Modern Languages - German
German is Europe's most widely spoken native language and crucial in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, with over 90 million native speakers worldwide. Germany's economic strength, especially in technology and engineering, makes German proficiency valuable in international business. German culture, influential in philosophy, music, literature, and science through figures like Kant, Beethoven, and Freud, offers profound insights and academic resources. Germany's leadership in the EU and global diplomacy underscores the importance of German for international relations and cultural exchange, enhancing opportunities in diverse careers and global citizenship.
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Students can take German courses to count toward their language requirements for the B.A., pursue a minor or a major in German, complete a secondary major in International and Area Studies, or pursue graduate studies in German. The Modern Languages department provides a diverse range of German courses, along with scholarships to support minors, majors, graduate studies, and students studying abroad. We also offer opportunities to earn free credits for prior language experience. Join us at our German Language Table to practice your German, engage in conversations, and connect with others. |
| Spring 2026 Line Schedule | Fall 2026 Line Schedule |
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GRMN 101 - German I Offered Fall and Spring |
Fall 2026 & SPRING 2027: This interactive course is for students with no previous experience in German. Students develop basic language skills and explore cultural products and practices of the German-speaking world. No-cost, open access textbook.
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GRMN 102 - German II Offered Fall and Spring |
Fall 2026 & SPRING 2027: In 102, students become more familiar with basic structures of German and continue developing cultural knowledge about the German-speaking world. No-cost, open access textbook. Designed for students with one semester of college German or 1-2 years of high school German.
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GRMN 201 - German III Offered Fall and Spring |
Fall 2026 & SPRING 2027: In 201, students expand their vocabulary and become familiar with more complex grammar. They read and analyze texts and videos and engage in discussion. Designed for students with two semesters of college German or 2-4 years of high school German.
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GRMN 301 - German IV Offered Fall and Spring |
Fall 2026 & SPRING 2027: In 301, students read, interpret, and discuss longer German texts, extending the focus on language and culture. Students research various aspects of the history and culture of German-speaking countries and learn to write about and present the results of their research. Designed for students with three semesters of college German or 3-5 years of high school German.
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GRMN 522 - Top/Grmn Lit/20th/21st Century
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Fall 2026: Introduction to German Literature: Society and Literature in the 20th & 21st Centuries - In this introductory German literature course, students will gain an overview of the major authors, literary trends, and discourses of the twentieth century, with focus on the way literature aesthetically represents social positioning and contemporary issues. We will examine the relationship between aesthetic innovation and historical epoch, as well as discuss literature’s responsibility for addressing social concerns. Students will develop their skills analyzing literature and discussing it in German. Readings and discussion are in German. Note: Class focuses on short readings to gradually develop students' reading comprehension and analytical abilities.
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GRMN 526 - Business German
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German for professions and business! Learn the communicative skills, the languages, and cultural competencies pertaining to the world of German business and other professions. Create a German resume and application letters, read texts, develop interview skills, learn about structures of organization and field-specific vocabulary. Course will focus on German communicative skills, cultural competencies pertaining to the world of business and other professions. Course includes reading and creative components.
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GRMN 705 -
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This course explores marginalized voices in German literature and culture, focusing on representations of Afro-Germans, Turkish Germans, and other communities often excluded from canonical histories of literature. Drawing from literature, film, autobiography, and cultural criticism, students will examine identity, memory, nationhood, and belonging in historical and contemporary German contexts. Anchored in critical race theory, postcolonial theory, and memory studies, the course engages with both German-language and English-language materials to foster advanced linguistic and analytical skills.
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GRMN 728 -
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Fall 2026: A Cultural History of the German Language - Where does German come from and why is it called Deutsch? We will investigate the history of the German language in a cultural context from its beginnings to today. We will examine German of the Middle Ages, trace the impact of Martin Luther’s German translation of the Bible, ask why one particular German dialect (spoken near Dresden) became the basis for modern standard German, discuss the standardization of German spelling, German in the Third Reich, and more recent changes to the language.
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The German Minor requires 6 classes (18 credits) at and above German 3, and must include one literature course at the 500-level (GRMN 520, 521 or 530 is recommended). Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the German Minor.
- To declare or drop a German Minor, please use this form.
The German Major requires 11 classes (33 credits) of German courses at and above German 3, including a required literature course (GRMN 520 or 521 or 530), and at least three 6/700-level courses.
A grade of “C” or better or a minimum 2.5 GPA is required in all German courses counted towards the major. Classes for the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail. Two non-transfer courses are required at the 700 level. Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the German Major.
The German major with distinction requires 13 courses (39 credits) in German at and above German III, including one required literature course at the 500-level (GRMN 520 / 521 / 530 recommended), and at least four 6/700-level courses, and a 3.5 GPA in all courses taken toward the major.
- To declare or drop a German Major, please go to the Arts & Sciences Dean's Office in 107 Calvin Hall, or email them at artsci@ksu.edu.
Check out this video to learn about our KSU in Berlin and Leipzig summer program! For more info, take a look at our study abroad page.