above must have been acquired either in residence at Washington University or in overseas programs affiliated with Washington University.

Any credits obtained at the 3000 or 4000 level during the summer institute program in Göttingen may count toward the minor.

For detailed requirements, visit the 2024-25 Undergraduate Bulletin page for the German Minor

Departmental Distinction in German and Latin Honors in German

Students who wish to be eligible for distinction in German must undertake a project in German during their final year at Washington University. There are three ways to achieve honors in German: (1) honors by course work and portfolio; (2) honors by creative project; or (3) honors by thesis. Students receiving distinction in German may additionally qualify for Latin honors in German. By May 15 of the junior year, these students choose a project or portfolio with the help of a faculty advisor from the department, enroll in the appropriate course work during the senior year, and submit completed projects immediately following spring break of the senior year.

See Requirements for Other Majors and Minors

for more information

Full major and minor requirements may be found in the Washington University Bulletin. You can also contact your adviser or Dr. Sarah Koellner, director of undergraduate studies, with any questions. 

Visit the Bulletin