German Language Program

German Major/Minor Advisor: Petra Fiero

Möchten Sie Deutsch lernen?

It makes a great deal of sense to learn German. Students who become proficient  in German can communicate with about 100 million  people living in a number of countries in the heart of  Europe. The Federal Republic of Germany in particular is a significant "global player" with longstanding, strong ties to the United States. In fact, Germany is the United States' biggest European trading partner, and the German language the second most commonly used business language in the world. Students who study German learn important communicative and problem-solving skills while improving their chances on the job market. Western's German majors and minors have obtained attractive positions in a wide variety of fields: The arts, (international) business, communication technologies, education, engineering, environmental studies, finance, journalism, law, national security, politics, publishing, science, and tourism. In addition, Western students of German have been the recipients of a great number of nationally competitive fellowships and grants. Visit our Student and Alumni News to learn more.

Read the brochure

The German Section prepares students to succeed in whatever profession they eventually choose through its well-balanced, communicative, stimulating and intellectually rigorous approach to teaching the German language. Students acquire not only important speaking, reading and writing skills but are also encouraged to consider larger questions about the practice of interpretation and cultural identity. Most importantly, we aim to foster an atmosphere of openness and curiosity about the civilizations of the German-speaking countries, as well as their histories and cultures. Therefore, we consider study abroad a central component of studying German at Western. Additionally, students who study German have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities and benefit from the extensive and continually updated holdings pertaining to all matters German in the Western libraries and in the Language and Media Center in our brand new office building, Miller Hall.

In 2013, the German Section was recognized as the first public undergraduate Center of Excellence by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG), one of only two programs in the United States to receive this distinction at the time (along with Michigan State University). As the official notice states, the center of excellence jury was "impressed in particular that the German program is so very well established and growing", that "extracurricular activities and special events are clearly integral elements of the program", that there is "abundant evidence of the good rapport the faculty has with its students", and that the program "is designed to meet the needs of [your] students." "Furthermore, the selection panel noted the exemplary faculty with credentials appropriate to their teaching assignments and an appropriate faculty-student ratio." The jury also found the German curriculum at Western to be "most impressive", pointing out that "there is a clear, articulated sequence of instructional programming that is standards-based and reflects current methodologies."

Interested in joining the German program at Western?

Please make an appointment to see Prof. Shannon Dubenion-Smith for more information. Advising is available during fall, winter, and spring quarter.

For more information, including career opportunities after graduation, please visit Western's German Major page.