About German
Studying German in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at Florida State University gives students a thorough grounding in the language with courses ranging from basic German to advanced courses in conversation, composition, grammar and linguistics. It provides an excellent introduction to literature, film, and civilization of German-speaking countries. Undergraduate students develop refined ways of analyzing information and communicating, and they build important professional and interpersonal skills. With opportunities to study abroad and earn credits toward their major, students enhance their environmental awareness, develop critical thinking skills and become aware of their own personal practices and beliefs.
Considered a useful language in the study of literature, film, art, music, philosophy, history, archaeology, science and business, the German language opens doors to jobs around the world. Faculty teach a wide-range of courses about the German language, customs and linguistics. The department offers several scholarships and opportunities to study abroad in Germany. A degree in German will move students quickly towards bilingualism while gaining critical thinking skills.
To learn more about the master's degree program in German, visit German Graduate Studies.
GERMAN MAJOR
The German major requires 30 semester hours numbered above 2999, including GER 3400, 3500. Students need a minimum of 6 semester hours of skills courses (GER 3310, 3400) and 6 hours of literature, film and culture courses (GER 3500, 3930). A minimum of 9 semester hours must be taken at the 4000-level. A maximum of 9 semester hours of the following courses count toward the 30 hour requirement: GET 3130, 3524 and IDS 2467, 33112, 3188.
For more information contact the undergraduate advisor Birgit Maier-Katkin (bmaierkatkin@fsu.edu).
[EFFECTIVE FALL 2025]
German Major (30 hours total)
Core Requirements (6 hours)
- LIN 2004 World Languages
- FOW 2100 Literature and the World
German Major Requirements (24 hours)
- 12 credit hours at the 3000-level
- 3 credit hours of skill courses (e.g., GER3310, GER3780)
- 3 credit hours of literature, film, and culture courses taught in German (e.g. GER3502, GER3930)
- Minimum of 6 credits at the 4000-level
Students will complete 24 credit hours of coursework numbered beyond 2220. A minimum of 6 credit hours must be at the 4000-level. No more than 6 credit hours of translation courses taught in English will count towards the German major.
Co-Major in Another Foreign Language
21 semester hours in German courses numbered above 1999 must be taken, selected in consultation with the German undergraduate advisor, plus 21 semester hours above the 1999 level in one of the following: Chinese, French, Italian, Linguistics, Russian or Spanish. The student should consult with the advisor of the second language to select appropriate courses. One second year course must be used to satisfy the college or university language requirement. No minor is required with the co-major program.
HONORS IN THE MAJOR
Students are encouraged to graduate with honors where possible. Requirements include a 3.2 grade point average for entrance into the program, completion of 6 hours of honors research, and the writing of an honors thesis.
GERMAN HONORARY SOCIETY
Students with a 3.5 GPA (or higher) in German and a 3.0 GPA (or higher) overall are encouraged to apply for membership in the Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society. Applicants have completed at least three courses above the language requirement with an A- or higher. Students may be enrolled in the third course at the time when they apply. Contact Christian Weber (cweber@fsu.edu) for an application and further details.
Major in German with a Concentration in Business
A major in German with a concentration in business may be selected. The program consists of 21 semester hours beyond the language requirement in the language, plus 27 hours of designated courses in the College of Business. This includes all of the core courses plus one of the three specialized tracks. The student should consult with an advisor to select courses. No minor is required with this major.
CORE:
ECO 2013 Economics of the National Economy (Prerequisite - none), ECO 2023 Economics of the Price System (Prerequisites - none), ACG 2021 Introduction to Financial Accounting (Prerequisite - none), ACG 2071 Introduction to Managerial Accounting (Prerequisite - ACG 2021 with a grade of C- or higher) MAN 3600 Multinational Business Operations (Prerequisites - ECO 2013, ECO 2023)
SPECIALIZED TRACKS:
Finance: FIN 3403 Financial Management of the Firm, (Prerequisites - ECO 2023, ACG 2021), FIN 3244 Financial Markets, Institutions, and International Finance (Prerequisites - ECO 2013, ACG 2021), FIN 4604 Multinational Finance Management, (Prerequisites - FIN 3403, FIN 3244), Plus: MAN 4605, or MAN 4631, or an advanced finance course (3000-4000 level)
Marketing: MAR 3023 Basic Marketing Concepts, (Prerequisites - ECO 2023, plus one behavioral science), MAR 4156 Multinational Marketing, (Prerequisites - MAR 3023, MAN 3600), Plus two of the following: MAN 4605, or MAN 4631, and/or an advanced Marketing course (3000-4000 level)
Management: MAN 3240 Organizational Behavior, MAN 4605 Cross-Cultural Management, (Prerequisite - MAN 3240), Plus two additional advanced management courses (3000-4000 level)
Total Business component: 27 semester hours
Teacher Certification in German
For teacher certification of language teaching in the state of Florida, students are not required to complete education courses, just your German major (plus a minor if required) through the College of Arts and Sciences. You can then qualify for a Temporary Florida Educator's Certificate. While student teaching you can learn the professional education competencies to qualify for a Professional Florida Educator's Certificate. See complete information online at fldoe.org.
GERMAN MINOR
12 semester hours numbered above 1999 are required for the minor. Credit extended in meeting the foreign language requirement for graduation or for any other major may not be used in satisfying the minor
(i.e. if GER 2220 is used to meet the foreign language requirement, it may not be counted toward the minor). A minimum grade of C- must be earned for all courses taken for the minor. A maximum of one German course taught in English (GET 3130, 3524 and IDS 2467, 33112, 3188) may count towards the minor and can be taken while satisfying the language requirement.
GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES
GER1110. Elementary Conversational German (4). (Conversational method.) This course is an introduction to German with emphasis on speaking. Additional hours arranged for conversational practice. Students with more than two years of high school German or the equivalent should consult the department for placement. May not be taken by native speakers. May not be taken concurrently with GER 1111, 1120, 1121 and/or 2220.
GER1111. Elementary Conversational German (4). Prerequisites: GER 1110, GER 1120 or equivalent. This course is an introduction to German with emphasis on speaking (conversational method). Additional hours arranged for conversational practice. Students with three or four years of high school German or the equivalent should consult the department for placement. May not be taken by native speakers. May not be taken concurrently with GER 1110, 1120, 1121, and/or 2220.
GER1120. Elementary German I (4). This course is an introduction to German. May not be taken by native speakers. Students with more than two years of high school German or the equivalent should consult the department for placement. May not be taken concurrently with GER 1110, 1111, 1121 or 2220.
GER1121. Elementary German II (4). Prerequisites: GER 1110, GER 1120 or equivalent. This course may not be taken by native speakers. Students with three or four years of high school German or the equivalent should consult the department for placement. May not be taken concurrently with GER 1110, 1111, 1120, and/or 2220.
GER2220.Intermediate German (4). Prerequisites: GER 1121, GER 1111 or equivalent. This course expands skills in reading, writing, and conversation. This course completes the baccalaureate degree requirement and serves as the transition to upper-level study. May not be taken by native speakers. May not be taken concurrently with GER 1110, 1111, 1120, and/or 1121.
GERMAN LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND CULTURE COURSES TAUGHT IN GERMAN
GER3310. German Grammar (3). Prerequisite: GER 2220 or equivalent. This course focuses on the rules of German grammar and syntax and employing them correctly in speaking and writing.
GEW3320. Drama (3). Prerequisites: GER 2220 or instructor permission. GER 3400, GER 3310, or GER 3500 are recommended. This course focuses on contemporary German drama in a socio-historical context. Addresses the difficulties authors confront when dramatizing current social trends, as well as the problems of interpreting and staging a play.
GEW3370. German Short Fiction (3). Prerequisite: GER 2220 or instructor permission. GER 3400, GER 3310, or GER 3500 are recommended. This course introduces students to the principles of literary study through reading and discussion of short pieces of fiction, primarily from the twentieth century.
GER3400. Composition and Conversation (3). Prerequisite: GER 2220 or instructor permission. In this course, the objective is the ability to write and converse on general cultural topics at a level that demonstrates near mastery of German grammar and the beginning of a personal style in the language. The course is conducted in German. (This course is required for the Major.)
GER3440. German Business Language and Practice (3). Prerequisite: GER 2220 or instructor permission. This course in an introduction to business languages and practices in German-speaking countries.
GER3500. German Studies (3). Prerequisite: GER 2220 or instructor permission. This course, taught primarily in German, serves as an introduction to German studies. The course provides the student with an understanding of the major cultural aspects (literature, visual arts, history, politics, etc.) of German-speaking countries from the twentieth century to the present; the emphasis is placed on Germany in the second half of the twentieth century. (Required for the Major.)
GER3502r. Topics in German Studies (3). Prerequisite: GER 2220 or instructor permission. GER 3500 or GER 3310 are recommended. This course, taught primarily in German, presents a survey of one topic in the area of German studies. Topics may include themes from art, music, or literature placed in a cultural and historical perspective. Topics change frequently. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours with permission of instructor.
GER3780. Phonetics (3). Prerequisite: GER 2220. In this course, the objectives are the acquisition of correct German sound formation by comparison with English phonetics and the improvement of the student's conversational German through pronunciation exercises. The course is conducted in German.
GER3930r. Special Topics (3). Prerequisite: GER 2220 or instructor permission. GER 3500 or GER 3310 are recommended. This course allows students to study non-literary topics of a special kind, depending on student interest and faculty expertise. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours when content changes.
GER4420. Advanced Composition (3). Prerequisite: Two German courses at the 3000-level or higher (of which only one may be GET 3130 or GET 3524); or instructor permission. In this course, students gain the ability to write in a professional style, in standard, intermediate, and advanced German, on a variety of topics and in different genres. The course is taught in German. (This course is required for the Major for students who enter the program with advanced proficiency.)
GEW4591r. Studies in an Author or Theme (3). Prerequisites: Two 3000-level courses or instructor permission. This course offers the opportunity to study either a single author in-depth or to follow a specific theme that may extend over a brief period or over centuries. Course material may include non-literary textual and audio-visual material. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
GEW4592r. Studies in a Period or Movement (3). Prerequisites: Two 3000-level courses or instructor permission. This course concentrates on a specific literary movement such as Romanticism, Realism, Expressionism, or on a period such as the Baroque, the Enlightenment, or the Weimar period. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
GEW4930r. Special Topics (3). Prerequisites: Two 3000-level courses or instructor permission. In this course, students arrange with individual faculty members to undertake study in areas outside the regular curriculum. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
GER4480. Modern German of the News Media (3). Prerequisite: Two 3000-level courses or instructor permission. This course is an advanced-level skills course. Discussion of current events and mass media in German-speaking countries and work with authentic texts (newspapers and audio-visual material).
GER4905r. Directed Individual Study (3). In this course, students arrange with individual faculty members to undertake specialized study in areas outside of or in addition to the regular curriculum. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
GER4935r. Honors Thesis (1–6). May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours, three hours of which may be applied to the requirements for the major with permission of the department. All honors work is directed by the student's honors committee.
GER4942r. Internship in Applied German (1–6). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Advanced standing in German. This course provides academic credit for students working in governmental agencies or private business where students employ the foreign language. Departmental permission required. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.
GERMAN COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
GET3130. Masterpieces of German Literature in Translation: 19th and 20th Centuries (3). This course offers an introduction to masterpieces of German literature from the 19th century to the present. It uses works by authors of various ethnic, minority, and gender backgrounds that bring forth German representations of gendered or cultural others and transcultural issues. May be counted for major or minor credit. Taught in English.
GET3524r. German Cinema (3). This course covers the contextual and stylistic features of German cinema from its classical period, in the 1920s, to the New German Cinema, through the present. The course focuses on methods of film analysis and on film criticism. Taught in English. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
GET4800. Translation German-English/English-German (3). Prerequisite: GER 3400 or instructor permission. This course is an advanced-level skills course. Translating a variety of texts that illustrate important distinctions between German and English grammar, syntax, vocabulary, etc.
IDS 2467. Interdisciplinary Explorations in German Culture (3). In this course, students engage with central areas of German culture in order to learn about German Studies as an interdisciplinary field. Students conduct fieldwork research and other scholarly and creative research in this field on a self-chosen topic. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours.
IDS3188. German Society Through Film: The Legacy of Nazi Crimes Against Humanity (3). This course explores cinematic responses to Nazi crimes against humanity in German society. Drawing on the perspective of victims, perpetrators, bystanders, helpers, resisters, as well as preceding generations, the course investigates how cultural memory is created to reveal a multiplicity of voices and to reflect the indelible mark of the Nazi past in Germany. The course is taught in English.
IDS3312. Robots, Monsters, Avatars: Technology and the (Post-)Human Condition (3). This course investigates the intricate relationship between the human existence and technology from both theoretical and practical perspectives. It explores fundamental questions concerning the human condition and searches for solutions to related practical problems.
Deutschland erleben - studieren in Deutschland (Experience Germany - Study in Germany)
The German faculty encourages students of German to study in Germany.
The Center for Global Engagement offers a range of semester- or year-long exchanges with German and Austrian universities. During these exchanges, students will be enrolled in placeholder courses at FSU during the period abroad and pay FSU tuition for the number of credit hours they plan to receive. In other words, the credits that they earn abroad will be transferred to their FSU transcripts according to a rate of currently 1 FSU = 0.67 ECTS (German) credits. While abroad, all financial aid will be applied to the students’ accounts.
If you are interested to apply for the Center for Global Engagement exchanges listed below, please contact A. D. Weber. Office: DIF 316, E-mail: aweber@fsu.edu, phone: 850-644-8192
List of German and Austrian exchanges through the Center of Global Engagement:
Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Germany
This international exchange is currently available to five graduate or undergraduate students in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics or the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. To participate in this exchange as an undergraduate student, it is advised that you are working toward a minor or major in German. For more information, please visit the Oldenburg University - FSU Exchange Program.
Summer course on German language. At the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg you also have the option to take an 100 hours intensive German summer course taught by experienced and professional teachers who are native speakers. Most work in the classroom will consist of small-group instruction. The course focuses on the standard use of spoken and written German and on features of modern German society. Attention will be paid to developing all four skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing. The course includes excursions.
Students earn 6 American credits that are transferable to their FSU transcripts. Since Oldenburg university is an exchange partner of FSU, students who take this course do not pay tuition in Germany and only have to cover their travel and living expenses for the time of the course and their credits at FSU. Please note that the call for applications (with the exact dates for that year’s course) is usually made in February/March of the course year.
Eligibility. Students at all levels of German study can apply. However, the course is ideal for students at the GER 2220 level. Applications are invited in spring of the summer course academic year.
Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany
This international exchange is currently available to ten FSU students in any academic major. We recommend that students apply for one academic year (fall and spring semesters combined) but they can also apply for single semesters. Please visit Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany’s website for more information. Study in the Spring Semester is supported by one Maura Binkley Scholarship per academic year.
Universität Salzburg, Austria
This international exchange is currently available for up to three undergraduate or graduate students in the Department of History or the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. Students in other majors may apply depending on availability. There is a small additional fee to take German language courses at Salzburg (between 45-120 Euros), but students can take classes in English or regular German classes. For more information, please visit the University of Salzburg - FSU Exchange Program.
The University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (Fachhochschule Oberösterreich)
This university has several campuses across Austria. The international exchange with UASUA is currently available to twelve students in any academic major. It is recommended that students enroll for one academic year (fall and spring semesters combined) or in the spring semester only. Due to the fall semester ending in February, attending UASUA is not recommended in the fall semester for FSU students who wish to return to FSU for the following spring. This university offers a good selection of classes in English, but students can also enroll in regular German classes if they have a B2 level in German (which can be confirmed by a testimonial from a German instructor) and meet prerequisites for the classes. For more information, University of Applied Sciences, Upper Austria - FSU Exchange Program.
Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Germany
This international exchange is currently available to five graduate or undergraduate students in the College of Business. For more information, Ludwig Maximilians University - FSU College of Business Exchange Program.
Verband der Deutsch-Amerikanischen Clubs/ Federation of German-American Clubs e.V.
The Federation of German-American Clubs offers a yearly scholarship to one academically outstanding graduate student of the German program. Selected students enroll at one of the VDAC’s partner universities and enjoy one fully funded year of graduate study in Germany. In exchange, one graduate student from a partner institution studies at Florida State University and teaches German in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. For more information please contact Christian Weber, Ph.D. For more information on Christian Weber please visit his web page.
“Experiencing Germany,” FSU’s German summer program in Dresden (International Programs)
This program is designed to acquaint participants with the literature, language, and performing arts of contemporary Germany. Based in the beautiful river city of Dresden, students will live for one month on the campus of the Technical University and take excursions to the historically significant cities of Berlin and Weimar and the majestic region of Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz). Once a symbol of the war-ravaged East, Dresden has emerged from the Cold War as a center of architectural, musical, and literary importance and provides compelling insights into the German nation and its past, present and future.
Eligibility: This program is open to all interested students. There is no language prerequisite. Courses are taught in English. For more information, please see: https://international.fsu.edu/Program/Germany/ExperiencingGermany.aspx
Beyond Borders
This program offers FSU students an alternative to traditional academic study abroad programs by providing short-term, rich learning experiences through immersion in the target areas. Small groups of 10-12 students spend 2-3 weeks after the end of spring semester at the Studentenwerk in Dresden, Germany. In return, students from Dresden visit Florida State University every Spring semester. For more information, please see the Beyond Borders website.
FU Berlin
Students who wish to spend a semester in Germany can enroll in the FU-BEST program offered at the Freie Universität in Berlin. You'll find more information under: www.fu-berlin.de/fubest
If you are interested in a summer study in Berlin, you can enroll in one of the summer sessions offered by FUBiS , the Freie Universität’s International Summer and Winter University. For more information please contact A. Dana Weber, Ph.D. For more information on A. Dana Weber please visit her web page.
Goethe-Institute
Students interested in improving their language skills (while living in Germany) might wish to take advantage of an intensive summer course organized by the Goethe Institute.
Additional Information:
Students interested in studying abroad may also consider applying for funding and programs available through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, the Humboldt Foundation, as well as the Fulbright program.
For questions and specific details about CBYX, Fulbright, Humboldt, please contact the German faculty. For questions pertaining specifically to the DAAD, please contact A. Dana Weber, aweber@fsu.edu
German Language Table (Stammtisch)
The German Table is on again - an opportunity to speak and exercise German in an informal setting, and meet students and faculty of the German program.
Where: On Zoom.
Please contact Dr. A. D. Weber (aweber@fsu.edu) for the time and Zoom links.
Drop in any time, stay long or only a short time, you are always welcome. If you are enrolled in a basic course you may even get some credit (check with your instructor)!
Testimonials:
Alex (junior, German minor or major): "Great practice outside the classroom. We get to apply what we've learned in real conversations. Stammtisch has definitely helped my German progress."
Amanda (German major): "I have met many new people through Stammtisch! It is an hour of learning new things from different people and enriching my FSU experience."
Steven (freshman): "I come so I can hear people speak German or about German. It helps. Definitely is not a replacement for studying. Sometimes there will be games in German, and often the Teaching Assistants will help out the German students [with language questions that they may have]."
Michael (German major): "As an aspiring German student, Stammtisch provides me - to an extent - with an opportunity to practice and be in a German-speaking environment. In order to learn German or any foreign language, practice and repetition are important."
GERMAN HONORARY SOCIETY
Students with a 3.5 GPA (or higher) in German and a 3.0 GPA (or higher) overall are encouraged to apply for membership in the Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society. Applicants have completed at least three courses above the language requirement with an A- or higher. Students may be enrolled in the third course at the time when they apply. Contact Christian Weber (cweber@fsu.edu) for an application and further details.