Germanistik / German Studies (B.A.)
Are you interested in the German language, literature and media? The Bachelor’s degree in German Studies at JLU combines academic depth with practical relevance.
Overview
The Bachelor’s degree in German Studies combines linguistic and literary research with perspectives from media and cultural studies. You explore the history and present-day reality of the German language, from its medieval origins to the present day, on a solid academic basis and with reference to cultural practice. By choosing to specialise in either language or literature, you can set your own priorities.
Start of studies
Winter semester
Mode of admission
No admission restriction
Duration of studies
6 semester
Workload
180 credit points (CP)
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Language of instruction
German
Composition of the Study Programme
What can I expect from this programme?
The Bachelor's programme "German Studies" focusses on the main subjects of the linguistic and literary studies and the media and cultural studies of the Institute for German Studies.
What will I learn?
The programme conveys central key qualifications for a variety of professional fields of humanities scholars (e.g. archives, libraries and museums; educational and cultural institutions; information services and new media; journalism and public relations; publishing) as well as a sound basis for a subsequent Master's programme. In addition to an academic education for a reflective approach to the German language and literature, practical and project-like forms of work are integrated into the programme. A compulsory internship is part of the porgramme as well. The Institute cooperates closely with the Literary Centre of Giessen, among others.
How is the programme structured?
The Bachelor's programme is made up of
- a main subject in German Studies (80 CP),
- a philological minor subject (40 CP),
- a further minor subject, which can also be an interdisciplinary subject (40 CP)
- an internship (10 CP) and
- the thesis module (10 CP).
This provides opportunities for individual professional specialisation.
The following subjects can be chosen:
| Main subject | Minor subject | Second minor subject |
|---|---|---|
| German Studies with main focus on literature | German Studies with main focus on literature | History |
| German Studies with main focus on language | German Studies with main focus on language | Philosophy |
| Anglophone Studies | Politics | |
| French | Sociology | |
| Polish | ||
| Portuguese | ||
| Russian | ||
| Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian | ||
| Spanish | ||
| Czech |
It is not possible to combine German studies with main focus on literature as a major subject with German studies with main focus on literature as a minor subject. The same applies to German studies with main focus on language.
German studies with main focus on literature
The subject "German studies with main focus on literature" can be chosen as a:
- first major subject (80 CP, Bachelor's programme "German Studies" with main focus on literature),
- second major subject (70 CP, Bachelor's programme "History and Culture") or
- minor subject (40 CP, Bachelor's programme "German Studies" with main focus on language)
- minor subject (30 CP, Bachelor's programme "History and Culture").
In the main subject, literature and language-related content is studied in parallel in the first two years of the programme. Introductory modules are included for both subjects. In the literature major, students study modules such as "Epochs and institutional contexts of literature" and "Selected problems of literary studies". Depending on the combination of minor subjects (with/without German Studies with main focus on language), students can choose between the modules "Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory" and "German Language and Literary History" as well as "Major Works of Older German Literature" and "Major Works of Modern German Literature". The module "Literary Education and Cultural Practice" in the third year provides practical experience for possible career options in the field of humanities.
The internship of at least six weeks takes place during the lecture-free period and must be completed by the end of the 5th semester.
The Institute for German Studies cooperates closely with the Literary Centre of Giessen (LZG).
Supervisors in the literature department:
- Prof. Dr. Cora Dietl (Cora.Dietl@germanistik.uni-giessen.de)
-
Prof. Dr. Carsten Gansel (Carsten.Gansel@germanistik.uni-giessen.de)
German studies with main focus on language
- first major subject (80 CP, Bachelor's programme "German Studies" with main focus on language)
- second major subject (70 CP, Bachelor's programme "History and Culture") or
- minor subject (40 CP, Bachelor's programme "German Studies" with main focus on literature)
- minor subject (30 CP, Bachelor's programme "History and Culture").
The internship of at least six weeks takes place during the lecture-free period and must be completed by the end of the 5th semester.
- Prof. Dr. Helmuth Feilke (Helmuth.Feilke@germanistik.uni-giessen.de)
- Prof. Dr. Thomas Gloning (Thomas.Gloning@germanistik.uni-giessen.de)
German studies as a minor subject
Career Options
Which options for further study does JLU offer?
After successfully completing a Bachelor's degree, the following consecutive Master's programmes can be studied at JLU:
- German Studies (M.A.),
- Comparative Studies - Comparative Literature and Culture (M.A.) (with proof of at least 20 CP in the field of Literary Studies)
Master's programmes with a major or minor in German Studies can also be considered if the necessary subject requirements are met.
Once you have successfully completed your Master’s degree, you may proceed to a PhD.
Application and Enrolment
Requirements
A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.
- From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
- From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin) .
Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.
Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency .
Application deadline
Winter semester 2026/27
Opening of application period
1 June 2026
Application deadline
- for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
-
for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026
International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.
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Further Information
Where can I find official documents about the programme?
Examination and study regulations
Special regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes
Please note that only the German version of the modules is offical and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.
Courses offered in the course catalogue
Electronical course catalogue (in German)
Study programme flyer
B.A. Germanistik (PDF in German)
Where can I find more information about the faculty?
Links
Faculty 05 – Language, Literature, CultureFaculty's Deanery
Examinations Office
Student representatives
Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 05
Angewandte Theaterwissenschaft / Applied Theatre Studies
Anglophone Studies
Germanistik / German Studies
Intercultural Communication and Business
Komparatistik / Comparative Studies
Romanistik / Romance Studies
Russophone Studien / Russophone Studies
Slavistik / Slavic Studies
Is this course right for me?
Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hochschulinformationstagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!
How do I have a successful start at JLU?
To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:
- creating a course schedule,
- examination regulations and registration deadlines,
- campus areas and leisure activities,
- and much more.
At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.
Contact
Subject Advisor
AR Dr. Norman Ächtler
Department of German Studies
Otto-Behaghel-Strasse 10B, Room 133
35394 Giessen
Phone: +49 641 99 29072
Email:
norman.aechtler@germ.jlug.de
Central Study Advisor
Natascha Kohrt
Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen
International Office
Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students
International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen