German

Link Drop-down options

Throughout history, German writers and thinkers have played a central role in the development of world culture. Today, Germany's economy is the largest in Europe, ranking third in the world, and Germany is the world's leading export nation. Students in OU's German program learn to read, write, and speak the language fluently.

Degrees Offered

Students graduate with a Concentration in German within the World Languages and Cultures BA. Most German majors are also double majors, combining language study with fields as diverse as business, chemistry, anthropology, and music. Students can go on to pursue Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Back to Top

German at OU

Why Study German at OU?

German is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union. German is also the second most widely spoken second language in Europe, only slightly behind English.
BMW, Bayer, Deutsche Bank, Siemens, and Volkswagen are just a few of the many global German firms that do extensive business with the US and recruit American college graduates who speak German.
Graduates from our BA program now have careers in international business, law, academia, teaching, and with non-profit foundations.
As a global leader in renewable energies and environmental technologies, Germany offers particular opportunities in these fields.
Study abroad for a summer, semester, or year at one of our several German-speaking partner universities

Career Opportunities

Business
Engineering
Government
Sciences
Renewable energy
Environmental studies

Courses Offered

GERM 1115. Beginning German
- An elementary course in understanding, speaking, reading and writing German. This course does not count for major credit in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Linguistics.
GERM 1225. Beginning German (Continued).
- (Continued) Prerequisite: 1115. An elementary course in understanding, speaking, reading and writing German. This course does not count for major credit in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Linguistics.
GERM 2113. Intermediate German.
- Prerequisite: 1225. Develops reading skills and control of grammar. Emphasis on expansion of vocabulary and strong reinforcement of grammatical structures. Reading and discussion of texts of literary and cultural interest. Oral and written assignments.
GERM 2223. Intermediate German.
- (Continued) Prerequisite: 2113.
ERM 2970. Special Topics/Seminar.
- Special Topics. 1 to 3 hours. May be repeated; Maximum credit nine hours. Special topics course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research, and field projects.
GERM 3333. Internship in a German-Speaking Country.
- Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Supplements as well as enhances a work experience of at least four weeks in a German-speaking country (e.g., Federal Republic of Germany, Federal Republic of Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, German-speaking northern Italy, German-speaking eastern Belgium) that is typically undertaken during the summer. The course involves research, reflection, and oral and written communication about the internship experience.
GERM 3423. Advanced German Composition.
- Prerequisite: GERM 2223. The inculcation of proper writing habits, at an advanced level, toward the achievement of idiomatic German.
GERM 3440. Mentored Research Experience.
- Prerequisites: ENGL 1113 or equivalent, and permission of instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. For the inquisitive student to apply the scholarly processes of the discipline to a research or creative project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Student and instructor should complete an Undergraduate Research & Creative Projects (URCP) Mentoring Agreement and file it with the URCP office. Not for honors credit.
GERM 3523. Advanced Conversation
- Prerequisite: GERM 2223. Practice in conversational skills at an advanced level.
GERM 3623. Business German
- Prerequisite: 2223. Introduces German business language as used in retail/wholesale, export/import, transport, and media. Will also familiarize the student with the European Union and cultural aspects of the German speaking business world.
GERM 3723. German for the European Market.
- Prerequisite: 2223. German business language as used in banking transactions, marketing, business letters, and business firms such as corporations, general and limited partnerships, and trade unions. How to respond to claims by firms in European countries and how to establish subsidiaries in another European country. Prepares students to take the "Prufung Wirtschaftsdeutsch" (International Certificate in Business German)
GERM 3853. Literature and Film
- Prerequisite: GERM 2223. Introduction to representative works of contemporary German literature and film. Within the context of reading and writing assignments and the viewing and discussion of films, the course is designed to improve language skills and knowledge of German culture