The Department of German Studies offers a varied curriculum that introduces students to a wide range of texts and contexts in order to introduce the cultural heritage and contemporary life of Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland. Language courses emphasize rapid acquisition of communication skills. Because almost all upper-level courses are conducted in German, the advanced student can achieve a high level of fluency.

Students who complete the beginning and intermediate language sequences (GER 101/102 and GER 201/202) will reach a strong intermediate level of linguistic fluency that allows them to study and/or work in German-speaking environments. We encourage qualified students to consider study abroad through one of the programs with which Wellesley College partners.

 Department of German Studies Information

The language of instruction above the 100 level is almost exclusively German unless otherwise noted. Students thus have constant practice in hearing, reading, speaking, and writing the language.

The department reserves the right to place a new student in the course for which they seem best prepared, regardless of background and number of units they offer for admission.