German Studies

German Studies

What is German Studies?
This program focuses on the German language and related dialects as used in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, neighboring European countries containing German-speaking minorities, and elsewhere. It includes instruction in German philology; Old, Middle, and High German; Plattdeutsch and other regional dialects, and applications to business, science/technology, and other settings.
You will learn to speak, listen to, read, and write a language. You will learn the grammar, syntax, punctuation, and pronunciation. Also you will learn about the culture, history, and literature of the country whose language you are studying. As a part of your studies you may learn about the important philosophers and you may read some of the works produced by 18th century, 19th century, and modern authors of the country.
Foreign languages and literatures free the individual to discover the content and value of other cultures, to enrich personal experiences through contacts with others on their own terms, and to enter into worlds of thought and expression that would otherwise be inaccessible. Languages thus play a key part in reducing ethnocentricity.

In an age when almost instant communication links the peoples of the world, when the relationships among nations are evolving rapidly and when Americans are increasingly aware of the riches of their diverse cultural heritage, the ability to use a second language acquires a new importance. Any level of proficiency in a foreign language supports both international understanding and basic contacts with various language groups in the United States. High-level ability promotes meaningful, accurate communication.

Working in German Studies
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success

• Desire to learn about German people and culture
• Good ear for language and communication patterns
• Good communication skills both orally and written
• Desire to study abroad

Click HERE for a PDF on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment

Sample Job Titles

German Teacher Travel Guide Foreign Service Officer International Trade Economist Interpreter/Translator Speech Pathologist Foreign Social Worker Customs Inspector

Learning More About Anthropology

• Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library
  • Great Jobs for Foreign Language Majors
• Visit the SLU Modern Languages and Literature Department website
• Check out German course descriptions in the Catalog
• Talk with a professor in Modern Languages and Literature about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
• Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
• Get connected with SLU alum in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.

Additional Resources

• Professional Associations
  • International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
  • Association of International Educators
  • Council on International Educational Exchange
  • American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
  • Foreign Policy Association Student Corner
  • *American Translators Association
  • National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
  • National Council on Interpreting in Health Care


• Occupational Outlook Information
  • Interpreters and Translators
  • Teachers-Preschool, Kindergarten, Middle, and Secondary
  • Teachers-Postsecondary
  • Flight Attendants
  • Educational Services Industry Guide
  • Federal Government Industry Guide
  • Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Industry Guide


• Miscellaneous Career Information
  • Spotlight on Careers
  • *World Languages and Cultures Career Resources
  • *Information on Work, Study, Volunteer and Travel Opportunities Abroad from One Small Planet
  • Transitions Abroad
  • International Teaching from the Educator's Reference Desk
  • Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • *Careers in Languages from Wake Forest University
  • The Riley Guide International Resources
  • Overseas Employment Information
  • American Institute for Foreign Study
  • Volunteers Abroad
  • Foreign Language Jobs with the Federal Government
  • International Relations Jobs with the Federal Government
  • U.S. Department of State
  • Peace Corps
  • United Nations


• Job Postings
  • OverseasJobs.com
  • Monster Work Abroad
  • JobsAbroad.com
  • International Staffing Consultants
  • Lat Pro
  • TwoLingos.com

Related Majors and Minors at SLU

African Studies

African-American Studies

Asian Studies

Canadian Studies

Caribbean & Latin American Studies

Estudios Hispanicos (Spanish)

European Studies

Francophone Studies

Global Studies

Japanese Studies

Latin American Studies

Multi-Language

Native American Studies