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2024/25
2025/26

German

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Germany is a leading economic and political force internationally, and has historically played a central role in shaping European culture.

Our students develop a high level of expertise in the German language, together with an in-depth knowledge of social, cultural and political issues relating to the German-speaking world and its increasing diversity. Through the study of a wide range of topics in history, film, literature and linguistics, you will gain a deep understanding of the cultural developments that shaped modern Germany, including the profound impact of the reunification of East and West Germany in 1989. 

In the latest National Student Survey, 98% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 97.87% of responders from the Department of Languages and Cultures.) Our researchers are also world-class – 100% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions Modern Languages and Linguistics).

German studies offers you a life-changing experience that opens doors and prepares you for your future. You will spend up to a year in Germany or Austria, studying at a partner institution, undertaking a work placement or working as a British Council language teaching assistant. This allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of the country and greatly improve your knowledge of German at the same time. The core language module in the second year will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to work and live abroad.

You can study German as one of the options in our BA Modern Languages programme: either on its own, in combination with another language, or with another subject, such as Economics, English, History, International Relations or Business.

In each year you will study a German language module (starting from beginner’s, intermediate or advanced level in the first year, and achieving near-native fluency in the final year). Alongside the language module, you will take a number of cultural modules (the exact number of cultural modules you can take depends on whether you are studying German on its own, or in combination with one or two other languages or another subject).

Our modules are inspired by the research expertise of our staff, who bring their in–depth knowledge and their passion into the classroom.

By the time you graduate, you can expect to be able to write and speak fluently in German. Well-qualified linguists are in short supply in the UK, so there has never been a better time to study a modern language. 96% of our graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree Languages and Cultures responders.)

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Whilst studying German at Reading, there were so many opportunities to get involved with the Department. The range of content offered in the modules was fantastic, and the lecturers are passionate and supportive. I had an incredible four years and wish I could do it all again! 

Emily Woodall
BA German Studies

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